Ideas on Best Resort at Christmas

[jnorthington]

Hello all,

I see all the great tips on here and hoping I can get some great feedback. We are planning a surprise trip to Disney the week before Christmas 2010. It is a surprise to our 7 year old daughter. What we are needing is what is the best resort to stay at during the holidays.

We know that anytime will be magical, but we want the most magical experience for her. Also any tips on things to visit or things to do during that time would be great. I won't put any limitations on the responses...like best 3 tips or such since some of you have lots of sound advice.

Thanks in advance.

Eric

 

[iluveeyore]

We went two years ago at the beginning of December - really, any of the resorts are beautiful to stay at, especially the 'hotel' like resorts (deluxe or DVC), because the trees in the lobbies are huge. We stayed at Pop Century due to budget (just me and my sister), but we visited every park and resort, and it was amazing. Must-do's are the Candlelight Processional at Epcot, the tree-lighting show at Epcot, Osborne Spectacle of Lights at HS, Jammin Jingle Parade at AK, and the Christmas Parade at MK. The castle at MK is beyond beautiful at night as well.
Christmas is everywhere at WDW in December, so it will be a great holiday no matter where you stay!

 

[gracie1]

How did you like POP century at christmas? I am thinking of booking there for Christmas 2010 as well

 

[laliwalden]

We did the Pop in December 2006. It was really neat.

This year we had planned on POFQ, but after seeing pics of Coronado Springs at Christmas, we are staying there now!!

 

[iluveeyore]

As I said, all the halls were decked everywhere! Pop was festive as well with a huge tree in the lobby and garland and wreaths everywhere. You definitely know it's Christmas no matter where you go on Disney property in December

 

[Mousemom]

We went the second week of December and would love to go again this time of year. No crowds and great weather. Stayed in the low 70s and one day it got to low 80's and we spent that day at the water park. We stayed 3 nights at ASmovies which was decorated really cute and then moved to AKL. AKL was amazing. Huge tree in the lobby, all that you would expect at Disney in December. The parks were all decorated especially Hollywood Studios, the Osborne lights are worth going for alone. Enjoy your stay.

 

[jnorthington]

bump

 

[lacrosse_lady72]

You might get a bigger response on thr Resort Board but imo the top 2 are the Grand Floridian and Wilderness Lodge.

 

[DiznyDi]

You might get a bigger response on thr Resort Board but imo the top 2 are the Grand Floridian and Wilderness Lodge.

Agree! ...
But I would reverse the order: Wilderness Lodge is #1 in my book, then Grand Floridian.

Wherever you choose to stay, it will be beautiful and without a doubt will put you into the Christmas spirit even though the only snow you will find will be artificial.

 

[jnorthington]

bump

 

[jamie@dvcstore]

Hi jnorthington,
December is a great time to visit Disney. The weather is great and everything is decorated for the Holidays.

My favorite resort for that time of year is Wilderness Lodge. We are DVC members so we will stay at the Villas at Wilderness Lodge in mid-December every year. I would say second to that for me would be Grand Floridian.

If you decide to stay elsewhere I would suggest visiting GF to see the decorations and giant gingerbread house. Also, stop by Wilderness Lodge to see the very large and very beautiful Christmas tree.

Whatever resort you decide on I am sure you will have a great time
________
White Girls Cam

 

[jnorthington]

Thanks for all the great input.

Eric

 

[Missytara]

Here's mine in order:

1. Wilderness Lodge
2. Grand Floridian
3. Boardwalk
4. Animal Kingdom Lodge
5. Poly

I stay at POR, but I resort hop when I am down there specifically for the xmas decorations....

 

[CindeBella]

We were there in 2007 and each resort that we visited was beautiful!

We took the sleigh ride at Wilderness Lodge at sunset. This resort had a warm feeling which is perfect for Christmas.
The Grand Floridian was amazing! The life size gingerbread house where gingerbread cookies were being sold was really nice. We also visited the Beach Club, BoardWalk and Contemporary ~ all stunning. We stayed at The Dolphin. The Swan Dolphin was just as nice!
The Poly wasn't my favourite but still nice.
I don't think you can pick a wrong resort. I'm certain you will be able to find photos of each resort.

The Travel Channel also has a Disney Christmas segment closer to Christmas.

 

[jnorthington]

Thanks again for all the input...

I am sure we couldn't go wrong...Just wanted to do the best right that we could....

Trying to make it extra magical.

 

[momma2minnie]

Hello!

Here's my input. We have only ever gone in Dec. and let me tell you, I can't imagine going at any other time of year! Christmas on steroids LOL! we stayed at CBR both times and enjoyed it. I would definetely say though that no matter where you choose to stay it will be extra magical.

You can stay at any resort and hop to the others. We had dinner at WL one night and rode the monorail to the "monorail resorts" one day. Guess what I mean is you don't have to pay deluxe prices to enjoy the decor.

Have a blast!

 

[jnorthington]

Thanks for all the input.

I noticed someone say sleigh ride at wilderness lodge. How is that different then the carriage ride at the Port Orleans.

 

[jnorthington]

bump

 

[jnorthington]

bump

 

[steven_&_daniel]

We stayed at Disney's Beach Club Resort last year and loved the gingerbread carousel as well as the Christmas village train set at the Yacht Club.