***Official Planning Thread -DECEMBER 2024 - Welcome all!***

[Disturbia]

We are looking at going Nov 16 - 20. I haven't been to WDW during that time of year, so I don't know what it will be like.

We are leaning Thanskgiving as well for next year.

 

[Justrose]

Also looking at a bounceback. My daughter will be in 8th grade and is very busy with school and activities so unfortunately we are pretty limited as to when we can go. I would LOVE October 27-31 because we haven't done MNSSHP in a few years, but that is a whole week of school. We've gone in August for the last two years and after this last trip, I said never again. It was super rainy and hot, ofc.

 

[denman007]

I can't believe this weather thing is happening again, not to the degree of 2 years ago when we experienced 100 year lows, but the week of Christmas will definitely be colder.

I am seeing lows in the 30's for at least 1 night and high's barely getting to low 60's.
Of course the week before and week after 75-80 degrees.

 

[Disturbia]

I can't believe this weather thing is happening again, not to the degree of 2 years ago when we experienced 100 year lows, but the week of Christmas will definitely be colder.

I am seeing lows in the 30's for at least 1 night and high's barely getting to low 60's.
Of course the week before and week after 75-80 degrees.

Last I checked it was 68-80. Really hoping that would hold. We’ve been having windchills dropping feel likes to 0. Weather forecasts can be off a bit for Orlando but at least the weather is better than Thanksgiving.

 

[elaine amj]

My first park day is Dec 24! I’m really really hoping for warm weather!!

 

[japanese maple]

Hi all!!!

Just back yesterday and I have to say, happy to be home!

Overall, the trip was... fine.

We found we really just travel best when it's the two of us. But also the weather was just not great. The sun was out every day, but we ended up needing jackets 7 out of the 9 days, which we didn't love. Great for touring parks in day, chilly at night and just didn't feel "right" to us.

Also, I was kind of underwhelmed at the park decorations - especially Epcot and MK! I thought MK was going to be more than Main Street. DHS was spectacular though as far as decorations.

AKL was great, but honestly, we just like the Epcot area better. Buses worked out well. The thick smokey smell started to get to all of us. Barely got to use pool as it was too cold.

The Christmas music...wow. It's non-stop.

MVMCP - we like Halloween much better as far as atmosphere and parade. But the ride overlays at the party were fun.

Jollywood Nights - loved it! We had a blast! Felt like a giant, glitzy holiday party! Would recommend.

Food - pretty good! Only not so great meal was Whispering Canyon, everything was dry.

Crowds - having been numerous times in October (last in 2021), during Spring Break weeks last year, this was by far the most crowds we have ever dealt with.

Lesson learned - the holidays are not for us at WDW. But that's okay, we booked a bounce back during Halloween!

 

[docindigo76]

AKL was great, but honestly, we just like the Epcot area better. Buses worked out well. The thick smokey smell started to get to all of us.

Welcome home Were you there the night of midnight fire alarm? I swear it sounded like battleship down! We found out later a smoke alarm was triggered in a room as a result of food prep--I am glad it was nothing worse and there was no active fire.

We will be back in the Epcot area next year as well, same time as this trip to coincide with the Space Coast events.

 

[japanese maple]

Welcome home Were you there the night of midnight fire alarm? I swear it sounded like battleship down! We found out later a smoke alarm was triggered in a room as a result of food prep--I am glad it was nothing worse and there was no active fire.

We will be back in the Epcot area next year as well, same time as this trip to coincide with the Space Coast events.

Ha! My siblings were on the side of the alarm - we were on other side of pool (giraffe trail) and heard nothing!

 

[denman007]

My first park day is Dec 24! I’m really really hoping for warm weather!!

Looks like temps will rebound into the low 70's starting on the 24th.

 

[Disturbia]

Looks like temps will rebound into the low 70's starting on the 24th.

75 feels cold at WDW, but at least we have a hot tub at the Poly

 

[japanese maple]

Looks like temps will rebound into the low 70's starting on the 24th.

75 feels cold at WDW, but at least we have a hot tub at the Poly

It was low 70s during the days we were there and it was nice enough to be in a dress without a jacket. At night though, needed jeans and a jacket.

 

[denman007]

75 feels cold at WDW, but at least we have a hot tub at the Poly

Better than 35. Xmas at Universal 2 years ago, these were our highs...41,43,52,59,68,71. Wind chills in the 20's 2 nights. Thy closed the pool area and fire pit for 3 days.

 

[Disturbia]

It was low 70s during the days we were there and it was nice enough to be in a dress without a jacket. At night though, needed jeans and a jacket.

Did you use Ponchos at all? We will carry our reusable ones only if rain is forecasted (will check night before). Otherwise will take cheap throw away ones (packing for 5!).

 

[japanese maple]

Did you use Ponchos at all? We will carry our reusable ones only if rain is forecasted (will check night before). Otherwise will take cheap throw away ones (packing for 5!).

No, it only rained for about an hour on our last day!

 

[jenna1212]

We're arriving Christmas Day, can I have my grocery order delivered on the 24th to our resort? There are no delivery options for the 25th.

 

[Disturbia]

We're arriving Christmas Day, can I have my grocery order delivered on the 24th to our resort? There are no delivery options for the 25th.

Did you try gardengrocers? Most resorts sell milk, cereal etc. If you can wait, ask for delivery for the next day? Landscape of flavors sells 1/2 gallon milk cartons.

 

[jenna1212]

I did. No deliveries on the 25th.

Did you try gardengrocers? Most resorts sell milk, cereal etc. If you can wait, ask for delivery for the next day? Landscape of flavors sells 1/2 gallon milk cartons.

 

[jenna1212]

Need a recommendation for transport from MCO to CBR. In the past I've always booked a private transport but that was when we had a bigger travelling party. Is Uber, Lyft or a regular Taxi more reliable these days / cost effective. No car seats needs. 3 checked bags. 4 people.

 

[denman007]

Need a recommendation for transport from MCO to CBR. In the past I've always booked a private transport but that was when we had a bigger travelling party. Is Uber, Lyft or a regular Taxi more reliable these days / cost effective. No car seats needs. 3 checked bags. 4 people.

We are using Mears this time but we have used Lyft before from MCO without issue. Taxi would cost too much.

 

[Disturbia]

Sprinkles is bringing back the Kir Royale cupcake! See Disney news below. We are going before it starts. Might cancel our second DS day (evening) if it’s warm and we can use the resort pool (one Nov it was forecasted low 80s and ended up upper 50s).