First time questions..Disney at Xmas

[emilyann415]

I've never been and have been reading loads and loads of info on DW. I am planning a surprise for my DH and DD who is 3. Want to stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge but will only be able to use the bus. Should we stay somewhere with rail or boat access? Also, what are must do xmas things? I am feeling a bit overwhelmed in talking about everything that goes on and where it all happens!!!! How bad will the crowds be?

Thanks,
Emily-new to the Disney experience

 

[kimmylaj]

hi and welcome. we went to disney for christmas last year it was great. we stayed off property and it was nice but i prefer to stay on. if you can i would recommend a monorail hotel, because mickeys party is in the magic kingdom and all the resorts are so nicely decorated it is nice to hop on and off and see the themed decorations. that being said i have never stayed at animal kingdom and would love to (it is my friends absolute favorite). i just would save it for another time of year. so i could have that easy access. have a wonderful time.

 

[njcamper95]

As with most holdays it will be busy just have patience go early then go back to room for break and to recharge then go back later i'm sure the whole thing is overwhelming we have made a lot of trips and still see things that we don't remember seeing before so don't try to rush and do it all or you will miss alot but if you have any ?'s feel free to post them we will find you a answer welcome to the dis boards and have a magical trip

 

[futurecastmember]

Hi. We went to WDW last year right before x-mas, the crowds were not that bad, and we had a great time. I would stay at a hotel with a monorail because buses always take a LOT longer, and monorails move very quickly. As for anything to see during x-mas, don't miss the Ozborne Christmas Light Spectacular in Hollywood Studios. It is so much fun. Lights are everywhere and there is fake snow! (plus, no seperate admission! =) ) I wouldnt miss the castle lighting ceremony in Magic Kingdom- it is AWESOME!! The countries in Epcot also have little shows for the holiday which is always cute. I hope you have a great time. I hope we go down around that time too! =)

 

[moonpie85]

Don't forget to order your tickets for the Christmas Party! Oh and check out the lifesize gingerbread house at the Floridian.

 

[Tnkrbelle565]

When in December are you planning on going? Xmas decorations go up right after Thanksgiving so you have all month to see them. Xmas week is one of the most crowded and definately the most expensive times in Disney. We love AKL but if you decide to stay there, I will tell you that it takes about 25 minutes to get to the MK from there (if there is no traffic). If you are going to be spending most of your time at MK, and can afford it, I would would stay in a monorail hotel. However, if you would love the experience of waking up and seeing animals outside...go with AKL. The bus ride goes by really quickly.

 

[Mickey'n'Me]

We love Disney at Christmas time. We usually go at the end of November. Last year we were there for Thanksgiving and the crowds were OK. We got up early and got to the parks before they opened and the crowds were VERY light. We love the Christmas party, Osborne lights, and all of the Christmas decorations around the entire resort. Have a GREAT time!!