WDW vs DL at Christmas? VGC at Christmas?

[BoardwalkSuzy]

When single, I went to WDW during early December a few times. Now have whole family to take, and we have GV reservations at SSR for week just after Thanksgiving.

But thinking of changing reservation to last week of April for WDW so we can use the pools, etc. For December trip, we're thinking of just going to DL and staying at VGC for early December - we live in California so VGC easier.

Who has been to DL and stayed a VGC in early December? What was it like compared to the WDW DVC resorts - overall experience comparing the parks and the DVC resorts? We know that we love the GC hotel (except for rack prices) - just entering the main hotel, and walking down a hallway is awe inspiring in itself, just gorgeous. Wondered what the DVC experience is like at VGC, especially at Christmas.

 

[DaveO]

Disneyland is about 10X better for Christmas that WDW.

* More decorations
* A XMAS parade that you do not need to pay extra for.
* Attractions that are transformed for xmas ... Mansion and small world
* Freshly made candy canes
* Santa's Roundup
* There is just more of a Christmas feeling than WDW (that one is hard to explain)

Being newly moved to the midwest I now go to DL for Christmas spirit. I even bought VGC points for the express purpose to stay there for a long weekend to kick off the Holiday Season.

WDW does have Osborne Lights going for it ... but that is about it IMO. And I have been to WDW at least 6-7 times for XMAS prior to going to DL.

Dave

 

[mecllap]

Sounds like a great plan to me (changing to WDW in April -- if it's spring break, be sure to go to parks early in the morning, and swim in the afternoon, but you probably know that). I was fortunately able to go to WDW in mid-Nov and then went to DLR in early Jan. Enjoyed both of course (I do love the Osbourne lights, and I got to watch the MMCMC fireworks on my birthday from the Calif. Grill deck), but would also give the edge to DLR. The overlays for the Haunted Mansion (The Nightmare before Christmas) and Small World are delightful (be sure to catch the outside light show). Fantasmic was more enjoyable, and the fireworks were great. VGC is really nice, and the World of Color show should be going (it was still under construction, or I could have watched it from my studio, darn). Making the rounds of the resorts at WDW to see the special decs is kind of fun, but time-consuming.

 

[La2kw]

Disneyland has Haunted Mansion Holiday, Small World Holiday, Santa's Reindeer Roundup, daily Christmas Parade, daily Christmas fireworks with "snow", decorations everywhere, special holiday food everywhere, carolers, etc. and it's all included with park admission. At WDW, you have to pay extra for MVMCP in order to get the fireworks and parade. WDW is nice at Christmas, Disneyland though is much better.

The Grand Californian has very nice decorations, just like the WDW deluxe resorts.

 

[BoardwalkSuzy]

Thanks everyone for responding! Today cancelled SSR and booked VGC for 2nd week of December 2010 for DL - dedicated 2-BR - CAN NOT WAIT! We love it there & VGC villas are so close by, nothing like WDW bus and boat trips back and forth several times per day if kids need afternoon naps - I need nap too! You just walk out exit of DL park, and fall straight into bed - awesome.

Then, we booked BWV for "early spring break" the first week of March 2011. It's not our kids' real spring break which is mid-April, and are just pulling them out of school a week, so we can enjoy park without the huge crowds. My husband and I can't handle high temps, nor my kids - or just don't enjoy temps much over 80. Guess we're used to SF climate, so think March is good for WDW at least for us.

So excited! One thing about DVC though is that it is really hard to do any spur of moment trips. We called trying to go a few days this month or next month to VGC at DL, and absolutely NOTHING available. I inquired if entire summer is booked, and was told - YES! It requires super CAREFUL forward planning, insurance if have to cancel, etc. We have always stayed at the Best Western or Howard Johnson Hotel when going to DL, so am so excited to stay at VGC instead - huge upgrade. Always refused the $600/nt rack rates for the rooms at Grand Californian - just too much, but now as owner, can get a dedicated 2-BR every year!

 

[Silly Little Pixie]

So excited! One thing about DVC though is that it is really hard to do any spur of moment trips. We called trying to go a few days this month or next month to VGC at DL, and absolutely NOTHING available. I inquired if entire summer is booked, and was told - YES! It requires super CAREFUL forward planning, insurance if have to cancel, etc. We have always stayed at the Best Western or Howard Johnson Hotel when going to DL, so am so excited to stay at VGC instead - huge upgrade. Always refused the $600/nt rack rates for the rooms at Grand Californian - just too much, but now as owner, can get a dedicated 2-BR every year!

I hear ya! We just added on at VGC, after staying there in February and falling in love with it. I always, always wanted to stay at the Grand- DH would never hear of spending that much per night. Now we are thrilled to own there. We tried a quick night or two booking for this summer- and nada. Fooey. Guess I really do need to plan 11 months out!

And I concur with the above posters- DLR is by far, the better choice at Christmas. We were SO disappointed in 2008 when we went to WDW, to find that all the things that are free to enjoy at DL are hard-tickets at WDW. I flew across the country and spent a small fortune on room/tickets and I need to pay MORE to see a Christmas parade?! We did enjoy Osborne Lights though. We'll be back again this year around Thanksgiving, but I am not interested in paying for MVMCP. I can see much of that for free at DL (we are AP holders). Plus, the park decorations are so much better at DL.

You won't regret it! Good call to move WDW to an early spring break week.