Taking quick trip in 2 weeks - HELP!

[1osfan]

My family and I have taken a number of trips to WDW over the past six years and have thought we were fairly expert in our planning. This week, we decided to surprise our kids with a quick trip during Christmas break. We are getting into Orlando about noon on Sunday December 20 and planning to resort hop that day to check out the decorations. We are planning to spend Monday 12/21 in MK and 12/22 in DHS then heading to DTD Wednesday before heading back home.

Here's where we need some advice. Although we have made a number of trips, we have only gone in the summer when we are all out of school. We have never been at Christmas - which is why we are taking this trip. This means we have never seen the castle at Christmas or the lights at DHS. We plan on doing both this trip.

We have been reading about how crazy the week after Christmas is - how is the week leading up to Christmas? Is it more crowded than in the summer when we are accustomed to going?

We will try to do as much as we can while in the parks but we don't need to hit everything. What we want to make sure is that we hit all of the things that are only there at Christmas and maybe some things that are new in the past year and a half - that's when we were there last. We're thinking of things like the castle and lights like I said, but also the parade and Holiday Wishes. What else do I need to think about? Are there special characters that do meet and greets? We booked the Minnie dinner at H&V for the characters, but is there anything else? Can you think of anything I haven't mentioned?

Thanks!!

 

[sharonabe]

It will be more crowded than summer. MK will probably open at 7 am for early EMH, so be ready to get up early! Since you're not doing EP, you'll miss the Storytellers and Candlelight Processional, but they'll be there the next time you go.

Jungle Cruise is Jingle Cruise for Christmas!

 

[1osfan]

Thanks for the response. We talked about the Candlelight Processional but figured we'd do it next time, like you said. I forgot about the Jingle Cruise. Thanks! Those are the things I'm afraid we're going to forget. We normally spend months planning a trip and now we only have two weeks - two very busy weeks.

 

[cassie58]

We are going the same time you are for a quick trip, mostly to see Osbourne Lights one more time, along with free dining . We have not been this week before, but have been twice at Thanksgiving, so we have experience with some Christmas activities. We are also trying the Minnie's dinner at DHS on 12/22 - what time is ur ADR? Osbourne lights are amazing! If you can, try and see them at the end of the night towards closing, as they stay on for an hr. after park closes, so crowds thin and you can take time to wander and take in the dancing lights, snow, and hidden Mickeys. Also, seeing the castle get lit up at MK at night, and the projection show with the Christmas add-on is very cool. We are excited to check out the parade and holiday Wishes this time. Even just seeing Main St. decorated is very magical when you walk in, and all the windows with scenes in them. You mentioned checking out the resorts - giant gingerbread house at GF is worth seeing.

 

[1osfan]

cassie58, you just described why we are taking this trip! I can't wait to see all of that. Our ADR is for 8:20, I think. Much later than we ever eat, but I think it will work well with the Osbourne Lights and now the fireworks. What time is your ADR?

 

[cassie58]

cassie58, you just described why we are taking this trip! I can't wait to see all of that. Our ADR is for 8:20, I think. Much later than we ever eat, but I think it will work well with the Osbourne Lights and now the fireworks. What time is your ADR?

Ours is actually early at 4:40 pm - it was the first one that popped up after weeks of trying, other than on the same day we have BBB at MK, another reason we are getting this trip in, so DD 12 can do it one more time before she ages out - she is tall, and already looks 14, so I may have to bring a birth certificate! (She did it once a few years ago, but wanted to try a different style). Also, non -holiday related, she loves Indiana Jones show, which is going to close as well, so we will get that in once more.

 

[Accident]

Here is a holiday list that will let you know what is different for the holiday. https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/holidays/

It even includes what special decorations are at what resorts. I personally would recommend doing an hour or so break during your MK day and monorail it to both contemporary and grand floridian to see the gingerbread displays/decorations (at minimum since your a limited time trip) unless your staying at one of them then make sure you check it out and stop at the other heading to or from MK one night. If your around the epcot resorts, boadwalk and yacht club both have something. They are worth seeing if you have the time or staying at one of the resorts over in that area. You'll be back for longer next year so just get a taste of the resorts from the mk ones The tree at wilderness lodge is also impressive if you happen to be staying there.

We went last year, we now go out of our way to not visit in summer anymore, we enjoyed it that much.

Make sure you see MK and HS at night at minimum. Epcot is nice but if your there for 2 nights only with children, that's the better choice.