Okay, so we're going to Disney for the first time ever.....

[tracykaliski]

What kinds of things should be be sure to see? We'll be there the week before Christmas this year.

Thanks in advance!

 

[RobinMarie]

I think you should plan in advance that you will not see everything.

You will get a lot of information reading the boards. I would pay special attention to the Theme Parks boards.

Enjoy your trip and planning!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Wow, that's a loaded question! I'll start off by saying maybe visiting some of the different resorts to see how pretty they look with all the decorations up.

 

[4407mark]

I agree - check out the other threads here and surf to your heart's content! DISers are wonderful folks who are always happy to help. The resort is beautifully decorated throughout. You might also check the WDW Secrets Thread for some interesting bits and pieces about the parks. Enjoy!

 

[KittyKitty]

This will be my 1st time during the holidays also.

I've learned a few tidbits.

Epcot
See CP and each country's story tellers.

Disney Studios
Orborne lights. This is a must.

MK
MVMCP if you can. The decorations.

AK
Holiday parade. Characters in Camp Minnie-Mickey

I plan on touring the MK resorts. I understand WL is wonderful.

I'm sure there is more I've missed.

This is a wonderful time to go.

Have fun
Susan

 

[Kae]

As it was said , you won't be able to see everything. I would check out Disney web site maybe get a couple of guide books and have everyone in your group make a must see/dos 1 or 2 things at each park. Go from there.

My must see/dos

MK-Mickeys philarmagic-I think this is Disney at it's best
Haunted Mansion

AK-Lion King show & the Flights of Wonder -it is a bird show

MGM-Tower of Terror & Beauty & the Beast show

Epcot-Mission in Space & everything in WS we love walking around & just soaking it all in.

I have not been for the Christmas Hoildays "yet" hoping next year.

Kae

 

[Disnutty]

Who is going with you? It will help with the planning if the DISers know who,(DH, DW DS or DD); the age and number of the people in your party?

 

[jenjersnap]

We're going for the first time ever as a family in December too. I highly recommend the 2005 Unofficial Guide to DisneyWorld - the info in that book is amazing. (Got it from overstock.com for like $10) I take it into the bathtub with me and highlight sections. LOL! Between that and the DIS boards, I feel pretty confident I've planned the best vacation I can as a newbie.

Good luck and have a magical time!

 

[DisneydaveCT]

The holidays are my favorite time of year to visit WDW.

Be sure to see the CP at EPCOT. I have found the dinner package is a good deal.

Plan a late afternoon break by visiting the Grand Floridian lobby. It has a beautiful Christmas tree and a live band playing music. What we have done is spent the day the MK then taken the boat over to the GF. Rest in the lobby and then either have dinner at 1900 Park Fare or take the monorail over to Chef Mickey's at the Contemporary. After dinner we have gone back to MK to enjoy it all lit up at night.

Visit as many of the WDW resorts as possible...the decorations reflect the style of the resort.

 

[JPN4265]

Before you start your trip, go to your local book store and buy the office guide to Walt Disney World by Burnbam (sp). Study this guide and you should have a wonderful trip. Have a great time.

 

[tracykaliski]

My husband and I are going with our 4 yr old son.

Thanks for the tip on getting the book. I'll see if we can get it this weekend.

 

[Disnutty]

Make sure you check out the opening and closing times of the Parks. The Parks close early in December so your touring time is more compressed and the need to plan your days is even more important. Try to plan the MK Park visit on a day that you will be able to see Spectromagic and Wishes. If you DS is the active type then you probably do not need a stroller but if he tends to crash or get cranky when tired, then defiantly bring a stroller for the walks out of the Parks to your hotel.

Are you staying at a Disney Resort? The reason is that if you are off site than you must factor in travel times to and from the Parks and Parking lot navigation and times to and from Park Hopping. In addition, are you Planning to Park Hop (visit more than one Park in a single Day)? The DISers can give you great tips on how to visit more than one park but we need to know if you have park hopper tickets or regular Park tickets.

 

[tracykaliski]

We're staying off site and we are looking into getting the park hopper passes, if that helps at all. We aren't going to Disney all of the days we'll be in Orlando, so we thought it would be better to stay out of hte park.

We are thinking about buying our tickets through AAA so that we can get a preferred parking pass too for when we need to park. It supposedly gives us a premium parking space close to the entrances.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

We are thinking about buying our tickets through AAA so that we can get a preferred parking pass too for when we need to park. It supposedly gives us a premium parking space close to the entrances.

You better double check on that. Might you be confusing it with a preferred seating pass for the fireworks? Parking at the parks is very fast and systematic - I'd be very surprised if AAA passes would give you special parking (but if they do I'll be signing up myself, LOL).

 

[cranbiz]

If you buy your tickets thru AAA you can get a AAA diamond pass. This lets you park in the front of the lot in a special area for diamond pass holders.

Beware though, there has been blackout periods on the diamond pass.

 

[jbarnes]

Have fun on your 1st trip.. It is so magical..

1. get a spot early for each parade that your seeing
1 and half hours sometimes.. get snacks and or lunch once
your at your spot and enjoy people watching...

2. Character Dining is the best. Call now!!!
It is the best way to see the Characters and have a good meal.

Have fun

 

[ellyn2000]

My favorite tips to pass on are to always go to the left when you enter MK and start at the Tree House. You are going against the crowd. Also, be sure to ask the CM @ the Monorail to ride up front with the operator. That's even more fun at night. Have a wonderful trip!