What to do on Christmas Day

[loobylou44]

We are making our third trip to Orlando this December (14 to 28), but our first at Christmas.
What do recommend to do and where do you suggest eating on Christmas Day? We definitely don't want to do a Disney Park, but don't mind doing US IOA or SW, but also thought about maybe visiting the Disney Resorts ( we are staying off site), or doing a dinner show.

 

[Goofyish]

When we went over Christmas 2005 we spent the day in Epcot and had Christmas dinner at Le Cellier. Epcot was certainly less busy than MK which often closes it's doors about mid-morning on Christmas Day!

Epcot was handy for us as we stayed at the Dolphin.

The Disney resorts are worth a visit over the Holidays. They each have their own decorations and special events. If you head to one of the Epcot resorts then you can walk round to the Yacht/Beach Clubs, Boardwalk, Swan/Dolphin resorts and be able to walk into Epcot through the International Gateway entrance.

You are going similar dates to use in 2005. You will find from the 14th to around the 23rd the crowds will be fairly light, then after the 23rd it will be a lot busier.

 

[tashasmum]

When we went in 2006 we stayed at AKL.
On Christmas day we did EMH at Magic Kingdom (dd was 14). We got loads of rides in before the masses arrived then went and had breakfast as the crowds descended. After breakfast it was a leisurely stroll back down Mainstreet through the shops etc. It was great to see everyone coming over on the boats and we went back on an empty one.
Our main meal that day was back in AKL at Bomas (pre-booked) but we really enjoyed the change from traditional food.

The rest of the time there were things going on in the hotel foyer and a great day was had by all.

It was always my ambition to be in MK on Christmas day and wouldn't have changed it but we had the advantage of having been many times so everything was done at a slower pace.

 

[karriemouse]

We spent last Christmas at Disney and didn't want to face the crowds on Christmas Day.

We had a very leisurely morning in the condo, spent the afternoon at the pool, then went to Artist Point for an early dinner (5.30pm). Spent a while wandering WL which was beautiful, and AP was great. It was a very relaxing day!

I'd recommend doing something similar (Jiko or Yachtsman would also be great meals) especially as you will have chance to do the parks during the early part of your trip when the crowds are less.

 

[Babyboo]

When we were there over Xmas we got up early, had a room service breakfast and opened presents then the boys went off to Busch Gardens for a VIP tour which was a surprise for DS.

DD & I went to the GF spa for their Mother & Daughter Spa day.

We had dinner at Cali Grill while watching wishes.

It was a bit strange splitting up, but we all had a great day and ended it with a perfect evening..

Like everyone else I always thought we'd spend the day in MK, but the thought of not being able to get in for Dinner if the park closed due to capacity put me off.