Planning for Christmas

[PlutoTheDog89]

Hey everyone!

I'm currently writing a book about Christmas in Disney. My family has been there four times during the week of Christmas and I have plenty of experiences to share!

I'm doing it more for pleasure than any kind of book sales! I'm a young copywriter and thought that it would be fun to make my first publication about something I enjoy.

Anyway... I would like to believe that the book will be done and available by August (not a plug.. this is leading to a question..) My family plans the trip year 'round. Since the second we get home on January 1st, we start saying what we would like to do the next year..

Well, for first timers or even seasoned Christmas vets... when do you start planning. If you have already started planning, would reading up on planning a trip be useful in the 5-6 months leading up to your trip?

Also, I wanted to make the book available electronically. First, I don't have the funds to publish a book and don't want to be delayed by trying to sell it to publishers (I want to get it on my resume ASAP!) and second, I think it would be more useful if I provided electronic copies (read it anywhere!)

My last question: what type of info would you like in a book or find useful? I want to focus on what to see at the parks etc... but I want the main idea of the book to have the tone and voice of: I'm a Disney vet and your going on your first trip for Christmas. You heard about the crowds, etc. and need me to help you create a plan... I want to provide readers with a fool-proof plan for exploring the parks and avoiding the crowds.

Thoughts?

 

[PlutoTheDog89]

Wanted to circle back and see if there is any feedback on this... if not, thanks anyway!

 

[Sydnjozma]

Sounds like a great idea. This is my first time responding to a thread, but I really enjoyed your last trip report thread. Taking the family to WDW next Christmas. 12/20-12/27. Trying to save a little money by staying off site first two nights and last night. POFQ from 12/22-12/26. Would love to hear about park strategies, resorts to visit, food recommendations, and Christmas only experiences. Family includes DH, DD16 & DS12

 

[PlutoTheDog89]

Sounds like a great idea. This is my first time responding to a thread, but I really enjoyed your last trip report thread. Taking the family to WDW next Christmas. 12/20-12/27. Trying to save a little money by staying off site first two nights and last night. POFQ from 12/22-12/26. Would love to hear about park strategies, resorts to visit, food recommendations, and Christmas only experiences. Family includes DH, DD16 & DS12

Well, you won me over because you responded..... and you're staying at my family's resort of choice!

First, solid move staying offsite to save some cash. The parks are not as crowded 12/21-12/24. You will start to see the crowds move in around 12/23, but it will be manageable enough that you won't need FP+ or EMH. I would still recommend arriving at the parks early, but use the downtime (comparatively speaking) to hit the newer attractions and explore.

You're going to love POFQ if you haven't stayed there before. Our first year staying there we were really happy to see that there was only one bus stop. As one of the smaller resorts at Disney, this saves a TON of time and you are almost always guaranteed to get a spot on the bus.

Last year they started combining POFQ and Riverside for certain parks. I'm not sure if this was new or if I never realized it, but for DHS and DTD, it slows down your trip a bit. But, compare it to a value resort which could have as many as 8 stops, and POFQ is sooo much better in that aspect.
- Plus - POFQ is the first stop coming home from the parks. At 12am when you wanna crawl into your bed, it's so useful.

I also love how close rooms at POFQ are to everything. When you check in, try and request building 1, 5 or 6. Building 1 is a little bit away from everything, but most rooms have a nice river view. 5 and 6 both are very close the bus station and lobby and have a good view. There's some pool noise, but it's really nice overall. The only building we didn't like was 4. We were originally put into a handicap room. The room was very nice, but had an an armoire (most rooms do not.) It took up so much space - for four grown adults this would not work. The bathroom was also different and the view was the parking spaces for the CM golf carts. We were transferred after asking nicely.

Breakfast at the food court is pretty average - If you want lunch or dinner I'd recommend going offsite or trying Riverside. On a nice day, walk the path along the Sassagoula River. It's really serene.

POFQ offers a carriage ride, but the best one is at Fort Wilderness. The decorations are really cool.

I'll be sure to keep you updated about the book and provide you with some more tips as I think of them!

 

[DVCkidsMOM]

We are going for our first time during Christmas week this year. I've been to WDW something more than 20 times, but not often during crowded times. I am a planner and the lack of park hours for December 2014 is driving me nuts! I want your book NOW... What I want in the book is a fair warning about what I need to know with a nice dose of: "Calm down, it will be OK." For example, I've heard to prepare for longer lines everywhere including the restrooms - this is useful to me because as a frequent traveler to WDW, I have my tricks and they likely won't work at capacity crowds. I would also like some information about how to know if a park is reaching capacity so I know if I have to tough it out all day or if I can take a break at my resort. If I have to tough it out all day, I would appreciate tips about where to find special shows or other holiday-only experiences that are less stressful that standing in lines and crowds. Are there any places to get away from the crowds if you must stay in the park to "keep your spot" in that park?
FWIW these are the things I want to know for my first holiday trip to WDW.

Wouldn't it be great if guaranteed re-entry to the park was a Disney Resort Guest perk at times of peak crowds?!

 

[Sydnjozma]

Thanks for all the great info! Glad to hear your positive review of POFQ and good to know regarding building 4. Our kids are basically adult sized so every extra bit of space is great.

Question. We're planning on doing a monorail resorts afternoon hop for Xmas decorations, snacks/treats, and maybe an adult drink or two for DH & I. Any don't miss suggestions? Thought about checking out California Grill lounge around 4pm for drink & app. Is this even possible during this time of year?

 

[disney queen]

do not miss the Wilderness Lodge! and Grand Floridian. the gingerbread house at the GF is something to see. the theming at the different resorts are carried through to the decorations. in the evening some of the resorts will have entertainment; i'm not sure where to find a schedule.