Thought I Knew!!??

[rachdd]

Okay, I like to think of myself as a seasoned Disney traveler but I am stumped!! I am planning our trip for 2012 and this will be our first ever trip to Disney at Christmas time which I have always wanted to do. This trip we are only bringing our youngest who will be 5 at the time for some special one on one time with Mom and Dad. I have two issues I need help with.

1. Which week? My husband has vacation the two weeks after Thanksgiving. I origianly thought the first week after but I am reading that it is more and more crowded but the next week is Pop Warner right??

2. Resort? I was thinking WL because the theme would be great at Christmas but I have been reading some not so stellar reviews lately. My second choice would probably be CR but we have stayed there before. Any other resorts have a good holiday feel?

Thanks for any help or tips!!

 

[justcantwait]

We went the week of Dec 4th last year, and didn't see any large impact from the Pop Warner crowds, so I would say the first week of Dec. Just plan on a wide range of temperatures! We had 70s, and we had 30s. As far as a resort, we have stayed at WL with the kids (6 and 9 at the time) and absolutely loved it. It's one of our favorite resorts. And at Christmas time, it's amazing. I think a 5 year old would just love a bunk bed room, and the rest of the resort is so interesting even to young children. CR is closer to MK, but WL is not far by boat. IMO, it's more options for less money. Wherever you stay, and whenever you go, you'll have a fantastic time. Enjoy the wonder of WDW at Christmas with your little one. There's nothing like it!

Kathy

 

[minnie mum]

I agree that the second week would be the better one. Pop Warner isn't a huge concern in the parks (except that I believe they shut DHS early one night for a Pop Warner party). HOWEVER: Pop Warner IS a huge concern when it comes to choosing a resort. You really don't want to be staying at one of the resorts that they more or less take over. But it seems that you are looking at deluxe resorts, do this won't be a factor. PW traditionally stays at the AllStars and one or two of the mods.

 

[padawans]

We were there 11-19 after pop warner. The parks were empty the first 5 days. We literally walked on every ride. On Sat the 17 th people started arriving in droves. The 19th at dhs was crazy. Lines were 1 hour long at dhs by 1000. I kind of liked it though we got the parks out of the way the first 5 days, and then got to enjoy the energy and festive atmosphere the last 2 days. I compare it to going to a baseball game in august to a playoff game in October. That was the first time we have been to wdw during a crowded time. It was fun ,but 2 days off it was enough.

 

[pepe of ohio]

Whichever weeks you pick, weekends are crowded.....we always stay in the value season, no matter what for cheapest room rates...

Now onto the Lodge...as far as we're concerned, and this after 45 trips to WDW, the last 12+ stays have been at WL...we'll go to no other resort....I've read the reviews too and most people want and have a different opinion on what they want out of a vacation and resort. Our stays have been stellar, no signs of deep wear and tear at the resort or in our rooms thru the years....CM's are cast members, good and bad at all the resorts, we've encountered mostly great ones but we''re not full of questions and entitlement...we know our way around and just do our own thing.....bus service is about the same across the board of resorts....our stays have been fairly decent in the bus area.....I'd never hesitate to recommend the WL to anyone....cheaper than CR, you those that like the walk from CR to the MK, it's not that a short one...I prefer the boat ride from the Lodge....

We're headed back in a few weeks, again to the Lodge, and hoping the weather is decent....good luck!

 

[PryncessChrysty]

We were there 11-19 after pop warner. The parks were empty the first 5 days. We literally walked on every ride. On Sat the 17 th people started arriving in droves. The 19th at dhs was crazy. Lines were 1 hour long at dhs by 1000. I kind of liked it though we got the parks out of the way the first 5 days, and then got to enjoy the energy and festive atmosphere the last 2 days. I compare it to going to a baseball game in august to a playoff game in October. That was the first time we have been to wdw during a crowded time. It was fun ,but 2 days off it was enough.

We were there around the same time (6th - 18th) and I agree! The first week was great, then from about the 16th on it was totally crazy. This was our first trip during the holidays, and we loved it, but decided that if we ever go in December again, it would be the 1st or 2nd week, no later.

In reference to the resort, we stayed at WL for the first time on this trip, as well as BWV. We picked WL because it was said to be *THE* best hotel at Christmas time. It was very nice, and decorated from head to toe, we just weren't as blown away as everyone said we'd be. We had visited the resort before this trip and knew how magnificent it was, but maybe our expectations were just too high. I wanted the woodsy feel, but didn't get why there were antlers in every Christmas decoration. All of the wreaths, the trees....

I have always loved the BW, and that's part of the reason we stayed there, but I had NO expectation, or even any idea, about what their holiday decor would be. We walked through the door and fell in love. Head over heels. It was gorgeous! From the trees, to the garland, even the music. Every bit of it. They also have one of the gingerbread displays, which was great. My ONLY complaint was that Stitch had "taken over" the display, which totally didn't fit the theme, IMO. I wasn't crazy about that, but everything else was wonderful.

Our studio was on the top floor, overlooking the courtyard & boardwalk, facing the BWI side - it was amazing! We'd get up in the morning and open up our balcony door while we were getting ready. The breeze would flow through the sheers, and we were able to hear everything going on down below - the boats coming in/out, people getting ready for their day, and the best part was that we could hear the music playing along the boardwalk - it just happened to me many of our favorites (lots of Bing Crosby & the Andrews Sisters). Absolutely wonderful! We loved being so close to DHS & Epcot, too. I mean, being able to take the boat to MK from WL is awesome, but the BW put us next to 2 parks, and we could even walk to them if we wanted!