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

[Mrs D]

Will Disney publish a map and or schedule of events before the first party or must we wait until someone returns?

 

[PatriciaH]

There used to be a sleigh ride leaving from Wilderness Lodge and a carriage ride (with bells in December) leaving from Fort Wilderness in December. The WL one took you through the woods and back to WL and the FW one took you around the campsites and was cheaper- $35 instead of $60. Now (new this year) the sleigh ride leaves from FW and there are no carriage rides in December. I hope they take you around the campsites since those are more fun to see! I booked one for 12/19 but we may just ride our bikes around instead if the ride only does the woods!

 

[lisah0711]

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!

 

[Diznejen1]

I love the holiday ending for illuminations. It should be especially poignant this year with the passing of Walter Cronkite, who does the narration.

You are so right. I was lucky enough to be a high school student in the mass choir for the Candlelight Processional a number of years ago and Walter Cronkite was the narrator. He was amazing, moving and will be forever missed.

 

[mickeysaver]

The Santas and Storytellers around the WS at Epcot did have some schedule changes last year. There were some minor changes in appearance times and some additional and missing shows from the previous year. It was nothing too major, but when the schedule comes out, it has remained the same throughout the holiday season. My best suggestion is to bookmark Steve Soares' website. His site is a godsend for overplanners.

http://pages.prodigy.net/stevesoares/

To see the 2008 Holiday info check out his archive. http://pages.prodigy.net/stevesoares/christmas.htm

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

Thank you for all the info on the Storytellers! Looking at last years schedule, it seems that it could be a bit of a challenge to seem them all! We have one full day and part of another. I am thinking we will be able to see France, UK & Canada on our partial day (we are eating at R&C). Will have to make a solid plan to see the rest of them on our full day! Course I have to factor Off Kilter into the schedule as well!

About how long is each performance?

Edit - I see now on Steve Soares site that they are about 15 minutes. Definitely bookmarking that site! I had it at one time and somehow lost it! THANKS!

 

[focusondisney]

Hi all!!

I haven't read all the pages so forgive me if this has been discussed, but I'm looking for information on the Yultide Tour. Have it booked for our dec vacation. Wondering what you see, where you go,etc. We have taken a few other tours & thought this would be good. thanks for any info!!

 

[iluvbelle1203]

My family has been talking about waiting until next Christmas to go to Disney since we have never been there during Christmas before and thought it would be fun and something different, but is it worth to go during Christmas time to wait a whole year of not going to Disney to go during next Christmas? and for that matter im not even sure i can wait that long to go! haha Hopefully we can make it until then : ) it'll make it even more special waiting that long i guess haha

 

[JPN4265]

I noticed that at the Magic Kingdom, they will be holding the Christmas fireworks on the 23rd and the 24th. Will they be doing the same at Epcot? Would be nice to see both of the special fireworks programs.

 

[kdzbear]

The Santas and Storytellers around the WS at Epcot did have some schedule changes last year. There were some minor changes in appearance times and some additional and missing shows from the previous year. It was nothing too major, but when the schedule comes out, it has remained the same throughout the holiday season. My best suggestion is to bookmark Steve Soares' website. His site is a godsend for overplanners.

http://pages.prodigy.net/stevesoares/

To see the 2008 Holiday info check out his archive. http://pages.prodigy.net/stevesoares/christmas.htm

Does anyone know what day these start in Epcot? Is it the day after Thanksgiving?

 

[PiperPizzaz]

My tips would be:

Try to see the Osbourne Lights when Fantasmic is also on, the streets will be a little less crowded.

This is a great tip!

 

[dalstitch45]

I am getting excited! Can't wait! We will be there 11/28 - 12/3 (We added an extra day). We are going back again 12/18 - 12/21. I already wrote down all the pins I want to get.

I just love touring all the resorts, and seeing the decorations in the daytime and at night. This is a trip in itself. I too, am hoping for a tribute to Walter Cronkite at the Holiday Illuminations. His narration always made the fireworks more special.

I don't know if this was covered, but if so, I apologize. This is for the monogrammed ornaments. I don't always go to the Christmas store at DTD or the one in MK. Sometimes I get them at less busier parks like AK. I have never waited more than an hour for them to be done. If you do get the ornaments monogrammed at DTD, make sure you go on the first day of your trip to so there is enough time for them to be done. It gets really busy at that store. I wish they would have a sale like they did last year, though. I bought so many Christmas decorations, hats, etc. during the sale.

 

[MerissaAndMomLoveDis]

Does anyone know what day these start in Epcot? Is it the day after Thanksgiving?

Yes, we were there last year and the first day for the Storytellers Around the World at EPCOT was the Friday following Thanksgiving Day. By the way, I stubled across your trip reports over the weekend and was very inspired by your family's story and truly humbled by the power of faith.

 

[kdzbear]

Yes, we were there last year and the first day for the Storytellers Around the World at EPCOT was the Friday following Thanksgiving Day. By the way, I stubled across your trip reports over the weekend and was very inspired by your family's story and truly humbled by the power of faith.

Thank you! You are too kind! I guess we will miss them by two days, but we will get to see the Osbourne Family Lights so I am excited for that and MVMCP!

 

[weheartdisney07]

We are going down there December 12-18 and was wondering if we are going to miss most of the crowds, because from what I have been reading after the 19th is when it gets the most crowded.

 

[Fairiebee]

Great thread, great information and ideas! Have a wonderful trip, wishing you fairie dust and magic! We'll be there Dec 26th through Jan 2nd.

 

[DonaldTDuck]

We are going down there December 12-18 and was wondering if we are going to miss most of the crowds, because from what I have been reading after the 19th is when it gets the most crowded.

From what I can gather from info on several sites Disney starts seasonal pricing about Dec 17, the same day that free dining(as a start date) ends. It may be somewhat slow early in your trip, but will get busier the closer to Christmas it gets. I certainly hope so as our trip is Dec 11-17. BTW I paid in full today as I will be on vacation on my due date, a long weekend in LA, mostly is New Orleans.

 

[jessrose18]

let me start by saying I didn't read this whole thread:

Do they light the castle at MK on non MVMCP nights? Trying to decide if we should do party or a regular MK day and only have one day for MK and have to see the castle lights! From reading I wasn't sure if the lighting ceramony was different at the party or not??? Also how early do they have a christmas theme to the parade? Thanks.

 

[LastminuteLouLou]

I know the castle is lighted on days *other* than MVMCP. The other questions...I'm not help, sorry!

 

[TiffinyKC]

I just wanted to say....I am so excited that it's almost Christmas time!!!!