Orlando In December ... !

[TraceyL]

Well, I've managed to talk DH into going in December at last I've always wanted to see the Xmas parades etc !! DM & DF are also coming with us again - keeps the costs down

We're flying BA into Orlando (economy this time )
Hopefully staying in Lorre's villa (the kind lady who took us in off the street when the management company moved last time and 'forgot' to tell us ) - if she's booked I'll be looking for a 3/4 bed villa (28 Nov-9 Dec)
Hiring a 7-seater from airline network
Planning on only doing MVMCP at Disney and concentrating on USF & SW
It'll be DD's 4th birthday while we're there - she wants to do Wonderland Tea Party with her big sisiter this time

So - what will the temperatures be like ?
What's MVMCP like ?
Do USF/SW have any special Xmas celebrations?
Any recommendations for overnighting at Gatwick? (Family room)

Sure there'll be more questions later.... off to book the flights

 

[gilld]

Sorry to be pessimistic but we went over Christmas in 1997 and while it was very magical, it was also horrendously busy. And I do mean BUSY. The queues were often over an hour long and that year it was very, very cold, down to about 38F some days. We were terribly unprepared for such cold weather so do take plenty of cold weather gear just in case.
In short, I suppose it was nice to see all the seasonal decorations and parades(allbeit from the back of a vast crowd) but I would NEVER do it again...it just wasn't worth it.
Gill

 

[Hilary]

We haven't been to WDW for Christmas itself, but flew out on the day after boxing day a few years ago, and were there for New Year.

The parks were very busy, but we were expecting it, so had planned accordingly. We had only a week, so didn't venture to anywhere other than the Disney parks, and just made sure that we managed to see / do all the seasonal attractions / parades, etc. that we wouldn't be able to see any other time. We were staying on-site, so made full use of the Extra Magic Hour, and also did an e-night.

We also hit a very cold spell, like Gill, and ended up buying more layers out there, even though we'd taken some warm clothes with us. There was even a touch of frost on the grass a couple of mornings!

It was very special to see all the 'Holiday' parades and decorations, etc., and I'm really glad we went, but I think once was enough for us and I wouldn't rush to go back at that time if I had a choice of some other time to go.

It was definitely worth doing once.

 

[TraceyL]

Strange - I was under the impression that it was one of the quietest times of year to go

Have I got my wires completely crossed ????

 

[mickg7dyd]

Hi Tracey,
You should find it is very quiet the time your planning to go.We went one year the day after Thanksgiving and for the whole 2 weeks there was virtually no lines at all but the most popular rides and even these were only about 30mins at worst.You should get the best of all worlds really because it is one of the cheapest and quietest times to go but you still get the Christmas "magic" and the weather can be better than later in December/early January.
Hope you have fun.

Mick.

 

[TraceyL]

Phew


Thanks

 

[Mike Jones]

Hiya Tracey!... we were lucky with the weather in 2003, so much so that I'd be frankly nervous about going again at xmas, in case we 've used up all our charms! (actually I'm lying , I would go again then!)

Prepare for every possibility regarding the weather..layers, waterproofs etc. Get up early and be first there and you'll be fine! Have a look at my TR and see how much we got done with early starts.

Mike

 

[Hilary]

Strange - I was under the impression that it was one of the quietest times of year to go

That'll teach me to read posts properly before replying! I saw the word 'Christmas' and didn't check your actual dates.

Sorry for the confusion!

 

[RedShorts]

The first 10 days of our Christmas 2002 trip was fairly quiet, the next 7 days (23rd to 29th) was much busier with Christmas Day packed. We stayed away from Disney on that day but heard lots of horror tales from other hotel guests. We spent 25th at IOA, got there early and left before it became too mad. Loved the rides but didn't enjoy wet clothing in cold temperatures - thought I was at Thorpe Park.
Overall it was great and we had a fantastic time as I'm sure you will. Glad we went but will not be going again at Christmas.
gilld is spot on, it is colder than expected. We still braved Typhoon Lagoon and swam most days at the hotel, the life guards looked more like the Ski Patrol with their Alpine Jackets, Wooly hats and gloves.

 

[Paul and Shirley]

We stayed onsite in Dec 01/Jan 02 and it was very cold at times and we were unprepared. We do all now have Mickey hats and gloves.

We did have a fab time and to see the parks at Xmas is awesome, however, we wouldn't do it again as it was not the same as we felt we missed 'our' traditional xmas. Don't get us wrong I am sure you will have a great time as we did and the weather could be good just be prepared for weather extremes.

 

[TraceyL]

Just as well we're going the first week of December then judging by these reports

 

[yourwelcome]

We went in "98" arriving thanksgiving weekend. whilst that weekend was really busy the rest of the hols was great. weather was great during the day cooling of in the night. If you are staying in a villa then pool heating is a must.

Mvmcp was unbelievable. Magic is a more appropriate description.

thanksgiving is always the 4th thursday in november. Be warned that the day before is the busiest day in the year for travelling.

Have fun!

 

[2 Point]

So - what will the temperatures be like ?

From the 16th to 25th it was 75 to 80, then 65 to 70 for the last 4 or 5 days.

What's MVMCP like ?
Absolute magic. We've done Florida and Paris at Xmas, Florida wins hands down. The magic of the park at night with the buzz of Xmas is something you will never forget. Wrap up warm though as it gets pretty chilly once the sun goes down.

Do USF/SW have any special Xmas celebrations?
There is Grinchmas at USF and the music piped through is more Xmasy than Disney. The back stretch of USF is excellent, with snow and huge tree etc.

Any recommendations for overnighting at Gatwick? (Family room)
We stayed in a family room at the Manor - big log fire in the bar before hand, excellent atmoshere for a pre holiday meal. You can find the best prices on www.abcholidayextras.co.uk

It has to be said that the parks were empty before the 24th, then VERY busy afterwards. You have picked an ideal time to enjoy it. We're flying out on the 12th so hope to make the most of our first 12 days before the hoardes arrive.

 

[mike230652]

Tracey

We've done Florida three times at the time of year ....... the weather will vary from mid 70's to low 50's and cool at night!!

Next to no rain though, which is a blessing.

As for park queues.....non-existent once Thanksgiving is gone.

For what it's worth we picked up a 4 bed villa with heated pool on Windward Cay for under £400 a week. Loads of bargain price villas that time of year.

mike