What's not to miss at Christmas?

[BarbOKW]

We're going to WDW on Dec 27th for 4 or 5 days then off to Universal. We've been to WDW many, many times, but never at Christmas. What special things, events are there to see?

What happens at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party...my kids are 9, 11, 13 & 16 would they like it, or is it for younger kids?

 

[ziggystardust]

MVMCP is for everyone! My DBF and I are in our 20s and we can't wait.

They make it snow, give out hot chocolate. From what I hear they pump the smell of gingerbread through the vents so you really feel like its Xmas time. I believe you can go on most of the rides too - so if your kids for what ever reason don't get into the Christmas spirit they have that too. If you go try to get a PS for LTT for before the party starts. It is a character dinner but it will defintaly get you in the Christmas mood. They serve turkey, mashed pototoes, and all sorts of holiday foods.

Make sure - if you have time to tour some of the deluxe hotels- they are completely decked out for the holidays in complete disney fashion (which means over the top) Also MGM has the osbourne lights- I hear they are amazing. (can you tell i've been researching )

Enjoy your trip!!!!

 

[FOV]

We have been there twice around Christmas (1st week of December) and it is the best time of year to go!

Don't miss the Osborne Light display at the Studios - you really won't believe it until you see it - UNBELIEVABLE!! It also snows on NY street in the evening during the light display. Magical!

Epoct is all decked out in x-mas lights too - and Santa is in all the countries dressed in his traditional attire for that land. Don't worry for those of you who have young kids - you will never see 2 Santa's at once!

Read the MVMCP thread at the top of this forum. The parade is great, the snow on Main Street is beautiful!

It was also fun just walking around the WDW resorts to see their x-mas tree. Grand Floridian was our favorite - but many others prefer the huge tree in the Wilderness Lodge.

Enjoy!!!

 

[webmomom]

At Epcot there is the Candlelight Processional. You can either go into the stand by line and take your chances of getting a seat or you can book preferred seating. the preferred seating sits you up front. You get to choose a rest to eat dinner and see the Processional.
There is different tier rest, from the low cost to the more expensive, but that is your choice. It is great and puts you in a Xmas mood. There is the WD chior and a visiting high school chior and a celeb. who reads the xmas story from the bible. There is so much xmas music, it is great. They have not put out the list of celebs yet of who will be there and it usually changes from that. Most of the celebs you will know.
The candlelight processional is held in the American outside pavillion. It also snows for each show.
Another thing to do is to go around looking at all of the gingerbread creations that the WD bakers create for xmas. It is amazing, American Adventure building Full size gingerbread house. There is also one in the Grand Floridain. At the beach club they have had a working hobby horse.

 

[DisneyMom]

There's also the Osborne lights at MGM, the Candlelight Processional at Epcot - the decorations at all the parks and resorts are amazing - there was a lifesize Gingerbread House in the lobby of the Grand Floridian one year and another in the American Adventure area with Santa in front!

There are lots of Holiday themed shows and lots of things to see! They actually make "snow" during the MVMCP which is really cool!

 

[BarbOKW]

Thanks for all the replies, it sounds like we'll be glad we're going a Christmas for once.

Is Mickey's Christmas Party every night?

 

[TwingleMum]

Barb- I'm sorry but I think you'll be too late for MVMCP. The last night is December 17th. But check maybe they'll add dates??? Any way you'll have an extra magical time. Christmas + WDW can it get any better!!

 

[dbail2]

I really enjoyed spending the day in Epcot going to every country and listening to their special story about Christmas. This was wonderful........Then that night we went to dinner in Canada and went to the Candlelight Processional by this time it was dark and the show was great.. This was the dinner package...
The Osbourne lights are very goog also. They give you special glasses that when put on create angels in the lights....
Wish we could do it again...

 

[KMH1]

There aren't any MVMCPs scheduled for after Christmas, but you'll still be able to see the Christmas parade, I think.

The tree lighting ceremonies are really neat at Epcot and MK.

There are also some really cool Christmas trees all over Camp Minnie-Mickey at AK. Each tree is themed to a character (Tigger, Pluto, etc.)

 

[crow11ad]

Originally posted by BarbOKW
Thanks for all the replies, it sounds like we'll be glad we're going a Christmas for once.

Is Mickey's Christmas Party every night?

They are on selected nights....

 

[disneyjunkie]

Last year many people posted about the sleigh rides at Wilderness Lodge. I believe these were done during the whole month of December.

Everyone that had a chance to do this really enjoyed it. I've included the sleigh ride on my list of must dos during our Christmas trip. I'm thinking about doing it after Christmas Dinner.

I'm not sure how far in advance you book this.

 

[disney4us2002]

We've been planning our 2004 Christmas trip since Nov 2003 so last year I copied lots of stuff while it was happening. Here's the stuff on Sleigh Rides:

Wilderness Lodge Holiday Sleigh Rides

Enjoy a leisurely 30-minute carriage ride through the Walt Disney World backwoods from November 30 - December 30! . All rides depart from the Porte Cochere in front of the Wilderness Lodge and will return to the same location every half hour between 5:30pm and 10:00pm (December 24th hours are 3:00pm - 7:00pm). Cost is $30 (tax included) per carriage. Up to 3 adults and 2 children or 4 adults will fit in the carriage. To reserve call WDW-PLAY; Please arrive 15 minutes prior to ride time. For same-day bookings, call 407-824-2832. A $30 fee will be charged for no-shows or for cancellations within 24 hours.

Not sure on when this can be arranged but probably 90 days out or when announced.

From December 20th (last year) the midday parade at MK was the MVMCP parade rather than Share A Dream Come True parade. Also, the Christmas shows will go on in the castle forefront as well as the other shows from the MVMCP where they were performed for the party. I don't specifically remember reading that they still sprinkle 'snow' on Main Street like at the party. Sounds like the only things we will miss are the hot cocoa & cookies, the family picture, and less evening crowds. I'd still like to attend the party of course since it ends just the day before we arrive, but at least we can get a feel for it.

Carla

 

[JFS]

If you have time visit some of the resort lobbies. They are decorated in the motif of the resort's theming.

 

[Golter]

I see your off to Universal...we went last December and WDW was awesome, but US/IOA had a few great things as well. At IOA the Dr. Suess area is transfromed into Whoville. The Grinch makes appearences as well as a Whoville play (I was floored with the details of the costumes). Also, at US the Macy's day parade was a must see.