Your whole family will have a magical Christmas trip!! Here is some info:
* The parks will get progressively busier as it gets closer to Christmas and the week after (through the new year). I would consider the hoppers for crowd management. If the park you are in gets busy, hop to a different park - Epcot seems to handle crowds well, so we usually hop there in the afternoon. Also, since you are staying off-site, you could get "locked out" if parks fill to capacity. I think MK is a great park to hit in the morning at rope drop (roll those teens out of bed!!) and if it gets busy, Epcot and Disney Studios are great to hop to. Overall, anticipate that Magic Kingdom will be the most busy, so hoppers allow you to tour there many days and hop to another park when the crowds make you crazy.
* Pack some snack/breakfast items in a suitcase, or ship a box of non-perishables to your resort -- you could even include a small Christmas tree to make it extra festive. If you have a car (which is a good idea so you are not at the mercy of resort shuttles for your transport) you can also make a grocery stop. I ALWAYS carry a little cooler bag of drinks and snacks into the parks so they are on hand for the little ones.
* Definately pack for warm and cool weather. Last year was awesomely warm, but I would plan for everything. Even rain ponchos!
* Don't think your kids won't like Epcot - it is great to explore and the Kidcot funstops around world showcase are awesome. Other must sees are Osborne Lights and all shows at Disney Studios, The Festival of the Lion King and Kilimanjaro Safari at Animal Kingdom, Everything at Magic Kingdom, World Showcase at night at Epcot as well as Test Track and Soaring.
* Consider a special meal on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day and make an ADR ASAP! Also, the food court in the Soaring building at Epcot is excellent.
* Be aware of park hours and plan your days accordingly. Park hoppers will help you maximize here. Depending on the hours and crowds, you could lose a lot of park time going back to your resort to take a rest---unless it is warm, then do it and get in some swim time (make sure your resort heats the pool!!). Balance late nights w/some time to sleep in so everyone is not burnt out by day 3.
* Definately read up on the attractions and restaurants in a guidebook ( I like Unofficial Guide - it includes surrounding hotels and restaurants also) to get an understanding of what is available. Increasing your depth of knowledge will help you develop an itinerary for each park and know which rides are appropriate for your family. Discuss the rides and shows with all and get everyones top 2 or 3 for each park so everyone can have the same expectation....or as close to it as possible! Measure your 4 yo so you know what she is tall enough for.
* Some handy things to bring along are: glow sticks, light spinners from the
Disney Store, a princess dress, tiara or costume in case the mood strikes,
autograph books (or purchase at the park), extra memory cards for camera.
Here is some info from intercot.com regarding what is going on while you are there:
Disney Dreams Come True Parade
December 1-21 -- 3:00 p.m.
The Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights
Disney-MGM Studios
November 12, 2007 - January 6, 2008
Welcome back this popular tradition as millions of lights add their brilliance to the backlot cityscape.
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
Magic Kingdom
December 2,4,6,7,9,11,13,14,16,18, 20 & 21
Join the celebration and make your holiday the merriest with this festive party - the best gift that you can't fit under your tree.
Holidays Around The World & Candlelight Processional
Epcot
November 23 - December 30, 2007
Throughout World Showcase, many holiday legends come to life to share the customs of their countries. Don't miss the Candlelight Processional, an inspiring musical retelling of the Christmas story.
There is also a sweet tree-lighting show at Epcot daily at sundown.
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Parade
December 23-31 -- 12:30 & 3:30 p.m
Have a spectacular trip!
