Everything you need to know about WDW Christmas- Tips & Secrets

[tsd1202]

I have an odd situation and a problem. I am allergic to cinnamon, not just eating it but smelling it. The holidays are really difficult. We will be at DW for Xmas. I have not been during the holidays. I am aware that I cannot see MP and I cannot go to the GF to see the gingerbread house. I know I will not be able to go into some of the stores. What I need to know where do I need to stay away from?

Oh, I was wondering about this too. I don't know if I would say I was allergic, but that smell gives me a insta-headache . How strong is it at the MVMCP???

 

[skier_pete]

Yeah, the regular Celebrate parade is shown at 3 pm. the days you will be there and the Xmas parade will only show at the MVMCP! The Xmas parade doesn't show on daily basis until starting the 19th of Dec, as the last MVMCP is the 18th I think. Have an awesome time!

According to WDWInfo...last year the christmas parade started on Saturday, December 20th, so it seems likely that it will start on the 19th...however, I do not know that this is guaranteed. I could not find the info on the Disney web-site.

SkierPete

 

[Dallas_Lady]

Any idea how much decorations will be up Thanksgiving week?

We will be in the parks from the Sunday before to the Friday after Thanksgiving. I know the biggies like Osborn Lights and CP start the day after Thanksgiving, but will be parks be decorated?

 

[FloridaMM]

Oh, I was wondering about this too. I don't know if I would say I was allergic, but that smell gives me a insta-headache . How strong is it at the MVMCP???

I get a migraine. I feel bad for you but I'm glad that I am not the only one. I have been getting mixed reviews concerning the cinnamon at the parks. Some say it is everywhere and some say it is only in certain areas. I was told that the rides do not have it. Except for Philharmagic. A lot of the resorts that have the larger decorations (gingerbread houses) and of course stores have it. I cannot step into a craft store starting in Sept. because of the holiday brooms. Yuck!!. I am going to wear a Xmas hat and I am going to sew a allergen mask inside it, When I get around the cinnamon I will put the mask on while holding the hat. I don't want people to think I have Swine Flu with the mask only. But wait, maybe I can move through the crowds quicker. Bad joke. I will have the Xmas hat.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

I get a migraine. I feel bad for you but I'm glad that I am not the only one. I have been getting mixed reviews concerning the cinnamon at the parks. Some say it is everywhere and some say it is only in certain areas. I was told that the rides do not have it. Except for Philharmagic. A lot of the resorts that have the larger decorations (gingerbread houses) and of course stores have it. I cannot step into a craft store starting in Sept. because of the holiday brooms. Yuck!!. I am going to wear a Xmas hat and I am going to sew a allergen mask inside it, When I get around the cinnamon I will put the mask on while holding the hat. I don't want people to think I have Swine Flu with the mask only. But wait, maybe I can move through the crowds quicker. Bad joke. I will have the Xmas hat.

smells give me migraines too!!!Those brooms are the worst!! And flower arrangements with eucalyptus I tell you what, it's worse when the heaters are on!!!!!! I don't remember it being really bad at Disney tho...the Philharmagic didn't bother me...the real smell at the stores like cookies and candy are fine...it's the manufactured stuff that kills me. Perfume....I am dead!!!! I know that some people arent affected by any smell, so they don't think about it, but if we get n lines or smashed up with some one with perfume heavily applied, I have to get my hubby to trade with me or just move!!!
I know people get so upset with this topic, but cigarettes are awful for me too! I had asthma as a kid and if I get in heavy smoke it will flair up. I just can't breath...feels like someone literally has their hands around my throat and I am choking.If it's really strong I end up in bed with a migraine!!!! I know people get offended, but they just don't understand! I don't want people to be angry with this subject...just a little sensitive!!!​

 

[BayouMickey]

Any idea how much decorations will be up Thanksgiving week?

We will be in the parks from the Sunday before to the Friday after Thanksgiving. I know the biggies like Osborn Lights and CP start the day after Thanksgiving, but will be parks be decorated?

Just about all decorations are up by thanksgiving. (they were in '08 when we went)
And the good news is that osbourne lights will be starting nov 10th this year so you'll have all week to see them!
P.S. See you there!

 

[DJNOWICK]

Do characters "dress up" for the holidays? Like maybe scarves, santa hats, etc??? I'd really like "dressed up" characters!

Also, where can we meet santa for FREE? I head DD charges for it!

Some characters do. I remember getting a picture with DD and Christmas-attired Chip and Dale in AK -- it was our Christmas card pic that year. I also remember seeing Christmas Goofy and Pluto in MK. When we go for the holidays it's always the week after Thanksgiving and everything is totally decked out by then.

 

[DJNOWICK]

Has anyone done this tour? Do we know if they still offer it?

My husband's bday happens to be while we're at Disney. And we were looking for a tour to take that he could use his Bday fun card to pay for. I've never noticed this one before (although I might have skipped right over it since we've never gone during Yule).

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

We liked it a lot - I took my mom in 2006 for her birthday.Very well organized, lots of fun trivia and "useless facts" and my DDs loved the special pins you get at the end of the tour.

 

[jasta]

subscribing

 

[momtolots]

We will be there Dec. 28-Jan. 8th. First time there at this time of year. Can't wait!!! Taking 7kids and Nana with us!!!

 

[twinkle49]

This is our 1st trip to Disney for the holidays as well. We're going 11/26-12/1 staying at the BWV. anyway my ques is...for the MVMCP what time do people starting sitting on Main St to see the 1st parade???
Thanks and I'm loving all the tip!

 

[natenapril]

This is our 1st trip to Disney for the holidays as well. We're going 11/26-12/1 staying at the BWV. anyway my ques is...for the MVMCP what time do people starting sitting on Main St to see the 1st parade???
Thanks and I'm loving all the tip!

Good question. I was wondering the same thing.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Seemed like when we went a few years ago, at one hour it was pretty much getting full on the sidewalks.

 

[WendyLovesPeter]

we are considering late december into the first few days of january. Since New Years Day is on a friday I am guessing that week-end will still be busy.

honestly.... does the magic of Xmas season at Disney overshadow the madness of the crowds?

I am a commando by nature. We go hard and long when we go. This time I will have a young baby. I am a FP pro - I know where to go and when to get the big attrations done early, but I also know this time, we can't do it ALL (between the baby and crowds). Plus this time we are touring with another family - that brings our group size to 10.

To begin with, I think we will cut one park. The next thing I have is to cut our "must dos" to a smaller list or break the group up for short times so that everyone gets to do their favorite thing. Problem is thats the fun part of going with a group - the kids like to experience stuff together.

How do you prepare yourself mentally (beforehand) to actually have less stressful, less regimented trip? I would like to take in the small stuff this time esp since it would be during the holiday season.

anyone else with the above concerns?

also for those who have gone during the holidays before.... which day is busier in the parks - Xmas or New Years?

and how do either of them compare to TG?

 

[RMulieri]

anyone else with the above concerns?

also for those who have gone during the holidays before.... which day is busier in the parks - Xmas or New Years?

and how do either of them compare to TG?

The week from Christmas to New Years is the busiest Disney ever gets.Parks close due to CAPACITY being reached, and fairly early in the day.I know the one Christmas morning the parks closed at 1030am .New Years Eve is just as bad.Important for you to note...If a park closes a phase 4 capacity closure, no one gets in.Not for any reason ,including adrs so I advise not picking restaurants in the parks on the holidays if possible.I never fully realized how busy it was till I saw it myself...It is literally a sea of humanity ...As long as you get to the parks for rope drop,and use fastpass to the fullest it is doable.Forget commando and having to See and Do everything...It won't happen and you will be disappointed if you go thinking you will.It can be a lovely time and a lot of people love it....I prefer earlier in December and will never go back to disney christmas week.

 

[WendyLovesPeter]

thats why I am worried, but....

thats what works for this 2 family touring party if we are going to go together. We are working around 5 school schedules, and the other family has an elderly family member that they are care givers for. This was the only time they would have respite from that responsibility, so.... (gulp!) as peter says "here we go..." Problem is everyone turns to me as the tourguide - where we should go and when which I don't completely mind, but I just want them to have realistic expectations

 

[FloridaMM]

smells give me migraines too!!!Those brooms are the worst!! And flower arrangements with eucalyptus I tell you what, it's worse when the heaters are on!!!!!! I don't remember it being really bad at Disney tho...the Philharmagic didn't bother me...the real smell at the stores like cookies and candy are fine...it's the manufactured stuff that kills me. Perfume....I am dead!!!! I know that some people arent affected by any smell, so they don't think about it, but if we get n lines or smashed up with some one with perfume heavily applied, I have to get my hubby to trade with me or just move!!!
I know people get so upset with this topic, but cigarettes are awful for me too! I had asthma as a kid and if I get in heavy smoke it will flair up. I just can't breath...feels like someone literally has their hands around my throat and I am choking.If it's really strong I end up in bed with a migraine!!!! I know people get offended, but they just don't understand! I don't want people to be angry with this subject...just a little sensitive!!!​

Some people don't understand what it is like to have an airborne allergy. I am also allergic to eating cinnamon, chocolate and seafood. I am the one who makes the choice of what goes in my mouth, but I cannot always make a choice what smells goes in my nose. But I did go to the doctor yesterday and she told me that when you get a migraine from a smell it swells the nasal area right next to the brain. She said that Zyrtec may reduce the swelling and also take Aleeve. But she said to take the Zyrtec at night because it could make me sleepy.
I hope it works because I want to enjoy DW at Xmas

 

[Doingitagain]

Well, I'm sure the younger kids will love the train set-up at Yacht Club and the chocolate and gingerbread carousel at Beach Club. The Boardwalk Inn has a chocolate and gingerbread gazebo with Donald and Daisy inside and the Grand Floridian has a 12 foot high gingerbread house as well as a 5-story Christmas tree. Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge also have spectacular trees.

This sounds wonderful! What is the best way to get around to view all the resorts if you don't have a rental car?

 

[PoohsFan1]

I am really excited about finding this thread. Just last night my DH booked our second trip to Disney for 12/1-12/8. This is the first time he is booking the trip (we are more surprising our girls, but he caught me off guard too), I wasn't planning on returning until next Sept . I have always wanted to go to Disney during Christmas time, and since my B-day is in December, this is my early birthday present. Thanks for all the tips that everyone has been given so far (haven't read the whole post yet). I do have one quick question though....how is the weather for the first week of December. We have been in March, June, and September. I know it is nothing like June and September, but is it comparative to March weather? Thanks for any input.

 

[TBGOES2DISNEY]

I am really excited about finding this thread. Just last night my DH booked our second trip to Disney for 12/1-12/8. This is the first time he is booking the trip (we are more surprising our girls, but he caught me off guard too), I wasn't planning on returning until next Sept . I have always wanted to go to Disney during Christmas time, and since my B-day is in December, this is my early birthday present. Thanks for all the tips that everyone has been given so far (haven't read the whole post yet). I do have one quick question though....how is the weather for the first week of December. We have been in March, June, and September. I know it is nothing like June and September, but is it comparative to March weather? Thanks for any input.

I haven't been in December yet, but I've been looking into this too, and most people say that you should be prepared for all types of weather - very cold, warm, somewhat hot. I'm planning on packing jeans, t-shirts, shorts, hats, gloves, sweatshirts (lots of stuff basically).