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

[Pjimmeyer]

Have you ever been to a Party Night. They are all the same, more than one is a waste of money. Just a night at MK with shorter lines, cookies and cocoa, visit with Santa, fireworks and a parade, once you did it, more than once a year is well boring!! (I do love the party for the one night though) But if you just want to throw away extra money go for it. Same fireworks and parade after the 19th, and no need to pay extra.

Hi

We've never been to any party nights, but we really prefer staying late in the park instead of starting early. Seems like the way they have the parties so frequently if you want to stay late in the park you have to buy a ticket. Since this is kind of a splurge/anniversary trip and we don't have the whole family to buy for I thought what the heck

-Jimbo

 

[kswm30b]

Have you ever been to a Party Night. They are all the same, more than one is a waste of money. Just a night at MK with shorter lines, cookies and cocoa, visit with Santa, fireworks and a parade, once you did it, more than once a year is well boring!! (I do love the party for the one night though) But if you just want to throw away extra money go for it. Same fireworks and parade after the 19th, and no need to pay extra.

I've never been to the Xmas party, but I have been to the Halloween party twice in one trip & it wasn't boring at all. There's a lot to do & spacing it over 2 nights, plus a few rides was really fun!

My trip is officially under 60 days from now! Excited!!

 

[phins_jazy]

we got some of those great 3d glasses last year. My kids loved them. They destroyed them though. The cute little store that I bought them from has since closed. Good to know that they are available at cracker barrel. I'm going to go this afternoon and pick up 8 pairs! Thanks for the heads up!!!

 

[dollyd]

I will be visiting DW 11/29 to 12/9 does anyone know when they are taping fr christmas showing? I am so excited, Start at Swan for 2 days then off to the Boardwalk for 3 days then to the Yacht Club for 3 and finally the Flordian. I am so excited!!

 

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

I will be visiting DW 11/29 to 12/9 does anyone know when they are taping fr christmas showing? I am so excited, Start at Swan for 2 days then off to the Boardwalk for 3 days then to the Yacht Club for 3 and finally the Flordian. I am so excited!!

The parade taping is 12/5. Wow! That's a lot of resort hopping!!!

 

[dollyd]

The parade taping is 12/5. Wow! That's a lot of resort hopping!!!

I know but you only live once and I'll propbably hate all the moving. I'll let everyone know when I get back

 

[dfduck]

Here is my tips for Christmas as WDW.

Illuminations: about 1hr 15mins before the start pay attention to which way the wind is blowing. Then go the opposite side of the lagoon. The holiday tag throws off about 2800 shells in only a couple of minutes so it can get pretty smokey.

Wishes/Holiday Wishes: Main street is packed, stand back towards the train station and as soon as it's over, head up the train station and wait it out or hop on the train if it's not too long after so you don't get "crushed" in the crowds.

MVMCP: If attending always try to catch the later shows, the early ones are most crowded and a lot of families leave right after Holiday Wishes.

Characters in Holiday Costumes: They are all over the place but most noticable in Animal Kingdom. Makes for a great christmas photo op.

Picture taking of lights: All the christmas lights can cause some pictures to come out blurry if you take the picture too quickly. If using a digital camera, check your photo if you can really quick, otherwise you may miss that Magical Moment.

Osborne Lights: You really have to be there for the light switch ceremony. Yes it's crowded but WOW what a way to start the evening. All those lights, snow and musical.

Holiday Merchandise: I have found over the last 4 trips there is certain stores that have items that others do not and you really have to pay attention. Some of the Animal Kingdom shops have some hidden treasures.

The weekends are the busiest and it slows down normally during the week days, but with disney throwing all these promotions out there, the parks are becoming more crowded and there is less of a "Slow Season"

Above all enjoy your magical holiday. (afterall it's like having christmas twice in the same month)

 

[disneymom1980]

Although our trip isn't until December of 2010, I just wanted to jump on and thank everyone for the tips and hints. I'm already adding them to my planning notebook.

 

[MadilynnsMomma]

Here is my tips for Christmas as WDW.

Illuminations: about 1hr 15mins before the start pay attention to which way the wind is blowing. Then go the opposite side of the lagoon. The holiday tag throws off about 2800 shells in only a couple of minutes so it can get pretty smokey.

Wishes/Holiday Wishes: Main street is packed, stand back towards the train station and as soon as it's over, head up the train station and wait it out or hop on the train if it's not too long after so you don't get "crushed" in the crowds.

MVMCP: If attending always try to catch the later shows, the early ones are most crowded and a lot of families leave right after Holiday Wishes.

Characters in Holiday Costumes: They are all over the place but most noticable in Animal Kingdom. Makes for a great christmas photo op.

Picture taking of lights: All the christmas lights can cause some pictures to come out blurry if you take the picture too quickly. If using a digital camera, check your photo if you can really quick, otherwise you may miss that Magical Moment.

Osborne Lights: You really have to be there for the light switch ceremony. Yes it's crowded but WOW what a way to start the evening. All those lights, snow and musical.

Holiday Merchandise: I have found over the last 4 trips there is certain stores that have items that others do not and you really have to pay attention. Some of the Animal Kingdom shops have some hidden treasures.

The weekends are the busiest and it slows down normally during the week days, but with disney throwing all these promotions out there, the parks are becoming more crowded and there is less of a "Slow Season"

Above all enjoy your magical holiday. (afterall it's like having christmas twice in the same month)

GREAT tips! Thanks so much for sharing!!!

 

[nic100308]

This thread makes me that much more excited!!!! Thanks for the tips everyone, can't wait to hear more!!

 

[LaurieN]

Here is my tips for Christmas as WDW.

Illuminations: about 1hr 15mins before the start pay attention to which way the wind is blowing. Then go the opposite side of the lagoon. The holiday tag throws off about 2800 shells in only a couple of minutes so it can get pretty smokey.

Wishes/Holiday Wishes: Main street is packed, stand back towards the train station and as soon as it's over, head up the train station and wait it out or hop on the train if it's not too long after so you don't get "crushed" in the crowds.

MVMCP: If attending always try to catch the later shows, the early ones are most crowded and a lot of families leave right after Holiday Wishes.

Characters in Holiday Costumes: They are all over the place but most noticable in Animal Kingdom. Makes for a great christmas photo op.

Picture taking of lights: All the christmas lights can cause some pictures to come out blurry if you take the picture too quickly. If using a digital camera, check your photo if you can really quick, otherwise you may miss that Magical Moment.

Osborne Lights: You really have to be there for the light switch ceremony. Yes it's crowded but WOW what a way to start the evening. All those lights, snow and musical.

Holiday Merchandise: I have found over the last 4 trips there is certain stores that have items that others do not and you really have to pay attention. Some of the Animal Kingdom shops have some hidden treasures.

The weekends are the busiest and it slows down normally during the week days, but with disney throwing all these promotions out there, the parks are becoming more crowded and there is less of a "Slow Season"

Above all enjoy your magical holiday. (afterall it's like having christmas twice in the same month)

Thanks, these are great tips!! Very helpful. I have 2 questions:
1. Do they post in the "times guide" what time they flip the switch for Osbourn lights?

2. Do you know if the giant gingerbread house is up by Thanksgiving day?
Thanks again, LOVE this thread
Laurie

 

[lovesdumbo]

Do you know if the giant gingerbread house is up by Thanksgiving day?

I went to WDW for Veteran's Day in 2007 and one day we had Tea at the GF. The chef was putting the chimney on the Ginger Bread House and adding "snow" to the roof. It was really cool to see and the chef was one I had seen on TV so that was cool too!

I'm sure it will be up for Thanksgiving!

 

[cat83]

Here's a minor tip, but talking about Thanksgiving reminded me:

Most (or many) TS restaurants have special Thanksgiving menus.
So if there is somewhere you normally wouldn't try, you might want to experience them with their special menu.
For example: I would love to eat at Coral Reef, but cannot tolerate being around fish (the eating kind, not in the tank )
My friend told me that there is no "fish" smell, but we checked it out last year (just to see, not to eat), and believe me, I noticed it!
My husband did too, so I'm not totally crazy

Anyway, that's an example of a time we would do Coral Reef.

 

[desparatelydisney]

I went to WDW for Veteran's Day in 2007 and one day we had Tea at the GF. The chef was putting the chimney on the Ginger Bread House and adding "snow" to the roof. It was really cool to see and the chef was one I had seen on TV so that was cool too!

I'm sure it will be up for Thanksgiving!

LovesDumbo, DD (5) and I have a reservation for tea at the GF. How was it I am really looking forward to it and think the little one will love it as she likes all things "proper" and "ladylike" Do you remember which tea package you got? Any suggestions?

TIA!

 

[lovesdumbo]

I got the Buckingham Palace Tea. It was surprisingly VERY filling!!! It is really nice. I'm sure you'll have a great time!

Here a few pictures of the Chef adding the chimney and snow to the ginger bread house. The "snow" photos were actually taken from inside the Tearoom. I looked at the date stamp on the photos and looks like we were there 11/9. The sign said the ginger bread house at the GF would be open 10am to 10pm starting Monday 11/12/07.

 

[lovesdumbo]

LovesDumbo, DD (5) and I have a reservation for tea at the GF. How was it I am really looking forward to it and think the little one will love it as she likes all things "proper" and "ladylike" Do you remember which tea package you got? Any suggestions?

TIA!

I just looked at your signature. Are leaving her brothers at home for a Mommy & DD trip? How fun!!!

My DH isn't the Disney freak that I am so we tend to take one family trip a year and then I bring my kids one at a time. The family trips are wonderful but those one on one trips are very special!

 

[desparatelydisney]

I got the Buckingham Palace Tea. It was surprisingly VERY filling!!! It is really nice. I'm sure you'll have a great time!

Here a few pictures of the Chef adding the chimney and snow to the ginger bread house. The "snow" photos were actually taken from inside the Tearoom. I looked at the date stamp on the photos and looks like we were there 11/9. The sign said the ginger bread house at the GF would be open 10am to 10pm starting Monday 11/12/07.

Oh, you have made my night!!! We are going 11/19 and I was so afraid that the Gingerbread House wouldn't be up yet!!! I am about to burst!!!!

I just looked at your signature. Are leaving her brothers at home for a Mommy & DD trip? How fun!!!

My DH isn't the Disney freak that I am so we tend to take one family trip a year and then I bring my kids one at a time. The family trips are wonderful but those one on one trips are very special!

We are so excited!!! I have my first every PTR started ....http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2267158....come & join me!!! I picked the GF because I thought it would be the perfect place for & me!! Now that I am a Disney-specialist TA (as you will read in my PTR), I have talked the hubby into letting me take the kids on my commissions for those "one on one" trips like you said. I can't wait! My DH is like yours; he enjoys it but he's no nut. I have promised the boys that we will do Star Wars weekends and stay at their favorite resort - WL. I am soooo glad to hear that others do this as DH tends to think I'm "way overboard on the Disney trips". I think that just she and I together will be soooo different than having to make everybody happy all the time.

 

[MrsSilvaStrat]

subbing on this one! We just booked today and I am so excited. We booked a lunch / CP package since we are late to the party and all the good dinner sites were snagged already. I bought our MVMCP tickets too! It will be our first time for this event. DH says "they hand out free hot cocoa". I hate to tell him that hot cocoa cost $50 . If they even are doing that this year.

We are going 12/11-12/15. I've got my santa minnie ears out!

Does anyone know if they are going to have the big sales like last Dec? We got great deals on t-shirts and holiday items and we were there on the same dates. I'd love to hit it up again for some Christmas present shopping.

 

[Wonders10]

LovesDumbo, DD (5) and I have a reservation for tea at the GF. How was it I am really looking forward to it and think the little one will love it as she likes all things "proper" and "ladylike" Do you remember which tea package you got? Any suggestions?

TIA!

I just wanted to chime in about the GF Tea...I did it a few years ago with my mom and then 2 1/2 year old niece. She was served her chocolate milk in royal doulton china and drank out of a china cup. My mom was on pins and needles the whole time...but the staff was great and they even said it wasn't a big deal if she dropped it and it broke (it didn't). But even at that young of an age, she LOVED it, and it was a really happy memory for my mom and I to do it with her. I'm not into the finger sandwiches much, although we did order them, so I'm not really going to comment on the food. They do have kid-friendly sandwiches though like ham and pb&j. The pastries, scones and desserts though were yummy! I would love to do it again, especially with my niece again since she is older, but we never seem to have time to fit it in.

 

[desparatelydisney]

I just wanted to chime in about the GF Tea...I did it a few years ago with my mom and then 2 1/2 year old niece. She was served her chocolate milk in royal doulton china and drank out of a china cup. My mom was on pins and needles the whole time...but the staff was great and they even said it wasn't a big deal if she dropped it and it broke (it didn't). But even at that young of an age, she LOVED it, and it was a really happy memory for my mom and I to do it with her. I'm not into the finger sandwiches much, although we did order them, so I'm not really going to comment on the food. They do have kid-friendly sandwiches though like ham and pb&j. The pastries, scones and desserts though were yummy! I would love to do it again, especially with my niece again since she is older, but we never seem to have time to fit it in.

Thanks, Wonders10!!