Going at Christmas for 1st time

[Pinboys]

Everytime we have gone to WDW, it has been in the summer. This time, we are finally going to the World over Christmas. We got a great rate at Pop Century (9 nights for a total of $618, including tax....AAA Rate), and can't wait. Realizing the rooms are small, that is just fine as the room is only there to crash after a busy day at the parks.

After watching the WDW Christmas show on the travel channel, the four of us looked at each other at the end of the show, talked about how fun it would be to be there at Christmas, and a few days later....reservations were made. We were going over spring break, but we decided to be there over Christmas. Maybe we can sneek a few days the middle of June. Anyway, can't wait to see all the decorations!!!!

 

[flyinglizard]

What dates are you going to be there???

We always enjoy the Candlelight Processional, the music and the narration of the scriptures really puts us into the Christmas spirit.

Ya gotta do the Mickeys Very Merry at least once!

Save some time to visit all the hotels to see the decorations.

It's a great time to do Christmas shopping too!

Be sure to hear the Voices of Liberty sing traditional carols at the American Pavilion in EPCOT.

Nah, you don't need a big room if you only sleep there!

 

[HolidayRose]

We went Dec 6 - 14 this year and the best part was most unexpected. Yes we greatly enjoyed the Christmas decorations and MVMCP and the Candlelight Processional. All of that was fantastic. But the unexpected bonus was the extra energy we had. We've gone the past few years in September and had a great time; but were often exhausted---all five of us; my DH, myself, my brother, and my two children, ages 10 and 12. This year we were more energized----and we all attribute it to the weather. We weren't exhausted by the heat, and tromping through the 80 plus degree weather with plastic ponchos on. We could even wear outfilts more than once (if we wanted) because they hadn't been soaked with sweat. It made for a much more enjoyable trip. We will probably always prefer going during the cooler months from here on.

 

[Pinboys]

We will be there the week of Christmas thru the 27th. We have some reservations on being away from home over Christmas, but that is the only time we could go and not have to pull the kids out of school. Arriving the Sunday before Christmas (the 19th), hopefully the main push of crowds won't be to bad.

How much is the MVMCP? Is it similar to E-Ride night?

How late are the parks open during that week before Christmas..19-25?

HolidayRose, you are right on when speaking of 80 plus degree temps, soaked with rain and sweat. One day in those clothes is usually all that can be tolerated. Also, what was the weather like..jeans, shorts, t-shirts, sweatshirts?

 

[CamColt]

We went this year from 12/20-12/29. It was our first Christmas there and it was great! I wouldnt do it every year because a part of me feels like I missed out on Christmas, but I would do it again sometime!
We actually got a ton of stuff done and it was very magical. Look for a trip report, hopefully within the next week.

 

[jade1]

Just got back and avoided crowds by going at 7AM and returning to the hotel from noon to 6PM, then back until close. We did 7 rides at MK in 1.75 hours new years day morning (7:15 to 9AM), could have done much more but went to EPCOT to get fastpass for TestTrack that night. With fastpass and planning, the crowds that week are not that bad. Pools were very warm also for a nice break. Have fun.

 

[CamColt]

Originally posted by Pinboys
We will be there the week of Christmas thru the 27th. We have some reservations on being away from home over Christmas, but that is the only time we could go and not have to pull the kids out of school. Arriving the Sunday before Christmas (the 19th), hopefully the main push of crowds won't be to bad.

How much is the MVMCP? Is it similar to E-Ride night?

How late are the parks open during that week before Christmas..19-25?

HolidayRose, you are right on when speaking of 80 plus degree temps, soaked with rain and sweat. One day in those clothes is usually all that can be tolerated. Also, what was the weather like..jeans, shorts, t-shirts, sweatshirts?

We did find the crowds a little lighter before Christmas then after. The first few days were when we got more than expected done, leaving us to take it easy the last few days. As for MVMVP, this year the last night they had it was 12/19, the Friday before Christmas, and we arrivived on Saturday. You may miss it, but you will still get to see the parade as it starts during the day after the party ends. Also from what I heard, alot of what is done at MVMCP is what is done during regular park hours after the party ends(special shows, and the like). The first few days of our trip were very cold. We were in winter coats and gloves while waiting for Spectro on 12/20 and we were still cold. Ill try to remember that night when we are there in July, LOL! The mornings were a little chilly too, but the days warmed up nicely and we were in shorts quite a few times...even made it in the pool 1 day!

 

[Grumpy92]

Suggestions:

CP Dinner Pkg- They usually start booking this toward the end of the summer, so keep an eye on the boards. Then call ahead and make a reservation.

MVMCP- It is kind of like e-nights. They serve cocoa & cookies, do the xmas parade and this usually sells out pretty quickly.

Osbourne Lights- Hopefully this will be back up next year. We usually have dinner at Mama Melrose and then meandor thru the display.

Resorts-Decorations are incredible. You can do the GF tea and enjoy all the xmas activities in the evening. It is a great break.

PS-Definitly start thinking about where you would like to dine on xmas eve and exmas day. Then when you reach the 90-120 day mark make your PSs in advance. Do not wait or your choices will be extremely limited. Pretty much all the restaurants off specials which are the xmas meal.

I know you will have a wonderful time, the place is extra magical at this time of year.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I also went for my first Xmas trip this year. So many wonderful firsts! Don't miss the tree lighting ceremony in Epcot-when the tree lit up slowly and then they shined the spotlight at the top, well, I got all misty-eyed and a lump in my throat. It seemed I got to see the characters a lot too! And if you can, drop by at Camp Minnie-Mickey in the AK. There's a group of Christmas Carolers that perform there. And of course, the CP-I saw it 3 times that week, with the CP Package once. I highly recommend it-a must do! Hope to do it again next year.

 

[Pinboys]

Sorry for sounding not to smart....but what is a CP Package?