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

[mom2rtk]

After months and months of waiting our trip is almost upon us. We will be at WDW Dec 25th thru Jan 1st.

We have reservations for CP & CRT. Plan to carry couple of camp chair for the waits in line and dress in layers.

How is the weather going to be? It is 41 degrees in NOLA and we need to bundle up to be outside. So, how cold does it get during Christmas time?

Some tips please on making the best of this trip with a 4 yr old and older parents.

Don't be surprised if you get to the gate and they tell you the camp chairs can't come in with you. I believe they are against policy.

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

What a great thread!

Question for holiday veterans: When is the best time to see Osbourne lights? During the first or second Fantasmic or another time? Thanks!

I just booked a lunch CP package for Biergarten for Sat!

I am a teacher and dh can never take off when we (our daughters and I) are on break. This year my school is having break a week early; a time when dh could take off.

Only I am interested in the CP, so I was going to get there at 4 and wait for the 5show. I probably would have been fine. Less popular narrator and earlier show, but I figured for $40, I should guarantee myself a seat.

We are staying at Pop our arrival night and transferring to BCV after visiting HS in the morning. So, dh and the girls can get us checked in, swim, and I will go have lunch at Biergarten. (It shouldn't be a long lunch either...I'm not worried about eating my money's worth.)

 

[DJGifford]

We had our trip, from December 18- 23rd. The 18th was the last night for the VMCP, and I have to say that I was very disappointed. There were just as many people without a bracelet as people with one! I wouldn't do it again. The Osborne lights was FANTASTIC!!! A definate must see. This year we didn't do the CP, which I regret... if we do go at Christmastime again, I will definitely do that instead of the VMCP.

I have to say that the decorations in some of the hotel lobbies was nothing that I had expected. We were at Saratoga Springs and it was ok... we did hotel hopping to the Vacation Club resorts... and Poly and GF and Contemporary.

Now I am off to research the Members only cruises...

 

[disneydiva16]

We had our trip, from December 18- 23rd. The 18th was the last night for the VMCP, and I have to say that I was very disappointed. There were just as many people without a bracelet as people with one! I wouldn't do it again.

Was the last MVMCP crowded? I am going at Christmas time next year and want to go to the party. I just dont think I want to attend the last party because of crowds. I am looking forward to being there at that time. I usually do the halloween party, but wanted to try this time of year instead. I am excited

 

[mom2rtk]

Was the last MVMCP crowded? I am going at Christmas time next year and want to go to the party. I just dont think I want to attend the last party because of crowds. I am looking forward to being there at that time. I usually do the halloween party, but wanted to try this time of year instead. I am excited

The last party almost always sells out. Last year the second to last (Fri the 16th) also sold out.

 

[Shunasee]

We are doing a trip early/mid november this year.. and I am hoping that the Christmas Decorations will be up. When do they usually announce everything?

 

[BDL]

We are doing a trip early/mid november this year.. and I am hoping that the Christmas Decorations will be up. When do they usually announce everything?

Between May and July all the announcements should be out. From the dates of MVMCP to the roster of narrators for the Candlelight Procession. The decorations start going up during overnight shifts, starting Nov 2. And all MK decorations should be up before the 1st MVMCP. The other parks and resorts, start decorating around the same time and finish a short time after MK.

 

[saintstickets]

We are doing a trip early/mid november this year.. and I am hoping that the Christmas Decorations will be up. When do they usually announce everything?

Touring Plans is stating that MVMCP will be from Nov 6 - Dec 18, 2012 and Candlelight Processional is from Nov 23 - Dec 30, 2012. I'm not sure about Osborne Family Lights. BTW, MVMCP is not every night during that time frame.

 

[mistybroussard]

Getting VERY excited about our upcoming trip! I have an appointment for BBB for my little girls at 4:00. Do you think we will have enough time to get done and see the lighting of the Christmas Tree at MK for 5:00? and what time do they light up the castle? Finally - my little one (3) is a little scared of the popping noise from fireworks. She loves to see them - just not hear them. What would be the best place to be to view Wishes?

 

[seadd67]

Right now I am planning on going to WDW on Thanksgiveing,but i am really thinking about changeing my mind and going in the middle of Oct, seeing MNSSHP and food&wine fest. Now I have been to both MNSSHP and Food&wine before and have not gone to MVMCP. I have read and hered that MVMCP was not that worth it? Is that true. Although i have seen MNSSHP before i really!!! love it and would not hessitate to go again, so would it be worth skipping it for MVMCP.

 

[mom2rtk]

Getting VERY excited about our upcoming trip! I have an appointment for BBB for my little girls at 4:00. Do you think we will have enough time to get done and see the lighting of the Christmas Tree at MK for 5:00? and what time do they light up the castle? Finally - my little one (3) is a little scared of the popping noise from fireworks. She loves to see them - just not hear them. What would be the best place to be to view Wishes?

Castle lighting is usually around 6:15.

 

[Flora Fan]

MVMCP dates have been posted and tickets are on sale.

 

[saintstickets]

Right now I am planning on going to WDW on Thanksgiveing,but i am really thinking about changeing my mind and going in the middle of Oct, seeing MNSSHP and food&wine fest. Now I have been to both MNSSHP and Food&wine before and have not gone to MVMCP. I have read and hered that MVMCP was not that worth it? Is that true. Although i have seen MNSSHP before i really!!! love it and would not hessitate to go again, so would it be worth skipping it for MVMCP.

DW and I really enjoyed MVMCP with it snowing on Main Street, the hot chocolate & cookies, the decorations and the parade. However, that is not all there is to do during that time. There is the FANTASTIC Candlelight Processional at EPCOT; the amazing Osborne Family Lights at DHS and all the resort Christmas decorations especially at the Grand Floridian. As for others saying MVMCP is not worth it, there are those that say WDW is not worth it! Different strokes for different folks. IMO, if you've already been to MNSSHP and F&W, then give MVMCP and Christmas at WDW a try. A magical land during a special time of the year...can it get any better than that?

 

[Grandmouse]

I saw a preliminary schedule for Candellight Processional and hopefully, Stephen Curtis Chapman will be there this year. He has a tight tour schedule.

 

[BDL]

Right now I am planning on going to WDW on Thanksgiveing,but i am really thinking about changeing my mind and going in the middle of Oct, seeing MNSSHP and food&wine fest. Now I have been to both MNSSHP and Food&wine before and have not gone to MVMCP. I have read and hered that MVMCP was not that worth it? Is that true. Although i have seen MNSSHP before i really!!! love it and would not hessitate to go again, so would it be worth skipping it for MVMCP.

DW and I really enjoyed MVMCP with it snowing on Main Street, the hot chocolate & cookies, the decorations and the parade. However, that is not all there is to do during that time. There is the FANTASTIC Candlelight Processional at EPCOT; the amazing Osborne Family Lights at DHS and all the resort Christmas decorations especially at the Grand Floridian. As for others saying MVMCP is not worth it, there are those that say WDW is not worth it! Different strokes for different folks. IMO, if you've already been to MNSSHP and F&W, then give MVMCP and Christmas at WDW a try. A magical land during a special time of the year...can it get any better than that?

Seadd67... Saintstickets is 100% right. In 2010, I took my then girlfriend, now fiance' (I proposed in front of the Castle on our last day and got it caught on photopass) down to Disney in December as a surprise Christmas/birthday/anniversary gift. If you need any convincing, look at pg. 1 of this thread ( http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2869227 ) . I posted links to the Behind the Magic of the WDW Christmas Decorations and Tofubeast put them in the EVENTS post. My fiance' and I watched this special together the year before, and after looking at her expressions thoughout the special, I knew I had to get her down to Disney at Christmas.

It doesn't matter which park you are at, at night (AK closes at sunset). You will not be able to count the number of times that you catch yourself standing there with your jaw open. Whether it's seeing the Castle lit up and Wishes, or the VERY moving Candlelight Processional followed by Illuminations, or the immersive Osbourne Lights.

But to answer your question about MVMCP, I thought it was worth it the last trip and we are doing it again this trip. For all the reasons that Saintstickets mentioned, and also for the fact that every ride you usually plan to have a 1hr+ wait for, you can pretty much just walk on.

Getting back to the decorations, make sure you budget at least 1/2 a day to check out the Deluxe resorts lobbies. Worth the time.

 

[disneychic2]

It's possible you would be finished by 5, but not probable. I would suggest earphones for your little one who is bothered by the sound of fireworks. They sell some cute ones for kids in the disney store online, but I'm sure you could get less expensive ones at Amazon or eforcity. I loved being at Disney during the holiday season two years ago! There is so much to see and do. You'll love it!

 

[PlutoTheDog89]

Where to start? Well, I've been there 2/3 of the last 3 years and loved it. I am blessed that my job gives us off a week between xmas and NYE, my sister is a teacher, my dad is retired, and my mom is nearing retirement - so we'll be able to go back! I haven't had time to read the pages, but I'll give my scoop.

- On Christmas day and NYE (especially NYE), find a park in the morning and plan on staying there. Epcot and MK get the most crowded and will most likely be at capacity around 12pm. Remember, this is Floridian's Time Square, and where they go to ring in the New Year. Add that with tons of tourists visiting, and you have extreme crowd levels.

- While on the topic of NYE, go to MK the night before NYE (New Year's Eve, Eve). They do the exact same show as a run-through. On NYE, DHS is a sleeper. It gets packed, but not as packed as Epcot and MK, and they actually put on an amazing show.

- Go Monorail hopping. The luxury hotels along the monorail have some of the best xmas trees and decoration.

- Disney's Beach club resort (I Believe) has an AWESOME Gingerbread house.

- Pack for cold, and warm, and in-between. Of course, check the weather beforehand, but when it comes to the weather down there during xmas time, It could be mild in the day time, or could damp, windy and cloudy. The Florida sun is the source of how warm it will be (as ridiculous as it sounds). If it's going to be cloudy and 60, plan for it to feel like ~50 and be cold. If it's going to be sunny and 60, the sun will keep you warm and it will feel like a true-60 degree day.

- A fun thing to do during the holidays if you're waiting on line (which you will be) is to see how many Mickey-shaped decorations you can find- and who can find the most.

- Something I decided after going in April, is that come Christmas, if there's a park opened until say 2am for EMH, we will relax at the hotel after dinner, maybe nap during the day, then be ready to go the entire night. The park really empties out the later it gets (obviously) so we will definitely take advantage of it!

- The buses will be extremely crowded when the park closes. No use in rushing to the bus stop. Have some patience and remember you're in Disney. This will help everyone.

- Book reservations early. Reservations for restaurants are hard to come by around xmas.

- If you're Italian like me and enjoy your seafood xmas eve, plenty of restaurants offer solid seafood specials. The best Seafood, in my opinion, that I've had so far was at Yacht club. It's a buffet, so you'll feel right at home.

.. That's all for now. I'll try to think of more!

 

[meryll83]

I'm a later joiner to this thread, so apologies if this has already been asked!

With the CP package, is your dinner ADR after the CP? Or the other way round? Or do you choose the time of both your ADR and CP session?

Also, the parade taping at MK - what's the deal with attending this? I've heard you have to enter a lottery?

Thanks in advance for any advice you can give me, I'm a Christmas newbie!

 

[lurkyloo]

Hi!

Your dinner time is before the show, which means that if you want to see the first show, your dinner is actually a lunch! You tell them which show you want to see, then they tell you the window of availability for the meal and you pick a time. Depending on the exact time of your meal, you may be cutting it close to line up for the show (because even if you get a package, you still have to stand in a huge line, just not for as long).

 

[meryll83]

Hi!

Your dinner time is before the show, which means that if you want to see the first show, your dinner is actually a lunch! You tell them which show you want to see, then they tell you the window of availability for the meal and you pick a time. Depending on the exact time of your meal, you may be cutting it close to line up for the show (because even if you get a package, you still have to stand in a huge line, just not for as long).

Thanks Carrie,

Can you book the CP packages online, or only by phone then?

And are you guaranteed a seat with a package, just it's best to queue early to get a good seat? I assume it's a different queue to walk ups?