Disney in December

[Mommy Poppins]

We have “almost” decided to make an unexpected trip to Disney World in December. My DH just returned from a 9 month deployment to Bosnia and with Disney’s current Armed Force Salute pricing, it would be crazy for us not to go. We have three children (7, 4 and 1) and our middle child will turn 5 while we are at Disney. I realize that this isn’t necessarily a “last minute” trip, but I usually spend about a year planning our Disney trips, so for me I feel like I am behind the eight ball! We were last at Disney for the millenium celebration in the fall of 2000.

Can all of you with great codes for rental cars please post them. We will definitely need a minivan and I prefer that we pick up the vehicle at the airport.

Also, we are seriously considering the MVMCP for my son’s birthday. Any opinions? We have never been to Disney at Christmas before, so please also list your favorite “do not miss” spots, events and things to see and do at Disney in December. What can we expect as far as the weather? Tentative dates are 12/6-12/13.

Thanks!!

 

[plutojudy]

In early to mid December, the parks, buses, etc are over run with Pop Warner football players and cheerleaders. We did it three years in a row and no more. Every year was worse than the last.

 

[maciec]

As far as going in Decemeber we love it! We have gone several times during the 1st week and the crowds were non-existant and the weather was fabulous!

As far as the minivan you'd probably get better responses if you post on the transportation board.

 

[beattyfamily]

I will PM you the codes/numbers I have but you must be a member of some of these companies or have access to the coupons etc...except maybe the Walmart one...Also, there aren't very many coupons that are good for a minivan. Ou may have to wait and book closer as the price comes down. Check everyday. National is my favorite but Dollar and Alamo have good minivan rates sometimes!

Regarding December, it's a wonderful time to go. We've gone twice the first week of December and are going again this year. We will be doing MVMCP again (12/2) because it's so much fun! These tickets are already on sale!!

The crowds are low but the weather is unpredicible. We've used our winter coats (2000) and then were boiling hot (2001). Check the weather before you go so you'll know what to pack.

The atmosphere is GREAT! There are decorations everywhere and Xmas music too!

If you want MVMCP details just ask!

At Ecpot there's the Candlelight Processional which is wonderful! They also have a Santa in each country dressed the way Santa looks in each country. You can get your picture taken with Santa in the American section of Epcot. Santa is also always in DTD in December.

Any more questions, just ask!

 

[beattyfamily]

Here's more details of MVMCP!

Other things to watch for..

Santa Goofy, Carolers, Miss Minnie's Country Christmas at Diamond Horseshoe Revue, Mickey's Twas the Night Before Christmas in Tomorrowland's Galaxy Palace Theatre, Country Bears Christmas and Mickey and the gang also join the Kids of the Kingdom for a show in front of the Castle.

Most attractions will remain open all night!
(The below list reflects 2002; Subject to change for 2003)

Main Street, U.S.A.
Main Street Bakery
Plaza Ice Cream Parlor
Casey's Corner
Emporium
Main Street Confections
The Chapeau
Newsstand
Town Square Exposition Hall

Adventureland
Pirates of the Caribbean
Jungle Cruise
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
Swiss Family Treehouse
House of Treasure
Island Supply
Agrabah Bazaar

Frontierland
Splash Mountain
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Country Bear Jamboree
Pecos Bill Cafe
Westward Ho Refreshments
Turkey Leg Cart
Big Al's
Briar Patch
Splashdown Photo

Liberty Square
The Haunted Mansion
Diamond Horseshoe Saloon
Liberty Tree Tavern
Ye Old Christmas Shoppe

Fantasyland
Peter Pan's Flight
"it's a small world"
Cinderella's Golden Carrousel
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Snow White's Scary Adventures
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Mad Tea Party
Scuttle's Landing
Mrs. Pott's Cupboard
Sir Mickey's
Pooh's Thotful Shop
Seven Dwarf's Mine
Tinker Bell's Treasures

Tomorrowland
Tomorrowland Indy Speedway
The ExtraTERRORestrial - Alien Encounter
Astro Orbiter
Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin
Tomorrowland Video Arcade
Space Mountain
Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe
The Lunching Pad
Cool Ship
Mickey's Star Traders
Tomorrowland Power & Light Co.
Merchants of Venus

Mickey's Toontown Fair
The Barnstormer at Goofy's Wiseacre Farm
Mickey's Country House
Minnie's Country House
Donald's Boat
County Bounty

MORE INFO:

What? Where? & When?
2002 Line-Up:

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Parade
8:18 & 10:40 PM

Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks
9:15 PM

Mickey's 'Twas the Night Before Christmas
Galaxy Palace Theater in Tomorrowland
7:15, 8:15, 9:30, 10:30 & 11:30 PM

Celebrate the Seasons
Castle Forecourt Stage
7:00, 9:30 PM & 12 Midnight

Wild West Christmas Show
The Diamond Horseshoe Saloon Revue in Liberty Square
7:30, 8:45, 10:00 & 11:30 PM

Belle's Enchanted Christmas
Fantasyland Pavilion
7:30, 8:40, 9:30, 10:20 & 11:30 PM

Santa's Snowflake Special
Fairytale Garden in Fantasyland - Storyteller
7:25, 8:05, 8:55, 10:15 & 11:30 PM

Lake Howell Holiday Band
Tomorrowland Stage
6:45, 7:45 & 9:00 PM

Merry Christmas!

 

[Grumpy92]

Here is a great website that gives you an overview of all the xmas activities. Dec is a wonderful time to go.

Dont Miss:
1. Tree Lighting at MK, At 5pm everyday there is a flag ceromony in Town Sq. The ceromony is very moving and they usually select a serviceman or vet to take part. Afterward there is a tree lighting show and they grandly light the MK tree. Who knows children may get to take part.

2. Osbourne Lights: You and the children will love this display of lights on the backlot of the studios. Pick a fun restaurant like 50s PT for dinner and then wander over to the NY street. You have never seen so many xmas lights in your life and the Hot Cocoa & music will really get you in the mood.

3. Holidays around the world. Each country has their version of Santa who share wonderful holiday stories from their native land. The kids will love it and Santa is at the American Pavillion. The bridge from FW to WS is lighted and choreographed to xmas faves.

4. Visit several of resorts. Each is decorated according to their theming. WL has a huge tree, AKL's tree is filled with animal ornaments. GF is particularly fun at about 4pm each day the CMs carol in the lobby while you munch on roasted chestnuts and cookies. The children will love eating gingerbread from the lifesize gingerbread house that sells this confection. Not to mention the gingerbread carosel. The carolers are followed by the jazz band who plays all the traditional xmas music as you sit in the comfy sofas and admire their Victorian tree that reaches the ceiling.

Have fun!!!