i want to see christmas decorations at WDW

[jcarter29]

I have worked in retail my entire adult life and have never been able to take vacation after October or before Feb. I have a new job (still retail but a much better company) and can go on vacation in Dec, Jan, etc. So...I MUST see the decorations at Disney. I am a huge Christmas and specifically Disney Christmas fan so the fact that I can do this is long overdue. My quandry is...when exactly to go? It may be just me and hubby. It may be me, hubby and 2 daughters ages 6 and 4 (they have both been to disney about a year ago). I am thinking the first week of December or near there would be best with the lowest crowd levels. What do you recommend? If it is just the 2 of us, we will only do a long weekend. If we all go, we are looking at doing the promotion going on for 6 nights/7 days and staying at Poly, WL or CBR.

Thanks for your trusted input!
Kim

 

[DrZoidberg]

I went Thanksgiving week in 07 and loved the decorations. I'm planning a solo trip this year from Dec 4-12 to enjoy the Christmas season this year. The decorations are all up at this time and it's value season so less money and less crouds. Far less busy than Thanksgiving week was.

 

[pal-mickey]

I would go the first two week of Dec. In 2007 we went the week before Christmas and the crowds started off lite but slowly got more crowded by the time we left. I think it's the most beautiful time to see Disney. Don't forget to visit the different hotels to see the gingerbread creations.

 

[jcarter29]

I am leaning towards Dec 3-9...sounds like this might go right along with the recommendations?

I don't want to miss anything so feel free to post those special Christmas things that you never miss. I already know about the "big" ones like the party, the lights, the gingerbread houses, candlelight processional. What are some of the "little things" that make Christmas so special at WDW???

Thanks
Kim

 

[exwdwcm]

We just got back from going dec 10-20th with a stay at the WL. Loved it! i would also vote for WL as a good choice to stay- gorgeous decorations!!

It was a great time to go- the weather was okay, even pretty hot some days. It was only cold the first and last day of our trip. The crowds were not too bad, but they were getting bad that last saturday the 19th. We definitely noticed it then.

We've also been back in like 2005, but we went the first week of December then- that first weekend they typically film the Christmas parade, so avoid the MK that day unless you want to be a part of that. POP Warner is also going on usually during that time- so you might see some random cheerleaders or pee wee football players. They typically are over at the wide world of sports with games all day and only venture out at night sometimes. The only problem we had with them was at the resorts, we rarely saw them in the parks, so they were not an issue- especially if you are staying at a deluxe (they typically stay at value and flow over to one moderate- like POR). I didn't notice bigger crowds due to them or anything.

the crowds actually seemed lower in 2005 that first week of december to us. And we are going to go again this year 12/4-12/11. Plus, we felt really rushed with the holidays by going 12/10-12-20 this year. We came back home and boom, it was Christmas and we had barely any time to prepare. that is another reason i prefer the first week.

 

[pal-mickey]

You can take a picture with Santa in the MK; the holiday tag on Illuminations; the Santa's from around the world at Epcot; seein the "snow" at the Osburne lights.
I think it is so special because of how beautiful it looks. I feel that there are no words to describe how beautiful the castle looks. I just love seeing all the lights and decorations!
Take notice of the decorations whereever you are and you will noticed that they are themed to that area. Like Chef Mickey's will have utensils on their wreath and the Animal Kingdom will have animals on it.
I guess it's just being in a special place at a special time of year!