Epcot at Christmas

[DisneyStarWisher]

I'm thinking about taking a quick trip to WDW next Christmas. What is there to do at Epcot around Christmas? I already know about the Candlelight Processional, but is there anything else worth seeing?

 

[WDWisTheBest]

I'm thinking about taking a quick trip to WDW next Christmas. What is there to do at Epcot around Christmas? I already know about the Candlelight Processional, but is there anything else worth seeing?

Everything. It is a great time to be at Epcot.

 

[plutosgirl]

We love Epcot at Christmas too! The trees and decorations are beautiful and all the Christmas Santas from different countries are great (but our favorites are still Mr & Mrs Claus along side the American Pavilion...they are wonderful!)

 

[Art 1]

It's a good time to go. Wonderful decorations.

 

[purpliequeen]

As previous posters mentioned, everything. hahaha There is something special in each of the countries. Holiday Illuminations is also extra special. Make sure you pick up a list of all the activities/events going on when you get into the park along with your map. It'll tell you all about it.

 

[DisneyStarWisher]

I'm sure it is amazing! I just wonder if it's just as great during the day. I have park hoppers, and since it's a quick trip, I thought about doing Epcot during the day, then hopping over to DHS to see the Osborne lights. I'm not sure I want to stand in line for the Candlelight Processional, so I'm not sure there is a need to be there in the evening. Any insight?

 

[OB1]

While the CP is really good, if I had to choose between CP and Osborne, then its hop to the Studios. The Osborne Lights are just too amazing, and a trip highlight for most everybody that I know that is able to go during the holidays. We stayed there for over an hour, and should have stayed longer. At EPCOT, visit the countries to see how each country celebrates Christmas, walk around and soak in all the decorations and festivities, and then hop.

The only bad part is that I understand the special tag at the end of Illuminations can be the best fireworks ever. I still would hop to the Studios. What a great problem to have.

 

[DisneyStarWisher]

Well, just brainstorming some ideas. Would this be possible?....

Go to the CP for the 5:00 show, then hop over to DHS for the Osborne Lights? I'm not sure I really want to see the CP, but I'm afraid I will regret it if I don't. This will probably be my last Christmas trip for a while.

 

[OB1]

The only issue is that you may have to line up at least an hour early to get into the CP. Since you said you are on a quick trip, it may be too much of a waste of time. You can stand outside the theater or across the walk way and see and hear the show. We were lucky to go on a slower night (Sunday) and we decided at the last minute to try to get in. We did not get a seat, but we were able to sit on the side wall. At least we were able to experience the show and we did not burn up 1 hour+ waiting.

 

[DisneyStarWisher]

The only issue is that you may have to line up at least an hour early to get into the CP. Since you said you are on a quick trip, it may be too much of a waste of time. You can stand outside the theater or across the walk way and see and hear the show. We were lucky to go on a slower night (Sunday) and we decided at the last minute to try to get in. We did not get a seat, but we were able to sit on the side wall. At least we were able to experience the show and we did not burn up 1 hour+ waiting.

Well, this will be a trip just to experience the Christmas decorations. We won't do a lot of our regular touring. I won't mind waiting for the CP (if I decide it's worth it); I'm just worried that I wouldn't make it to the Osborne Lights in time (which is a MUST for me). Here's the plan:

5:00 CP (How long does this last anyway?)
Take boat from Epcot to DHS
See Osborne Lights 7:00-8:00 (park probably closes at 8:00, judging from this year's schedule)

Would this work?

 

[TheRustyScupper]

Epcot is our favorite park at Christmas
. . . more decorations than other parks
. . . each of the pavilions have their own traditions exhibited
. . . the Santa stories at each pavilion are so unique
. . . the festive atmosphere seems higher at Epcot
. . . with the absence of rides in WS, walking is so much fun

 

[Sassagoula Billy]

Epcot is our favorite park at Christmas
. . . more decorations than other parks
. . . each of the pavilions have their own traditions exhibited
. . . the Santa stories at each pavilion are so unique
. . . the festive atmosphere seems higher at Epcot
. . . with the absence of rides in WS, walking is so much fun

Agreed. And somehow Epcot just feels less commercial and more... dare I say, spiritual (the processional certainly helps). It's my favorite park during the holidays.

*but oh how I do miss the Lights of Winter...

 

[Dan Murphy]

The storytellers.

http://land.allears.net/blogs/michaelbachand/2009/12/ready_holiday_storytelling_aro.html

 

[RMulieri]

Epcot is nice, but the decorations are seriously LACKING since they did away with the Lights of Winter