First WDW Trip Pre-Christmas

[Opie100]

We are driving down Saturday (12/18/10) through Wednesday, staying in three different studios (two at BCV, one at BWV) for our first Christmas week WDW trip (three park days) - some questions:

1) Would you choose Animal Kingdom or Hollywood Studios? We know that DHS has the Osbourne light show every 15 mins, but we also thought this would be a good time to do AK with the weather being cooler. Any suggestions there?

2) Anything we should be sure not to miss? We haven't bought tickets to the Verry Merry because we plan to do MK after 12/19 and heard that you get most of that show for free the week of Christmas. We are also on the fence about the Candlelight Processional (haven't made any dinner ressies).

Any and all suggestions would be appreciated!

 

[Havana]

Try to get to the Osborne lights. They are absolutely fantastic! We are going two times next week.
We adore the Candlelight Processional. It is a must for our family.
If are thinking about going to the CP, and want reserved seating you should call today to see what openings they have.
Have a wonderful trip!

 

[DisneyStarWisher]

I am planning a trip for next Christmas. Like you, I will have only 3 days. I just want to see WDW decorated at Christmas. Even though I LOVE AK, I will be probably be skipping it (unless I can squeeze it in one morning using my Park Hopper). Now, there is NO WAY I will be missing DHS. The Osborne Lights is one reason I'm going in the first place. I vote DHS!

 

[Melynny]

We will be at BWV from the 17th to the 24th... here's my list of not to be missed: Osborn lights! Yay! Magic Kingdom Parades.. All of em! As many of the holiday trees in the resorts as I can see. Santa's at Epcot's Holiday's around the World. I plan on seeing some of the special entertainment at the resorts.. Here is a list that I complied:

Guests visiting Disney’s Contemporary Resort will be treated to a great selection of live entertainment. Local schools, churches and organizations will be performing on the 4th Floor of the resort from now through Christmas. Performances will be held each day at both 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Scheduled performances include:
• Nov. 26, 2010: Sweet Adelines International, Inc. Sound of Sunshine Show Chorus from Longwood FL
• Nov. 27, 2010: Saxophone Colossus from Orlando, FL
• Dec. 14 & 16, 2010: Lake Nona High School Women’s Choir from Orlando, FL
• Dec. 18, 2010: Freedom High School Belle Voix from Orlando, FL
• Dec. 20, 2010: University High School Concert Choir from Orlando, FL
• Dec. 22, 2010: Freedom High School Belle Voix from Orlando, FL

Animal Kingdom Lodge and Kidani Village. All show times are at 6:15 p.m. and 7:15 p.m.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
• Dec. 11, 2010: Lake Nona High School Concert Choir from Orlando, FL
• Dec. 13, 2010: St. Cloud High School Horizon from St. Cloud, FL
• Dec. 15, 2010: First United Methodist Church, Cocoa Spirit Ringers from Cocoa, FL
• Dec. 17, 2010: St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, The Adult Handbell Choirs from Orlando, FL
• Dec. 19, 2010: Lake Nona High School Concert Choir from Orlando, FL
• Dec. 21, 2010: Lake Brantley High School “Voices of Freedom” from Altamonte Springs, FL
• Dec. 23, 2010: Tuskawilla Presbeterian Church Christmas Joy from Oviedo, FL
Kidani Village
• Dec. 11, 2010: Adoration from Fruitland, FL
• Dec. 13, 2010: 70 Somethin’ 70 Somethin’ from Lakeland, FL
• Dec. 15, 17, & 19, 2010: Sweet Adelines International, Inc. Sound of Sunshine Quartet from Longwood, FL
• Dec. 21 & 23: 70 Somethin’ 70 Somethin’ from Lakeland, FL

Show times for Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort are at 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. and for Disney’s Old Key West Resort are at 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Below is a list of performers and dates for each resort.
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
• Dec. 16, 2010: Tenoroc High School Guitar Ensemble from Lakeland, FL
• Dec. 18, 2010: Leesburg High School Madrigals from Leesburg, FL
• Dec. 20, 2010: Trinity Lutheran Church Trinity Ringers from Kissimmee, FL
• Dec. 22, 2010: Christmas Dream from Fruitland, FL
Disney’s Old Key West Resort
• Dec. 22, 2010: Adoration from Fruitland, FL
• Dec. 24, 2010: 70 Somethin’ 70 Somethin’ from Lakeland, FL

Performances will be held in the lobby of Coronado Springs each day at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. and in the lobby of Saratoga Springs at 8:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Below is the list of scheduled performance dates.
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
• Dec. 17, 2010: Lake Gibson High School Audio from Lakeland, FL
• Dec. 19, 2010: Lake Region High School Guitarras de Trueno from Eagle Lake, FL
• Dec. 20, 2010: Sweet Adelines International, Inc. Sound of Sunshine Show Chorus from Longwood, FL
• Dec. 23, 2010: Lake Mary High School Singers from Lake Mary, FL
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort
• Dec. 21, 2010: Lake Region High School Light Rain from Eagle Lake, FL
• Dec. 23, 2010: Sweet Adelines International, Inc. Sound of Sunshine Show Chorus from Longwood, FL

If you are going to be visiting Fort Wilderness in December head on over to where the Hayride departs by Pioneer Hall. Show times at Fort Wilderness are at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. each night. Holiday entertainment will be in the lobby of Wilderness Lodge at 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. each night. Below is the list of date and performances to be offered at both resorts.
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground
• Dec. 18 & 20, 2010: Winter Springs High School Ladies Jazz Ensemble from Winter Springs
• Dec. 22 & 24, 2010: Mixed Nuts from Winter Springs, FL
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• Dec. 11, 2010: First United Methodist Church, Cocoa Celebration Ringers from Cocoa, FL
• Dec. 13, 2010: Timber Creek High School Bella Voce from Orlando, FL
• Dec. 15, 2010: Sweet Adelines International, Inc. Sound of Sunshine Show Chorus from Longwood, FL
• Dec. 17 & 19, 2010: Auburndale High School Chorus from Auburndale, FL
• Dec. 21, 2010: Lake Brantley High School “Patriot Singers” from Altamonte Springs, FL
• Dec. 23, 2010: Tuskawilla Presbyterian Church Handbell Choir from Oviedo, FL

carols in the lobby of the resort. Show times are at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. each night in the lobby of the Grand Floridian and at 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on the second floor of the Polynesian Resort.
Here is a list of local entertainers that will be performing at the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa and the Polynesian Resort for the 2010 Holiday season.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
• Dec. 15, 2010: Leesburg High School Madrigals from Leesburg
• Dec. 17 & 19, 2010: Merritt Island Presbyterian Church Generation Ringers from Merritt Island
• Dec. 21, 2010: Sweet Adelines International, Inc. Sound of Sunshine Show Chorus from Longwood
• Dec. 23, 2010: The Magic of Bronze Handbell Ensemble from Winter Park
Disney’s Polynesian Resort
• Dec. 14, 2010: Tenoroc High School Vocal Ensemble from Lakeland
• Dec. 16, 2010: Lake Mary High School Singers from Lake Mary
• Dec. 18, 2010: Freedom High School Saxophone Quartet from Orlando
• Dec. 20, 2010: Valencia Community College Intone from Orlando
• Dec. 22, 2010 Freedom High School Saxophone Quartet from Orlando

Check out this year’s entertainment schedule at Disney’s BoardWalk Resort and Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts.
Disney’s BoardWalk Resort
All show times at the BoardWalk Resort are at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. and will take place on the Village Green and Porch.
• Dec. 11, 2010: Harrison School for the Arts World Choir from Lakeland, FL
• Dec. 13, 2010: First United Methodist Church Heavenly Ringers from Auburndale, FL
• Dec. 15, 2010: Winter Springs High School Mixed Jazz Ensemble from Winter Springs, FL
• Dec. 17, 2010: Leesburg High School Illusions from Leesburg, FL
• Dec. 19, 2010: First United Methodist Church Chancel Choir fro Titusville, FL
• Dec. 21, 2010: Tuskawilla Presbyterian Church Chorale from Oviedo, FL
• Dec. 23, 2010: First United Methodist Church, Cocoa Echoes of Faith from Cocoa, FL

Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts
All show times at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resort are at 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. in the lobbies.
• Dec. 11, 2010: Rochelle School of the Arts Show Choir from Lakeland, FL
• Dec. 13, 2010: The Victorian Carolers from Orlando, FL
• Dec. 15, 2010: Timber Creek High School Madrigal Singers from Orlando, FL
• Dec. 17, 2010: Rochelle School of the Arts Show Choir from Lakeland, FL
• Dec. 19, 2010: Valencia Community College Intone from Orlando, FL
• Dec. 21, 2010: Canterbury Carolers from Lake Wales, FL
• Dec. 23, 2010: Sweet Adelines International , Inc. Sound of Sunshine Show Chorus from Longwood, FL

 

[Melynny]

I guess now I'll try to answer some of your questions.

I guess you won't have park hoppers. I think as the crowds amp up, they will have more of the holiday entertainment in the MK , I love the Christmas parade, there is nothing better than seeing the toy soliders and Santa Claus! The holiday shows at MK are great... as are the decorations but they have declined in the last few years.

I would not miss Osborn lights.. they are absolutely awesome.. but they dont take that long to really get the feel of them... Maybe an hour.. after that, there really is not that much at DHS that really says Christmas to me.. .that is.

Animal kingdom.. Holiday Jingle parade.. it's good, but then you are right, the animals are more active this time of year, than in the heat of the summer.

Each park has it's own holiday beauty... I love each one. I don't think I could skip one. As for the CP.. I have paid for the dinner and watched from the fence.. Personally, I like the fence watching better. I can leave when I want to and not be considered a distraction. The show is definately awesome and should be seen at least once. But if you see all these things this trip, what will you see next time??

 

[backyardponder]

We spent a couple of hours looking at the Osborne lights last year. They are fantastic. Look for the purple cat. The story goes that when they shipped the lights to Disney they accidently included a purple cat from their Haloween decorations. Every year the cat is placed in a different place. We looked a lot, then started asking CMs for clues. It was fun and we finally found it.

If you have time, check out the decorations in some of the resorts. We especially liked Boardwalk, Beach Club, Wilderness, and Grand Floridian. Also buy a piece of their ginger bread...it is fantastic.

 

[Melynny]

Oooohhh.. I love the purple cat story! Dh loves to find Hidden Mickeys, this will be a good one for us too! Thanks Ponder!

 

[ypv]

We had our trip last week. I agree with the others that the Osborne lights are a must see. It was our first Christmas season trip and we didn't know what to expect, we though the lights were fantastic.

We also did the Candlelight Processional. I'd recommend that too. I would also recommend getting the dinner package. The line to get into the show was pretty ridiculous, if you try getting in without the dinner package I think you run a risk of not getting a seat (although "fence watching" may not be an all bad alternative).

 

[paeskie]

The lights at DHS are the best part about December at the World. I would save AK for another time if you have to choose.

 

[sssteele]

My list is much the same as those listed here, but also we do a Monorail tour to see the resort decorations (have a drink in the lounge if this an adult event), walk around Fort Wilderness to see the decorations done by the campers and head to the Port Orleans Riverside lounge one evening to see Yee Ha Bob. He does a great family musical show several nights each week starting around 8PM. We think of him as a MUST for a family evening out.

Whatever you decide, have a great trip!!

 

[harleyquinn]

Can you add hoppers? To me it would be worth the extra money to tour AK during the day and just visit DHS for the lights.

(Thanks for that awesome list Melynny!)

 

[Melynny]

Glad you liked the list, Actually I just compiled a bunch of cut and pastes from some kind of local entertainment paper in Orlando. Thank you for the kind words!

We always made a point to see the entertainment at the Grand Floridian, but I had NO idea that there was so much going on at the other resorts. There is something so special about the smell of gingerbread, christmas carols being sung and that beautiful tree at the GF, they even sell Chestnuts Roasting Over an Open Fire! I really love to hear the bell choirs too!

We leave tomorrow.. I am so excited about this trip!

 

[Opie100]

Thanks for responses everyone. Much appreciated. We'll probably not take the last day off and instead do four straight days of parks, with DHS last. Now to find out what time the lights shows start.... [Edit: A little after 6pm, I've read]

As an aside, it is interesting how the crowd calendars at RideMax, Undercover Tourist, and TouringPlans don't match much.

 

[WilsonFlyer]

If you're going for the Christmas decorations, just be prepeared to be disappointed at AK. It is the least impressive park from a decorations perspective at Christmas, IMHO. It's also the coldest park when it's cold. Take it from somebody that was there last week and knows.

Maybe I've just seen them too many times now but every year, the Osborne Family Lights seem less and less impressive to me. Maybe that speaks to the fact that I'm finally becoming a Disney veteran (or burned out LOL) and it just takes more to impress me now.

One walk down MS USA and seeing the castle draped in holiday lights fixes it all though. It's like a miracle drug. You haven't seen the castle until you've see it live, at night, at Christmastime. There isn't a video in the world that anywhere near does it justice.

 

[pmcpmc]

If you're going for the Christmas decorations, just be prepeared to be disappointed at AK. It is the least impressive park from a decorations perspective at Christmas, IMHO. It's also the coldest park when it's cold. Take it from somebody that was there last week and knows.
.

the animals complained bitterly last year about all the lights and strange hangings that frightened their children and Disney had to tone it down a bit

 

[OhioDVC]

The Osborne lights are a must see

 

[spencerbomar]

If you want to enjoy Christmas decorations and such even more, do a monorail circuit.

Grand Floridian usually has an amazing tree- it is made up of individual poinsettia plants. Each resort on the monorail are worth spending 20-25 minutes in each one.