First Disney Xmas

[goindisney]

We are 18 months in to our DVC ownership. And this coming Dec we will be having a family reunion for 3 days at an Animal Kingdom in early Dec.
We will be having 3 different families -all having our first Disney Xmas experience.
So knowing that we will have limited time... what are the must see's for the first Disney Xmas?
Family ages are 4-74 .
Any suggestions will be great as the family is looking to me to be the disney expert since we "own" at disney

Thanks

 

[ClarabelleCowFan]

Take the time to go around to the different resorts and see the elaborate Christmas displays (especially at the Deluxe resorts!). Our favorites were the Gingerbread house at the Grand Floridian, Gingerbread carousel at the Beach Club, and the toy train display at the Yacht Club.

 

[sleepydog25]

We are 18 months in to our DVC ownership. And this coming Dec we will be having a family reunion for 3 days at an Animal Kingdom in early Dec.
We will be having 3 different families -all having our first Disney Xmas experience.
So knowing that we will have limited time... what are the must see's for the first Disney Xmas?
Family ages are 4-74 .
Any suggestions will be great as the family is looking to me to be the disney expert since we "own" at disney

Thanks

1. The decorations at the Wilderness Lodge--the best in the World (the others are good to be sure, but WL is the best).
2. Gingerbread house at GF--their main tree is also quite lovely.
3. The Osborne Family Lights in DHS--you can't miss this display! Synchronized lights to music, snow, hot chocolate (okay, the latter is fairly watered down, granted, but it's still cool)!
4. Each country in EPCOT has its particular version of Santa telling stories throughout the day, such as Papa Noel in France (Canada has a lumberjack kind of Santa while Italy has some witchy woman, lol).
5. Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. We didn't actually attend this past Christmas due to time constraints (short trip) and money ($50+ per person), but it usually gets good reviews.


I'm sure others will have their favorites, but these were the highlights during my first trip to WDW last December (except #5). The top three would be the ones I would definitely do again. We own at VWL, so #1 was easy.

 

[thepops]

I agree with sleepydog. Definately pop by the other resorts to see how they are decorated. It's amazing. Also the Christmas parade (that shows on Dec 25th) is filmed early in December, so be aware of that. It makes the MK even more of a zoo than normal. (But if you like it crazy then go ahead!)

 

[Kidanifan08]

We were there last December . . . BRRRRR! Anyway, you have a wide audience in your family from 4 yo to 74 yo. One thing to consider is the Epcot Candlelight Processional. You can do a dinner at various TS restaurants at Epcot to get a ticket for priority seating for one of the performances. If it something that interests you, you should try to do that as soon as they announce the dates and restaurants participating, since it is a popular event.

I agree with others, the Osborne light display is loved by young and old. We did MVMCP and that was fun, but it is $$$.

The Animal Kingdom Jingle Jungle Parade was cute and my DS4 loved it. The Christmas parade at MK is a must do as well. There is a santa greeting people near the firehouse on Main Street at MK. There is also Santa and Mrs. Claus at the American Pavillion at Epcot.

We did not see any of the resort decorations (other than AKV where we were staying), but as others have noted, it sounds like there are some really neat things to see. Since you have only 3 days, and you could easily spend half a day seeing the different resorts, it may not be worth your time on this visit, particularly for the youngsters who will want to be doing things in the park.

Have fun planning!

 

[Plutofan]

Go to see the decorations around the resorts.
Candlelight percessional
Mickey Very Merry Christmas party and
go to each of the Christmas tradition shows outside of each world in Epcot and by all means have a great time.

 

[sleepydog25]

I agree with sleepydog. Definately pop by the other resorts to see how they are decorated. It's amazing. Also the Christmas parade (that shows on Dec 25th) is filmed early in December, so be aware of that. It makes the MK even more of a zoo than normal. (But if you like it crazy then go ahead!)

Yes, they filmed said parade the day of our arrival (4 Dec), so when we visited MK that day, there was no garland strung across Main Street, making it seem rather barren. The next day after the parade, we came back and the garland was there. Main Street looks much better with the addition of the garland.

 

[goofy-4-ever]

You must do the MK and see the castle lighting ceremony, it is just beautiful.

 

[rpk1951]

1)DHS Osborne Lights one night
2) Magic Kingdom one night to see Castle lights
3) Mickey's Very Merry Xmas Party if cost OK and it is happening on one of your nights
4)Epcot countries have a santa come out and explain different traditions at set times

You have limited time with three days but most hotels have great decorations like Grand Floridian Ginger Bread House, BC carosel

 

[ChiSoxKeith]

1) Candlelight Processional. You don't HAVE to do the dinner package. We were there 11/30 - 12/5. We went on the Thursday. Lined up 45 minutes before the early performance and got great seats. We will definitely go back to WDW at Christmas for no other reason but that.
2) Castle lighting ceremony is great
3) The Christmas tree at Kidani is nice. The lobby at the Gran Floridian is really nice with the big tree and the Gingerbread house.

 

[PEANUT1]

Osbourne lights were the highlight of our xmas time trip..the castle lighting is magical too. We did the christmas party and found it to be a complete waste of money.

 

[supersuperwendy]

subscribing

We too are planning our first December visit to WDW!

I was wondering about the CP dinner package for early December. We will be there Dec. 2 - 7. Is the dinner package needed that early in the month? Which show time seems to be the most popular?

 

[Kidanifan08]

Is the dinner package needed that early in the month? Which show time seems to be the most popular?

It was actually pretty busy that week in December (12/4 - 12/11). We went on Tuesday 12/7/10 for the early show. We had lunch reservations at San Angel Inn for our Candlelight Dinner Package -- the service was horrible, but thats for another thread. The theatre was probably only 1/3 filled with people who had priority seating. It was really cold the week we were there, which may have affected attendance. Although, on the evenings we were at Epcot that week, the theatre was always full.

I would probably do a dinner package for priority seating again, because it was really nice being able to see the performers up close. I think the later shows are probably more popular, but the lunch ADRs can save you some $$. If you are on DDP, you have to use two TS entitlements. We used TIW, but after the horrible service we had, it ended up being on the house.

 

[ChiSoxKeith]

subscribing

We too are planning our first December visit to WDW!

I was wondering about the CP dinner package for early December. We will be there Dec. 2 - 7. Is the dinner package needed that early in the month? Which show time seems to be the most popular?

When we went Thurday 12/2, we went to the early showing (5:00). We got in line at 4:15. We were about 1/2 way back through the line. The CM said that there would be no issue getting in where we were at in the line. I would say Priority seating took up about 1/3 of the Pavilion like the PP said. People that showed up as late as 4:45 (to get in line) were still getting in. To be honest, I don't think anybody was actually turned away.

I guess a lot of it depends on who the narrator is. We had Corbin Bernsen and he did a very nice job.

 

[Massillon Dad]

Unforgetable memories! Be sure to check out famous Gingerbread Carousel display In lobby of Beach club resort, as well as gingerbread house displays @ Boardwalk villas. The TRAVEL CHANEL has an excellent episode on visiting disney @ Christmastime: maybe you can research when it will be airing on TV or find it on youTube.

 

[Massillon Dad]

...also, whenever we've stayed @ Boardwalk villas Christmas Eve, Our kids awoke to find Disney staff had left all kids STOCKINGS ON DOORKNOB filled with Mickey candy (I assume other DVC resorts do the same)

 

[sleepydog25]

You must do the MK and see the castle lighting ceremony, it is just beautiful.

I forgot that one, and it is gorgeous. This shot turned out fairly well. . .

 

[Mert]

Rent yourself some storage containers and start sending items there it will save a great deal on your trip. When your running a trip everyone will come to you for the extra's (examples Band-aids, sun screen) and the cost to bring all these items by each member of a family group is not needed and expensive. Theres a place on this web-site and they'll have it brought to your room. Saves a lot on amount of airfare baggage, just make sure all of you coordinate.

 

[antnyh]

We are going for our first Christmas Disney trip this year as well!! I am so excited. Right now we are at our home resort, BLT, but are wanting to stay at the WL villas. I am liking all the advice you are getting. We will be there the 18th - 22nd. Hoping the crowds aren't too bad!