Holidays Around The World

[RayRing]

I am planning a visit to WDW from Dec. 4 to Dec 9, with DW, DS5 & DD4.

Sadly, that is only 4 full days and nights (5 nights if you count the night of our arrival day). This time of year has a lot of wonderful activities at night, at the different parks, so I am having difficulty getting it all planned.

Originally I was thinking of spending one night at Epcot, to take in the CP.

However, I was wondering if it would be worth while, to forgo other activities, and spend a second night night at epcot, to see the tree lighting ceremony and the Holidays Around The World.

With small children, I will either attend the 5:00 or 6:45 show of CP, which would make if very difficult to see the tree lighting ceremony the same night as the CP.

I have read a lot about the CP and the Tree Lighting Ceremony, but know very little about the Holidays Around The World.


What I would like help with is........ What activities take place at the different countries for children, and does it matter if you do them at night or during the day.

For instance, are the different Santa's always out, or do they come and go throughout the day. Do you take the kids pictures with them (with our without a line). Do they tell stories. Are there other activities we should do.

I would appreciate help with information about the "Holidays Around The World" in Epcot, and also if we can do both the Tree Light and CP the same night, and if not, is it worth spending 2 (of our limited) nights at Epcot.

 

[All Aboard]

Part of "Holidays around the World" is the storytelling that takes place in each country. It starts at around noon and goes on throughout most of the day. Each storyteller appears about 6 times. So, you can work your way around World Showcase and catch each one. It's one holiday tradition we haven't missed in years. Steve Soares: http://pages.prodigy.net/stevesoares/ puts up the daily schedule on his website as soon as it is released.

If you plan to do CP, I would strongly urge you to consider a dinner package. The tree lighting isn't really a big deal, but it is nice. The lighted musical archway that begins with the ceremony will continue to play throughout the night. Plan to spend some time near it. It runs between the tree and Future World.

 

[RayRing]

gcurling: Thank you for the information about the Storyteller's and the link to Steve Soares web site.

It sounds like the Tree Lighting Ceremony is nice, but would not require a second visit to epcot, just for that event.

Also, thanks for your suggestion about the CP Dinner Package.


Because of traveling with small children, I didn't want to go to the 8:15 CP or eat late at night.

I read that the 6:45 CP is better, because it is dark, but the 5:00 CP allows for better dinning times for our kids.

I had previously called and secured two CP Dinner Packages, although I may cancel one.

On Sunday, Dec. 4th. (our arrival day) I have a 4:30 Dinner at Mexico, and the 6:45 CP.
And on Thursday, Dec 8th. I have a 6:30 Dinner at France, and the 5:00CP


If someone could help with a couple more questions, that would be great.

How engaging are the Storyteller's to small children?
Are the Santa's from each country the Storyteller's or are they different? Do they interact with the kids?
What other activities are there at each country for small children?

 

[addicted2disney]

Each country has a Kidcot station. Its a supervised table where kids make a mask on a stick. At each country, the mask is stamped with a stamp saying that country and then the CM will add a decoration to the mask that represents that country. THe kids can sit down and color on their mask at each country too. You can get Passport books, and the kids can have them signed by a CM in each country. We did that when the kids were a little older. The masks are something they love to do.

Holiday Around the Worls is something else we like to do over our Thanksgiving trip. Each country has their version of Santa come out and tell a story about traditions in their country. When we did the one near Germany ( Im pretty sure it was Germany lol) along with the story teller was a giant Nutcracker soldier. The storytellers do interact with the kids, and ask them questions. At the end, you can get pictures. We have yet to get them all as they are on a schedule. I probably have an old time sheet with the times on them. I can scan it for you to give you an idea what the schedule was like if you want.

We havent done CP, only because I dont think my kids would sit through it. Last year, we sat at the tables my the American Adventure, had something to eat and we listened to the Cp from there. Its was nice and loud and we could see too. That was enough for my kids..lol

I like the tree lighting ceremony. With your kids being so little, they might like it too!!

Are you taking them to MVMCP? Make sure you let them see the parades in all the parks, the add a little holiday theme to them. You will be able to see THe Osbourne Lights in MGM too. My kids like to visit other resorts and see their decorations. Last year we took the monorail and went to Contemporary and Grand Floridian.

We love seeing the park decked out for the holidays, and seeing the characters dressed for winter. Goofy wears a santa hat! Its great!!

 

[All Aboard]

RayRing, one clarificaiton - the storytellers and the Santas are one and the same. In many cases (USA, Germany, France, UK, Canada) the storyteller is the country's version of Santa. In Italy, it is La Befana, a woman who visits children's homes the night of the Epiphany. In Mexico, it used to be Los Tres Reyes Magos (the three wise kings (or wise men to us)) but they have been replaced by a different storyteller. In Norway, it is Julenissen, he's a barn gnome who leaves presents for the kids (pretty much like a Santa.) In China, it's the Monkey King. He tells a story of how he got his powers. In Japan, it's the daruma seller who explains the tradition of the daruma. In Morocco, it's the Taarji who tells the story of Ramadan.

Each interacts with the guests, particularly children and stays for autographs and photos after their story. Here's a few photos:

The Monkey King - China

La Befana - Italy

The Daruma Seller - Japan

Julenissen - Norway

Papa Noel - Canada

Father Christmas - United Kingdom

 

[Mickey's Sister]

Thanks for sharing your wonderful photos! Now I'm even more excited for our upcoming holiday trip! (If that's possible, LOL.)

Jessica

 

[RayRing]

Thanks to all for the great information.
You asked about us attending MVMCP and CP, so I have listed what I have for a schedule so far.
I have tried to hit all the main Holiday Events, but didn't want to rush from place to place too much. Being DVC members, we have been to WDW several times before, and will continue to go about every year. So I wanted to concentrate on the Holiday Events. I also like to build in lots of slack time. That way I can pretend that I am Not the fanatic planner that I really am.
Please feel free to comment, if anyone have any thoughts on my schedule.

Thanks.


I have been planning out our early December vacation for awhile now, but am trying to firm it up, now that we are coming up on the 90 day mark for making PS.

Below is a brief outline of what I have so far.

Sunday, Dec 4 (arrival day - Arrive at GF about 3:00), I can't decide between
Going to MK from 4 -6, then dinner at GF or WL
* Going to MK @ 4, and attending MVMCP for the 1st. parade, and 1st. fireworks, then back to GF.
Going to MGM to see Osborne Lights
Going to Epcot to see tree lighting ceremony and storytellers
I am leaning towards MVMCP, even with the extra cost over our AP's

Monday, Dec 5
Morning at MK, rest at GF, dinner at GF or WL, evening at MK (wishes fireworks)

Tuesday, Dec 6
Afternoon and evening at MGM, including Fantasmic dinner, Fantasmic, and Osborne Lights.

Wednesday, Dec 7
Morning at MK, evening - adult dinner OR down time for everyone in the room.

Thursday, Dec 8
Afternoon and evening at Epcot, including 5:00 CP and CP dinner at France at 6:45

Friday, Dec 9
Morning MK, then prepare to leave for airport

I would also like to get some pool time in the mornings, before we head out to the parks.