What not to miss at Christmas

[UGAFan0829]

The DH and I are taking my DSIL and DBIL to the World in December. The main reason we're going is for the Christmas decorations and events. I'd say the DH and I veterans by now, but this will be our first time during Christmas. It will be the first time ever in the parks for DSIL and DBIL. We have tickets for MVMCP and are thinking of seeing the Candlelight Processional. My DSIL isn't big on rides, so most of our time will be spent checking out the sights. We do plan to visit the GF to see the Gingerbread House, and part of our stay will be at the WL. Are there any other resorts that we need to check out? Anything else that we shouldn't miss? Thanks in advance!

 

[Reddog1134]

Besides what you already mentioned, we really liked the Beach Club decorations.

 

[Mickeygolf]

The no-brainer is Osbourne Lights but Wilderness Lodge is one of the coolest resorts when decorated for the holidays. Just make sure you take full advantage of MVMCP and stay till closing. You'll be glad you did

 

[UGAFan0829]

Can't believe I forgot to mention the Osborne lights...that's definitely on our list! Thanks for the reminder on that!!

 

[OnceUponATime15]

World Showcase has so much to take in during the Holidays! Each country has festive treats, are decorated beautifully, and have shows&/or demonstrations of their country's Christmas traditions and Hanukkah is also featured at at least one of the Countries.

The EPCOT hotels also decorate their lobbies beautifully. Chocolate sculptures at YC & BWI

Downtown Disney is also a great spot with it's Christmas festivities & Santa. Lots going on there to see or take part in.

 

[KerTggr]

Are you going to see the Osborne Lights at HS? Also, would recommend Polynesian (though not sure if it will be the same with the construction). Also, if in Epcot, there are the different Santa / Christmas storytellers in each of the countries of the world showcase.

 

[Itinkso]

AKL has a huge tree in its lobby with African-themed ornaments. It's as impressive as the WL and GF trees.

 

[Pixie Princess]

The Contemporary also has a gingerbread display. Not as grand as the one at the GF, but still cute. There also used to be a neat little gingerbread house inside the CS place in the America Pavilion at Epcot.

Also wanted to chime in on the awesomeness of the World Showcase storytellers. We love them. Well worth your time.

Also don't forget the castle lighting at MK. It is a sweet little show.

Finally one thing I've read about, but have yet to have a chance to do, is touring all the campsites at FW. From what I understand many people go all out decorating their campsite for Christmas. At one point there was a special holiday carriage ride you could book that took you through FW, but I'm not sure if they still do that. Hopefully someone who has done this will be along soon with more/better info!

 

[Mitzicat]

World Showcase has so much to take in during the Holidays! Each country has festive treats, are decorated beautifully, and have shows&/or demonstrations of their country's Christmas traditions and Hanukkah is also featured at at least one of the Countries.

The EPCOT hotels also decorate their lobbies beautifully. Chocolate sculptures at YC & BWI
QUOTE]


This! I really enjoyed the different Holiday traditions from around the World Showcase. And don't forget there is a gingerbread house in the American Adventure.

Isn't there a gingerbread carosel at the YC? And I thought the Choclate was at the SWOLPHIN?

 

[Tremaine Fans]

I have read that the carriage rides in Fort Wilderness are fun with many campsites decorated for Christmas.

 

[practicallyperfect77]

I have read that the carriage rides in Fort Wilderness are fun with many campsites decorated for Christmas.

I loved the carriage ride. And since I was over that way, I made a stop at Wilderness Lodge. That is one impressive tree!

OP - I have read some folks do a resort tour to see the decorations on the day they are planning on going to MVMCP. This way they can save a little $ on a ticket and have a somewhat relaxing morning.

I also echo the other posts about the holiday storytellers. This was one of my faves. Have fun!

 

[katt789]

Definitely take some time to check out the resorts!

Fort Wilderness is gorgeous at Christmas!

As it the Yacht Club, absolutely beautiful and amazingly decorated an already amazing lobby!

A good way to not be around the crowds would be to take a little monorail tour, as the GFlo is definitely something you want to check out!

As for in the parks at Christmas time:
Epcot:
-Don't miss Joyful,the Gospel celebration in Epcot right by the fountain behind spaceship earth, they're AMAZINGLY talented and it's definitely worth stopping to watch!
-They also have storytellers around WS that are awesome to stop and listen to the heritage of christmas in those different countries

DHS:
-Osbourne Dancing lights, definitely DON'T miss it!

 

[aristocatz]

One of my favorite resorts for decorations is Fort Wilderness. During our honeymoon, we rented a golf cart there and spent the afternoon/evening driving around the campground and checking out the fun decorations at the campsites-so much fun!

Another really fun thing is they have carolers at the Wilderness Lodge lobby.

 

[Deanie1]

I went with two sisters in Dec 2012. We had a "break" day from the parks and did the monorail loop - Contempary, Poly and GF. We had lunch at the CS in Poly. From there we went to WL but since you are staying there, I would go to the Epcot resorts if you want to see more resorts.

We loved the Osborne lights. We watched Fantasmic and then went to see the lights.

On our last day, we did the Candlelight Processional, eating dinner at Chefs de France first. Then we watched Illuminations. I love the world showcase, but especially at Christmas. The storytellers are great. We also found the decorations at DTD were beautiful. Enjoy! You will have a great trip.

 

[dchronister]

When you are at Epcot walk out of the International Gateway and go to the Boardwalk resorts and check out all their decorations. Boardwalk lobby is always pretty. Also in the Living in the Land Pavillion they had a big chocolate display of some different things, there was a chocolate Eiffel tower and Disney cruise ships. Also I don't know if you are getting the Memory maker of not but I know a lot (maybe all, I don't know) of the resort have a photographer in front of their Christmas tree in the lobby, I know that WL, GF, and the AK do, and I think the Contemporary. Also the Contemporary has a display by shops out from Chef Mickeys. I am going again this year, can't wait to go, I will be checking out more this year as it is my first solo trip and I can go wherever and do whatever, I am soooo excited.

 

[OnceUponATime15]

Mitzicat You could be right... We did a four day pre Christmas trip this past December & crammed in as much as we could! We got in 3 of 4 theme parks.. MVMCP.. DTD.. Osborne Lights.. All the Deluxe Resort lobbies & that included ADRs at most. We never stopped! Lol! Details could have quite have gotten mixed up in my mind.

 

[Mydreams]

I am glad to hear all the nice comments about Fort Wilderness at Christmas, because that is where we will be! Our first trip to Disney World will be this Christmas at the Cabins in Fort Wilderness! yes, they do still have the Holiday Sleigh Ride and I have it booked for Christmas Eve!

I am only just a little bit excited! I am 64, hubby is 69, and we are taking our children and grand-children. I can't wait!

Cathy

 

[CanadianPaco]

I have read that the carriage rides in Fort Wilderness are fun with many campsites decorated for Christmas.

That is what we added to our 2nd Christmas trip! Can't wait!

 

[txnana]

We are heading there for 12 days over Christmas and in my research found this list, can't wait to see all these things in Epcot:
• American Adventure
Share your Christmas wishes with Santa and Mrs. Claus (November 29 – December 24). Discover Hanukkah traditions and experience the spirit of Kwanzaa. Enjoy the Voices of Liberty Dickens Carolers, an outstanding a cappella group that sings a special repertoire of holiday songs.
• Canada
Follow the Canadian Holiday Voyageurs on a musical tour as you explore seasonal customs of the Great White North.
• China
Watch the agile Monkey King weave his tall tale with twists and turns celebrating Chinese New Year.
• France
Discover the magic of Père Noël and the joy of the season through a Christmas letter from a child.
• Germany
Listen as Helga tells the story of the first Christmas tree and the tale of her first Nutcracker.
• Italy
Meet the kind-hearted witch La Befana who arrives on the eve of the Epiphany to grant gifts to good children.
• Japan
Hear the fascinating story of the Daruma doll and the Japanese customs of the New Year.
• Mexico
Celebrate with Los Tres Reyes Magos, the Three Kings, as they tell of their journey to the Posada and traditions today.
• Morocco
Join Taarji, a Moroccan drummer, as he reflects on his family’s traditions commemorating Ramadan.
• Norway
Spend time with Sigrid and learn about Julenissen, the Christmas Gnome.
• United Kingdom
Share in the vivid stories of Father Christmas, dating back to 15th-century England.

 

[11290]

Mr and Misses Claus at the America Pavilion in World Showcase. Last few years, best Santa EVER.