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

[TraceyL]

They've changed the MK hours for Dec.19!

What are the chances they'll change again?

They've changed the hours for 23rd twice already since I booked the Wishes Dessert Party

 

[Bluenoser]

My brother and I did this on New Year's Day 2000. Didn't get back to CBR until almost 3, but we were up and on the bus to DHS by 7:30 the next morning for EMH. Walking down to Tower of Terror and Rockin Roller Coaster, we were the only people there except one CM collecting trash. Rode Rockin Roller Coaster 3 times in a row!

We will be there New Year's too this year. Did you do MK or Epcot for New Year's eve? We are planning on MK for Christmas day - already have our ADRs breakfast at Crystal Palace and supper at Liberty Tree - I know it will be crazy but that is all part of the Magic but was wavering on where to be for New Years.

 

[Calgary DISHeads]

I'm jealous only flight back we could get was the 30th - not REALLY complaining as we are there for two weeks, but it sure would have been nice to have seen New Years in at WDW.

 

[Bluenoser]

We were planning on the 30th too but then I thought were all they way down there what's another couple of days so let's stay for New Years since we are only doing the Christmas trip once (been planning on it for the last three years). . .so I had it all planned out in my head and then I went to check flights for 2/3 Jan and the price jump almost made me change dates then I thought its only the once. . I know it will be worth it.

I don't know who is more exceited me or the kids. ME! I just love the magic of WDW.

 

[Calgary DISHeads]

We were planning on the 30th too but then I thought were all they way down there what's another couple of days so let's stay for New Years since we are only doing the Christmas trip once (been planning on it for the last three years). . .so I had it all planned out in my head and then I went to check flights for 2/3 Jan and the price jump almost made me change dates then I thought its only the once. . I know it will be worth it.

I don't know who is more exceited me or the kids. ME! I just love the magic of WDW.

Good for you! You are right, if you can swing it and it's something that you would regret not doing, then you should do it. That was my reason for upgrading to AKL - as we don't expect to be back for a long time, and it would affect my holiday if we didn't... We really couldn't do NYE as we are flying on points and I think the next earliest I could get back was around Jan 7th, needless to say, we probably wouldn't have jobs to come back to

 

[jenbren]

We were planning on the 30th too but then I thought were all they way down there what's another couple of days so let's stay for New Years since we are only doing the Christmas trip once (been planning on it for the last three years). . .so I had it all planned out in my head and then I went to check flights for 2/3 Jan and the price jump almost made me change dates then I thought its only the once. . I know it will be worth it.

I don't know who is more exceited me or the kids. ME! I just love the magic of WDW.

I definitely know who is more excited in my family!!! Me!!!

My kids love it too but they tell everyone I am a complete fanatic!

 

[Calgary DISHeads]

I posted this on the resort boards but this is probably a better place so all the Christmas people know about it! I read on another website that last year AKL had tons of activities on Christmas day from face painting, to crafts to pool games etc. We were planning on a hotel day on Christmas Eve then MK on Christmas Day but if it's as fun as it sounds we may switch. BC didn't have much in the way of activities except for at the pool but DD LOVED the pool bingo and games (even though we played every day for over a week and won nothing) hoping AKL will have the same thing.

 

[disneydreamgirl]

From what I have gathered...the lights come on around 6 PM, and MVMCP doesn't start until 7 PM...so you actually can see the lighting ceremony any day of the week, you don't need a MVMCP ticket to see it.

Thanks for the answer on this one...we really only have one night to see MK and it's a MVMCP night ..the only non-party night we are at WDW we have already committed to Epcot because of EMH and other events. This means that at the very least we can see lights, etc... if we don't get to go to MVMCP!

Anyone know what time fireworks at MK happen on party nights?

 

[bgsnmky]

I am trying to figure out what to do Christmas day too...This sounds great.

I wish there was a way to find out everything that is happening on Christmas day.

I just called Disney Dining to find out what was going ton for special meals and she had 24 items..I didn't want to make her go through them all.

Can everyone start listing what they have heard about or seen on what is happening for dinner. I thought about starting a new thread, but wasn't sure..but I would rather have it concise.

I posted this on the resort boards but this is probably a better place so all the Christmas people know about it! I read on another website that last year AKL had tons of activities on Christmas day from face painting, to crafts to pool games etc. We were planning on a hotel day on Christmas Eve then MK on Christmas Day but if it's as fun as it sounds we may switch. BC didn't have much in the way of activities except for at the pool but DD LOVED the pool bingo and games (even though we played every day for over a week and won nothing) hoping AKL will have the same thing.

 

[WelovMickey!]

I just found this thread and have been reading it all morning. This will my family's first Christmas time trip to Disney and I can't hardly wait. I am worried about the weather. I had a daughter who is in a wheel chair and I am not sure how cold it will be for her. If someone who has been give me some info on what to bring as far as a heavy coat ect. Thanks so much. We will be there Dec 9 thru 15.

We will be there the exact same dates!

 

[Redbudlover]

I am trying to figure out what to do Christmas day too...This sounds great.

I wish there was a way to find out everything that is happening on Christmas day.

I just called Disney Dining to find out what was going ton for special meals and she had 24 items..I didn't want to make her go through them all.

Can everyone start listing what they have heard about or seen on what is happening for dinner. I thought about starting a new thread, but wasn't sure..but I would rather have it concise.

I hate to be a spoil sport, but if you are just now looking for Christmas meals I would not ask what is going on but what is left. You are far inside the 90 day opening to make ADRs and christmas day meals are going to be the hardest meals to get. Go online and check to see if you can find anything left and grab it. Then start looking for cancellations... I think you are going to have a hard time finding a sit down restaurant with availability....

 

[Redbudlover]

For those of you who have seen the various storytellers -- can you tell us which you think is not to be missed? TIA!

60 days to go!

My favorite storyteller was the old woman in Italy. Not to be missed!!!

 

[Calgary DISHeads]

I hate to be a spoil sport, but if you are just now looking for Christmas meals I would not ask what is going on but what is left. You are far inside the 90 day opening to make ADRs and christmas day meals are going to be the hardest meals to get. Go online and check to see if you can find anything left and grab it. Then start looking for cancellations... I think you are going to have a hard time finding a sit down restaurant with availability....

The really crazy thing is that there still is availability left. I am now playing around with my ADR's since we moved resorts. Yesterday I got Jiko on Christmas Eve, today I got Boma Christmas Day morning and Crystal Palace for dinner on Boxing Day, all at reasonable eating hours. I will be cancelling a CG on Christmas Eve and a Crystal Palace on Christmas Day as well as a Mama Melrose Fantasmic Package for late lunch on the 26th and a Coral Reef on the 26th once I get DH's buy in on my new plans. Let me know if anyone wants them and we can coordinate times.

 

[tinkbyday]

I just looked for the heck of it and there is availability at most of the table service restaurants in Epcot for dinner time on Christmas Day.

 

[Redbudlover]

I just looked for the heck of it and there is availability at most of the table service restaurants in Epcot for dinner time on Christmas Day.

Mea Culpa. I am stunned! I have been trying to get Sci Fi and a couple of others for weeks the first week of Dec and couldn't get them. Had given up but am going to check again.

 

[Redbudlover]

Mea Culpa. I am stunned! I have been trying to get Sci Fi and a couple of others for weeks the first week of Dec and couldn't get them. Had given up but am going to check again.

Looked again and still couldn't get Prime Time or Sci Fi for Dec 7th. I am beginning to think that weekend is going to be busier than Christmas itself! the hotels are all full, too.

 

[MadilynnsMomma]

Looked again and still couldn't get Prime Time or Sci Fi for Dec 7th. I am beginning to think that weekend is going to be busier than Christmas itself! the hotels are all full, too.

I am going the 6-11 of Dec and have been going crazy trying to get a LTT dinner ressie for the 10th and have had zero luck! It's crazy!

 

[Princess.Neve]

What are the best stores to hit for Christmas merchandise? I know the typical MK Emporium and Epcot Mousegears, but are there any others? Perhaps more off the beaten track type stores?

Thanks!

 

[disneycruising]

We were there in 2007 and are very used to cold weather, but not used to colder humid weather (huge difference), humidity makes everything colder and hotter. We were so very, very cold first couple of days trying to enjoy Wishes on the beach at the Poly I was ready to pack it in and head back to Calgary, however the rest of the trip was great - spent tons of time at the pool and beach in shorts etc. So like previous posters have said - layer, layer, layer!!

I agree. We were there for New Years of 2007/2008. Our first couple of days were beautiful. Then it turned really cold and windy. It rained some too. We were glad we packed all of our winter items: heavy coats & gloves. The only thing we didn't have was a rain coat, so we bought some disney rain ponchos and kept on going.

 

[jnfr2424]

What are the best stores to hit for Christmas merchandise? I know the typical MK Emporium and Epcot Mousegears, but are there any others? Perhaps more off the beaten track type stores?

Thanks!

The Christmas Store in DTD! Best place for personalized ornaments!