What is on Your "Not to be missed in December"?

[wannabee princess]

We finally have definite plans to go to the World the first week in December! So, what do you experienced December visitors say to an experienced Disney family who has never been to the World in December?

 

[CarolMN]

LOL - I've convinced quite a few "expereienced Disney families" that early December in WDW cannot be beat. I've been hooked myself since 1998 - I tell them about:

The Candlelight Processional
MVMCP and the Christmas Parade
Osborne Lights (not available this year)
Lights of Winter at EPCOT including the carrillion and tree lighting
Christmas in the City (Downtown Disney)
All the different Santas around the WOrld Showcase
Resort Decorations (esp notable are the WL, the AKL, and the chocolate recreations - carousel at BC and Boardwalk at BWI/BWV, etc. All the resorts are so beautiful this time of year and all are worth a visit. It's very hard to work them all in, though).


I usually just print out the Holiday pages (including pictures) from the DIS and WDWIG and add my own reviews. Never failed yet!

DIS Holiday Info

Holiday Happenings from WDWIG

Enjoy your trip!

 

[luvmy2prncss]

If you have kids don't miss Santa Goofy at AK!
MVMCP is #1!!
Country Bear Jamboree Christmas Show.
Dining at LTT with the Characters dressed in their Christmas garb.
Mickey and Minnie Santa Hats!!
Don't forget a special Disney Ornament to hang on the tree when you get back!
We'll be there during the 1st week as well. Our 3rd trip during this time!!

 

[Claudia Kellenberger]

I have been to WDW for 7 Decembers.

Do NOT miss MVMCP !

It would be a great idea to check out the holiday decorations at the resorts, but I have to say do NOT miss Wilderness Lodge !

 

[danny1649]

Is a must for us along with Candlelight Processional and until this year The Osbourne Lights which are not happening this year. We also enjoy resort hopping to see decorations CBJ Christmas Show is great and seeing characters in their Christmas best.We have been 1st part of December each year since 1992 that is how much we love this time of year.

 

[Simba's Mom]

This will be my first December trip to WDW (16th overall, but never December before). Two things I can't wait to do-1. CP package. 2. Plan to spend one afternoon walking around Epcot WS, seeing the Holiday performers in each country.

 

[katypop]

this will be our 1st dec visit too, staying at WL from nov30-dec08. we have booked CP and MVMCP and have a few ps for meals at different resorts . can hardly wait to go
luvmy2prncss-where do you find Santa Goofy at AK?
does anyone know if Breakfastsaurus' characters have special christmas costumes like LTT does?
thanks wannabeeprincess for starting this thread what resort will you be staying at? only 4 more weeks to go
katypop

 

[Dan Murphy]

This will be my fifth time to the World the week or so right after Thanksgiving, for all the reasons above. Truly magical.

 

[mickeysaver]

This will be our first holiday season trip to WDW together. We have 2 MVMCP's and an evening planned with the dinner package for Candlelight Processional. We also plan on going to the Afternoon Tea at the Grand Floridian, but that's more of an excuse to see the resort and all of it's decorations. We also plan on catching the opening night showing of Lord of the Rings: Return of the King at the AMC theater at DTD. Finally, our last night at WDW will be the busiest day of the trip at the parks, since it's the first day of peak/holiday season, we have a MK Wishes Fireworks Cruise with some fellow Dis'ers planned. I can't wait! For us, these are all must do's. Mickey

 

[AKASnowWhite]

And with Alien Encounter closed for re-hab, let's not forget Carousel of Progress and Timekeeper!!!!

 

[katypop]

hey dan, check out our countdown clocks we'll be arriving at the same time see ya there
kathe

 

[wannabee princess]

We will be staying at AKL (our first time to stay there and staying concierge so we can do Sunrise Safari!). I made reservations for MVMCP and CP (dinner at Le Cellier since we've never eaten there). So far, so good?

We will definitely need to see Santa Goofy - he is ds's favorite! He is at AK? Is that the only place?

Are the characters in LTT dressed for holidays every night, or just on MVMCP nights?

What is the "best" thing you have done to take in the different resort decorations? Just drop in, eat a meal there or ....?

I am sure that we will be coming home with some Mickey/Minnie Santa Hats to join our Bellhop Goofy, Sorcerer Mickey and Regular Mickey ones!

Any other must do for December?

 

[gshoemate]

You can find Santa Goofy at AK back at Camp Minnie Mickey. And make sure to check out the Christmas tree's while your there. They do one for each character and they look so cool, my favorite is Tigger. I know last year you could also catch Santa Goofy at MGM back on New York street but since they are not doing the Osbourne lights, i'm not sure if he will be there.

 

[jimmytammy]

We have been there 3 times in Dec and will be there the first week again this year. We absolutely love it there that time of year. Christmas is definitely in the air when your in WDW in Dec.

I agree with all of the mentioned posts above. See and do all thats possible pertaining to Christmas festivities. As your walking around, rushing to get to that next ride, slow down and take in all the little details. With 150 tractor-trailer loads of Christmas decorations, including 7 million lights, theres a lot to see. And theres a lot that can be missed. Granted you cant take it all in, but just pause every now and then to take in the small stuff.

One thing to add that hasnt been mentioned, ride the monorail over to GF and see the huge tree and the man size Gingerbread house. Its made out of real Gingerbread and it smells so good!!

Have Fun!!

 

[Grumpy92]

Most of the holiday traditions have already been mentioned but here are a few more.

MK Tree lighting - We never miss this, everyday at 5pm the Flag ceromony is held in Town Sq. Such a moving ceromony, the flag is lowered, the national anthem played and the flag given to a vet or current service person. Immediately following this they have a cute little pre show. They pick a few children to be involved and then light the MK tree.

Yultide Tour-We did this a few years ago and it was so fun. We toured three parks, a resort and got a behind the scenes tour of the xmas warehouse. They pretty much discuss the various holiday traditions and tell you how they are able to decorate all of WDW & the cruiseships.

EC- We find this park to be the best for the holidays. We try to take time to sit and enjoy the bridge canopy of lights at the entrance to WS. The music is timed with the lights and it is beautiful, you also might want to see the EC tree lighting while you are there.

Glad to hear you are going to tea at GF. It is wonderful especially in Dec. Dont forget to taste the roasted chestnuts or sip on hot cocoa while at the park.

 

[ead79]

I have been to WDW the last 3 Decembers in a row, and I love WDW that time of year! It's even more magical! Here are some of my December must-do's:

--MVMCP

--Epcot Tree Lighting Ceremony

--Watch Epcot's Fountain of Nations (it performs to holiday music instead of regular music)

--Tour the resorts to see their decorations (especially the GF, AKL, and WL)

 

[Simba's Mom]

Originally posted by ead79


--Watch Epcot's Fountain of Nations (it performs to holiday music instead of regular music)

Thanks! I didn't know about that. Add one more "must do" for me in December!