Is it too late to think about booking a Christmas trip?

[Jasminetigger]

We are headed to WDW this month, however I am already thinking about a futrue trip. We have never been to WDW at Christmas time and I think the girls would love the decorations. Is it too late to book a resort or can I even wait a while longer before booking? We love Wilderness Lodge and I have read that it is decorated beautifully at Christmas time. What is your favorite resort at Christmas time? Any suggestions, I have two DD's, 7 and 12? We are thinking about going two weeks before Christmas. How are the crowds then?

 

[Connears]

We have been to WDW christmas week thru NYear's for the past three years and are returning this year. December has become a very popular time with all the holiday festivities. 2 weeks before you may be with fewer crowds, but I'll let someone with first hand experience for that time answer for you. We love all the special stuff and because we go about twice a year, we manage the crowds and don't let it stress us at all. I beleive you still wil be able to get accomodations, but may have to be flexible. Have fun!
Connears

We were at OKW, Swan, BCV for the last three and will return to OKW this time. Be sure to resort hop to see the decorations (GF, BWV, WL,Dolphin were our favorites).

 

[Jasminetigger]

Thanks for the info. I like the idea of resort hopping to see the different decorations. I wouldn't have even thought of that.

 

[Ilovestitch]

In 2004, I booked my December trip in late May so I think its not too late.

 

[lovewdwdvc]

We used to go all of the time the two weeks before Christmas and it was nearly deserted. I do not think that is the case for a number of reasons one bing theMickeys Very Merry Christmas Celebration. Also the night time candlelight procession.

It is a fabulous time to go. The decorations are beautiful and the weather is usually nice but it can be cold too.

go to several of the resorts to see the decorations. WL for sure but others are wonderful too.

 

[PrincessTanyuhKaypoo]

Shoot, I'll bet you still have plenty of time to book a Christmas trip! We are Florida residents and 95% of our trips are booked last minute, but we only have to book rooms and dining.

WDW at Christmas time is beautiful! I think even people who don't really "do" Christmas will get the bug at WDW! I'd definately suggest doing the Christmas Party as a family, the Candlelight Processional is really lovely- if it interests you, and the Osbourne Family lights came back this past year, and they are something I think everyone should see at least once!

The past few Christmas trips we've taken have been around the 1st and 2nd weeks of December and this past year was definately more crowded then the year before, but still it's managable.

HTH,
TKPoo

 

[johnnyr]

Christmas is a wonderful time to go. Everything is decorated so beautifully. I don't think you will have a hard time finding a room if you book soon, but airfare is outragous for the week between Christmas and New Years. We got a great deal with USA 3000.

Also, I don't think there are any discounts for that week. We have rack rate at CBR. Tried AAA, but discounts end 12/19. Last year there were no AP rates, but the year before there were. I am hoping they come out with something for this year.

 

[septbride2002]

We planned a trip at Christmas time in 20 days. So you have PLENTLY of time in my opinion. The crowds were not bad (we went 3 weeks before Christmas). I really enjoyed POR-FQ at Christmas, the decorations were all done in Mardi Gras colors and it was very vibrant.

I also thought Grand Floridian looked gorgeaous with all the poinsettias.

I'm in the minority since I'm not a fan of Wilderness Lodge. It is just to dark and the native indian decor is lost on me. It is very pretty at Christmas time, but I was glad I made the switch from WL to Port Orleans - FQ.

Resorts I would *not* reccomened at Christmas:
1. Animal Kingdom Lodge - unless you like non traditional Christmas decor.
2. Carribean Beach - I'm not a fan of this resort anyway, but I thought the Christmas decorations were Tacky.
3. Coronado Springs - same as CB
4. Contemporary - not a whole lot of decorations - but w/a tower room it would be cool.
5. Pop - just a bad idea all around

Resorts I would Reccomened:
1. Yacht Club - I just loved this resort with the dark wood and the bright poinsettia decorations. There is a HUGE model train set in the lobby that your kids will love. The tree is very large with some traditional ornaments and then also some large sail boats.

2. Beach Club - PERFECT in my opinion. Bright colors, traditional decorations, chocolate carousel, decorations EVERYWHERE.

3. Polynesian - Christmas in the tropics - no huge Christmas tree but lots of decorations.

4. Grand Floridian - the flag ship resort. The decorations are beautiful here.

5. Port Orleans Riverside or French Quarter - Very well done. The decorations are a bit on the traditional side but also reflect Lousiana. No big trees.

~Amanda

 

[septbride2002]

The best part of your trip at Christmas time was (in order)
1. Candelight Processional. Especially if you love Christian Christmas music. It gave me chills.

2. Mickeys Very Merry Christmas Party - a ton of fun, not crowded (at least when we were there).

3. MGM Christmas lights - the actual name escapes me right now but it was neat to see and I loved the "snow."

We also toured all of the resorts and got our picture taken with Santa Claus in DTD. The resorts were great to go to each one and take pictures. Plus I had never seen all the resorts before. It will take the majority of one day to it if you want to see them all. The best ones are the Deluxe Resorts so I would go to the TTC and hop on the Magic Kingdom Resort Monorail - do Poly, Grand Floridian, and Contemporary. Then switch Monorails to Epcot and do Boarwalk, Yacht Club, and Beach Club.

OH! Mentioning EPCOT reminded me that all the countries have their traditional Santa Claus. They tell their legends and you can get pictures with them. We heard Italy, France, Germany, England, and Morroco. It was a lot of fun hearing the different legends.

Dang - I wish I could go too.

~Amanda

 

[Jasminetigger]

We planned a trip at Christmas time in 20 days. So you have PLENTLY of time in my opinion. The crowds were not bad (we went 3 weeks before Christmas). I really enjoyed POR-FQ at Christmas, the decorations were all done in Mardi Gras colors and it was very vibrant.

I also thought Grand Floridian looked gorgeaous with all the poinsettias.

I'm in the minority since I'm not a fan of Wilderness Lodge. It is just to dark and the native indian decor is lost on me. It is very pretty at Christmas time, but I was glad I made the switch from WL to Port Orleans - FQ.

Resorts I would *not* reccomened at Christmas:
1. Animal Kingdom Lodge - unless you like non traditional Christmas decor.
2. Carribean Beach - I'm not a fan of this resort anyway, but I thought the Christmas decorations were Tacky.
3. Coronado Springs - same as CB
4. Contemporary - not a whole lot of decorations - but w/a tower room it would be cool.
5. Pop - just a bad idea all around

Resorts I would Reccomened:
1. Yacht Club - I just loved this resort with the dark wood and the bright poinsettia decorations. There is a HUGE model train set in the lobby that your kids will love. The tree is very large with some traditional ornaments and then also some large sail boats.

2. Beach Club - PERFECT in my opinion. Bright colors, traditional decorations, chocolate carousel, decorations EVERYWHERE.

3. Polynesian - Christmas in the tropics - no huge Christmas tree but lots of decorations.

4. Grand Floridian - the flag ship resort. The decorations are beautiful here.

5. Port Orleans Riverside or French Quarter - Very well done. The decorations are a bit on the traditional side but also reflect Lousiana. No big trees.

~Amanda

Thank you for the great information about all the resorts. I am definitely going to spend a day touring the resorts. Thanks to everyone for all the helpful information.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Plenty of time! Last year we considered going for Christmas and it was already early December. There was still availability at several resorts. My best advice would be to keep an eye out for December discounts towards the end of the summer or early fall.

 

[CarolB]

We decided to go Christmas week (12/22-12/28) last year in Oct and still got a great AP rate for the CR.

 

[Amy&Dan]

I am in the process of making reservations from the 27th-1st and I know that week between Christmas and New Year's is busy. I got exactly what I wanted so you should be fine for earlier in December. If you do have your heart set on a certain resort I would go ahead and book soon. Its easier to cancel if you change your mind than to not get what you want if you wait too long!

 

[Mickey's Sister]

Hi! I've been trying for quite some time to find someone to tell me about the decorations at POR. The only picture I was able to get my hands on was one Christmas tree near the check-in area.

We're planning a trip NOV/Dec of this year & originally planned on WL (I'm one who loves the theming there) but don't think we can do the entire trip there. POR looks wonderful to me & I've heard great reviews, but nothing about Christmas. I'd be so grateful if you could fill me in. I'm a Christmas fanatic & want the entire trip to be holiday related.

Thanks so much!

 

[WDWRC]

It's still early to book....if you want a resort other than Fort Wilderness Campground....they have been booked solid since 12/2004.

Tracy