We're finally going!! But now the stress starts...

[Pharmgirl123]

After changing our plans numerous time, my family and I are finally headed to Orlando Dec. 15-24. This is the overall plan for now:

Dec. 15: 9 hour drive and arrive at Universal. We will be staying at Cabana Bay.
Dec. 16-18: Enjoying the Universal parks
Dec. 19: Leave Universal and head to Disney. We will be staying in a 2-room villa at OKW. We are thinking about either going to AK or HS this day. Any opinions???
Dec. 20: MK
Dec. 21: MK
Dec. 22: Epcot
Dec. 23: AK or HS, depending on which one we haven't done
Dec. 24: Tentative leaving date. We might extend the trip a few days, but we haven't decided yet.

Our 180-day mark for ADR is Wednesday!! How do I even begin deciding where to eat?? All tips and opinions are greatly appreciated!

 

[glassslippergirl]

Congratulations! Have you been to WDW before? Who is in your crowd? What kind of dining will you prefer budget-wise-- counter service (least expensive), table service, or signature dining (most expensive). Would you like to do a character buffet? If so, what characters are your priority-- fab 5, Pooh, or princesses? Do you have DDP? These answers will help posters offer advice.

Have you consulted a crowd calendar to choose best park days? Easy WDW has a good one. If they offer no preference of AK or DHS on your first WDW day, I'd choose DHS. It's a shadow of its former self right now with so many closures to make way for Star Wars Land. There's still great rides open (and TSMM just added capacity), but I'd start there because every other park will be an improvement.

As for ADRs, only make one for each day if dining is a real priority for you. At that time of year, especially, table service will take valuable park time. I'd focus on a few key dining experiences based on your priorities. There's a lot of quality counter service choices that don't require reservations (and at that time of year, there's sometimes a financial incentive-- and always a crowd incentive-- to do counter service during off-peak hours. Not knowing anything about you, Flame Tree at AK, Sunshine Seasons in Epcot, and BoG for lunch (which is CS but requires an ADR) are unique CS choices in parks. We also like Columbia Harbor House in MK and snacking (and/or drinking) around the world in Epcot as fun options that don't require ADRs. Of coyrse, if you have DDP, ignore everything I've just said and make an ADR for each day. Otherwise, start looking at menu options and make ADRs based on what looks good. The restaurant board has lots of good advice in this regard. Do make an ADR in Epcot as there are so many unique dining choices.

If you extend, know that it's for the busiest days of the year. I think it's a great choice, but there are those who will try to dissuade you based on the crowds. For the days you extend, I would definitely consult a crowd calendar. Also, know that if you stay somewhere else during these days, you will be creating the ADRs and FPs separately from those for your OKW stay.

Have a great time!

 

[Guyton dis lover]

Other things to do is visit the resorts and check out the decorations. We go every Christmas. Now that is not really true. We go before Chirstmas and come home just before. This year we will be at AK lodge from 10 to 18 December. We go allot in fact we have 11 days before our next trip for a short stay at POFQ. You will love the decorations. We always go to the Candle Light processonal. We always attend the Christmas party. We always enjoy this time of year. Good Luck and enjoy your trip.

 

[Pharmgirl123]

This is the first time my family of 7 will be going- 4 adults, 2 teenagers, and a toddler. The toddler LOVES Mickey Mouse so I'm thinking one of our picks will be Chef Mickey. We are actually not really "foodies" which is why we didn't buy the DDP. We are planning on having breakfast in the room, bringing snacks to the park for the afternoon, and then going somewhere for dinner or even just making nachos/tacos in the room.

Thanks so much for the tip about EasyWDW! I'll take a look at it tonight! I'm just so glad and thankful that we actually get to go this year. The kids are still in shock. We have booked and canceled this trip sooo many times.

 

[WEDWDW]

Since it is your first trip,I would extend a few days if you want to have a good "look" at all 4 Disney Parks.

 

[mickeyfanachey1999]

The big plus for us staying at an OKW villa is the full sized kitchen. We make a trip to the store (usually Winn Dixie) and buy things for several meals. Some don't get eaten but if they can travel they go home with us...if not, it's still cheaper than theme park food. In December I think we at all but one dinner in the room. I have a picky kid and a kid that doesn't eat much.

 

[missangelalexis]

Chef Mickey's is a nice option for a first time trip as you get to meet all the fab 5 in one place! That one books quick so make sure you book right at your ADR mark. That is a good option for one of your MK days since it's to take the monorail to/from there! Also agree about making time to visit the monorail hotels to see their beautiful decorations!

 

[amy1981]

We had the same dates booked (with FREE dining!) then had to cancel because our school changed the Christmas break dates =( . Our plan for a week like that, since it will be busy, is to grab an on the go option in our room and then hit the parks ASAP. We can get in a lot of park time with lower lines this way. Then we go to an ADR around 10:45. This brunch time meal is cheaper than dinner (which is great if your paying OOP) and will keep you going for a good portion of the day; you definitely will not need lunch! We've used this plan on MK days with meals at 1900 PF or Chef Mickeys (you could do Crystal Palace as well); on AK days with brunch at Tusker House and on Epcot days at Akershus. By 6 or 7 we're ready to split a QS meal or just stroll through the parks snacking on "Disney Only" treats like Dole Whips. I know you just asked about where to eat, not when, but we've found this strategy works really well! We did Chef Mickey's on our first trip and my kids loved it, it is a great choice. On our next trip we did Tusker House (same characters, except you get Daisy Duck instead of Minnie Mouse) and it became the new favorite; adults will prefer the food and the toddler gets Mickey! Some great QS options we like are Contempo Cafe, Columbia Harbor House and Pecos Bills.

 

[PlutoTheDog89]

After changing our plans numerous time, my family and I are finally headed to Orlando Dec. 15-24. This is the overall plan for now:

Dec. 15: 9 hour drive and arrive at Universal. We will be staying at Cabana Bay.
Dec. 16-18: Enjoying the Universal parks
Dec. 19: Leave Universal and head to Disney. We will be staying in a 2-room villa at OKW. We are thinking about either going to AK or HS this day. Any opinions???
Dec. 20: MK
Dec. 21: MK
Dec. 22: Epcot
Dec. 23: AK or HS, depending on which one we haven't done
Dec. 24: Tentative leaving date. We might extend the trip a few days, but we haven't decided yet.

Our 180-day mark for ADR is Wednesday!! How do I even begin deciding where to eat?? All tips and opinions are greatly appreciated!

Well, just a small tip: I think there's a Walgreens right off I4 before you get to Disney. There's also a Target in the vicinity. It may be worthwhile stopping there and grabbing all your cereal and breakfast items before getting to Disney.

We've stayed at OKW before it was DVC... or maybe it was DVC. No clue - but we stayed there in a studio or normal-size room and it was a great time. It's a big resort, but really beautiful. You made a great choice.

Without knowing ride preferences, here's what I'd do:

Dec. 19th
I'd imagine you're getting there pretty early on 12/19. You'll need some time to settle in. If you can fit in DHS, go for it. I would check in then head right to the park. You'll want to make FP+ for DHS.
FP+ is gonna be a "wait and see." You have time before booking, but I'd suggest checking to see how Toy Story Midway Mania does on July 4th. That'll be the closest you get to Christmastime. If the wait time (due to the added track) continues to stay low(er) I'd do a FP+ for Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror and Star Tours. Then, do TSMM. If TSMM starts to see a huge wait time again, then I'd go for TSMM. That's one ride you don't wanna miss.

Here's where we see a fork in the road. Chef Mickey's would be a great "welcoming dinner" for your family. Unfortunately, I'm not sure the next time you'll get to DHS - especially if you don't have a park hopper. IMO, you really need to see Fantasmic. It's so "Disney." While you can certainly hop on the bus to the Contemporary after DHS, I'd urge you to stay and see Fantasmic. You can either eat at the park or wait and go to Beaches and Cream after. If you eat in the park:
- Look into Minnie's Holiday Dine. It's the same characters (I think) as Chef Mickey's and they're dressed in holiday garb. I've heard the food isn't that great, but neither is Chef Mickey's. I'd also look into 50's Prime Time or Mama Melrose, which has a Fantasmic Dinner Package.

December 20th
Get up early and head to MK. Right now the hours are 9am-10pm. I'd be willing to bet the park opens at 8am and closes around 11 or 12 (maybe 1am) with EMH at 7am. Get there for 7am. From 7am-9am is your window to get in a bunch of stuff. I'd start at Tomorrowland. Go on Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear, Small World, etc. Your FP+ will be for 7DMT, Thunder Mountain and Jingle Cruise. Get in as much as possible before it starts to get too crowded.

This is the day I'd book Chef Mickey's for dinner. Book it in the early evening, like 5pm. Hop on the monorail around 3:30pm and go to the Contemporary. Explore - go see the display on the 4th floor and enjoy the resort. It's really something to marvel at. After Chef Mickey's, hop on the monorail 2 stops to the Poly. Stop in the Poly. It's not as decorated at the other resorts, but it's really gorgeous. Stop there - maybe get a Dole Whip and be on your way. Next up is the Grand Floridian. Stop in and see the lobby. This is a must during Christmas. The towering tree and gingerbread display will be the highlight of your trip (decor-wise.) Then hop back on the monorail to MK. If you're tired, go back to OKW. If you can, though, go see the Wishes Fireworks.

December 21st
This will be the day you do all the secondary rides and things you may have missed at MK: things like Philharmagic, the People Mover, Monster's Inc. Laugh Floor, etc. Don't leave MK without seeing Wishes or the Electrical Parade. There's also a special Frozen castle show around 7pm. There's already EMH posted for 10pm-12am. I'd assume Wishes will be at 8pm and a parade will follow. Stick it out if you can!

ADR: Try for Be Our Guest at lunch or dinner. The food is decent but the real draw is the theming and decor. It's a must-see!

December 22nd
EPCOT is a blast. Your teens and toddler will be bored at points but it's really a lot of fun. Book an ADR for Soarin', Spaceship Earth and the Character Meet and Greet. Your toddler will get to see Mickey in the meet and greet. As for the World Showcase, this is a great spot to "pick" on some treats. If you get bored or tired, walk over to the Boardwalk to sit and people watch or the Yacht & Beach Club. The lobbies are beautifully decorated and they have areas to sit down for a little while. End the day with Illuminations. Find a decent spot!

December 23rd
I would do AK, but try and do it later in the day and enjoy the new nighttime events.

- Honestly, I'd push for another day or two at Disney if you can! Although I totally understand if you can only do a few days there.
- If you can't do Chef Mickey's, do Tusker House (as mentioned by amy.) Also try for Minnie's Holiday Dine and Cape May (Beach Club)
- Contempo in the Contemporary is a great QS

- Check out my free ebook and blog at survivedisxmas.com. I've been going to Disney during Christmas for almost 10 years and have a few tips and tricks that I'm willing to share!