Help with December

[markey]

I have been to WDW a lot of times, but only during the months of May, August, and September. I am so happy, I am finally going 12/-12/11 and will see all the Christmas decorations. Now here are my newbie questions for WDW in December. Just order my MVMCP tickets this morning.

1. What is the average weather, I know there can be extreams.

2. Swimming?

3. Any plans for MVMCP that I should follow for best enjoyment?

4. Crowds?

5. Best decorations, not to be missed?

6. Epcot events?

7. Anything else I should not miss?

We were at WDW for 2 days during Charley before our cruise because we were made to leave from our original 5 day beach vacation and I have 2 adult and 2 children 1 day passes I bought before the early park closure was announced, can I use the purchase price of these tickets toward the price of park hoppers?

Thanks a lot for any help, sure am excited for this trip.
I hope the people of Florida do not have to suffer thru anymore hurricanes, Charley was really scary, never heard a sound like it.

 

[Terk-1]

Have been to WDW a few times in December, so I think I can help you here.

1. What is the average weather, I know there can be extreams. When I went in 2002, they were experiencing a cold snap and I ended up wearing a sweathirt and pants during most of my stay. When I went in 2003, I was in t-shirt and shorts during the day and pants and a sweatshirt at night.

2. Swimming? In 2002, only swam a few times, since it was quite chilly. In 2003, swam every day.

3. Any plans for MVMCP that I should follow for best enjoyment? I did this once and was not that thrilled with it. I've done the Candlelight Processional the last 2 years and LOVED it!!!! This is definitely a must do!!!

4. Crowds? Found the crowds bearable during the week, but the parks got busier on the weekends with more locals.

5. Best decorations, not to be missed? Wilderness Lodge, Boardwalk, Floridian, Yacht & Beach Club. EPCOT, especially the Arch of Lights (if you watch the fountain at night, it dances to the holiday music playing on the arch). The decorations at the other parks are wonderful as well. Don't forget to check out DTD.

6. Epcot events? Candlelight Processional is a must!!! Getting a pre-paid package is definitely the way to go.

7. Anything else I should not miss? Make time to tour the resorts and just soak everything in.

 

[bobbiwoz]

#5 The Grand Floridian decorations & Osborne lights are not to be missed!

Bobbi

 

[KristaTX]

There is tons of Christmas stuff to see and do at WDW. MVMCP, the Osborne lights at MGM, Candlelight Processional at Epcot, the decorations at all the resorts, the filming of the ABC Christmas parade, etc. I'm sure lots of people can tell you about what they have enjoyed in December. But I wanted to mention something else.

If you are interested in meeting up with fellow WDW fans, guidebook authors, website people, etc., you might enjoy going to some of the Mousefest activities http://allearsnet.com/btp/mousefest.htm . There will also be lots of DISers there in December. See the DIS meets page http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?forumid=25 and this thread http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=542261.

 

[Claudia Kellenberger]

Oh My Gosh ! Don't miss MVMCP ! At the Christmas party, be sure to get there early and get your picture taken first thing, or the lines will be long later.

Layer your clothes - bring a zip-up sweatshirt if you need one at all.

Visit the resort Christmas decorations - especially WL.

Before I attended my first MVMCP, I was actually worried about the slippery sidewalks due to snow on Main Street.
Now I find that idea just too funny !

 

[lorileer]

Terk-1 - You must have been there a different week than we were. In 2003, WE FROZE TO DEATH!!! I've never been so cold ANYWHERE!!!! Especially on the Tram going back to our car late at night!!!

Markey --
I've been going in December every year since 1995 (when we bought DVC). It's such a magical time. My 2 favorite things put together -- Disney and Christmas!

Weather - you will get extremes. Like I said, last year we froze! The year before it rained (REALLY rained) almost the entire time. The years before that were definitely much milder. Typically we are able to wear shorts during the day and throw on sweats for the nighttime. I would say based on AVERAGES -- Look for temps in the 70s during the day/50s at night. Just a guess.

Swimming -- We have swam in the past. Not a guarantee.

*Remember too, temperature affect different people differently depending on where they are from. If you're from the North, you'll love the 60 degree weather. My friends from Miami are cold when it's 60! Some people will only swim when it's 90 degrees; others when it's 70.

MVMCP -- LOVE THIS!!! Walking down Main Street with the snow falling and the Christmas decorations and castle in the background. Can't be beat. If you are a "rider" you can ride with no (or very little) waits. If you are a "show" person, you can catch all the Christmas shows that are only shown on a daily basis right at Christmastime when school is out and the crowds are there. If you like the characters, we had Mickey, Minnie, Chip, Dale, Pluto, and the Princesses all to ourselves last year in the Tent back in Toontown. See the last parade -- it's less crowded. Be sure to see the fireworks. They're extra-special at MVMCP. Don't miss the "free" hot chocolate and cookies. Just enjoy. Soak up the Christmas spirit. Rides are less crowded during the first parade and afterwards. At closing last year, we rode Thunder over and over again. They weren't even making us get off the ride! Your PLAN will depend on what you want to see/do -- Rides or Shows.

Crowds -- Most crowded on Sat. and Sun., but still not bad. I've been spoiled by this time of year and fastpass. If I have to wait more than 10-15 minutes, I usually don't ride. I wait til later. During the week, you'll be able to walk up and ride on most things. Still take advantage of early mornings before everyone arrives. (I actually think the WORST crowds are shopping at Downtown Disney. Pick your times wisely!)

Best Decorations -- Of course, don't miss the Osborne Lights. And I LOVE the canopy of lights in EPCOT that is timed to the Manheim Steamroller. It is absolutely gorgeous! If you don't do Candlelight Processional, try to walk around World Showcase while it is going on. You'll be able to hear the Christmas music. Maybe go early for Illuminations one night. Grand Floridian's decorations are stunning. One of my favorites -- and the inspiration for my home decorations -- is Boardwalk. I've heard Wilderness Lodge is incredible, but I have not seen them.

There is also a Yuletide Tour that you can go on to see decorations around the Park and hear how they transform the Parks at Christmas. I have not done this, but hope to this year.

And yes, I think I just read somewhere that you can apply the purchase price of those tickets to your Park Hoppers.

Have fun! When do you arrive? Maybe I'll see you!

 

[Bob O]

A question for those who have been to the epcot processional in early Dec.
If you waited for the show, how long did you wait??
Is the wait shorter for any particular time of day/day of week??
We are thinking of going without a package deal but dont know what too expect in regards how long the wait will be and any advice would be greatly appreciated.

As for what not to miss The Osborne lights is a not miss attraction!!
MVMCP is also a not miss attraction. But make sure you are in the park before it closes as they let you stay in tomorrowland and get a jmup on the people. The fireworks show during the event is great and usually the second parade is better to see and the last show in fornt of cinderalla's castle isnt too busy as alot of people have already left.

 

[Ilovestitch]

I'm going this December, too. Where exactly is the canopy of lights at Epcot? -Steph