The bad , the ugly and the GOOD!!

[Addicted To Disney]

a week ago I felt that life was in a continuous downward spiral ( forced redundancy end of November was preceded by my wife of 22 yrs walking out on me and the three children). But after a period of total disalusionment, I have today booked for us to go to Disney Dec 11 -25th. The children are over the moon (all four of us?)
I would be grateful if any one can provide answers to the following questions:
This is the first time we have been at this time of year, what clothes do we need to pack?

Whilst we are flying back on christmas day 17:20 HRS I have booked lunch at the crystal palace 11:30 is this do able

We are planning on xmas eve at MK is this a good idea?

Any other xmas tips would be much appreciated

 

[Miffy2003]

Hi there,

We will also be out there at the same time as you and I would say "Don't miss Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party". I've never been at this time of year before though so I will leave your other questions for those that have

Cheers

Karen

 

[Daftman]

As far as clothing goes take a good mixture of stuff, shorts,t.shirts,jeans,jumpers/sweatshirts,fleece jacket.The weather in December is unpredictable but certainly mornings and evenings can be very cool,not much rain, if any, but temperatures are noticably cooler.As far as your Christmas lunch goes I would think that you should have time,you will need to be at the airport for about 14.30 so providing you get your table at the required time and this is not guaranteed you should be ok.

Sean.

 

[maureen4200040]

Hi Addicted to Disney,

I was made reduntant in May 2003, and I thought I would never get another job. Once my job ended I booked a trip to Disney for November 03. I started temping up until the day before my holiday, had a fanastic trip and came home jobless and penniless. I started college in January 04 to July 04, had the summer off - and I've found a full-time job, and I will be off to Disney a again in a few weeks.

So don't let life get you down. have a good holiday with your kids, and forget all your problems for two weeks.

Make sure you take a fleece/light jacket, as it gets quite cold in the evening in Orlando. Shorts and tee-shirt are fine for the daytime, jeans etc for the evening.

Have a lovely holiday.

Maureen4200040

 

[Bexx]

As far as clothes go - pack layers. You just don't know what the weather will do that time of year. It will probably be very pleasant and warm, but it could quite easily turn a bit chilly and even wet (sorry!) so it's best to be prepared.

Who are you flying with, and which airport? I should think the meal will worked out okay - Disney service is usually pretty quick. It does mean that you probably won't be lingering over a long leisurely meal, but that shouldn't be a problem in this case!

BTW Hi from Chester and I hope you all have a wonderful, wonderful holiday

 

[Dazed]

Hi addicted.
Well done you! I'm sure you'll have a great time.
I was in a very similar situation and am just back from a fantastic disney holiday with my three boys. (still on disney time so wide awake!) It was surprisingly relaxing not having to worry about what/where your partner would like to do/go/eat etc. etc.

Only ever been in October so sorry can't offer advice on Xmas break.

Have a lovely time.



Ann

 

[gilld]

I would go further that the others and say pack for "cold" not just cool weather. When we were there for Christmas, the temp was only just above freezing and coats were needed as well as gloves and hats.

Have a wonderful time, and I hope life looks up for you soon.

 

[Addicted To Disney]

Going with Thomsons so flying Brittania from Manchester

Thanks to everyone for their welcome advice

 

[UKANGEL]

Xmas is a wonderful time to go....so magical! Im sure it will be just what you all need

Make sure you do Mickeys Very Merry Christmas Party (tickets can be booked in advance) adn see the Osbourne lights at MGM....thousands of lights on houses, 3 D Angels etc etc...haunting music....it has to be seen to be believed!

..then theres the tree lighting ceremony at EPCOT, all the around the world Christamas stories at World Showcase, a sleigh ride at Wilderness Lodge (and check out the enormous Xmas tree inside the lodge too)...you can tour the Disney hotels to see all their lovely trees and decorations........check out the decortaed houses in Celebration...



.....oh and Seaworld looks great at Xmas too! they even have a 'shamu' character dressed as Santa!

at Universal they have the Grinch at Christmas, complete with a real snow slope (in case you're missing it)..


.......so many things to do and see so little time.....

Have a fab holiday!

 

[Bexx]

Going with Thomsons so flying Brittania from Manchester

I wasn't just being nosey!! I was wondering if you could have given yourself some more time for your Christmas lunch by doing online/DTD check in if you had been flying with Virgin. You should still have plenty of time though.

 

[vernon]

As far as the meal goes, I think you're pushing it. Christmas day at MK is ABSOLUTELY PACKED,as they have all sorts of special shows and parades on as well as "TV spectaculars". Service will be slow and the restaurants will be packed. You'll need to be at the airport by 3.00 at the latest, therefore leave WDW by 2.00 to allow for traffic and dropping the car ( I presume you're renting a car?) Even if you park in the MK carpark with all your things packed it takes 30 minutes from the Crystal Palace to the car park on a good day, this will not be a good day. Now if you have a PS for 11.30 it's not certain you'll get seated promptly at 11.30. If everything goes smoothly then you might be able to work it all OK, but I don't think there is enough allowance for something to go wrong. Particularly on Xmas day, with a departure date I don't think it's worth the potential aggrevation and stress of making plans that don't allow a half hour delay somewhere along the line.

In your situation I would plan a late rise from the hotel, complete packing, pick somewhere nice for lunch, maybe take in a movie at DTD and get to the airport in plenty of time. 9 hours on a plane with 3 kids has plenty of stress potential about it as it is, IMHO you don't need to put yourself in the position of arriving at the airport already tightly strung, JMHO.

For clothes, I wouldn't pack too much. One warm outfit each for the kids to get you to the shops if it turns chilly, IMHO you can always buy some warm clothes over there if and when they are needed.

 

[Camac]

I agree with Vernon. Don't give yourself the stress on your last day - it could tarnish your holiday. Have a wonder at Downtown Disney and maybe have lunch in the Rainforest Cafe - bit be sure to get there early 11ish and give your name to the desk before you wonder around the shop.

We were there last Christmas. When we arrived on 16th Dec it was freezing - ice reports on the weather forecasts - by the time we left on 1st Jan o4 it was 82 degrees! It did not rain at all but we were very cold, particularly late at night watching parades etc.

Wear layers that can be added to or removed as needed. Take hats and gloves for late nights in the parks (and early morning starts).

Most of all - enjoy your holiday.

Camac

 

[peewakio]

I've never been at that time of year but I have been told it can be quite warm..............

But on the other hand it can be rather cold

I'll get my coat.....................................:

 

[Bexx]

Even if you park in the MK carpark with all your things packed it takes 30 minutes from the Crystal Palace to the car park on a good day, this will not be a good day.

That's a very good point - I forgot about the monorail/ferry ride just to get back to the car park.

 

[Addicted To Disney]

Have now changed meal to breakfast ps 9:15
Despite lack of time DC's all want to go into MK on xmas day

 

[disneyholic family]

orlando weather in december is unpredictable......one time it was so warm, we swam every single day.....
but on other trips it has gotten so cold that my kids were in parkas, hats and mittens....

so i'd pack for both possibilities.......although right before you go you can check the 5 day forcast for orlando at www.weather.com
that might be helpful....