This is why early Dec. is popular with DVC!

[jpeka65844]

OP: Can you define "mega-crowds"? I always thought that early Dec was a "slower" time of year? DH and I will be there in 9 days (doing the single-digit dance) and will be disappointed if it's shoulder to shoulder people! We're used to going over Spring Break and that's what we call a "mega-crowd"!!!!

 

[Mamiamjo]

We spent Christmas 03 and Thansgiving 04 (or maybe it was 05, I can't remember which) in WDW and I don't recall seeing the "Ice Castle" lights before. Is this something they started within the last year or two?

Nice photos by the way,
Mike

 

[jekjones1558]

do you mind if I use one of your pics as the wallpaper on my iPhon

Be my guest! I have one as my desktop wallpaper now.

Can you define "mega-crowds"?

I stated that poorly. I meant mega crowds close to Dec. 25. The crowds early in December are manageable (which is why I go then), but I do think they have been growing in recent years.

I don't recall seeing the "Ice Castle" lights before. Is this something they started within the last year or two?

This is the first year of the ice castle. I hope that Disney gets lots of great feedback so that it comes back, at least for a few years. This is the prettiest I have ever seen the castle. It is absolutely worth the price of admission just to see it in person!

 

[beacher]

Or is the Castle lit like that every night? DH and I arrive at BWV on Sunday 11/25 - we did MVMCP last year and weren't planning a repeat... will we still see the Castle in ice lights?

 

[jekjones1558]

Yes, castle is lit like this every night. There is a lighting ceremony each night (5:45 when we were there).

 

[beacher]

Thank you, Jean. Your pictures really are lovely and they jump-started our Xmas spirit. Happy holidays to you and your family.

 

[Pennyguy23]

How long are those on the castle. We are there from Dec30th-Jan 6th? Will they still be up for New Years?

 

[Maribell]

Thank you for sharing your pictures! We will be there soon and can't wait to see the ice castle lights! Happy Holidays!

 

[jekjones1558]

How long are those on the castle. We are there from Dec30th-Jan 6th? Will they still be up for New Years?

All decorations at WDW stay up through early January, so you should be fine!

 

[Lexxiefern]

Wow Jean, great pictures! I so need a new camera! I have a weekend trip booked for Dec 14th (cash) and I wasn't sure if we would go. Now I really want to so I can see the castle!! I am definately booking a week in early december next year - even if I have to go alone with the kids!

 

[funatdisney]

Wow! The castle picture is just fantastic! I wonder if you can sell me a copy. I'm heading to Disneyland on the 14 and would like to compare the two castles. Disneyland has redecorated their castle into an ice castle, too. From what I have seen, the two castles are similar, but I'm sure there are differences.

 

[bobbiwoz]

The ploy worked...send family enough pictures of the ice castle, and they'll go for a second family visit in '08! DDiL is restricted to before Thanksgiving time, so I'm so glad that Disney has some decoration/party time before Thanksgiving.

I get to plan another family WDW vacation!

Bobbi

 

[liznboys]

WOW. Those pictures are so beautiful! My dh and I are already ITCHING to take a quick little Christmas time trip....this doesn't help. lol I'd love to see the castle in person.

Thanks for sharing your amazing pictures!

 

[J and R's mom]

 

[Sammie]

The lights are new for this year due to the Dreams promotion. They will be up until Jan. 6

 

[MinnieGi]

Wow, Jean I'm so impressed with your photos! We just got back tonight from 9 wonderful days at WDW and my photos of the castle did not come out nearly as wonderful as yours!

I do agree everyone in our party loved the look of the ice castle!!! All the decorations are so beautiful!

 

[jekjones1558]

Just to set the record straight, it was my future brother-in-law who took the photos. I was doing mostly daycare and did not even have my camera along the nights we were at MK. He agreed to share with me, and I am sharing with you. I'm sure that, even if I used his camera, my photos would not have been so lovely. I am so hoping that the ice castle makes a return next year. DH did not come along on this trip (he stayed home to take care of dog and my mom) and it would be so great if he could see it.