One day to see Christmas decorations, any suggestions?

[marybet]

We will be returning from a cruise on 12/18 and will just have that day and night to see what we can. Depending on how quickly we get off the ship and the traffic, we should be at the Contemporay no later than 12.

I would like to see the Osborne Lights, Wishes and some of EPCOT. I am wondering what would be best to see before it gets dark. Know we can't see everything but would like to try and make a plan to cover as much as we can. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Does anyone know what time the monorail starts? Hoping to see the resorts on Sunday morning before we head home, if I can talk my wonderful husband into not being on the road at the crack of dawn.

 

[mickeyschickie]

i think the monorail starts around 7...but I'm not sure...I can't wait to see all of the decor too! if you want to see EPCOT, Wishes and the Osbourne Lights...you might want to check out Epcot first because there is a lot of stuff that you can see there in the light...for Osbourne is must be dark and then head over to Wishes...you'll have to check the time for Wishes...not really sure if you will have the chance to do both in one evening...but I guess if you are driving yourself, you'll be ok...

Nicki

 

[eleanor]

See the decor at the GF it is always beautiful. The osborne lights is a must see. Get there for the beginning and see the snow.If you have children Epcot has all the different Santa type stories in all the countries.

 

[lorileer]

But the lights in EPCOT are GORGEOUS too! I love that walkway area with the canopy past the fountain. To me it's one of the most beautiful spots at Christmas.

For the night lights, I would go to Osborne Lights first .... right at 6 when it opens. From there, I would take the boat to EPCOT and go in through World Showcase to see the tree and lights, hear some of Candlelight Processional, then (depending on what time Wishes is), head to Magic Kingdom on the monorail out the front of EPCOT.

You could definitely see all the Santas around the World during the day, but the lights at EPCOT are stunning.

Also, the resorts are amazing.

 

[2x_dis_dad]

We are taking a long weekend in December to see all the decorations. We have never gone for the holidays.

 

[Terk-1]

The monorail around the Magic Kingdom resorts starts at 7am daily. The monorail to EPCOT does not start until 7:30am.

 

[marybet]

Thanks everyone for all the great ideas. We have never taken the boat from MGM, is that quicker than going by bus?

The reason I picked the Contemporay was so we would be able to stay late and not have to worry about the traffic. How late does the MK stay open after Wishes? Are there decorations in all the lands or just on Main Street? I figured maybe we would be able to walk around and just look after Wishes. We were there in April but didn't see Wishes so am really hoping to see it this time.

Also, I have read that there is a walkway from the MK to the Contemporay but I have never seen it. Is there a sign, or do they give you a map that shows it?

 

[lorileer]

I prefer the boat over the bus. Plus it lets you off at the back entrance of EPCOT and most of the Christmas activity is around World Showcase. Then you just walk to the front of EPCOT when you're ready to hop on the monorail to MK.

 

[lorileer]

Also, the walkway from MK to Contemporary is very easy. Just leave the Park towards the Contemporary and follow the path. It's a very quick, easy walk. But remember you'll be very tired so it will seem longer! LOL

I think the closing schedule varies depending on whether SpectroMagic is running that night. If it's a 2 Spectro night, it will be Spectro on the hour, Wishes on the next hour, and Spectro on the next hour most likely. But the shops will stay open for a good while after for sure.