First DVC Vacation to see Christmas Decorations?

[Deb & Bill]

Not used to so many initials. I'm guessing Grand Floridian, Wilderness Lodge, Boardwalk, Beach Club, Yacht Club, and Animal Kingdom Lodge?

First WDW Test and you got 100%!

 

[wbl2745]

My brothers and I, along with our wives were there last Christmas from 12/1 to 12/7. I would definitely reserve immediately at BLT (your home resort?) and then make changes at the 7 month mark which is not too far away now. If you're interested, my trip report on our visit is here. Since this was the first time that one of my brothers had been to WDW, we did it all: Candlelight Processional, Hoop-Dee-Do Review, Illuminations Cruise, the works.

You'll see from the trip report that we ended up bouncing around at AKV because I couldn't get a unit for the entire time that we were there. The problem was that I was too focused on a single resort. If I'd been more flexible about the resort, I'm sure I would have found something. BTW, our home resort is not at WDW, it is VGC at the DLR, which means that we didn't have a home resort to rely on during the Christmas rush.

To whet your appetite, here's a picture of the Christmas Tree at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Jambo House.

You'll have a great time! The decorations are outstanding.

 

[supersuperwendy]

That is a beautiful picture..Wow! We are staying at Jambo this coming December and I can't wait to see it all decorated!

 

[dawne98]

I would agree to book at BLT in the near future, to at least have a room there, as I called today to book a December trip there and was surprised by how limited availability was already even though it is still within the 11 month booking window. I was able to get a reservation (yea!!) with a lake view room, but did need to switch around my dates a bit and most of the MK view dates I cheked were sold out! We stayed at BLT in Decemebr 2009 and LOVED it! Walking distance to MK, an easy monorail ride for dinner and taking in the decorations at the Grand Floridian, an easy boat ride to Wilderness Lodge for the same, and again just a monorail away from Epcot's Candlelight Processional. We felt like we were right in the middle of the holiday festivities!! Have a wonderful trip and enjoy your planning.

I had got my mom and dad a room at BLT in FEB for a room with a view they LOVE LOVE going to Epcot for the candlelight processional

 

[CarolMN]

I had got my mom and dad a room at BLT in FEB for a room with a view they LOVE LOVE going to Epcot for the candlelight processional

We love the Candlelight Processional, too. It's my DH's favorite thing of all at WDW.

 

[hacknsuit]

My family recently joined the DVC and is kicking around the idea of returning to Disney World later this year to enjoy something we've never seen before: the Christmas decorations and special holiday events around the World. We're hoping to stay in the Wilderness Lodge, maybe in a studio. We know availability is a big issue but that's not our primary concern right now.

Thank you very much in advance!

This is exactly what we did last year Our first DVC stay was the third week of decemember. Perfect, well...it was actually freezing! but the parks and resorts were beautiful! The CP was great...I would do it agian. We had Steven Curtis Chapman and did the package. The Christmas Party at MK was really good!

 

[Babbletrish]

I'm such a folklore geek, I think the "Holidays around the World" presentations at World Showcase would be fantastic to see. Do they and the special edition of "Illuminations" start running around the same time they start doing the Candlelight Processional?

EDIT: And one other question (for now) that I hadn't even thought of before. What is the weather like in late November? I know the answer could easily be, "a darn sight nicer than it would be in Boston", but seriously, rain? Wind? We've been to Disney in early March the past few times, so is autumn similar?

 

[Babbletrish]

Thank you, everyone, for your advice. Yesterday, we booked our trip for Nov. 26 (Sat.) - Dec. 2 (Fri.) We're in a studio in Bay Lake Tower, which should make resort-gawking very easy.



I still have a few questions (in addition to the ones in the post immediately above this one). How soon can we try to transfer to Wilderness Lodge, as some have suggested? Is there any kind of decoration-specific touring plan?

 

[helenk]

I'm such a folklore geek, I think the "Holidays around the World" presentations at World Showcase would be fantastic to see. Do they and the special edition of "Illuminations" start running around the same time they start doing the Candlelight Processional?

EDIT: And one other question (for now) that I hadn't even thought of before. What is the weather like in late November? I know the answer could easily be, "a darn sight nicer than it would be in Boston", but seriously, rain? Wind? We've been to Disney in early March the past few times, so is autumn similar?

All the holiday goings on start around the same time, so yes by the end of Nov beginning of Dec the special Illuminations, CLP etc will be starting.
The weather that time of year is anyone's guess. I generally go around the same time and I've worn tee shirts and shorts one year and jeans and long sleeves and hoodies another year. I start following the forecast at the 10 day mark and pack accordingly. I always pack so that I can wear layers, it gets cool at night so I make sure I have a sweat shirt or two and a wind breaker, this way I can keep warm without having to wear a heavy coat. Interestingly enough I was in WDW in Mid January, it got so warm that I had to buy a short sleeved tee shirt as I had only packed 2 and did not feel like doing laundry.

 

[helenk]

Thank you, everyone, for your advice. Yesterday, we booked our trip for Nov. 26 (Sat.) - Dec. 2 (Fri.) We're in a studio in Bay Lake Tower, which should make resort-gawking very easy.



I still have a few questions (in addition to the ones in the post immediately above this one). How soon can we try to transfer to Wilderness Lodge, as some have suggested? Is there any kind of decoration-specific touring plan?

Since the VWL is not your home resort you must wait for the 7 month window to try and book there. This should be around the the 26th of April, you will have to call first thing in the morning to make the booking. The VWL are one of the resorts that fills up quickly at the 11 month mark though so you may not be able to get anything during your timeframe, but it can't hurt to call and try. I bought 50 points at the VWL just so I can stay there every other year or a split stay there and the AKV during the holiday season.
I love the holiday decorations, I make sure that I visit the GF, BC, BWI, AKL and the WL specifically for their decorations.