Is it too early to talk about Christmas?

[jzuzphreek]

We've decided to head back to WDW for the second time, this time will be a Christmas trip!

I'm pretty sure that I'll never be able to do Christmas anywhere other than Disney after our trip in 343 days!

As far as planning, my wife is meticulous. She caught on quickly for our first trip, and we understand how to make the most of ADRs and FastPass+. We're really good at establishing a plan, sticking too it, and adjusting on the fly or scrapping the whole thing when needed. So really, I'm looking for tips and advice specific to a Christmas Trip (12/19 - 12/26).

So far, the only definitive plans are outlined below:
1) Though we plan to arrive on the 19th (Staying at Wilderness Lodge), we've decided to make the first afternoon/evening a park-free day, just exploring the beautiful grounds and (from what we've read/seen) the amazing Christmas decorations at the Wilderness Lodge.
2) Christmas Eve (night) will be centered around the Candlelight Processional at Epcot (will we miss Illuminations if we do the latest showing at 8:15?)
3) Christmas Day will definitely be in Magic Kingdom (we'll likely spend a total of 3 days at MK), with dinner likely at Liberty Tree Tavern due to their very "typical" Christmas dinner menu.

We're a BIG Christmas family. I'm big on tradition (spiritual and secular), my wife is big on keeping the kids (6 year old son, 16 month old daughter) believing in the magic for as long as possible, and my son is just thrilled with the magic, wonder, excitement, and presents. I'm learning that WDW has something for everyone at Christmastime, and I want us to make the most of this trip in a way that will honor our own traditions.

Obviously there are some pretty popular "can't miss" features: Special holiday fireworks displays, Candlelight Processional (Epcot), and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (which I may make a separate thread about... I'm a bit confused) to name a few. I'm hoping that later this year we'll learn of a new setting for the Osborn lights, cause the whole family loves looking at Christmas lights, and it would be a shame to miss this spectacle by 1 year.

So here's my question, what are some Christmas-specific events/attractions/meals at the parks that we shouldn't miss, but may not have ever heard about?

 

[mshanson3121]

No, it's not And I'm going to follow this because you sound just like me We are a huge Christmas family, and we too want to keep the magic and wonder alive as long as possible. I would LOVE to do a Christmas trip to Disney, I'm just still scared of the crowds.

 

[LSUfan4444]

what are some Christmas-specific events/attractions/meals at the parks that we shouldn't miss, but may not have ever heard about?

My first suggestion would be to not think there is anything you can't miss. There is all kinds of stuff going on and no way you will possibly do it all. While I may say it's a must do to meet and take a family photo with Santa and Mrs. Clause in Epcot someone else may say you MUST see the gingerbread house in the Grand Floridian. My suggestion would be to keep your plans very flexible, especially early on, so that when changes present themselves you can try to take advantage of them.

Don't forget your bathing suits so if you get warmer temps, you can play in the pool or relax in the hot tub.

 

[PlutoTheDog89]

It's never too early. I'll be posting my Christmas trip report sometime soon.

It's good that your wife is so meticulous with planning because the trip certainly requires it.

If you're getting there on 12/19, there's a solid chance you fall into the free dining plan window. Of course, there are plenty of exclusions, so you may wanna check if your resort is included.

You're planning on staying at the best resort for Christmas. It's beautifully decorated. You can easily spend an entire evening in the lobby just relaxing around the tree or fireplace. Also - check out Fort Wilderness. Campers always decorate their campsite with awesome over-the-top decorations. They offer a carriage ride around the grounds for (I think) $75.

I agree with taking the first day off. We never do parks on our first day (12/24). We have a relaxing day and head to dinner, then get to bed early to prepare for Magic Kingdom on Christmas Day.

Magic Kingdom is the place to be on Christmas Day. You need to plan out your day and get there early. It'll be PACKED by 10am. There should be an EMH from 7am-8am, then the park will open to the public around 8am. That's a good chance to get in Space Mountain and/or Buzz. Then, set your FP+ for a littler later in the day. We like to spend the next hour or so riding anything with a lower wait time. So this year, we did Pirates then had a FP+ for Jingle Cruise at 9:00am. We had ADRs at BOG at 9:50am, Thunder Mountain at 11:30 and 7 Dwarfs Mine Train at 2ish. Between 12 and 2 we watched the Castle show and walked the park. It was too crowded to really get on any rides (Haunted House was around an hour wait.) But that was the only time we could get 7DMT for, so we went with it. After 7DMT, we left for the day. We ate at Artist Point (TOTALLY RECOMMEND) and called it a night.


Staying close to MK really helps. You can leave for the afternoon then return for your ADR, or just make your FP+'s for later in the day and enjoy your morning. Many people will tell you to avoid MK on Christmas Day. I disagree. Yes, it's crazy crowded. CRAZY crowded, but if you plan it right, you can really enjoy your day. It also didn't help this year being so hot. I enjoyed it, but I think it made people a little loopy.

As far as can't miss holiday attractions:
EPCOT
- Illuminations (with the holiday ending)
- Candlelight Processional
- Eating around the world - many countries have storytellers and food and drink that is customary to their traditions.

Magic Kingdom
- Frozen - Elsa lights the castle at night.
- Holiday Wishes - the holiday version of Wishes
- Snow on Main Street - at night, usually after Wishes
- Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party - check your dates. You may be there for its final night. It's also worth noting as this is a separately ticketed event and the park may close early.

Hollywood Studios
- It used to have the Osborne Lights. I think I just cried a little.
- The Adventurer's Club do a holiday-themed show which was funnier than I expected
- Not a ton else there to do.

Animal Kingdom
- Probably the least "Christmasy" of the parks

Take a day to resort hop. We used to always do Narcoossee's for Christmas dinner but passed this year and did Artist Point instead. We took an afternoon to escape the crowds at Magic Kingdom and just went resort to resort on the monorail. The Grand Floridian really is the best. The Poly isn't too decorated, but it's the only spot to get the swirl Dole Whip anymore, so it's worth stopping by.

Take a break from EPCOT and do Boardwalk, Beach & Yacht Club. All decorated according to theme. Really gorgeous decorations.

I wrote a free guide about Christmas at Disney. You can find this as well as a blog at survivedisxmas.com.

I've returned to a ton of work, so it kind of pushed back my trip report but it'll be on the DIS and on my site soon.

 

[PlutoTheDog89]

My first suggestion would be to not think there is anything you can't miss. There is all kinds of stuff going on and no way you will possibly do it all. While I may say it's a must do to meet and take a family photo with Santa and Mrs. Clause in Epcot someone else may say you MUST see the gingerbread house in the Grand Floridian. My suggestion would be to keep your plans very flexible, especially early on, so that when changes present themselves you can try to take advantage of them.

THIS ^^^

Tailor your expectations. I always say that Disney is best for families who have been to Disney a few times. It's a terrible time for a first trip. Do we try and see and do everything? Yes. But we don't mind if we miss Pirates or the Laugh Floor or something like that.... We've been on it a million times already.

 

[jzuzphreek]

No, it's not And I'm going to follow this because you sound just like me We are a huge Christmas family, and we too want to keep the magic and wonder alive as long as possible. I would LOVE to do a Christmas trip to Disney, I'm just still scared of the crowds.

While crowds are not ideal, we all know what we're getting into, and know better than to complain. Also, I forget where I read it, this weekend, but I liked the quote... "big crowds don't necessarily mean big lines."

My first suggestion would be to not think there is anything you can't miss. There is all kinds of stuff going on and no way you will possibly do it all. While I may say it's a must do to meet and take a family photo with Santa and Mrs. Clause in Epcot someone else may say you MUST see the gingerbread house in the Grand Floridian. My suggestion would be to keep your plans very flexible, especially early on, so that when changes present themselves you can try to take advantage of them.

Don't forget your bathing suits so if you get warmer temps, you can play in the pool or relax in the hot tub.

Glad to have a reply from a fellow Tiger fan!!

I figure on our first day, since we're not going to the parks, will tour the other resorts near Wilderness Lodge (Grand Floridian, Contemporary Resort, and others known for their Christmas decor). When you're a 31 year old child and the parent of two kids who will be 2 and almost 7, it'll be hard to not make it to a giant gingerbread house... especially when you can buy a shingle to eat!

 

[budamacdvcr]

It's never too early. I'll be posting my Christmas trip report sometime soon.

It's good that your wife is so meticulous with planning because the trip certainly requires it.

If you're getting there on 12/19, there's a solid chance you fall into the free dining plan window. Of course, there are plenty of exclusions, so you may wanna check if your resort is included.

You're planning on staying at the best resort for Christmas. It's beautifully decorated. You can easily spend an entire evening in the lobby just relaxing around the tree or fireplace. Also - check out Fort Wilderness. Campers always decorate their campsite with awesome over-the-top decorations. They offer a carriage ride around the grounds for (I think) $75.

I agree with taking the first day off. We never do parks on our first day (12/24). We have a relaxing day and head to dinner, then get to bed early to prepare for Magic Kingdom on Christmas Day.

Magic Kingdom is the place to be on Christmas Day. You need to plan out your day and get there early. It'll be PACKED by 10am. There should be an EMH from 7am-8am, then the park will open to the public around 8am. That's a good chance to get in Space Mountain and/or Buzz. Then, set your FP+ for a littler later in the day. We like to spend the next hour or so riding anything with a lower wait time. So this year, we did Pirates then had a FP+ for Jingle Cruise at 9:00am. We had ADRs at BOG at 9:50am, Thunder Mountain at 11:30 and 7 Dwarfs Mine Train at 2ish. Between 12 and 2 we watched the Castle show and walked the park. It was too crowded to really get on any rides (Haunted House was around an hour wait.) But that was the only time we could get 7DMT for, so we went with it. After 7DMT, we left for the day. We ate at Artist Point (TOTALLY RECOMMEND) and called it a night.


Staying close to MK really helps. You can leave for the afternoon then return for your ADR, or just make your FP+'s for later in the day and enjoy your morning. Many people will tell you to avoid MK on Christmas Day. I disagree. Yes, it's crazy crowded. CRAZY crowded, but if you plan it right, you can really enjoy your day. It also didn't help this year being so hot. I enjoyed it, but I think it made people a little loopy.

As far as can't miss holiday attractions:
EPCOT
- Illuminations (with the holiday ending)
- Candlelight Processional
- Eating around the world - many countries have storytellers and food and drink that is customary to their traditions.

Magic Kingdom
- Frozen - Elsa lights the castle at night.
- Holiday Wishes - the holiday version of Wishes
- Snow on Main Street - at night, usually after Wishes
- Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party - check your dates. You may be there for its final night. It's also worth noting as this is a separately ticketed event and the park may close early.

Hollywood Studios
- It used to have the Osborne Lights. I think I just cried a little.
- The Adventurer's Club do a holiday-themed show which was funnier than I expected
- Not a ton else there to do.

Animal Kingdom
- Probably the least "Christmasy" of the parks

Take a day to resort hop. We used to always do Narcoossee's for Christmas dinner but passed this year and did Artist Point instead. We took an afternoon to escape the crowds at Magic Kingdom and just went resort to resort on the monorail. The Grand Floridian really is the best. The Poly isn't too decorated, but it's the only spot to get the swirl Dole Whip anymore, so it's worth stopping by.

Take a break from EPCOT and do Boardwalk, Beach & Yacht Club. All decorated according to theme. Really gorgeous decorations.

I wrote a free guide about Christmas at Disney. You can find this as well as a blog at survivedisxmas.com.

I've returned to a ton of work, so it kind of pushed back my trip report but it'll be on the DIS and on my site soon.

We have been twice and Pluto pretty much covered it but I will pass along the following as we are also huge Christmas family:

1. Resort hop to see decorations. First day there, boat over to MK and then use the monorail to hit the three monorail resorts to see their decorations
2. Do not plan to make this a normal WDW trip due to the crowd. MK will hit capacity on days like the 24th, 25th, 31st so maybe plan around those dates if you are there then.
3. Take it all in, decorations, parades, special bake goods, snow on Main Street at night, decorations, ............

Enjoy the planning!

 

[jzuzphreek]

I didn't even realize that the week leading up to Christmas usually had a Free Dining period! That's really great news! It could also be bad news! SWMBO (She who must be obeyed) is now considering upgrading to the Contemporary Resort!

 

[PlutoTheDog89]

I didn't even realize that the week leading up to Christmas usually had a Free Dining period! That's really great news! It could also be bad news! SWMBO (She who must be obeyed) is now considering upgrading to the Contemporary Resort!

Contemporary is GREAT from the standpoint of it being a monorail hotel. It's walking distance to MK and you can take the monorail to both MK and EPCOT. BUT, nothing beats the Wilderness Lodge from a decor standpoint during Christmas.

 

[jzuzphreek]

Contemporary is GREAT from the standpoint of it being a monorail hotel. It's walking distance to MK and you can take the monorail to both MK and EPCOT. BUT, nothing beats the Wilderness Lodge from a decor standpoint during Christmas.

This is the impasse where I currently stand.

 

[PlutoTheDog89]

This is the impasse where I currently stand.

Well - know this - you can't go wrong with either. You're really going to enjoy your vacation. For me, I LOVE Wilderness Lodge, but I'll take the close proximity to the parks any day.

Went to my family's friend's house yesterday. They're diehard Disney lovers like my family and have DVC. Talked to their neighbors, a couple who own DVC as well. They said they loved the Contemporary. Last time they stayed Magic Kingdom had EMH. The rest of the family was sleeping and the wife looked at her 11 yr old and said "let's go to Magic Kingdom." She said it was an incredibly memorable night.

You don't really have that freedom at Wilderness Lodge. It'll take around 20 mins to get there.

 

[jzuzphreek]

Being that our kids will be a (a week from) 7 and 2, I doubt we'll be making too many last minute trips back to the park. Our 15 month old is a pretty scheduled sleeper (completely unlike her big brother). I think we've decided to go with Wilderness Lodge, mostly for the decorations.

 

[choover2576]

I'm also planning a Christmas trip around the same dates as jzuzphreek and also a planner so I'm ready to talk Christmas too

I also would like to do the Candlelight Processional on Christmas Eve and hit MK right at EMH on Christmas morning. I would like to tour without FP's until about 10:00am, use a FP, have a early lunch at Be Our Guest (if we can get a reservation) and then 2 more FP's before we call it a day.

Not too sure what we would like to do the other days. How crowded are the water parks the week before Christmas?

 

[akaDaddy]

Christmas is wonderful if you plan; taking the advise you will find from the wonderful, positive folks on sites like this. Our family was at WDW from December 19 thru 26, 2015 (with free dining) and it was fantastic. Crowded, yes...but well worth it. We did everything we wanted, with little wait. My wife even mentioned that although the crowds were higher than we had ever seen them before, it felt like we had more time than ever.

Here are the keys to a successful Christmas trip.

1. Keep your expectations realistic.
2. Do rope drop as often as possible, using FP+ early in the day as well.
3. Park-hop as needed.
4. Use the afternoons for rest and sightseeing.

If you plan your ADR's early, make them at 180 days, FP+ at 60 days, you should have no problem getting the what you want.

Enjoy...it's Christmas!!!

 

[xlsm]

If you want to join in, HERE is our December 2016 thread, and if you haven't checked it out already, HERE is the Wilderness Lodge thread...lots of info in the recent posts about the construction that is getting started there and going on through 2017.

Never too early for Christmas...we've had our trip booked since 488 days out, or something ridiculous like that!

 

[jzuzphreek]

If you want to join in, HERE is our December 2016 thread, and if you haven't checked it out already, HERE is the Wilderness Lodge thread...lots of info in the recent posts about the construction that is getting started there and going on through 2017.

Never too early for Christmas...we've had our trip booked since 488 days out, or something ridiculous like that!

Thanks so much for linking to those threads!! I was digging around last night to see if I could find something like those! Just didn't know where to find them!