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

[nic100308]

Between the two dates you suggested, I would go on the Dec 1. Dec 8 is a discount night for AP and DVC people and when I went in '07 it was an AP/DVC discount night and it was sold out. Now, I'm not saying that all AP/DVC discount nights are going to be sellouts (and to be honest, I didn't feel that it being a sellout was that big a deal), but I do think it something worth considering.

We'll be going Dec 8. Does anyone have any thoughts or feelings on this? I honestly picked 8 because it was my favorite number and because it was a week night. Has anyone else been on a AP/DVC discount night? Just curious how crowded it would be.

 

[HARVEYSGIRL]

I am so happy that someone got this going! I am loving it! I can't go this year but next Dec. is my honeymoon I never had! I am a huge Christmas fan and a huge Disney fan so its like HEAVEN!!!!

 

[Tinkermom76]

I am going Nov 29 - Dec 5 with my DD's 5&7 and staying at CR

I have read the whole thread and have a couple questions

1. when does Liberty Tree start serving a christmas type dinner?

2. are the princesses dressed in anything special in december and if so is it all the time or just during MVMCP?

3. which is better the sleigh ride at WL or the carriage ride at the camground?

TIA

 

[LMO429]

what time do they light the castle..we will be there the second week of dec

 

[mom-n-michaela]

The Christmas Parade is run during the day starting December 19th (Saturday). Before that date, the only way to see it is during the Christmas party. I can't seriously believe it is worth $55 a person to see this parade. (If that is the only reason your getting MVMCP tickets.) Of course, I find regular parades a giant bore. (Spectromagic is a whole other story.)

SkierPete

Thanks...that is what I figured about the parade...too bad. Hopefully we will go the week we are planning and don't have to worry about it. However, because there will be 12 of us going...only 3 of us who have been before (once) and never at Christmas...which is the reason I was thinking about splurging on the Christmas Party if we can't go that week. The parade along with the general holiday atmosphere of the MVMCP...plus I think it might be nice to have the extra hours in the park when it is less crowded.

We are still just hoping he can get the week we want to go off of work though!

Thanks again!!

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

Hello! I'm a new poster, but have lurked for a few months.
If all goes well (i.e. if we both get our vacation and if common sense doesn't hit us), we will be going to WDW from December 5th to 12th this year! We went for the first time to WDW back in May this year, and are now hooked! And we're trying to corrupt two of our friends so they'll accompany us

I was a bit bummed to find out the price for the MVMCP, as the main reason we decided to go this December (instead of December 2010) is the free dining plan (we loved the QS plan in May, so we'd be staying in ASMu and take the free QS). We want to think of this as an all-included vacation and frankly, we don't plan on spending anything outside our package (except maybe another PhotoPass CD, only if our friends come too), so adding 50$ tickets to go to the MVMCP is still not a shoe-in... Is it really, really worth it? What goes on there that doesn't on the other nights to justify that price tag? I'm just curious.

I don't have any vacation left, so I'm actually planning to take one week with no pay to go in December; how crazy is that?!

Looking forward to reading all there is to know about the Holidays in WDW!

I don't know if anyone else has answered you yet.
For the dates you are going, if you want to see the Christmas parade and Christmas Wishes you have to go during MVMCP. Otherwise you won't be able to see those - just the normal parades and normal Wishes.

The princes are with the princesses in Toontown if you care about that, Belle is out with Beast and she's in her red dress and Snow White is out and about with her prince - these 2 can be found in the stroller parking area near IASW, at least that's where they were last year.

There was a stage show - Twas the Night Before Christmas that was fantastic but now that the stage is gone, we don't know if it will be performed this year.

there is also cookies and hot cocoa but I've never tried those.

I took DD9 last year and due to her meltdown, I didn't get to see the special fireworks or parade plus it rained off and on all night and I still had fun.

 

[Happydog]

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh I just read this entire thread and I am now bursting with excitment and swimming with all the notes and tips that this thread contains!

I too am interested in the sleigh ride -- anyone have any info, pics?

I am COMPLETELY worried about ADRs.... WHY oh WHY didn't they start the 180 window back August 27th and not October ??!! Anyone else worried? Strategies?

We are at the BCV Dec 20 - 27... I am so excited to go and see everything that is Christmas -- We are bringing a tree, too We were at WDW in July, the 4th to be exact, and I figure if we can survive that, we can survive anything!!!! HO HO HO...

Someone was asking about TGM... after subscribing for our July trip he made a believer out of me! I am signing up again for sure.

Can't wait to stay up with this thread all the way to Christmas!!!

 

[RACHELSMOM1]

Rumor has it that Mickey and friends will be back at LTT for Dinner!

Hope this is a true rumour, it is just not the same without them!! When are they supposed to return, according to this rumour?

 

[missnanse]

I am going Nov 29 - Dec 5 with my DD's 5&7 and staying at CR

I have read the whole thread and have a couple questions

1. when does Liberty Tree start serving a christmas type dinner?

2. are the princesses dressed in anything special in december and if so is it all the time or just during MVMCP?

3. which is better the sleigh ride at WL or the carriage ride at the camground?

TIA

I thought the sleigh ride at the WL was very boring. It only went through a wooded area with NOTHING to see. If you just want to ride in a sleigh then it is ok but if you want atmosphere dont waste your money. I have heard the campground takes you past all the campers who have decorated for the holiday. i vote for that. have a great time.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh I just read this entire thread and I am now bursting with excitment and swimming with all the notes and tips that this thread contains!

I too am interested in the sleigh ride -- anyone have any info, pics?

I am COMPLETELY worried about ADRs.... WHY oh WHY didn't they start the 180 window back August 27th and not October ??!! Anyone else worried? Strategies?

We are at the BCV Dec 20 - 27... I am so excited to go and see everything that is Christmas -- We are bringing a tree, too We were at WDW in July, the 4th to be exact, and I figure if we can survive that, we can survive anything!!!! HO HO HO...

Someone was asking about TGM... after subscribing for our July trip he made a believer out of me! I am signing up again for sure.

Can't wait to stay up with this thread all the way to Christmas!!!

I was saying that I have subscribed...gotta question for you. how did you do it using his best park days and do ADRs if they come out on the same day? This is reaaaalllllly causing me stress!!!!! I mean, if they are gonna be the same day...the lines are gonna be jammed!! I am gonna have a sketchy outline of what I want to do , but what if his days and mine are TOTALLY different? by the time I get all that lined out... all our restaraunts are gonna be picked over!!!!!!!! What did you do??

 

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

I am going Nov 29 - Dec 5 with my DD's 5&7 and staying at CR

I have read the whole thread and have a couple questions

1. when does Liberty Tree start serving a christmas type dinner?

2. are the princesses dressed in anything special in december and if so is it all the time or just during MVMCP?

3. which is better the sleigh ride at WL or the carriage ride at the camground?

TIA

LTT's meal is always sort-of Christmas / T-giving like.
Belle is dressed in her red Christmas dress and poses for photos at Akershus breakfast.
I enjoyed the sleigh ride at WL. There wasn't much to see, but it was relaxing and a nice way to spend some time with the family after our dinner there.

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh I just read this entire thread and I am now bursting with excitment and swimming with all the notes and tips that this thread contains!

I too am interested in the sleigh ride -- anyone have any info, pics?

I am COMPLETELY worried about ADRs.... WHY oh WHY didn't they start the 180 window back August 27th and not October ??!! Anyone else worried? Strategies?

We are at the BCV Dec 20 - 27... I am so excited to go and see everything that is Christmas -- We are bringing a tree, too We were at WDW in July, the 4th to be exact, and I figure if we can survive that, we can survive anything!!!! HO HO HO...

Someone was asking about TGM... after subscribing for our July trip he made a believer out of me! I am signing up again for sure.

Can't wait to stay up with this thread all the way to Christmas!!!

We have done July 4th and X-mas day...both very busy. But, you know to expect it, so no surprises there. We brought a tree also! Santa still came to the resort room...just didn't bring as much as normal! I would be sure to be on the phone at 7 am on your 90 day mark and start with you x-mas day and eve ressie requests, then work back starting with whatever typically fills the fastest. (You can figure that out just by researching the boards a bit.)

 

[Grumpy92]

Grumpy92- I have asked this question several times and have gotten different responses. I know some people do not notice the smell of cinnamon but, I am allergic to cinnamon. I get a migraine. Do you recall anywhere besides the resorts with the gingerbread houses that you noticed the smell of cinnamon?


Hey FloridaMM

We have noticed this in other resorts. Many of the resorts have gingerbread displays and cinnamon can be over powering in the lobbies. YC/BC, BW and GF seem to be the strongest. I figure it is the small lobby areas. I certainly sympathize, I have migraines as well, fortunately I dont have the same trigger. This must be a hard one to avoid especially during the holidays. There are smaller displays at pretty much all the other resorts. Definitely carry your medication around with you. As for the parks avoid the bakery area at MK, Starring Rolls at DHS. I havent noticed it at the other parks and the ones I listed are not that strong.

 

[RMulieri]

The rumor of the characters back at LTT is a RUMOR.It was started by Jim Hill Media, and he is not exactly great with his predictions( he predicted and rumored so many that have never come to fruition).Rusty here on the Dis is a CM and said it is unlikely that the characters will be back.

 

[TBGOES2DISNEY]

I've been on the fence for a while about MVMCP. It's over $200 for my family. I've been watching some youtube videos, and I really do think I want to go. I know my girls would love it, and I do already have the money set aside for it.

I think I am mentally prepared for the possible crowds, but I would be really upset if we couldn't see any of the shows b/c it was that crowded. I was thinking maybe we would skip the stroller that night and I would wear my youngest on my hip or back. I would also have to make sure she had a long, late nap so she wouldn't melt down.

DH & I had talked about waiting until we are there to purchase tickets. We would wait and see how the weather was so we wouldn't spend money on tickets for events that weren't going to happen. Also (we would still buy them the day ahead to save $), we thought we could ask if any dates were close to sold out or not. I'm not sure if they would tell us or not.

I'm a little worried about waiting though b/c I don't know if just some or all of the days will sell out ahead of time.

Any thoughts on this plan?

 

[snykymom]

I've been on the fence for a while about MVMCP. It's over $200 for my family. I've been watching some youtube videos, and I really do think I want to go. I know my girls would love it, and I do already have the money set aside for it.

I think I am mentally prepared for the possible crowds, but I would be really upset if we couldn't see any of the shows b/c it was that crowded. I was thinking maybe we would skip the stroller that night and I would wear my youngest on my hip or back. I would also have to make sure she had a long, late nap so she wouldn't melt down.

DH & I had talked about waiting until we are there to purchase tickets. We would wait and see how the weather was so we wouldn't spend money on tickets for events that weren't going to happen. Also (we would still buy them the day ahead to save $), we thought we could ask if any dates were close to sold out or not. I'm not sure if they would tell us or not.

I'm a little worried about waiting though b/c I don't know if just some or all of the days will sell out ahead of time.

Any thoughts on this plan?

From everything I've heard and read, you might not want to be at a party that's sold out anyway!

 

[TBGOES2DISNEY]

From everything I've heard and read, you might not want to be at a party that's sold out anyway!

Yes, that is true. It probably wouldn't be enjoyable. Does anyone know if last year in the beginning of December if all or some of the days sold out? I was thinking about going on Dec 1 (Tues) or Dec 3 (Thurs).

I thought Dec 4 (Fri) and Dec 6 (Sun) might be too busy (b/c of the days of the week that they are). Dec 8 (Tues) is a discount night for AP/DVC and I heard last year it sold out.

 

[Happydog]

I was saying that I have subscribed...gotta question for you. how did you do it using his best park days and do ADRs if they come out on the same day? This is reaaaalllllly causing me stress!!!!! I mean, if they are gonna be the same day...the lines are gonna be jammed!! I am gonna have a sketchy outline of what I want to do , but what if his days and mine are TOTALLY different? by the time I get all that lined out... all our restaraunts are gonna be picked over!!!!!!!! What did you do??

Well for the 4th I did "go against" his advice on a few days -- but WE were there as he suggested at ROPE drop. So even though it was "pegged" to be busy we left before the fate time... And so we would park hop to a good park for the afternoon... or vice versa, start in a good park and go, for dinner, to a busier park, knowing we would get more rides in on an "off morning".... I don't know if you will have park hoppers, but if you can swing it for THIS trip, I totally would. I think at this time of year, that investment would give you the extra flexibility that the "unknown" may need....

TGM does have LAST year's December schedule/tips... I am going to be reading that and using this as my guide. Also found the park hours from last year on the DIS... while they are not 100% they are pretty close and for July 4th did help me plan it out. We have annual passes now, so this December trip will be all about the Christmas decor, the resorts, the fun stuff, and we plan to focus on the attractions/rides in the am ... it also seems all parks open earlier and have multiple EMH mornings b/c of crowds...

Hope that helps! I am not sure what to expect at Christmas either, and getting the ADRs definitely is causing me anxiety, too, the locations I want, nevermind the day!

 

[Happydog]

We have done July 4th and X-mas day...both very busy. But, you know to expect it, so no surprises there. We brought a tree also! Santa still came to the resort room...just didn't bring as much as normal! I would be sure to be on the phone at 7 am on your 90 day mark and start with you x-mas day and eve ressie requests, then work back starting with whatever typically fills the fastest. (You can figure that out just by researching the boards a bit.)

Thanks for the tips! I plan to try to use the online system at 6am -- I have been practicing!! and follow up with a call at 7am!

I am keeping my fingers crossed!

Also looking forward to having a mini tree in our villa, and going to the xmas store for 40% off the ornaments! I read that on this thread!!! OH boy!

Thanks!

 

[Scooby3x1y]

Well for the 4th I did "go against" his advice on a few days -- but WE were there as he suggested at ROPE drop. So even though it was "pegged" to be busy we left before the fate time... And so we would park hop to a good park for the afternoon... or vice versa, start in a good park and go, for dinner, to a busier park, knowing we would get more rides in on an "off morning".... I don't know if you will have park hoppers, but if you can swing it for THIS trip, I totally would. I think at this time of year, that investment would give you the extra flexibility that the "unknown" may need....

TGM does have LAST year's December schedule/tips... I am going to be reading that and using this as my guide. Also found the park hours from last year on the DIS... while they are not 100% they are pretty close and for July 4th did help me plan it out. We have annual passes now, so this December trip will be all about the Christmas decor, the resorts, the fun stuff, and we plan to focus on the attractions/rides in the am ... it also seems all parks open earlier and have multiple EMH mornings b/c of crowds...

Hope that helps! I am not sure what to expect at Christmas either, and getting the ADRs definitely is causing me anxiety, too, the locations I want, nevermind the day!

Happydog,

Can you post the link to TGM's last years tips? Thanks!

 

[dogodisney]

Happydog,

Can you post the link to TGM's last years tips? Thanks!

In order to see them you would have to become a paid member of his site. One of the stipulations of joining is that his tips cannot be posted on a public forum.