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

[Disney-&-Baseball]

We were at WDW last year, Dec. 3-15. We saw Santa at DTD and there was no charge. We got several pictures both with photopass and with our own camera.

 

[cheerful chickadee]

ooooh I have lots of questions and this thread is getting me more anxious, we've decided our next trip will be either the first or second week of December so...

1. If we go at the beginning of Dec. will there be holidays decorations up yet? Will the resorts be decorated at this time? Basically all the special things they do for the Holidays, will we get to see them?

2. The Xmas parade at MK, does it cost extra to get in to see it being filmed? Do you have to get there at 3am to get in? Should I just skip it and do something else that day?

3. Is the weather warm enough to go swimming in the first week of December? We're from NY so 70's are sometimes hot to us lol

4. I see everyone talking about crowds, will it be very crowded in the beginning of December? I've read that this is a slower time (???)

I'm sure I'll be back for more, thanks!!

 

[eddad]

Does anyone know when they break out the decorations at the hotels and resorts?

 

[MickeyMomTo2]

We also saw Santa in DTD for free (last year). We took pictures with out camera and there were Photopass photographers there as well.

 

[MarinaAndCharlie]

Hi there!

December newbies, here. We're going for my birthday this year from Dec 15-21st. We've only gone once before for the first week of June 2007. How do the crowds during our December week compare to June?

Also, do they play regular Disney soundtracks in the parks or is it only holiday music?

I've heard you can meet the fab four in AK in Christmas clothes but are any other characters dressed for the occasion (outside of MVMCP)?

Any special advice other than what we needed for June?

Thanks!! Lookin forward to the holidays!!

 

[natenapril]

I have actually been wondering the same thing. We are from New Brunswick Canada so if it it 40-50 degrees we only would wear a light coat. 50 - 60 we just wouldn't wear shorts maybe pants and a light top. Anything above 60 is short and tank top weather for us.

We're from Alaska and I was thinking the same thing! Glad to know somebody else there will be dressed like us

 

[f15robyn]

We're from Alaska and I was thinking the same thing! Glad to know somebody else there will be dressed like us

For those heading down from "cooler" areas, who are feeling confident about the temperatures in Dec in Florida, I'll remind you to compare the humidity in FL versus your location as well.

We've gone down from Vermont in Jan 2008 and Jan 2009. Feeling all smug about how "warm" 40 degrees at night was going to be "for us" .

But it is much more humid and much more windy at the parks than it is at home. And 40 degrees "felt" a lot colder standing still waiting for Spectro, Wishes and Illuminations than 40 degrees does taking a walk after work at home.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

YES, we do have that blessed humidity!! It's definitely different down here. It is windy at night!!!

Okay, chickadee.....we are going the week of the 5th....staying all week. We have been 2 other times in Dec...it's soooo beautiful. The Christmas Parade at MK is the first weekend, so that will probably be that Sat (5th)..we saw it the first year we were there in Dec...we did see lots of people!!!! But, it's doable. Maybe go to DHS or Epcot and visit the diff countries during that time if you want to avoid the big crowds.
It's not tooo crowded those first few weeks...once it's the weekend before christmas when ps kids and colleges are out, that's when it really picks up! I personally,wouldn't go then with the kids...I think we would be frustrated. But, if you get there early and do the major rides/attractions and use the FP options you shold be okay.
Are you gonna do MVMCP? It's reallllly fun!!! The nights that is going on the MK closes at 7 o'clock. Epcot has the Candlelight thing...really cool!! Haven't seen the whole thing yet..only bits and pieces walking by,,,we would love to see it if Steven Curtis Chapman is there that week!!!!! Check the weather about 2 weeks out ....get an idea of what the temps should be!!! I think you would love it!!!!

 

[novdisneydreams]

I apologize if this has already been answered - but when do all the decos come down??? Like if you were there 12/30-31 would they still be up at the resorts? How about the Osbourne lights? Thanks!

 

[FloridaMM]

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?

 

[snykymom]

I apologize if this has already been answered - but when do all the decos come down??? Like if you were there 12/30-31 would they still be up at the resorts? How about the Osbourne lights? Thanks!

Osbourne Lights' last night is Jan. 3. When we were there on January 6, the GF tree was down, but the gingerbread house was still there. Park lights and music were going until about the 5th. By the 8th, everything was down.

 

[wendyt_ca]

For those heading down from "cooler" areas, who are feeling confident about the temperatures in Dec in Florida, I'll remind you to compare the humidity in FL versus your location as well.

We've gone down from Vermont in Jan 2008 and Jan 2009. Feeling all smug about how "warm" 40 degrees at night was going to be "for us" .

But it is much more humid and much more windy at the parks than it is at home. And 40 degrees "felt" a lot colder standing still waiting for Spectro, Wishes and Illuminations than 40 degrees does taking a walk after work at home.

We are in NB about an hour east of southern Maine. We are right on the ocean though so we do get a fair amount of wind.

 

[Redbudlover]

I wil be there 12/3 to 12/15 this year with my favorite cousin and my best disser friend Jamstew! In past years when I have gone at Christmas I would say one of the most magical things that occurred was listening to all the Christmas stories around WS. Try to check the schedule - if you time it right you can start at one world, listen to its story, you walk to the next country, listen to that story - and so on all around the world. Was just the best!

The other thing that is really great is the Yuletide Tour. It was amazing and it takes you to all of the different parks by bus. It was too cool being in Epcot before it was open and learning about Christmas traditions in several of the countries.

The best "tip" I can give you is to plan to wear layers there. The weather can start cool in the morning, grow warm and warmer and then start to cool down and get cold. Layers! And do NOT miss the MVMCP - plan to be on Main Street when it snows! Just magical. and I really like the forefront show at the castle during this time of year.

Apart from those tips, do not under any circumstances miss the Osbourne Lights. They blew me away. I hadn't gone the year before - didn't think they would be that big a deal. I was dead wrong. They are a huge deal Don't miss them.

I also had a little decorated Christmas tree delivered to the resort by one of the gardening catalogs - can't remember which one. It was much cheaper than ordering one at WDW and brought that little extra Christmas cheer to the room. this year I think I will decorate my studio a little as well with candy canes and candles and bows.

 

[RMulieri]

Answering questions here:
1) Christmas decor- Decor is up in the Mk as early as Nov 10 for the 1st MVMCP. It is then put up in phases around WDW till completion for Thanksgiving weekend.The candlelight processional , Osborne lights, Holiday storytellers begin the Friday after Thanksgiving.XMAS decor starts to come down around Jan 4th, and comes down pretty quickly
2) crowds- I go in December OFTEN and can tell you it is no longer DEAD in the parks.More like moderate /low crowds.You will still have waits of 60mins or more for headliner attractions.So still use fastpass
3) The Parade Taping- Is usually the 1st weekend in Dec. Friday is usually the live performance taping, and Sat is the actual floats/parade. They have a selecton process for who gets to stand on main st.I know that AP holders are also considered.They don't just allow people to line up like a regular parade.

 

[ilovejsparrow]

HELP! I'm going to be in Orlando the week before Christmas to visit family, and due to time constraints we can only go to TWO PARKS. We're rope drop people so I'm not worried about getting in but what do we HAVE to see?? I'm counting on you WDW Christmas veterans to help me make a good decision! Thanks

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

HELP! I'm going to be in Orlando the week before Christmas to visit family, and due to time constraints we can only go to TWO PARKS. We're rope drop people so I'm not worried about getting in but what do we HAVE to see?? I'm counting on you WDW Christmas veterans to help me make a good decision! Thanks

Okay, give us some background...who's goin...big kids, little kids, older people, all adults.? My 2 parks as far as decor are MK and Epcot..World Showcase. Do you mean 2 days with a park per day, or 2 parks in one day? I would recommend the MVMCP if you are gonna be there for the entire day and into the night..if not, MK will close at 7 pm. I love looking at the different countries decor..it's sooo pretty. Then the Candlelight thing at Epcot is supposed to be awesome..we are trying to get that in our trip too. But, the Osborne lights at Hollywood studios are pretty amazing. Geez, You said 2..I am not helping!! HA!!!! I think you can see the Osborne lights on YouTube..if it doesn't grab you.. skip it and do Epcot. Ithink that's my vote...MK and Epcot. Tell us more!!!

 

[ilovejsparrow]

It's just me (21) and my mom (she'd rather not say ). We have two whole days at the park so we were trying to pick two. Our favorite park is Epcot, but we heard that the light show at DHS is not to be missed. Thanks for your help Disney Mommy!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

That's hard!! DHS--Osborne Lights....Epcot World Showcase--Candlelight Processional and diff countries traditions and decor.---MK Main Street, and the MVMCP. I am curious what others are gonna say!!!! This is gonna be interesting!! No matter what you pick, it's gonna be awesome and you can't go wrong!!!

 

[toledo13]

LOVE WDW CHRISTMAS!!!

We've been the last 2 years at Christmas and it has been great. WEIRD because you see decorations and palm trees (ok weird for me... ms. ohio...) but so nice!!!

My tip is- if you want to stay at the Swan or Dolphin, they have different 'value' season dates than the normal WDW dates- so call first to check if you can get a lower rate by going a day earlier or later! We did this a couple of years ago- their 'value' sason in December was different by a few days than WDW....

 

[ilovejsparrow]

Thanks for the advice! It really is a tough decision. I really want to do MVMCP... can I buy tickets now?