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

[Mndisneygirl]

Is it definite that they cut the LoW?

I didn't find what LoW is - help please?

 

[Echo queen]

It is the big light display that you walk through. Lights of wonder???I think.

 

[Mndisneygirl]

It is the big light display that you walk through. Lights of wonder???I think.

is that the thing at Epcot?

 

[Grandmouse]

Lights of Winter @ Epcot and yes, it is gone, according to Disney's official announcement.

 

[BenA81]

RIP http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCaKlrN_9Nw

 

[bjakmom]

We have an ADR for Tony's at 5:55 p.m. I've been trying to get an earlier time with no luck at all. We don't want to miss the castle lighting or any of the party and 5:55 is just cutting it too close. I highly doubt they will get us in right at 5:55. Anyway I can't find anything at all on 12/6 for the MK. I think we will end up canceling it and just using QS that night. It's really a bummer because my wife loves Tony's and has fond memories of when we were there last year.

So does anyone know how many tickets they sell for each MVMCP event?

Don't know how many tickets they sell these days except that it's "too many"!
I wanted to suggest that if you really want to eat at Tony's that you at least try and check in early (ideally whenever they open for dinner) and see if you can be seated. We were surprised how many empty tables there were on our last visit in Oct. I suspect that people may be making multiple ADRs on line and not cancelling. Anyway, it's worth a try before you give up and go eat counter service.

 

[richardsa98]

I suspect that people may be making multiple ADRs on line and not cancelling.

So wrong.....so many missed ADR's.... so many of us can't eat where we want....
Sorry couldn't help myself

 

[Calgary DISHeads]

Don't know how many tickets they sell these days except that it's "too many"!
I wanted to suggest that if you really want to eat at Tony's that you at least try and check in early (ideally whenever they open for dinner) and see if you can be seated. We were surprised how many empty tables there were on our last visit in Oct. I suspect that people may be making multiple ADRs on line and not cancelling. Anyway, it's worth a try before you give up and go eat counter service.

Maybe it's two trips for you.... but noticed you will be there on NYE - if it's not two trips I have an ADR on Dec 17th I will be cancelling at 7pm at Tony's if that's any help at all??? Maybe I havent got the big pic but is it Tony's or the date???

 

[jdd]

Steven Curtis Chapman is very very popular here in the South. He is a contemporary Christian singer. I would LOVE to be there during his show! Too bad he isn't singing, he has a beautiful voice. Click here if you are interested in seeing more about him: www.stevencurtischapman.com . I think it would be a very moving service with him this year. He is a strong advocate for international adoption, and one of his adopted daughters was tragically killed this year, she was 3 years old. He has written a whole album dedicated to her.

Thanks so much for the info! I really hope we're able to get into the show. We're going to shoot for the 5pm one, and hope for the best!

 

[Minxe]

my fiance, my parents and i will be going to the world this dec!! however, we'll only be able to go around end dec to early jan. right now, the tentative date is 23rd dec to 5 jan... are crowds going to be horrible then? would the situation at universal studios be a little better?

 

[Grandmouse]

Let's bump this up since the Christmas vacation questions are beginning to roll in. Although it is from last year, there is lots of good info here.

 

[missnanse]

Let's bump this up since the Christmas vacation questions are beginning to roll in. Although it is from last year, there is lots of good info here.

I go every other year for Christmas and I know how important all the right info is so I am bumping.

 

[pmdeve]

I love to read the Christmas Tips. Can't wait to go in Dec.

 

[zdesiree]

I won't be going this year but I went last year, so I'm here to help!

 

[OEF2Disney]

I am currently in Afghanistan and will be coming back "home" in December for some rest and relaxation. I will be flying direct to Orlando and will meet my wife, my 3 year old daughter, my Mother and Brother at Shades of Paradise.
We will be there from the 15th to the 21st.
After reading every page of this thread from last year I have put together a rough itinerary for our trip, as I would like very planned out to maximize the short time I will have with my family.
We are going to get a 3 day park hopper
15DEC- Fly into Orlando, relax have dinner (suggestions) at Disney Boardwalk
16Dec- (Daughters 3rd birthday) Wake up bright and early for MK, rides during morning lunch, (naptime) more rides, Dinner at MK (suggestions) MVMXP! To long of a day for a 2 year old? Should we take a break, head back to the hotel and nap and then go back? Or would that risk us not being able to go back into the park for MVMXP? Or just let her nap in the stroller?
17DEC AK Morning, lunch at AK, nap and relocate to DHS, BPB AT 1530, Fantasmic dinner package (suggestions), Osborne Lights
18Dec Princess tea party at GF, DTD, see Santa, Dinner at DTD (suggestions?)
19DEC EPCOT!!! (our favorite) rides, lunch, World showcase, CP dinner pkg (restaurant suggestions?) Illuminations
20DEC Universal Studios

I know there is a lot there, I am just looking for some help make sure I am not missing anything, lets assume money is not an issue and we are pretty laid back about everything. Any good holiday dinners that we should get to, or any other places we could squeeze in there. We will also have two cars so if my Mom needs to take my daughter back to the hotel that will not be a problem as well. I have been to Disney World almost 14 times since 1986 and 4 times to Disney Land so I am no stranger. First time with our daughter so I want to make it as enjoyable for her as possible. Anything that she would enjoy during December please let me know thank you all for the help!

 

[BridgetBordeaux]

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Christmas in July.

This thread will definitely help me look forward to our upcoming December trip!

 

[Grandmouse]

I am currently in Afghanistan and will be coming back "home" in December for some rest and relaxation. I will be flying direct to Orlando and will meet my wife, my 3 year old daughter, my Mother and Brother at Shades of Paradise.
We will be there from the 15th to the 21st.
After reading every page of this thread from last year I have put together a rough itinerary for our trip, as I would like very planned out to maximize the short time I will have with my family.
We are going to get a 3 day park hopper
15DEC- Fly into Orlando, relax have dinner (suggestions) at Disney Boardwalk
16Dec- (Daughters 3rd birthday) Wake up bright and early for MK, rides during morning lunch, (naptime) more rides, Dinner at MK (suggestions) MVMXP! To long of a day for a 2 year old? Should we take a break, head back to the hotel and nap and then go back? Or would that risk us not being able to go back into the park for MVMXP? Or just let her nap in the stroller?

Congratulations on this visit with your family. How wonderful for all of you!

MVMCP is a separate ticket event and you can enter the MK at 4 pm that day with that ticket (no need to use a park ticket unless you want to go to another park earlier in the day). With a 3-year old, I would not try to get to the park "bright and early" and do the party on the same day. If you do, you definitely need a break in mid-day, but if you are staying off-site, it might be more trouble than it's worth. (Shades of Paradise -- Shades of Green??) You could do the monorail tour of the 3 hotels and take the launch to Wilderness Lodge to see the Christmas decorations. They are not to be missed. And definitely, do a character meal-- she's the perfect age. Crystal Palace for Pooh and Friends or Cinderella's Castle for the princesses.

 

[Mrs. Charming]

I am currently in Afghanistan and will be coming back "home" in December for some rest and relaxation. I will be flying direct to Orlando and will meet my wife, my 3 year old daughter, my Mother and Brother at Shades of Paradise.
We will be there from the 15th to the 21st.
After reading every page of this thread from last year I have put together a rough itinerary for our trip, as I would like very planned out to maximize the short time I will have with my family.
We are going to get a 3 day park hopper
15DEC- Fly into Orlando, relax have dinner (suggestions) at Disney Boardwalk
16Dec- (Daughters 3rd birthday) Wake up bright and early for MK, rides during morning lunch, (naptime) more rides, Dinner at MK (suggestions) MVMXP! To long of a day for a 2 year old? Should we take a break, head back to the hotel and nap and then go back? Or would that risk us not being able to go back into the park for MVMXP? Or just let her nap in the stroller?
17DEC AK Morning, lunch at AK, nap and relocate to DHS, BPB AT 1530, Fantasmic dinner package (suggestions), Osborne Lights
18Dec Princess tea party at GF, DTD, see Santa, Dinner at DTD (suggestions?)
19DEC EPCOT!!! (our favorite) rides, lunch, World showcase, CP dinner pkg (restaurant suggestions?) Illuminations
20DEC Universal Studios

I know there is a lot there, I am just looking for some help make sure I am not missing anything, lets assume money is not an issue and we are pretty laid back about everything. Any good holiday dinners that we should get to, or any other places we could squeeze in there. We will also have two cars so if my Mom needs to take my daughter back to the hotel that will not be a problem as well. I have been to Disney World almost 14 times since 1986 and 4 times to Disney Land so I am no stranger. First time with our daughter so I want to make it as enjoyable for her as possible. Anything that she would enjoy during December please let me know thank you all for the help!

I just want to say... awwwww!! How sweet! I hope you have a super magical time.

 

[jake&samsmom]

I am currently in Afghanistan and will be coming back "home" in December for some rest and relaxation. I will be flying direct to Orlando and will meet my wife, my 3 year old daughter, my Mother and Brother at Shades of Paradise.
We will be there from the 15th to the 21st.
After reading every page of this thread from last year I have put together a rough itinerary for our trip, as I would like very planned out to maximize the short time I will have with my family.
We are going to get a 3 day park hopper
15DEC- Fly into Orlando, relax have dinner (suggestions) Cat Cora's KOUZINNA!!! Best Boardwalk restaurant at Disney Boardwalk
16Dec- (Daughters 3rd birthday) Wake up bright and early for MK, rides during morning lunch, (naptime) more rides, Dinner at MK (suggestions) Crystal Palace? You'll be there already and the food is good-plus if your daughter likes Pooh and friends, this one is awesome for character interaction; or, you could monorail it to Chef Mickey's at the Contemporary - great character interaction for a 3 y/o too! Another would be to monorail to the Grand Floridian for 1900 Park Fare for Cinderella's Happily Ever After Dinner - if your kid is into Cinderella, this to me is better than CRT!MVMXP! To long of a day for a 2 year old? Should we take a break, head back to the hotel and nap and then go back? Or would that risk us not being able to go back into the park for MVMXP? Or just let her nap in the stroller?
17DEC AK Morning, lunch at AK, nap and relocate to DHS, BPB AT 1530, Fantasmic dinner package (suggestions) I'd say Mama Melrose, Hollywood and Vine has a so-so buffet, and Brown Derby is too expensive , Osborne Lights
18Dec Princess tea party at GF, DTD, see Santa, Dinner at DTD (suggestions?) Now, I have boys and one infant girl, and I know the boys would vote for T-Rex cafe for the atmosphere, but you have a little girl, so I would guess she isn't into dinos...hmmm.. we like raglan road at DTD for their delicious food, but it doen't have a kid-theme, but they were nice to my kids, so I would recommend this one
19DEC EPCOT!!! (our favorite) rides, lunch, World showcase, CP dinner pkg (restaurant suggestions?) Le Cellier hands down!!! Illuminations
20DEC Universal Studios

I know there is a lot there, I am just looking for some help make sure I am not missing anything, lets assume money is not an issue and we are pretty laid back about everything. Any good holiday dinners that we should get to, or any other places we could squeeze in there How about dinner at Ohana's? We love this place! The kids have so much fun here! Also, how about a nice adults only dinner with just you and the wife at Jiko at the AKL, California Grill at the Contemporary or Narcoosee's at the Grand Floridian? I also suggest the PIRATES AND PALS FIREWORKS VOYAGE
We will also have two cars so if my Mom needs to take my daughter back to the hotel that will not be a problem as well. I have been to Disney World almost 14 times since 1986 and 4 times to Disney Land so I am no stranger. First time with our daughter so I want to make it as enjoyable for her as possible. Anything that she would enjoy during December please let me know thank you all for the help!

Details:

PIRATES AND PALS FIREWORKS VOYAGE
(formerly the Magical Fireworks Voyage)

This event begins with cookies, snacks and beverages before you "set sail" on your magical voyage where you'll have prime viewing of the Magic Kingdom's "Wishes" and "Electrical Water Pageant." Before you board, none other than Captain Hook and his hapless first-mate Mr. Smee arrive for some mayhem and photos. Your host for the night is "Patch," a pirate of dubious distinction. As you sail along the Seven Seas Lagoon, Patch will have you singing along and challenge you to some Disney Trivia.

Your "ship will set anchor" at the perfect spot overlooking the Magic Kingdom to view "Wishes". From there you return to the pier while Patch regales you with the story of Peter Pan. When you arrive, you'll see that none other than Peter himself is there to greet you.

Price: $57.50 (ages 10 and up) $33.01 (ages 3 - 9)
Reservations: Can be made up to 180 days in advance. Requirements: Credit card charged when making the reservation. 48-hour cancellation policy Meeting location: Noted on the event board in Disney's Contemporary Resort


KOUZINNA MENU: http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?Restaurant.ID=561

CRYSTAL PALACE MENU: http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?restaurant.ID=112

CHEF MICKEY'S MENU: http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?Restaurant.ID=55

1900 PARK FARE MENU: http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?restaurant.id=28

MAMA MELROSE MENU:
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?restaurant.ID=88

RAGLAN ROAD MENU:
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?restaurant.id=379

LE CELLIER MENU:
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?Restaurant.ID=137

OHANA MENU:
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?restaurant.ID=25

JIKO MENU:
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?Restaurant.ID=229

CALIFORNIA GRILL MENU:
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?restaurant.ID=105

NARCOOSEE'S MENU:
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?Restaurant.ID=32

Also, the Fantasmic dining sell out fast, so I suggest you book this ASAP. My family and I will be at WDW from Dec 18-24 this year, and I already booked our Fantasmic Dining Package (and when I did, I was told it was going pretty quickly)!! In general, the crowds will be picking up while y'all are there, so I suggest you think of doing your dining ressies pretty soon to make sure you get your first choices of restaurants and times.

Hope this helps. I thank you for your service to our country! God Bless and be safe.

 

[Tigge50447]

I'll be there Nov 30th - Dec 4th. Can't wait. It will be my 2nd time there around the holiday times. I normally go in late Aug early Sept. but my BF is a fair weather person, lol..... At least we got a room discount code.