My mind is on Christmas

[momof2disprincesses]

We have never been to Disney at Christmastime. However, I've always wanted to go and so year will be the year

I know many advise to go in early or mid Dec. but I run a very large event at work from Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve and can't get away during that time. So, we'll be going Dec. 25-Jan. 2, which means I know we'll miss MVMCP

We also know there will be HUGE crowds, but we want to focus only on the "extra" touches Disney has at Christmastime.

For those who have been there, please tell me about some of the "extra" things (like the Osbourne lights, the Candlelight Processional, parades, etc.). I have heard of each of these, but don't know much about them. Any details about what not to miss, how to enjoy it more, etc. would be appreciated.

Thanks!!!

 

[*NikkiBell*]

I thought MVMCP was going through the end of December?

 

[doombuggy3]

I personally LOVE going around Christmastime. I've gone anywhere from the week after thanksgiving to a little after Christmas to New Years. I LOVE being in the parks around this time. Here are some of my favorite things, though I don't remember when exactly the events are and they change frequently. I'd be surprised if they didn't do a MVMCP after Christmas.

I LOVE the Osbourne family lights spectacle. I went there thinking it was going to be like a Griswold Christmas and wow, was I wrong. The lights are gorgeous and Disney puts a lot of work into making them "magical."

In Epcot, the thing I remember most was being able to hear or see all of the different ways countries celebrate holidays around Christmas. My younger sister met St. Nick in Norway and thought it was SO cool!

By far though, the MK is the best place to see the Christmas decs. The parade has floats that smell like gingerbread and the soldiers sound like they're stomping. The "halls" of Main Street are decked with fake evergreen plants and lights donning from side to side. You can get Santa hats with Mickey ears out of them!! I know MVMCP gets mixed reviews here, but I honestly had a great time there. Also (this happened during the Christmas Party) there's nothing like seeing "snow" on Main Street.

Let us know if you decide to go then!

 

[MinnieFan]

The above poster had some great recommendations. The Candlelight Processional is also not to be missed - it is very moving and impressive.

Another thing which you should try to make time for is to visit the different resorts to see their Christmas decorations. They are all different, and all beautiful.

We really enjoyed seeing the characters in their "winter outfits" - not all of them were different, but we did see Donald Duck, Mickey and Minnie, Chip and Dale, Goofy and Pluto all decked out! We also found that in spite of the massive crowds the characters were very playful and attentive to the children during Christmas week.

You are right to approach your trip with the idea of seeing all the special little holiday touches. There are holiday decorations everywhere throughout WDW. You will have an unforgettable trip. I wish we were going back this Christmas!

 

[Scottish-Helen]

MVMCP is not on after Christmas. I suppose the reason for this is because the parks are so busy they have to be open late anyway to handle the crowds.

 

[gcoxua]

there are four of us going this year 2-9 of Dec. We went to MNSSHP and we made the decision there that we loved it so much we wanted to see what Disney could do for Christmas. I can't wait and it is only February.

 

[momof2disprincesses]

You guys are getting me all excited now! Thank you!! We haven't booked anything yet, but would love to stay at WL again. We stayed there last Aug. and fell in love with it. Are there any chances for resort discounts during that time?!? (I ask with hope )

Can you give me more detail about the Candlelight Processional? I really don't know anything about it. Do you have to have special tickets or how do you "get in" for it?