Holiday Tour info

[3Minnies1Mickey]

I'm still on the fence and need to make a decision ASAP....anyone have any insight on taking kids under 8 on this tour? Kids price? Anything........

 

[pixiewings71]

There is no discounted admission for kids. The discounts available are for AAA, AP holders and Disney Visa I believe. I can verify that tonight from home.

 

[Kevenswife2]

I just made ressies for DD11 and I for the Holiday Time Tour. Sun. Dec 20th @ 4:15.

Tickets were $51.20 each (20% off regular price) because I used my Disney Visa. I read they also give a 20% discount for AAA.

Will any of you be joining us?

 

[durantigger]

Just got off the phone. DH & I will be on the 4:15 December 21st tour. This is my first time. I'm so excited!!

 

[DizMe]

Not much time to post as I'm on the hotel computer, but we did the tour last night (Sat Nov 21) and had a BLAST!!! It was different from last year, which was a good thing because we got a new approach. We had Beth as our guide and she was great. Lots of fun trivia, cameraderie, and fascinating information about the decorations. Hearing about the gingerbread was way cool. We were given a sample of fudge from the candy kitchen and walked right on HMH. Everyone we passed was looking at us and trying to figure out how come we just got to breeze right through the crowds. SWH is amazing, and there were the most beautiful lights and light show (didn't see the lighting ceremony last year!). We ended up in Toontown this time where we got our snacks and then headed over for our parade seats. FANTASTIC!!! Got our pin and watched the parade. It was amazingly worth the money--it took 3 hours. There wasn't time to take the train because they had a whole backed-up area for handicap-accessible needs so we walked over to SWH from NOS. I actually preferred it. The only thing we didn't do was sing carols. Guess Beth wasn't that into it but some of us managed to sing a bit anyway

Didn't get a FP at the end this year but we got a fudge sample so I'm good

ETA: Forgot to mention I met some DISers!! I saw DisneyMom23 (sorry; I think that's the screen name!) and firefly's parents.

 

[dawnrose]

Thanx for taking the time to post about your tour, Dizme...sounds great! Can't wait to experience it on dec 18th!

 

[tksbaskets]

Thanks for the review DizMe I have DAYS before I can call to book the tour for my family. We don't arrive at DL until 12/26...Hopefully will be doing the tour on 12/27

 

[3TinksAndAnEeyore]

Not much time to post as I'm on the hotel computer, but we did the tour last night (Sat Nov 21) and had a BLAST!!! It was different from last year, which was a good thing because we got a new approach. We had Beth as our guide and she was great. Lots of fun trivia, cameraderie, and fascinating information about the decorations. Hearing about the gingerbread was way cool. We were given a sample of fudge from the candy kitchen and walked right on HMH. Everyone we passed was looking at us and trying to figure out how come we just got to breeze right through the crowds. SWH is amazing, and there were the most beautiful lights and light show (didn't see the lighting ceremony last year!). We ended up in Toontown this time where we got our snacks and then headed over for our parade seats. FANTASTIC!!! Got our pin and watched the parade. It was amazingly worth the money--it took 3 hours. There wasn't time to take the train because they had a whole backed-up area for handicap-accessible needs so we walked over to SWH from NOS. I actually preferred it. The only thing we didn't do was sing carols. Guess Beth wasn't that into it but some of us managed to sing a bit anyway

Didn't get a FP at the end this year but we got a fudge sample so I'm good

ETA: Forgot to mention I met some DISers!! I saw DisneyMom23 (sorry; I think that's the screen name!) and firefly's parents.

Thanks so much for taking time to report back in to us while still on your trip!!!

Mmmmm, fudge! What did you get for your sit-down snack at the parade? Do you have any hints for those of us doing the tour with the kids? How was the seating set up? Again, with younger kids, do you have a hint for how to get seats in the front row?

Sounds like you had a very informative guide, but I'm hoping we'll be able to do more singing on our tour! I do love Christmas caroling!

 

[artman]

FYI: There is a discount available for DVC members, I think it is 20%. I just booked the 4:15 tour on Dec 23rd.

 

[DizMe]

Thanks so much for taking time to report back in to us while still on your trip!!!

Mmmmm, fudge! What did you get for your sit-down snack at the parade? Do you have any hints for those of us doing the tour with the kids? How was the seating set up? Again, with younger kids, do you have a hint for how to get seats in the front row?

Sounds like you had a very informative guide, but I'm hoping we'll be able to do more singing on our tour! I do love Christmas caroling!

The kids will probably love the tour. It isn't hard for them to walk around--I see adults having more trouble with that, frankly! I sometimes think the wrong people are in strollers . We were with a family that all wore Santa hats and it helped set the mood and keep them together, too, so maybe something like that would be a good idea. The seating is done in 3 sections, one for each tour group. Our group got the very end of the parade section. The center one is nicest but you get what you get. There are 2 rows and both are great for parade viewing but the front is much nicer if you manage to grab it. I think it's good for kids and shorter people and it bothered me a little that the 2 tallest men in our group grabbed front row seats but I also don't blame them for wanting them. Since I'm 5'1 I am a little biased. We got the second row this year which was fine since I got the front last year, but it seems like the characters wave and talk to you when you're in the front but you don't get that same feeling in the second row. I think there were about 7 seats in each row. The trick to getting front row is to squeeze in right behind the tour guide after you get your snacks and head toward the parade. As soon as you are near the parade area, you want to be right behind the guide. Don't spread out along the rope, if you have to wait behind the rope like we did, because the people at the far end where they first unhook it all go in front of you. Then you just rush in and grab what you can!

Our snack was the Mickey gingerbread man and a big mug of cocoa. Yum!!! I had 3 Mickey gingerbread men this year . They sell a little set in the stores so I also bought 3 of those! It's gingerbread mix with a little version of the Mickey gingerbread man cookie cutter. I also found a Mickey Mouse cookie cutter! I've been looking for one for a few years and finally found one this year. It's bright red metal, not the silicone pancake thingy, and it's the classic head with ears, not a whole MM. During the holidays, all pass holders get a discount, too! Merchandise AND food, including the candy kitchen stuff

 

[tksbaskets]

The kids will probably love the tour. It isn't hard for them to walk around--I see adults having more trouble with that, frankly! I sometimes think the wrong people are in strollers . We were with a family that all wore Santa hats and it helped set the mood and keep them together, too, so maybe something like that would be a good idea. The seating is done in 3 sections, one for each tour group. Our group got the very end of the parade section. The center one is nicest but you get what you get. There are 2 rows and both are great for parade viewing but the front is much nicer if you manage to grab it. I think it's good for kids and shorter people and it bothered me a little that the 2 tallest men in our group grabbed front row seats but I also don't blame them for wanting them. Since I'm 5'1 I am a little biased. We got the second row this year which was fine since I got the front last year, but it seems like the characters wave and talk to you when you're in the front but you don't get that same feeling in the second row. I think there were about 7 seats in each row. The trick to getting front row is to squeeze in right behind the tour guide after you get your snacks and head toward the parade. As soon as you are near the parade area, you want to be right behind the guide. Don't spread out along the rope, if you have to wait behind the rope like we did, because the people at the far end where they first unhook it all go in front of you. Then you just rush in and grab what you can!

Our snack was the Mickey gingerbread man and a big mug of cocoa. Yum!!! I had 3 Mickey gingerbread men this year . They sell a little set in the stores so I also bought 3 of those! It's gingerbread mix with a little version of the Mickey gingerbread man cookie cutter. I also found a Mickey Mouse cookie cutter! I've been looking for one for a few years and finally found one this year. It's bright red metal, not the silicone pancake thingy, and it's the classic head with ears, not a whole MM. During the holidays, all pass holders get a discount, too! Merchandise AND food, including the candy kitchen stuff

Thank you!!

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

The kids will probably love the tour. It isn't hard for them to walk around--I see adults having more trouble with that, frankly! I sometimes think the wrong people are in strollers . We were with a family that all wore Santa hats and it helped set the mood and keep them together, too, so maybe something like that would be a good idea. The seating is done in 3 sections, one for each tour group. Our group got the very end of the parade section. The center one is nicest but you get what you get. There are 2 rows and both are great for parade viewing but the front is much nicer if you manage to grab it. I think it's good for kids and shorter people and it bothered me a little that the 2 tallest men in our group grabbed front row seats but I also don't blame them for wanting them. Since I'm 5'1 I am a little biased. We got the second row this year which was fine since I got the front last year, but it seems like the characters wave and talk to you when you're in the front but you don't get that same feeling in the second row. I think there were about 7 seats in each row. The trick to getting front row is to squeeze in right behind the tour guide after you get your snacks and head toward the parade. As soon as you are near the parade area, you want to be right behind the guide. Don't spread out along the rope, if you have to wait behind the rope like we did, because the people at the far end where they first unhook it all go in front of you. Then you just rush in and grab what you can!

Our snack was the Mickey gingerbread man and a big mug of cocoa. Yum!!! I had 3 Mickey gingerbread men this year . They sell a little set in the stores so I also bought 3 of those! It's gingerbread mix with a little version of the Mickey gingerbread man cookie cutter. I also found a Mickey Mouse cookie cutter! I've been looking for one for a few years and finally found one this year. It's bright red metal, not the silicone pancake thingy, and it's the classic head with ears, not a whole MM. During the holidays, all pass holders get a discount, too! Merchandise AND food, including the candy kitchen stuff

Thanks! I'm on hold to book right now!!


ETA: Yeah Holiday Tour for the late parade on Sat. Dec. 19!!!!

 

[zakerdog]

Great information, now I am getting excited. We have a 3pm tour and the parade that day is at 5:30pm, how will that work, will we get special seating? I didn't realize that it was part of the tour.

 

[DizMe]

Great information, now I am getting excited. We have a 3pm tour and the parade that day is at 5:30pm, how will that work, will we get special seating? I didn't realize that it was part of the tour.

Yep! It's kind of the prime thing for me! You get treats and a nice, comfy, padded chair with no waiting and a perfect view. You also walk right on IASW Holiday and HMH. You're supposed to get the train ride from NOS to Fantasyland, but we walked instead because there happened to be a lot of others before us with priority entrance and we would've been late for the parade.

 

[zakerdog]

Yep! It's kind of the prime thing for me! You get treats and a nice, comfy, padded chair with no waiting and a perfect view. You also walk right on IASW Holiday and HMH. You're supposed to get the train ride from NOS to Fantasyland, but we walked instead because there happened to be a lot of others before us with priority entrance and we would've been late for the parade.

Thank you so much for the info.

 

[aandjmama]

Thanks for the tip about squeezing behind the tour guide to get the front row seats...we're a family who loves to "be first!!!" Appologies to anyone who may be in our tour on the 13th at 4:15, but get out of our way!

 

[3TinksAndAnEeyore]

The kids will probably love the tour. It isn't hard for them to walk around--I see adults having more trouble with that, frankly! I sometimes think the wrong people are in strollers . We were with a family that all wore Santa hats and it helped set the mood and keep them together, too, so maybe something like that would be a good idea. The seating is done in 3 sections, one for each tour group. Our group got the very end of the parade section. The center one is nicest but you get what you get. There are 2 rows and both are great for parade viewing but the front is much nicer if you manage to grab it. I think it's good for kids and shorter people and it bothered me a little that the 2 tallest men in our group grabbed front row seats but I also don't blame them for wanting them. Since I'm 5'1 I am a little biased. We got the second row this year which was fine since I got the front last year, but it seems like the characters wave and talk to you when you're in the front but you don't get that same feeling in the second row. I think there were about 7 seats in each row. The trick to getting front row is to squeeze in right behind the tour guide after you get your snacks and head toward the parade. As soon as you are near the parade area, you want to be right behind the guide. Don't spread out along the rope, if you have to wait behind the rope like we did, because the people at the far end where they first unhook it all go in front of you. Then you just rush in and grab what you can!

Our snack was the Mickey gingerbread man and a big mug of cocoa. Yum!!! I had 3 Mickey gingerbread men this year . They sell a little set in the stores so I also bought 3 of those! It's gingerbread mix with a little version of the Mickey gingerbread man cookie cutter. I also found a Mickey Mouse cookie cutter! I've been looking for one for a few years and finally found one this year. It's bright red metal, not the silicone pancake thingy, and it's the classic head with ears, not a whole MM. During the holidays, all pass holders get a discount, too! Merchandise AND food, including the candy kitchen stuff

Oh, DizMe, that's all such excellent information! I especially appreciate your tip for staying right behind the tour guide. I will be GLUE! We debated back and forth doing the tour on the afternoon/evening when DMIL/DSFIL are watching the DDs or doing it with them. The deciding factor for doing the tour with the girls was the special parade seating with the amazing tour interaction. I'm going to remember your Disney-esque attitude, though, just in case we end up in 2nd row. I would have been fuming if 2 grown (and tall!) men had grabbed for front row seats. I shall remember your positive attitude, take a deep breath, remind myself I'm at Disney, and give myself a sprinkling of pixie dust if it happens.

I'm so glad they are doing the gingerbread men and hot cocoa! I've been quite looking forward to trying those yummy sounding guys.

Also, love your suggestion about the santa hats! Maybe I'll sew some up before we go and add some Mickey ears!

 

[3TinksAndAnEeyore]

Thanks for the tip about squeezing behind the tour guide to get the front row seats...we're a family who loves to "be first!!!" Appologies to anyone who may be in our tour on the 13th at 4:15, but get out of our way!

Thank goodness we're going the day before you!!!

 

[aandjmama]

Thank goodness we're going the day before you!!!

You totally lucked out!

 

[tksbaskets]

I'm booked for 4:15 on the 27th. Only one tour that day.