~*~*~*~*The Official DECEMBER 2015 Thread*~*~*~*~

[JenK0108]

Hi everyone! I'm new to this thread. Our trip is 12/16-12/21 (3 nights CR and then 2 AKL). Our 3rd trip to WDW but first during Xmas. This time it's me (40), mom (65), sister (36) and DD (7). 48 days to go!!!!!

Hoping for some advice...Had originally planned to skip MVMCP and instead see MK Xmas parade and wishes on 12/20 (have FP+ for both). Now considering booking MVMCP, but only day that will work is 12/18. Part of the reason is that I can get Wishes dessert party on 12/18 but haven't been able to find it for 12/20 (thinking it would be nice for my mom who has difficulty standing for long periods). Also, know that 12/18 will be the most crowded party night, but wondering if it will still be significantly less crowded than 12/20?

Would love advice from Disers who have been there in December!! Sorry for the epic post, and TIA!!

 

[lovndisney12]

Jumping on here - not sure how I missed it. I apologize for anything that may be a repeat as I didn't read all 64 pages!

This will be our third trip around Christmas and 2nd over Christmas. We are arriving just in time for free dining (12/21) and will be departing on 12/27. Cannot wait to spend another Christmas at Disney. This time we will be staying at CSR. (Last two times over Christmas were at POFQ)

My tips on making it extra magical:
1) We take our stockings and hang them on the wall coat rack (see picture). I've been scouring local discount stores (Dollar General, Everything's A Dollar, Party City, Walmart, et.c) for Disney themed stocking stuffers. So far I have compiled - magic princess washcloths, disney pencils, disney playing cards, star wars fruit snacks, star wars pens, Frozen lip balm, and I'm sure a few other things I'm forgetting (I should mention my kids are boys ages 14 and 17 so the princess stuff just makes it more fun!)

2) Last Christmas trip I purchased a little light up tree, light up mickey window decoration, lights, and window suction cups to decorate the window (see picture) The ledge by the window was perfect for the handful of small presents we brought with us. I keep it all in a plastic bin and decorate our entryway every year reminding us of our last Disney trip. So excited that this year I'll get to use the decorations again at WDW! (We stayed at POFQ)

3) We avoided parks on the afternoon of 12/25 and did a carriage ride at POR instead. Very nice and relaxing. This year we are headed to Raglan Road Christmas evening.

4) Take time to take in all the extra Disney Christmas magic from the decorations to the special events like the storytellers and music - we came across a handbell choir at Wilderness lodge last time. There is so much more to the experience than the typical rides and shows.

5) The weather can be hot, cold, warm, and everything in between. Prepare for it all. And yes, there is a good chance you can still enjoy the pools (they are heated) - especially if you are coming from a cold climate.

6) Play it up - especially on Christmas day. I bought santa hats for our crew last time and we got many a jolly "Merry Christmas" with big smiles from other guests and CMs. This year I found Mickey Santa t-shirts at Kohls for only $7. Not sure if my teens will wear the hats again but I'll still bring them with.

My tips for dealing with the crowds:
I will preface this by stating that we were fortunate to enjoy several trips during low crowd times (October / January / early December) before my husband switched careers and became a teacher and the kids got busy with summer travel and spring high school baseball leaving Christmas break as our only option. The first time we did Christmas at WDW I was VERY nervous. But it was truly wonderful!
1) Rope drop is great and you really do get a lot in before the crowds swell in the afternoon
2) Expect crowds and manage your expectations accordingly
3) Don't focus on what you end up missing but focus on what you do get to enjoy
4) If time allows, prepare some quieter activities away from the crowds (resort hop, swim at the pool, take a stroll around the resorts, take time to sit and eat TS meals)
5) Lastly, be willing to adapt. Planning is important - especially with FP+ and ADRs - but it isn't worth sticking to a plan if it ends up making it more miserable.

 

[MagentaMulan]

Happy November 1st everyone! Our vacations are so close!

 

[BlueStarryHat]

Happy November 1st everyone! Our vacations are so close!

I can finally say "Next month I'm going to Disneyworld!" Picked up our travel documents yesterday, and even though it was only a little booklet my sister and I pored over it like it was War and Peace.

 

[Disneylover99]

I finally booked the magical express a few days ago. Now that Halloween is over, Christmas will be everywhere.
Our trips will be here in no time now!

 

[MagentaMulan]

I can finally say "Next month I'm going to Disneyworld!" Picked up our travel documents yesterday, and even though it was only a little booklet my sister and I pored over it like it was War and Peace.

Haha, same here! The next thing for us will be our new MBs.

 

[SaintsManiac]

In FIVE WEEKS we'll be riding on the DME!

 

[CaseyMRoyer]

Family of 3. 9yo son. We will be staying at AoA from the 12th-18th. Christmas Party on the 15th. Anyone else going that week??

 

[emmaca]

If anyone will be at The Magic Kingston on November 18th, there is a there was a really unique Hidden Mickey in the queue line at the Voyage of the Little Mermaid. What makes it so special? It's literally only visible for one hour a year. At high noon on Mickey Mouse's birthday, the sun will be in perfect alignment to project a Hidden Mickey on the wall in the queue line. The picture below shows the line of sight and the rock formation responsible for the projection. If you happen to be in the Magic Kingdom on November 18th, be in the queue at noon to catch this amazing annual event.

 

[leafE]

So excited that I can officially say NEXT MONTH! Sure, my college finals are also next month, but Disney is right after!.

 

[think-like-tink]

What's up my people? We have had to cancel our Christmas Vacation. Our move from Wy. to Fl. has been a rough one. Things are have started to settle down now.

Over the weekend we hung out with my grade school BFF and her family of 4. Disney came up. My husband told her husband that we had to cancel, besties husband said Kristen had mentioned something about it too. Somehow my friends timeshare came up and they decided to send us on a weekend moms vacay. for Christmas. We are using their timeshare and we bought my friends ticket. I am feeling very blessed that I am going....but, guilty about going without my family.

 

[ArielRae]

We got our Disney's Magical Express tags in the mail today.
Only 36 days until we leave.

 

[MrsHull]

We had a package arrive today! Not too much longer!

 

[SaintsManiac]

DME luggage tags arrived today! I had a bad day and that was just what I needed in my mailbox!

 

[wehrengrizz]

We had a package arrive today! Not too much longer! View attachment 132692

us too!!!!

 

[j2thomason]

Made my final trip payment today! 46 more days!

 

[Bethislucy]

Got our magic bands yesterday!! 24 days till we check in.

 

[drwadadli]

Yippee!!!!!! DME / Magic-Your-Way packet with luggage tags arrived last night!!!! 32 days to go!!!

 

[j2thomason]

Has anyone heard anything about the return of the Comedy Warehouse at DHS this year? I always love going to that and I'm hoping that they will announce that they will be in the new flex theater during the holidays.

 

[ofcabbagesandkings]

So excited that I can officially say NEXT MONTH! Sure, my college finals are also next month, but Disney is right after!.

I will be feeling your pain, but knowing that we leave for our trip the following weekend will make it all worth it.

ETA: Final trip payment made!