Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells ...

[AllyGirl_79]

Has anyone heard any rumors about Christmas events at WDW this year? I'm planning my first holiday trip for Dec 09, and I can't wait!

I saw that the MVMCP tickets are on sale. I'm hoping that Candlelight Processional packages will be available again, though perhaps they will come out closer to the 90 day mark than the 180 day mark like last year. (I remember Kevin talking about getting up early to be on the phone making ADRs, and I live in fear I'll miss the announcement. )

Anyone have any insight into this? Any rumors about events that will be limited due to cost cutting measures? Or am I just planning too early?

Here's hoping for another "Christmas in July" segment on the Podcast...

Thanks!

 

[Mr. I Won't Rent Car]

We are a little sad that we will be arriving too late (Dec. 20) for the Christmas Party Nights!

 

[wdwscout]

We are a little sad that we will be arriving too late (Dec. 20) for the Christmas Party Nights!

Don't be sad.
It just means it is that much closer to Christmas!
It means all the decorations and celebrations are going non-stop!
It means you get to see the MVMCP Christmas Parade without spending an extra $50/person!! By saving that much $$ you can buy all the "free" hot cocoa and cookies you want.
It's a good thing... really...

I am also waiting for announcements regarding the Candlelight Processional and Dinner Packages.
We have bought our MVMCP tickets and I think have our list for ADRs ready to go- just waiting for September now.

 

[brookelizabeth]

I'm waiting for this too. Did I read somewhere on here that the CP packages will be like a normal ADR now? Has anyone heard that?

We are going Dec. 26-Jan. 1. I think we are nuts.

I'm hoping for a "Christmas in July" segment too! I emailed 'em a while back asking for HELP!

 

[mommyceratops]

I don't know anything...BUT...

My 2DS are going CRAZY waiting with anticipation!! now I know why parents wait to tell their kids, but I cant stand it!!

 

[wdwscout]

I'm
We are going Dec. 26-Jan. 1. I think we are nuts.

We did that week a few years ago and LOVED it!
At the time, my boys were 15 & 18- so they got to spend some time on their own.

USE FAST PASS, USE FAST PASS, USE FAST PASS, USE FAST PASS
Get a locker for warmer clothing for the evening.
Know you aren't going to do everything. If you are a WDW veteran, this is OK.
Plan as many meals as possible. It gives you a break from the crowds, and guarantees some down time.
New Year's Eve was great in Epcot. We did Future World rides early in the day, then just enjoy a long lunch at Le Cellier and a nice dinner at San Angel. There were people EVERYWHERE- they were all over the grass! I had never seen that before. Standby for Mission Space was 240 minutes!!!
But we relaxed and saw what we could, enjoyed people watching, LOVED the fireworks (we saw them from Japan- not too crowded).

I'm sure there are more people with advice that will share as well.
This was one of the most festive and fun vacations we have had! I would do it again.

 

[brookelizabeth]

We did that week a few years ago and LOVED it!
At the time, my boys were 15 & 18- so they got to spend some time on their own.

USE FAST PASS, USE FAST PASS, USE FAST PASS, USE FAST PASS
Get a locker for warmer clothing for the evening.
Know you aren't going to do everything. If you are a WDW veteran, this is OK.
Plan as many meals as possible. It gives you a break from the crowds, and guarantees some down time.
New Year's Eve was great in Epcot. We did Future World rides early in the day, then just enjoy a long lunch at Le Cellier and a nice dinner at San Angel. There were people EVERYWHERE- they were all over the grass! I had never seen that before. Standby for Mission Space was 240 minutes!!!
But we relaxed and saw what we could, enjoyed people watching, LOVED the fireworks (we saw them from Japan- not too crowded).

I'm sure there are more people with advice that will share as well.
This was one of the most festive and fun vacations we have had! I would do it again.

THANK YOU LINDA! This is so great to hear, and wonderful advice.

We are planning on doing EMH and FP - then bail outta the parks when it starts to get too crazy to relax and enjoy Kidani. Our current plan for NYE is to watch from the Poly beach (DIS meet). Did you find it difficult to make ADRs or them running behind? We mostly plan to eat in the Villa, and I've heard stories of ADRs being VERY late or having to wait in line for an hour at a CS. Did you find that to be true?

In all-I'm glad I'm going with this kind of crowd level in mind, that will make me chill out and just enjoy being there, with my family, during the holidays and to soak it all in!

 

[wdwscout]

THANK YOU LINDA! This is so great to hear, and wonderful advice.

We are planning on doing EMH and FP - then bail outta the parks when it starts to get too crazy to relax and enjoy Kidani. Our current plan for NYE is to watch from the Poly beach (DIS meet).

The Poly beach sounds great for NYE- especially with a little one in tow. I think being in a park on that day would be difficult at best.

Did you find it difficult to make ADRs or them running behind? We mostly plan to eat in the Villa, and I've heard stories of ADRs being VERY late or having to wait in line for an hour at a CS. Did you find that to be true?

We did not have any difficulty making or keeping our ADRs. I did not find the waits once you check in to be any longer than normal.
I hate cooking on vacation... so I rarely make more than 1 or 2 breakfasts in the villas, but it's nice to know we could if we wanted! I think if I had a little one, it would be great to be able to go back for a nap and make a nice meal.

In all-I'm glad I'm going with this kind of crowd level in mind, that will make me chill out and just enjoy being there, with my family, during the holidays and to soak it all in!

I think that's the KEY to a successful vacation. If you go expecting to be able to walk on everything you will be disappointed. But knowing it will be crazy busy will allow you to accept doing things differently- and you may find some new "secret" places to chill out!

 

[brookelizabeth]

The Poly beach sounds great for NYE- especially with a little one in tow. I think being in a park on that day would be difficult at best.


We did not have any difficulty making or keeping our ADRs. I did not find the waits once you check in to be any longer than normal.
I hate cooking on vacation... so I rarely make more than 1 or 2 breakfasts in the villas, but it's nice to know we could if we wanted! I think if I had a little one, it would be great to be able to go back for a nap and make a nice meal.


I think that's the KEY to a successful vacation. If you go expecting to be able to walk on everything you will be disappointed. But knowing it will be crazy busy will allow you to accept doing things differently- and you may find some new "secret" places to chill out!

Thank you once again! I am really happy to hear that you didn't have any trouble with your ADRs. You have reassured me a bit with my plans so far!