Opinions- best resort at Christmas time

[Kdisney]

So I'm feeling really sorry for myself because we are not going to WDW around Christmas time. We will be there in April and are going on a cruise so I don't feel too bad but now that the holidays are approaching I am feeling sad.

Last year we went to AKL at Christmas and I loved it. The decorations were beautiful and different and we had a great time. I am thinking ahead to 2011 and know we HAVE to be in WDW in Dec. but not sure where to stay...

I am looking for what is the best resort during Christmas for decorations, 'Christmas spirit', sounds, smells, etc. and why you think so. Any and all opinions are valid. Thanks!

 

[disneynutz]

DVC resorts don't have much of a budget for Christmas decorations. That being said, you will see more decorations if you choose a DVC resort that is co-located with a non-DVC resort, VWL, BCV, BWV, or AKV Jambo House.

Bill

 

[robertdangelo]

I suggest BCV or BWV. Both decorate nicely at XMAS and it's nice being in walking distance to EPCOT & DHS.
I suggest visiting Wilderness Lodge, the Lobby is gorgeous at XMAS time.

 

[Candy Orlando]

I stay at OKW because I love it there but I visit the WL,BC,BW,GF because the Christmas decorations are gorgeous.

 

[spiceycat]

wl/vwl - it is lovely going next year too.

this year it will be BLT (unless have to cancel)

 

[Friendofpluto]

How's the Contemporary decorated? We will be at BLT.

 

[castleri]

I stay at OKW because I love it there but I visit the WL,BC,BW,GF because the Christmas decorations are gorgeous.

I too love OKW at Christmas - I love the plants along the walkway at the HH and also the laid back feeling especially with all the crowds at the parks and DTD. I make a point of visiting the other resorts to see the decorations and enjoy the holiday spirit everywhere. We also like to decorate and the OKW balconys are great for that.

 

[Rest&Relax]

Each resort has their own theme and are decorated accordingly. I am OKW die hard, but WL is decorated beautifully. If you love chocolate BC is very tempting. Whatever your home resort is, is where you need to make your ressie at 11 months. December is becoming difficult to get ressie at times, then you can switch at 7 months if possible.
We usually spend our days visiting resorts in December. Resorts not to miss would be GF, BC, WL, and the Dolphin. Most important is relax, enjoy a meal while at a resort and take in all the decorations.
Have fun planning

 

[spiceycat]

How's the Contemporary decorated? We will be at BLT.

me too when are you going - will be there Dec 12 - 16th

 

[Rest&Relax]

We will be at BLT 12/6 - 12/11 then going on DCL for a week. This will be our first stay at BLT.
I am already fretting about not having a full week at Disney in December. Afraid I won't be able to see everything. Doing CP on Friday and looking forward to hearing Whoopi again. We saw her last year and it was wonderful. The CP has to be one of my favorite Christmas events!

Counting the days

 

[com_op_2000]

Have been every year over the Christmas Holidays since '93!
My favs are:
GF
WL
OKW
AKL
EPCOT
MGM

 

[robert@dvcstore]

My vote is for the Wilderness Lodge. Surrounded by pine trees and traditional red and green decorations make it a natural for Christmas themeing.

Happy Holidays.

Robert

 

[MrShiny]

My favorite:
WL - the woodsy feeling fits the Christmas mood and the massive tree is great.

Outside of DVC, I'd have to say the Grand Floridian - stunning decorations!

Others with OK Christmas feel:
BC, BW

Not so Christmassy:
Poly, CR, SSR

I haven't been at moderates or value at the holidays, so can't comment on those. Also have not been to OKW.

 

[nu2dvc]

Anybody know what to expect at CSR around Christmas? We have two nights there and I was just wondering!

thanks

 

[TinkHappy]

VWL is my absolute favorite! There is no close second..Just my opinion.

 

[bobbiwoz]

We alternate our December visits between VWL and BWV. They are both fabulous places for Christmas decorations. The VWL's lobby itself has a nice tree and the fireplaces and little nooks with chairs and sofas are just perfect places to meet friends. From BWV, it's an easy walk/boat ride to see some other great displays, at the BC's, YC's, and Swan and Dolphin's lobbies. The BCV has a very nicely decorated tree as well!

Bobbi

 

[mamaprincess]

AKL Jambo is the best decorated lobby where you actually have DVC villas without exception in my opinion. The tree is both stunning and unique. If you want to be near awesome decorations but don't need to wake up and go to sleep in the actual building with the awesome decorations, stay at VWL because you can walk to WL and enjoy the decorations there. VWL's decorations are absolutely lovely but WL has the spectacular lobby and decorations much like Kidani's lobby is lovely but Jambo's lobby is spectacular. VWL does share it's sister property's woodsy, wintry grounds, so it is a natural fit for Christmas. I personally love BWV's decorations. The garlands just drip with ornaments. The BCV's has the life size carousel. We stayed at BLT and it was lovely but the very best part about it was seeing the gorgeous castle at night, the amazing view of Wishes from TWL and even the lobby pipes in the music. It was also great being in the MK resort area where it was easy to visit all the MK resorts for meals and to tour the decorations. Either way it's hard to go wrong at WDW during Christmas.

 

[aandjw]

we've done BWV about 3 times during the holidays. Can't be beat. Beautiful decorations, places to relax.......

 

[Sammie]

Last year I thought the overall decorations that were the best were Beach Club Villas and Beach club.

While the tree at WL is fantastic, everything else seemed pretty sparse especially the Villas at WL. They did not even decorate the mantle over the fireplace.

Next would be BWV.

Then AKV.

Then VWL.

 

[disneynutz]

For the last couple of years, Disney has been reducing the amount of decorations during Christmas.

One of my yearly hobbies is watching the CM's decorating the resorts. In 2008 the CM's told me that Disney had reduced the amount of decorations, the decorating staff and they had let their manager go. Then they brought her back as a contracted employee just to supervise the decorating.

I know that the conversion to LED bulbs is expensive. My guess is they are reducing the cost of conversion by reducing the number of decorations.

Bill