We've just come back from out second Xmas trip.
First time Charlotte was 2, this time she was 5.
Things to do/things to expect -
Generally :
- It is going to be busy, very busy. If you want specific meals during this period then be advised that making your PS's in advance will save you the disappointment of missing out on some of the more popular eataries.
- Weather can be unpredictable, prepare for hotter than our summer and yet colder than our spring.
- Everything is open Xmas, a few restaturants close Xmas Eve around 8pm but apart from that it's all open.
- The parks are fab at Xmas, don't discount Universal, it's just as/more so Xmassy than Disney, plus your kids will love Grinchmas
- Fastpass, fastpass, fastpass. Unbelivable that you see streams of people standing in line for 60 mins plus for a 2 minute ride. A little planning and a bit of leg work and the attractions can be fastpassed easily.
- Getting to the park early at opening if you want ot make the most of the rides at this busy time of year
Specifically for 3/4 yr olds
- The parades are excellent at this time of year.
- You may be there early enough for Mickeys Xmas Party. You don't get anything extra (apart from Cocoa and a Photo) in the MK during Xmas but what you do get is a relatively quiet/empty park (don't go on a Friday, it will be sold out)
- In the early days of your holiday the MK will close earlier, therefore Spectromagic and Wishes will be earlier, making it easier on the kids staying awake.
- Get the Brits Guide to Orlando, this will break the rides down into suitability for your kids
- Make sure you have a pushchair for each child, they get very tired and having a place to sit/sleep is priceless. A car is virtually essential with a yound family, kids don't fit around bus timetables!
- Try and plan in as many trips to the waterparks as possible, kids love it and the less hardy types think it's too cold to swim, leaving the waterparks relatively uncrowded.
- Our daughters faves in each park
- MK - Carousel
- Mickey and Minnies House
- Teacups
- Storytime with Belle
- AK - Boneyard and Digsite
- Petting Farm
- Lion King Show
- MGM - Playhouse Disney
- Ariel
- B&B Show
- Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground
- Epcot - Aquarium/Turtle Talk
- Test Track
- Mask Collecting round the Worldshowcase
- US - Jimmy Neutron
- Barney
- Curious George
- IOA - Grinchmas
- Popeye Raft ride
- Sinbad show
- Talking Fountain
We stayed at the Dolphin for our last 3 days (24, 25, 26). This was magic. On Xmas Eve the kids could collect a special key to 'let Santa into their room', we booked for 2 elves to tuck Charlotte in and read her a story.
Xmas Day is a tricky one, whereever you go it will be packed, don't even think about the MK. The first time we went we booked a meal at the Liberty Tree on Xmas Day. It rained (the only day in 14) and the place was heaving to the point of not having a minute to yourself. It rained again on Xmas Day this time (the only day in 15, jinxed?), we stayed in the hotel all day, just playing games and spending Xmas as we would at home.
I'd personally recommend that you spend the day, or the major part of the day, in doing what you would normally do. Maybe even buy a small tree from
Walmart to put the presents under.
You will have a wonderful time, the parks are really special at this time of year, the people there even more friendly than ever.
