Just back - christmas decorations minimal

[Hook's Girl]

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.

Can you point out some examples, Besides Lights of Winter, of "missing decorations"? I am here now and it looks the same to me as the last four years! Help me out please!

 

[rlovew]

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.

They haven't had that for 4 years. They only did it one year and it was the year that the special was taped. Last year they had an amazing gingerbread competition for all their staff with 2 categories- 1 for chefs and 1 for everyone else. They were setting all the pieces out about the 15th last year when we were there.

 

[Brian_WDW74]

"Just back" threads and other trip reports are a better fit for our Trip Reports board, so I've moved this thread to here.

 

[DisneyHolidayFan]

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

When we returned yesterday, I thought O'Hare was decorated more than WDW!!!

 

[DisneyHolidayFan]

Can you point out some examples, Besides Lights of Winter, of "missing decorations"? I am here now and it looks the same to me as the last four years! Help me out please!

Each country at Epcot is decorated less than before, i.e., Canada's entrance was always decorated prior to this year. Trees with twinkling lights are also missing, not only at Epcot but also in other areas. Very few poinsetta trees compared to other years. Ballooned candy canes & wreaths at MK are gone. Lit trees on posts on HS's main street are missing. A funny thing - Beach Club, this year, apparently could only afford to decorate every other lamp post leading to entrance. I bet this saved tons of money!!! Yacht Club still have all posts decorated. Limited Christmas music -used to be played throughout most of Epcot - now mainly at entrances. I know there are many more. And, the elimination of Lights of Winter was a major change!!!

 

[kangaroodle]

We stay at OKW when we are at WDW. We always love to see the GIGANTIC Christmas ornaments that always adorn the giant golf tees in front of the nearby golf courses. They weren't there this year.

 

[Nazran]

This is all very disheartening to hear. We wanted our first trip to be during the holidays. Maybe they are simply delaying them until closer to Christmas?