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

[kdzbear]

We're going Thanksgiving week, and I'm crossing my fingers that a lot of the Christmas stuff will be up, and putting off until the very end of the week what may not be there until after Thanksgiving. This is the exact week that we went two years ago. The Contempory, Boardwalk and Beach Club all had their decorations up early. We stayed at All Star Sports and one night when returning to our resort, it was all decorated too! We arrived the Friday before Thanksgiving and went home the Wednesday before.

We'll get there the Friday before so we can do MVMCP. Thinking of trying for Crystal Palace this night (the 18th.) Do the characters dress up for Christmas? Characters do not dress up, but the Crystal Palace is a great place to eat dinner and interact with characters.

In years past, it looks like Osborne lights started early, so we can hopefully hit the Studios early in the week. Epcot will have to be last for CP. The Osborne lights for the past few years have been up mid-November. They actually start putting them up in September, but do not turn them on until November. At Epcot if you go Thanksgiving day or after look for the Santas in each country around the world showcase as they tell the stories of Christmas in their countries. We missed this and I would love to go back and see it!

We are aiming for WCC for Thanksgiving dinner- will the sleigh rides have started yet? Will the lodge be decorated? It should be decorated by then. I think that would be a fun and entertaining Thanksgiving day meal!

Anyone that can give any input for Christmas activities that will have started Thanksgiving week, please let me know! Our last 4 trips have been in August, so this is new to all of us. Looking forward to it.

The crowds will not be too bad Fri. - Mon. and then they start to pick up. All four parks are magical at Christmas time. The characters do wear festive costumes in Camp Minnie Mickey at the Animal Kingdom. Santa is also at Downtown Disney. I have a detailed trip report from our trip 2 years ago in my signature below. Ask away and I will try to answer questions for you!

 

[kdzbear]

Now that MVMCP tickets are for sale we are trying to decide whether we should by them. Who has taken a toddler to the party? Our baby will be just barely 2 years old. I'm afraid if we spend the money on party tickets and she is too tired to stay up till the party ends at midnight then it's going to be a huge waste of money. How has your experience been taking a toddler to the party? Is it necessary to stay until midnight? What time do you usually leave the party?

We took an almost two year old to the party and she was awake until the end. She did take a nap during the day. There is so much to see and do. The free sugar cookies and hot chocolate also helped with the sugar rush! You also did not need a ticket for the 2 year old so it is the best time to go and enjoy while it is still less expensive for your family to attend the party.

 

[mishkamushka]

Now that MVMCP tickets are for sale we are trying to decide whether we should by them. Who has taken a toddler to the party? Our baby will be just barely 2 years old. I'm afraid if we spend the money on party tickets and she is too tired to stay up till the party ends at midnight then it's going to be a huge waste of money. How has your experience been taking a toddler to the party? Is it necessary to stay until midnight? What time do you usually leave the party?

I'll be taking my son for the first time -- he'll be 2 a week before our trip) and I can't wait!! Maybe we'll see you there -- we'll be the ones with the Mickey ears (seriously, I'll be the one crying like a baby -- it's been my dream to see MK at Christmas for many years and seeing it for the first time with my son might just put me over the edge)

 

[BDL]

I'll be taking my son for the first time -- he'll be 2 a week before our trip) and I can't wait!! Maybe we'll see you there -- we'll be the ones with the Mickey ears (seriously, I'll be the one crying like a baby -- it's been my dream to see MK at Christmas for many years and seeing it for the first time with my son might just put me over the edge)

I went to WDW last Christmas and I thought I'd enjoy being emersed in all the decorations, music and environment. But I was wrong...

I completely under-estimated the affect that Disney World at Christmas time would have on me. There were moments, where I was literally speechless and my breath was taken away. And, yes, as a grown man, I'm not ashamed to admit that there was a little twinkle in my eye as I took all of this in.

1st, there were the general admission moments. The lighting of Cinderella's Castle (Iwonder what they'll do with Beast's Castle?)... Being on Streets of America for the Osbourne Display... Listening to JOYFUL... Not to mention all the decorations that envelop every park and resort and seeing how Christmas and winter holidays are celebrated around the world.

Then there were the extras that I booked. I got tickets to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, which featured a great parade, little dance parties and no lines for the rides. Then I booked the Dinner Combo for the Candlelight Processional. The CP on it's own was amazing, but I can not recommend the combo enough. You are guaranteed admittance (even though you will still have to wait in a MUCH shorter line than people who just wait to get in) and you can get into the VIP reserved area for Illuminations.

The extras might not be the best plan for people with small children. But they are still something to look into.

Below is the link to the HGTV special of the behind the scenes look at WDW at Christmas time. I've had it DVR'd for the past 2yrs and still enjoy watching it.



http://www.hgtv.com/video/the-holidays-at-disney-video/index.html

 

[supersuperwendy]

I'll be taking my son for the first time -- he'll be 2 a week before our trip) and I can't wait!! Maybe we'll see you there -- we'll be the ones with the Mickey ears (seriously, I'll be the one crying like a baby -- it's been my dream to see MK at Christmas for many years and seeing it for the first time with my son might just put me over the edge)

I bought them for Dec 4th! My mother in law will be with us, she said if the baby gets too tired she.'ll take her back to the room. What date are you going to?

 

[supersuperwendy]

Besides the 7 dwarfs are there any other special character greetings at the party?

 

[kdzbear]

Besides the 7 dwarfs are there any other special character greetings at the party?

As far as I know it changes every year. The dwarfs were out at the Halloween Party and not the Christmas Party. Everyone was dressed in Holiday gear. Belle and Beast rotated with Snow White and her prince by the end to the old sky ride. Lilo and Stitch were in an old restaurant that is not normally open in Adventureland. Some of the Country Bears were out and they were riding the Magic Carpets with kids. Then the princesses all had their princes in Toon Town so I would assume they would again in their new home. It was Belle and Cinderella.

 

[Wolfpacklegion]

As far as I know it changes every year. The dwarfs were out at the Halloween Party and not the Christmas Party. Everyone was dressed in Holiday gear. Belle and Beast rotated with Snow White and her prince by the end to the old sky ride. Lilo and Stitch were in an old restaurant that is not normally open in Adventureland. Some of the Country Bears were out and they were riding the Magic Carpets with kids. Then the princesses all had their princes in Toon Town so I would assume they would again in their new home. It was Belle and Cinderella.

The Dwarfs are out for the Christmas party as well

 

[supersuperwendy]

Thanks! Are there any special photopass "magic" shots taken at the xmas party?

 

[mom2rtk]

As far as I know it changes every year. The dwarfs were out at the Halloween Party and not the Christmas Party. Everyone was dressed in Holiday gear. Belle and Beast rotated with Snow White and her prince by the end to the old sky ride. Lilo and Stitch were in an old restaurant that is not normally open in Adventureland. Some of the Country Bears were out and they were riding the Magic Carpets with kids. Then the princesses all had their princes in Toon Town so I would assume they would again in their new home. It was Belle and Cinderella.

Actually there were always 3 princesses with their princes at MVMCP. Snow White and her prince rotated with Belle/Beast in their holiday finery! Cindy and Aurora were with their princes the entire time.

 

[hollygolitely93]

Subscribing! Fabulous tips thus far!!!

I have a few questions for you BTDT smarty pants! We (DH, me, DD (1), DS (5) and grandma (67) and grandpa (70)) are going first week of December.

I would like to do the Candelight Processional dinner package. What seating is best if I also want to do the illuminations fireworks....if we eat around 5:30 pm...do the 8:15pm showing...is that enough time to then find a spot to see the 9:00pm light show?

For the Osbourne lights...this is non-ticketed, right? You just walk down the street at night? Not sure I get how this light show works. What time does it get dark to see it...I think HS closes at 7pm the night we plan to go (based on 2010 hours)...so what time should my dinner ressie be for to have time to see the light show?

 

[tinkerbellybutton]

Sorry if this has been answered already, 67 pages is a ton to try and sort through. What, if anything, special is done at the resorts on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day? I thought I'd read somewhere a few years ago that the characters and/or Santa sometimes visit the resorts. Is this the deluxe resorts only? I'm playing with the idea of finally doing a trip for Christmas this year, and wouldn't want to miss any special happenings at the resort.

 

[BDL]

Subscribing! Fabulous tips thus far!!!

I have a few questions for you BTDT smarty pants! We (DH, me, DD (1), DS (5) and grandma (67) and grandpa (70)) are going first week of December.

I would like to do the Candelight Processional dinner package. What seating is best if I also want to do the illuminations fireworks....if we eat around 5:30 pm...do the 8:15pm showing...is that enough time to then find a spot to see the 9:00pm light show?

For the Osbourne lights...this is non-ticketed, right? You just walk down the street at night? Not sure I get how this light show works. What time does it get dark to see it...I think HS closes at 7pm the night we plan to go (based on 2010 hours)...so what time should my dinner ressie be for to have time to see the light show?

We had 5:30 res at Le Cellier and saw the 8:15 show, and were able to make it all the way on the other side of the lagoon. There was just no dallying.

Osbourne Lights are free and amazing. The light displays, the atmosphere and the "snoap", all add up to an amazing time. Sunset is usually 4:45-5:15 at that time of year. The show starts soon after that. I may be wrong, but I believe they post the start time at the entrance each day.

 

[alicia080979]

I read about the Candlelight Processional Packages booking later in the summer but if you know what restaurant you want, should you make an ADR at the 180 window or how does that work? We are planning a Chrstmas trip for Nov. 26-Dec. 3 and I wasn't sure.

 

[mom2rtk]

I read about the Candlelight Processional Packages booking later in the summer but if you know what restaurant you want, should you make an ADR at the 180 window or how does that work? We are planning a Chrstmas trip for Nov. 26-Dec. 3 and I wasn't sure.

All that will do is get you in for dinner. It can't be converted to a CP reservation.

 

[BDL]

I read about the Candlelight Processional Packages booking later in the summer but if you know what restaurant you want, should you make an ADR at the 180 window or how does that work? We are planning a Chrstmas trip for Nov. 26-Dec. 3 and I wasn't sure.

Though there is no squatting on ADR's, if you want to book acertain restaurant because that's the restaurant you want, you may want to book the res that you want. Say lunch at Rose and Crown and you want to try to get a dinner res for the CP (or vice/versa). Book your lunch as an ADR. and hope that you can get the dinner/CP res that you want. Because you may have to take what's available, you shouldn't count your top 3 choices as a granted.

Also... Be prepared to be on hold for a while, when booking the res and listening to the ride soundtracks, over and over and over...

 

[dbenlee]

I know that the Santa's in Epcot (Storytellers) are there staring around Thanksgiving. My question is are they there everyday or just weekends. Thanks in advance.

 

[siskaren]

I would like to do the Candelight Processional dinner package. What seating is best if I also want to do the illuminations fireworks....if we eat around 5:30 pm...do the 8:15pm showing...is that enough time to then find a spot to see the 9:00pm light show?

In December they bump back IllumiNations to 9:30; the 8:15 show ends about 9:00 and I would imagine it would be a major logistical problem to have IllumiNations starting at about the same time that CP is ending.

Osbourne Lights are free and amazing. The light displays, the atmosphere and the "snoap", all add up to an amazing time. Sunset is usually 4:45-5:15 at that time of year. The show starts soon after that. I may be wrong, but I believe they post the start time at the entrance each day.

I believe they usually turn on the lights at 6:00.

I know that the Santas in Epcot (Storytellers) are there starting around Thanksgiving. My question is are they there everyday or just weekends. Thanks in advance.

The Holiday Storytellers (not all the countries have Santas) are there every day and they start the day after Thanksgiving.

 

[DoBug]

Bumping and another question

we will try to visit some resorts and see the Christmas decorations - it is much better at nite or doesn't it matter since a lot is in the lobby?

I am very excited for our first time at Disney in December!

 

[wdwpirates]

Bumping and another question

we will try to visit some resorts and see the Christmas decorations - it is much better at nite or doesn't it matter since a lot is in the lobby?

I am very excited for our first time at Disney in December!

For most of the resorts it doesn't matter what time you visit as the decorations are gorgeous 24/7. Two resorts that I've found to be exceptionally beautiful at night are GF and WL. Their lobbies and trees are fabulous when they are all lit up!!