WDW at Christmas?

[blondleadr2b]

Hey! Elyse here, 18 year old college freshman from VA. My family is considering going to WDW over Christmas and staying at the Wilderness lodge (we've stayed there before, loved it.) We love WDW, but have never been at any time other than in the summer. Is WDW as neat in the winter as it is in the Summer? Is it unbearably crowded/cold? Do hotels decorate for the holidays, and if so, which ones look the best? I'd REALLY appreciate some feedback from other WDW fans who have been there, done that!


P.S- How is the Yach and Beach club if you want to spend some time at Epcot, MK, and MGM?

Thanks a lot! Go Elon!
-Serious Disney freak, even at 18

1990- Grand Floridian
1996- Grand Floridian
1998- Wilderness Lodge
2001- Grand Floridian

 

[Eeyore2003]

Hi, we always went in the summer to with out boys. Last year my "baby" went to college and DH and I went to WDW "off season" for the first time the first week in December.

Crowds are so nice compared to summer!!! Decorations are beautiful!!! Plan on doing MVMCP if you can. I know that as my boys got older they liked EPCOT and MGM more than MK. Remember that MK closes earlier off season, but EPCOT stays open until after Illuminations. I'd consider one of the EPCOT resorts if you think your family would enjoy walking around EPCOT or the Boardwalk later in the day. We really enjoyed the Boardwalk Inn and are staying at a Boardwalk Villa this December.

 

[Eeyore2003]

Sorry, that should be "We always went in the summer TOO with OUR boys!!!"

 

[chipscinderelly]

That is the busiest time of year at WDW so plan accordingly. the MK will close early due to capacity on XMas Day and MVMCP's end earlier in the month. It's supposed to be very beautiful!

 

[cranbiz]

Try to go before xmas. IMHO it's the best time to go to WDW.

The MVMCP, Candlelight Processional at EPCOT, the Osbourne lights at MGM and all the resorts decorate to the hilt.

Small lines, fair weather - you WILL get the most for your Disney dollar. Just remember that the parks do close earlier that time of year.

 

[laurajetter]

I too have only gone to WDW in the summer but since reading how wonderful it is around Christmas, I am definitely thinking about going in December at some point!

One tip I have seen over and over is that the best time to avoid crowds is in the very beginning of December (first two weeks). All the decorations go up right after Thanksgiving, and the Osbourne lights and MVMCP are available as well, but the crowds are very low. Once you hit the middle of December towards the end of December, it will become super crowded. I know some people like to be there ON Christmas, but I'd be perfectly happy there in early December.

Good luck!

-Laura

 

[Serenity]

We are going for our first Dec trip as well - 12/17 to 12/22 at WL! We picked WL because of all the wonderful reviews we read about how it is one of the best decorated resorts for Christmas. Hope this is true. I have also read that it is very crowded. We are used to going off season so I am having to prepare myself for not being able to do everything. Luckily Southwest came out with those great airfares and I managed to sneak in a quick trip for Sept. Now I can do all my rides then and then just sit back and enjoy the atmosphere and scenery in Dec.