What makes booking Christmas on-property so special for you?

[epicureangirl]

Other than Christmas being a time that is easy to get away with the kids, what makes it really SPECIAL for you to have Christmas at Disney World? Obviously, it is very difficult to get bookings in December and Christmas week, and the point value is very high -- yet it remains a popular time to go for DVC'rs. So, please tell me what makes it a magical time and why it is worth the extra effort and cost to go then.

Many thanks!

 

[iloveokw]

If you aren't staying on the grounds the parks often close during xmas week and you can't get it - a sure way to ruin a vacation.

 

[epicureangirl]

If you aren't staying on the grounds the parks often close during xmas week and you can't get it - a sure way to ruin a vacation.

Sorry, I don't understand. Are you saying the parks are closed Xmas week to the public, but open to those staying on property (like DVC'rs)? Or are the parks closed, period?

 

[MinnieFan]

The parks aren't closed to the public, but they frequently close for capacity early in the day. On-site guests can take advantage of early entry at parks, which off-site guests cannot do. On-site guests are guaranteed entry to A park, though not necessarily the one of their choice, when parks are full. I believe there are 4 stages of park closings, from being closed to outside guests to not admitting anyone, when the parks are full. When we went to WDW Christmas week of 2005, Magic Kingdom was closed before 10 a.m. 2 days that week.

Though the crowds are HUGE, the experience of WDW at the holidays is definitely worthwhile.

 

[Doctor P]

The parks aren't closed to the public, but they frequently close for capacity early in the day. On-site guests can take advantage of early entry at parks, which off-site guests cannot do. On-site guests are guaranteed entry to A park, though not necessarily the one of their choice, when parks are full. I believe there are 4 stages of park closings, from being closed to outside guests to not admitting anyone, when the parks are full. When we went to WDW Christmas week of 2005, Magic Kingdom was closed before 10 a.m. 2 days that week.

Though the crowds are HUGE, the experience of WDW at the holidays is definitely worthwhile.

MK has been closed to day visitors at the beginning of the day more than once during the Xmas weeks we have been there. They do not allow any vehicles to go into the parking lots and merely allow visitors to reach the MK via Disney transportation. Precisely what happened was that they closed the parking lots after EE had started and before the park opened to the general public.

 

[Muushka]

Other than Christmas being a time that is easy to get away with the kids, what makes it really SPECIAL for you to have Christmas at Disney World? Obviously, it is very difficult to get bookings in December and Christmas week, and the point value is very high -- yet it remains a popular time to go for DVC'rs. So, please tell me what makes it a magical time and why it is worth the extra effort and cost to go then.

Many thanks!

Just thinking about your question (good one, by the way!).

We stayed at WL (not members back then) during Christmas one year. To be honest, it was sort of strange. Granted it was just me and Mr. Muush, no kiddos, but it just seemed lonely to me. I didn't want to do that again!

That being said, we are going to be at VWL during Christmas (this one coming, 10 years later). I am hoping that because it is technically our 'home', it will seem more natural to me. The points are killing me and we are only staying 4 nights! (Very frugal type). This time we are going after a 7 day cruise (not Disney). We will bring our tree and hopefully it will good! We will only go into the parks 1 day, Christmas Eve for CP. That will be awesome!

We paid a premium for a Christmas Day cruise on DCL a couple of years ago. That was worth every penny! Of course that was cheaper than DVC during that time period!

I am interested to hear what others say about this.

 

[ChelleinNC]

We go a little earlier, this year 15th -22nd. We get to see and do all the special Christmas stuff (for lower points and lower crowds) and then I get to wake up in my bed, with my Christmas tree at home. It's the best of both worlds for me.

 

[ccigliano]

While I have never been there for Christmas week, I have been there during the Christmas season, including a couple of Thanksgivings for the last 10 years. I love it at Christmastime - decorations, Candlelight Processional, Christmas Trees everywhere, Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights. It seems like you get so much more out of the experience during that time of year. I stay at the VWL now and absolutely love all the theming with the WL right next door. I hope to make it a tradition - or maybe I have already .

 

[epicureangirl]

We go a little earlier, this year 15th -22nd. We get to see and do all the special Christmas stuff (for lower points and lower crowds) and then I get to wake up in my bed, with my Christmas tree at home. It's the best of both worlds for me.

That's a great idea. I would like to see the decorations and processional, but can do that without actually being there on Christmas week. I was surprised that a lot of the events are starting as early as November. Maybe I can plan (for next year) to be there sometime between Thanksgiving and Christmas, and enjoy the festivities, and then get back home to spend Christmas eve with our extended family. Thanks!

 

[Muushka]

That's a great idea. I would like to see the decorations and processional, but can do that without actually being there on Christmas week. I was surprised that a lot of the events are starting as early as November. Maybe I can plan (for next year) to be there sometime between Thanksgiving and Christmas, and enjoy the festivities, and then get back home to spend Christmas eve with our extended family. Thanks!

I guess I misunderstood your original question!
Heck, we go to WDW either of the first 2 weeks of Dec every year!

 

[epicureangirl]

That being said, we are going to be at VWL during Christmas (this one coming, 10 years later). I am hoping that because it is technically our 'home', it will seem more natural to me. The points are killing me and we are only staying 4 nights! (Very frugal type).

I think that when I started calculating the points, for various trips around Christmas time, it was killing me too. I don't really want to spend those points and go (without knowing what I'm up against) and get locked out of parks, stand in long lines and come home exhausted (and broke -- with no points in the bank!).

If I can still see the decorations and take part in the festivities early in December, I would be just as happy, but it would be easier on my points and arranging the airfare, etc. I still don't want to miss out on being there in December... it sounds fantastic. I hope one winter I can spend some time at VWL -- your home sounds wonderful!

 

[Muushka]

I think that when I started calculating the points, for various trips around Christmas time, it was killing me too. I don't really want to spend those points and go (without knowing what I'm up against) and get locked out of parks, stand in long lines and come home exhausted (and broke -- with no points in the bank!).

If I can still see the decorations and take part in the festivities early in December, I would be just as happy, but it would be easier on my points and arranging the airfare, etc. I still don't want to miss out on being there in December... it sounds fantastic. I hope one winter I can spend some time at VWL -- your home sounds wonderful!

Sounds like a great plan. That is why those first few weeks are one of the busiest times for DVC. Low points, and beautiful parks and resorts and lines that won't make you want to cry!

Hope to see you at VWL one of these days! We can always use another Groupie!

 

[DisneyBB]

We went Christmas 05 and we are returning in 07. Yes the parks are full but it is a great time to escape with just us, dm,dd,dd14,dd7. If we stay home it is hard work as everyone has to come to us. I end up spending most of the time shopping and cooking. Also over Christmas we can go for 3 weeks, as I work in a college and get 3 weeks off. We loved it and can't wait to return.

 

[Peepster]

Neither of us has much family left and what is left is spread out all over the country. We found that we enjoy being "home" at least every other year or so as it seems to be an even happier place than usual! We've invited family to visit with us, but confess we haven't pushed too hard as we know they wouldn't quite share our "enthusiasm". One of us works in the school district so flying down for Christmas and New Years works out well. We're prepared for the crowds and love all the extra things that go on during the holidays. The tree lightings, the story tellings of Christmas in the different countries in EPCOT, Christmas cookies in the lobby, the resorts all decked out... Yes, that stuff goes on during the whole month, but when it's the actual holiday week, it's even more special. Can't wait for December to get here! We'll be at the CP on Christmas Eve and the HDD on Christmas night. New Year's eve we have reservations at Wolfgang's upstairs and the special Cirque show.

We can't be lonely with great fellow DISer's/DVCer's like you guys!

 

[Muushka]

We can't be lonely with great fellow DISer's/DVCer's like you guys!

That's what I figure will be the difference between last time at WL and this time!

 

[tgropp]

Some of my most memorable Christmas times were spent at Disney with my wife and children. If you enjoy the holiday season, WDW is the place to be. Whether it is the Candlelight Processional on Christmas eve, MVMCP a few nights before Christmas, festivities in your resort lobby, visiting the other resorts or the decorations at the parks it will get you into the Christmas spirit. Plus everyone is so friendly since like you, they are also away from home at Christmas time. I would go every year if I could. But it is very crowded.

 

[dianeschlicht]

We love going early December for the decorations and low crowds, but this year we will be going for Thanksgiving week.

We too would like to go the holiday week itself some time. We figure once my Dad and Dh's Mom pass on, it will be easier to do that.