WDW at Christmas

[nmoore14]

Helllllo for DISers,
I am beginning to plan my trip back to the world in December 2010 (planning early so my friends can begin saving). I wanted to know about any events that we should not miss at Christmastime and anything that we should avoid. We are planning on going the 1st or 2nd week in December because I read that this time is slower at WDW. One of my friends has never been to WDW (can you believe it!) and I want her to have a great time. It should be three adults and possibly 2 children-7 and 9 years old. Thanks for the spectacular advice that I know everyone will offer.

 

[mainegal]

Osborne lights at the Studios
Epcot Christmas storytellers
Tour the deluxe resorts

Some will say don't miss Candlelight Processional. It is free, but very crowded. I say, if you have a good "lights and carols and lessons" religious program at home, skip the one at Disney.

 

[3guysandagal]

mainegal's suggestions are must sees!

We love Osborne Lights!

Candlelight Processional.

Fort Wilderness Campgrounds. (I'm serious!... Rent a golf cart! Do Hoop-de Doo Revue while there)

MVMCP. (Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party)

"Ice" over at the Gaylord Palms Resort (If it is happening that year)


thinking.......

 

[soxnation]

We were there the first week of december 08.....weather was great. Along with the other great ideas above.....Be sure to take time to go to the resorts and take in all of the decorations they have.
Story telling around Epcot was festive.

MVMCP was great.
Gingerbread house at the GF

 

[ADP]

There are a ton of "not to miss" activities during Christmas time. I'd highly suggest going through the podcast archives and listening to the series of "Christmas in July" shows the podcast crew put together last year. It's chalk full of good tips, tricks, and not to miss activities during the Christmas season. These shows would have been recorded last July 2008.

I'm not sure if the crew is doing that again this year, but it was enjoyable and informative last year.

 

[FireDancer]

The displays in the parks are great and you won't miss those since they are surrounding you. As mentioned by PPs though the resorts are a don't miss. I would spend a whole day touring the resorts and Celebration. The best resort displays are at the Deluxe resorts and all of them are great.

I would also recommend going in early December before all the kids are off. Seeing Disney at Christmas is nice but seeing it with that many people around is just not worth it.

 

[DSNY4ever]

We went last year and had tons of fun. Try listening to some of the old "Christmas in July" podcasts or previous podcasts from the month of December to get good ideas. And if you haven't seen it yet, make sure you watch the Holidays in WDW special on the travel channel. They always play it in December a lot and I think the food network has a special too.

We loved the Osbourne lights and all of the displays and decorations at the deluxe resorts. The Wilderness Lodge was especially wonderful and Christmasy .

 

[TheBeadPirate]

Do not miss:

Candelight Processional (use the dinner package)
Sleigh Rides at Wilderness Lodge
Ride the monorail around to each hotel and see the decorations
Golf on Christmas Day
Spend a day at Epcot and listen to each countrys noel stories

These are some of our favorites, but there are many, many more options!

 

[ms*mountaineer]

we went in early Dec 2008 - it's a great time to go! The parks felt like there were a lot of people in them - but in reality, we never had a long wait for anything.

Don't miss:
Osborne Lights
storytellers in Epcot
Lights of Winter (Epcot - bridge from FW to WS)


We were there over the weekend of the Christmas parade taping in MK - We just avoided MK for that Fri and Sat and had no problem. We also overlapped a couple of days with Pop Warner - again, didn't notice them at all.

We did MVMCP - but didn't get to enjoy it to the fullest. My kids were 5 and 7 - it was chilly, crowded and they were pooping out early. Take the ages of the kids into consideration when deciding on MVMCP. The ages you mention - should be able to stay out later. If you can stay out later - then you can enjoy more of the party. The parade and fireworks are wonderful!

 

[*NikkiBell*]

I LOVE LOVE LOVEEEEEEEEEE WDW at Christmas time! I am so jealous that you are going then! We went Christmas week through New Year's Day a few years back.

Don't miss...

Gingerbread house at the Grand Floridian
Chocolate carousel at Beach Club
Osbourne lights
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
All of the Christmas trees
The Christmas store at DTD

 

[kbelle8995]

Just enjoy the atmosphere of the park.

Also some of the resorts have beautiful decorations.

A couple years ago I went on a Behind the Scenes Christmas decoration tour. We got to look around Epcot and got to see the warehouse where they store the Christmas decoration. It had a huge wall with shelves of all different types of Xmas lights. Not everyone can go on this tour I think there is a age limit. But if you get a chance to do this, it is absolutely worth it. I'm not even sure if the have it anymore