WDW at Christmas - should we?

[bobbiwoz]

Sadly, it may get too cold. I mention it because I saw so many families, with very small children, pretending that it was not cold. And not prepared. Hopefully the weather will be nice and warm for your party. It is a fun time.

Right! Disney sells lots of sweatshirts, but they also run out of them, so this is very good advice, especially regarding bringing gloves.

Bobbi

 

[goofyguy1958]

Honestly, we aren't really worried about the cold - we will have our cold weather clothes with us for the trip home- but thanks for the warning. However, we are still looking for more on MVMCP.

 

[spiceycat]

if you are going to be there - do it!

 

[goofyguy1958]

To paraphrase Cindy Loo Hoo...but why spiceycat (I know she actually said Santy Claus ), why should we do it -MVMCP, that is?

 

[vicki_c]

Totally disagree. We went to last years XMAS day parade and it was wonderfull. Sure it was crowded but so what, 70's and snowing on Main Street MK that evening alone was worth it, and the castle .

This is from XMAS day 07. (the only day that week it had a short rain shower).

Fantastic photos!

 

[jade1]

Fantastic photos!

Thanks, its a great time to go.

 

[goofyguy1958]

Thanks again everyone for the information. We are all set now. Booked a 2 bedroom at home resort (SSR) from 11-Dec-2008 through 16-Dec-2008. Air is set, car rental to come (always get the car for the grocery store runs and convenience) but now the planning really starts.

Great pictures Jade1 - makes the wait till our trip a bit harder though. I have been to WDW 3 times by myself when the parks were decorated (1 business trip, 1 marathon and 1 Goofy Challange - hard to really enjoy when you are running though) but DW, DD and DS have yet to see how great it feels to be in WDW during the holidays - God, I can't wait to see their excitement.

Any suggestions on what not to miss and what is really not that big a deal if missed (we will be doing MVMCP)?

 

[Muushka]

Our not to be missed list just grew by 1 this past Christmas, Harlem Gospel Choir. Now the list (in no particular order)

Candlelight Processional (for older kids and adults)
Osborne family lights
MVMCP (only when we don't have AP's )
Harlem Gospel Choir
Christmas tree at WL (sorry, it is a must for us )

I'm excited for you!

This year we are going in January instead of Dec. First time since 1992 . This is a test. It will probably not be repeated because I think we are already missing seeing these things.

 

[kmurawski]

Do not wait to get into the parks until later in the day on Christmas or NYE. Once they reach capacity, at about 2pm-3pm, that's it, even if you are staying on property.

Christmas and NYE just give you that natural high. It's so exciting to be there!

 

[Silver Queen]

goofy guy1958,
I just got into this thread and I'm happy for you and your decision. We'll be at the SSR 12/8-12/12. This will be our first visit as DVC members and our first visit when the parks are decorated for Christmas so we're very excited.
A question for Muushka..why does your having or not having APs make a difference about going to MVMCP? Isn't there an admission cost either way? We're thinking of getting APs for this trip because we'll be making at least one more trip to The World in the year follwing our Dec. visit. We were about to reserve tickets for MVMCP as well as make reservtion for the Candlelight Processional.
Jade1, your photo of the castle is exquisite! It will being us joy for months to come. Thanks for sharing!

 

[Muushka]

It is just frugal me not wanting to have to pay extra to go into a park that will be free the next night.
I know the parades are special, but they are not worth the extra money. (Again, frugal me talking).

But without an AP, we are all over those hard ticket events!

 

[Silver Queen]

Thanks for your response! I've got a pretty decent frugal streak too. It took a while for me to decide to buy into DVC. I think it's going to be great!

 

[Muushka]

Yes, DVC was a really hard thing for this frugal gal.
I wanted to save money on resort cost, but I had to spend a lot of money to save it.

Oh the humanity......

But as the years pass, we did the right thing. I hope you enjoy your DVC purchase!

 

[HayGan]

I'm glad you finalized everything. I know first hand how obsessive WDW planning can become! You will LOVE being at the World that time of the year. It is our absolute favorite but sadly with our kids both in school right now we have decided that our traditional early December vacation is off the schedule (for now ) Anyway, I would definitely do MVMCP. We have gone 3 times and absolutely it! We did MNSSHP last year. While it was fun, we actually prefer MVMCP. We are not crowd people at all. The thought of wall to wall people on Christmas or NYE holds absolutely no appeal for us MVMCP has the Christmas feel with the opposite crowd feel. It is perfect! We are ride people and have been known to ride Splash 4 or 5 times in a row while the parades are going on! The atmosphere is fantastic. I can't possibly see how Christmas Day would feel any better.

As for the weather, it can be unpredicatable. We have been in shorts and t-shirts in during the day and then in heavy sweatshirts and jeans by 6pm. And it can definitely rain in December!

 

[colonialtinker]

Allow time to check out the resorts. We did this last year when we went, road the monorail around. DD8 loved it, she got gingerbread cookies from each stop. DH & I enjoyed seeing the different decorations and gingerbread houses. They were awesome We're going again at the beginning of December and I can't wait