Just back - christmas decorations minimal

[DisneyHolidayFan]

As expected from reading other threads, many of the previous Xmas decorations have disappeared. Even though the weather was cool (which usually makes it seem more like Christmas), the parks were so lacking in presenting a holiday theme. After visiting this week of the year since 1999, I will now try something else, either visiting Disneyland the same week or maybe Flower and Garden time at WDW.

We did have a good time despite being sick for two days and the miserable rain. We returned to AK after not visiting it for probably three years and were pleasantly surprised. The shows are so entertaining. And, the food at all the parks was outstanding!! Now I am back on a diet before the holidays.

WDW is still fun but I don't think it matters anymore what time of year to visit. It basically stays the same, except for MVMCP and the Osborne Lights.

 

[slaball1]

I was so disappointed in the MK decorations. I asked a CM where the tree and Main Street decorations were and she informed me they would be putting them up 6th/7th(she couldnt remember which date but thought it was Monday). Kinda strange to go to MVMCP without a Christmas tree

 

[Coach81]

I hope they are up Christmas week.. we'll be looking for them!

 

[Mrs. Charming]

It's funny, I kind of expected less on the "decoration" side, but then they had that whole show on HGTV about putting up decorations! You'd seriously think that they'd have more up because of the show! You don't make a whole show on how you decorate, and the warehouses upon warehouses of Disney Christmas decorations, and have the bare minimum up. Yeesh. C'mon, Disney.

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

They were waiting to put the MK Christmas tree up until after the parade taping, it is in the way of the announcers booth. They found it easier to wait, since int he past it was up closer to the castle and they had to take it down and move it and put it back up.

Suzanne

 

[ktlm]

We thought Epcot looked really sad without the lights of Winter. Brought our spirits down every time we walked through that area. There was just no holiday feel at all in Future World.

 

[slaball1]

They were waiting to put the MK Christmas tree up until after the parade taping, it is in the way of the announcers booth. They found it easier to wait, since int he past it was up closer to the castle and they had to take it down and move it and put it back up.

Suzanne

Yes, thats exactly what she told me..

 

[GadgetRick]

Yes, we missed the Christmas tree this year, too. They have always put it up for that week. Not sure why they changed this year. MK was the only park without a tree...

Also noticed less Christmas music and more other types around. That kinda sucked.

 

[dburg30]

I was so disappointed in the MK decorations. I asked a CM where the tree and Main Street decorations were and she informed me they would be putting them up 6th/7th(she couldnt remember which date but thought it was Monday). Kinda strange to go to MVMCP without a Christmas tree

Yes, we missed the Christmas tree this year, too. They have always put it up for that week. Not sure why they changed this year. MK was the only park without a tree...

Also noticed less Christmas music and more other types around. That kinda sucked.

At least this year and last year, they have not put the MK tree up before the parade taping. They would set it up somewhere else, and then move it after the parade, but to save labor, or maybe just so they didnt have to move it again, they arent putting it up til after the parade. I was there in 07, but after the parade taping, so I dont know if was set up and moved then or not..

 

[michaelwilliammidd]

We are just back as well and the only park that I was really disappointed in was EPCOT. I knew I would be going into the trip with the removal of the Lights Of Winter, but didn't realize just how much of a difference it would really make, EPCOT seems so bare at holiday time without them. With taking the Tree lighting ceremony away and now LOW, EPCOT needs holiday help.

 

[Shannon G]

We just got back yesterday, and I was also disappointed in the holiday decorations, or rather, lack thereof. Even at MVMCP last Tuesday, it seemed like only Maine Street USA was really decorated for XMas - the rest of the park seemed pretty much the same as usual. I've been to multiple Halloween Parties in the past, as well as a Pirate & Princess party, and it really seems that Disney is putting less and less into decorating for these events. I don't think I will be going at this time of year again, or doing the hard ticket events any longer.

 

[Halloweenqueen]

I hate that they took away LOW, after stopping the tree lighting in Epcot last year. The Goofy show was so cute...I wish they would bring it back.

 

[GadgetRick]

At least this year and last year, they have not put the MK tree up before the parade taping. They would set it up somewhere else, and then move it after the parade, but to save labor, or maybe just so they didnt have to move it again, they arent putting it up til after the parade. I was there in 07, but after the parade taping, so I dont know if was set up and moved then or not..

It was up in 07 before the parade. They shouldn't have changed. They've put it up before the parade taping for years without a problem.

 

[CouchTater]

We're just back as well and also disapponted. We went specifically for the Christmas magic and decorations and I've seen more decorations at the local mall. I was there several years ago for Christmas and was blown away and wanted to take DGF who has never been at Christmas and was rather embarrassed after bragging how great it would be. The MMVMCP was good although aggravating in that they made little effort to make non paying attendees leave. They blocked off areas to the park but let them remain for the parades and fireworks. There were dozens around us with no armbands. There was not even an announcement made for them to leave.

 

[DisneyHolidayFan]

We're just back as well and also disapponted. We went specifically for the Christmas magic and decorations and I've seen more decorations at the local mall. I was there several years ago for Christmas and was blown away and wanted to take DGF who has never been at Christmas and was rather embarrassed after bragging how great it would be. The MMVMCP was good although aggravating in that they made little effort to make non paying attendees leave. They blocked off areas to the park but let them remain for the parades and fireworks. There were dozens around us with no armbands. There was not even an announcement made for them to leave.

Years ago, they made everyone leave the park before the party and then you would re-enter if you had purchased a ticket. I wish it was still done that way as we also have seen several people that get to watch the shows and parades without purchasing a ticket.

 

[GadgetRick]

Years ago, they made everyone leave the park before the party and then you would re-enter if you had purchased a ticket. I wish it was still done that way as we also have seen several people that get to watch the shows and parades without purchasing a ticket.

It would be better if they'd just stop the party foolishness and stop making everyone pay so much extra for it.

 

[Mrs. Charming]

It would be better if they'd just stop the party foolishness and stop making everyone pay so much extra for it.

I can't disagree with that!

 

[kaelarad]

each year there appears to be less and less, in the decoratiion department. The HGTV special was a farce! Love to see where all those miles of garland and trees are! This is our last year at WDW for the Holiday season. Paying premium prices for what? Bigger crowds.

Epcot is the biggest disappointment of all.

 

[famsen]

I returned yesterday and was also VERY disappointed in the decorations.
Maybe I expected too much. I had always heard how grand and beautiful WDW was decorated at the holidays and it was something that I just had to see at least once in my lifetime. Well, I guess I am not easily impressed because the only time I really felt in awe was the at the Osbourne Lights.
I went to the Polynesian specifically looking for a gingerbread replica of the Polynesian I had seen a picture of in previous years and was told they did not have it this year.
I don't think I will go again at Christmas. I enjoy going for the Halloween parties much more.

 

[famsen]

I've seen more decorations at the local mall.

I so agree with you on that point. Especially here at the Chicago area malls.