Why Go To WDW in December?

[Madi100]

We've been in Sept. It was too hot. We went in February, and the weather was great, the crowds weren't bad. We went in January and it was cold and crowded. So, what is December like? I want to go because of the Christmas party. I think it would be amazing. What other good things are there about going in December besides Christmas stuff?

 

[ciera321]

We're planning our first December trip for a couple of reasons. Mainly to see all the beautiful Christmas decorations we've heard so much about. And also, my DH wants to be at DW during a cooler time for once.

 

[Jordan's MOM]

WDW is December is nice, BUT it was colder and more crowded than it has been when we went in January. We were there the 2nd week of December and while the temps were not bad and the lines were not too bad, we had NO lines when we have gone the 2nd week of January. December however has a whole different feel. WE loved all the christmas activities.The MVMCP, the CP in epcot , the the decorations of the resorts, make it extra specail. Both are great for different reasons.


jordans' mom

 

[eleanor]

The first week in Dec. is my favourite time of all. The weather is mixed but you still get some good days. The decorations are wonderful and the Osborne lights will be back this year. Go to the different resorts and see the decorations. Also th CP is always terrific.You will have a great time.

 

[Blythep]

As you can see by my signature we are going next December 2nd-8th and then take a 3 day cruise. We haven't ever been outside of the summer months and are looking forward to the cooler temperatures and Christmas decorations. We will take one day and just go to the resorts and see decorations. I can't wait.

 

[Madi100]

What is CP? I know there are storytellers in Epcot, but not sure I know what CP is? Is there a charge for it?

 

[Blythep]

http://www.allearsnet.com/tp/h_cpfaq.htm

What is the Candlelight Processional?
A Disney tradition now in its 33nd year (2003), the Candlelight Processional is a moving presentation of the Christmas story in readings by the celebrity narrator and music by a Mass choir and 50-piece orchestra.


Where and when does it take place?

This event takes place in the America Gardens Theatre in World Showcase in Epcot. It is an outdoor (uncovered, not climate controlled) setting and is not cancelled due to inclement weather. It is recommended you dress accordingly.

It begins November 28 and runs every evening until December 30. Shows are approximately 40 minutes. Each evening there are three shows at 5:00; 6:45; and 8:15 p.m. There is no 5pm performance on December 7, 2003.

Who are the narrators?

The Tentative List of 2003 Narrators:

Andy Garcia (Nov. 28-30)
Ben Vereen (Dec. 1-3)
Rita Moreno (Dec. 4-6)
Ericka Dunlap (Dec. 7-9)
David Ogden Stiers (Dec. 10-12)
Steven Curtis Chapman (Dec. 13-15)
Edward James Olmos (Dec. 16-18)
Sandi Patty (Dec. 19-21)
Robby Benson (Dec. 22-24)
Gary Sinise (Dec. 25-30)

The 2002 Narrators include: Edward James Olmos, John Tesh, Marlee Matlin, James Avery, Yolanda Adams, David Hartman, Collin Raye, Blair Underwood, Gary Sinise, Jodi Benson

The 2001 Narrators included: James Avery, Marlee Matlin (with interpreter), Robby Benson, Wayne Brady, Phylicia Rashad, Story Musgrave, Alfre Woodard, Blair Underwood, Gary Sinise, and LeVar Burton.

The 2000 Narrators included: Jodi Benson, Angela Bassett, John Secada, James Avery, Joe Mantegna, Ben Vereen, Phylicia Rashad, Robby Benson, Leeza Gibbons, Gary Sinise, and LeVar Burton

The 1999 Narrators included: Alfre Woodard, Charles Kimbrough, Angela Bassett, Brian Dennehy, Maria Conchita Alonso, James Avery, Edward James Olmos, James McDaniel, Andy Garcia, Sandi Patty, David Ogden Stiers, and LeVar Burton.

Is there a charge to see the Candlelight Processional?

No, it is included in your admission to Epcot. There is, however, a dinner package available for purchase that includes a ticket to Reserved Seating for the Candlelight Processional.

Seating without the dinner package is on a first come, first serve basis for each show. Folks line up 45 minutes (longer as you are closer to Christmas) before show time. 15 minutes prior to the show, seating is then opened up to those on line. Also keep in mind if you wait in line for the 2nd or 3rd show of the night, you will be hearing the show before you as it is performed.

You can always stroll by the America Gardens Theatre in World Showcase to listen to the music and wonders of Christmas.

If you wish to purchase the dinner package (explained below) with reserved seating, there is a charge.

What does the Candlelight Processional Dinner Dinner Package include?

The package includes dinner at select Epcot restaurants and reserved general seating at the America Gardens Theatre.

For 2003 there are three different levels of pricing for the Candlelight Processional Package:

Tier 1
Adults - $28.99 / Child (3-11) - $10.99
Includes full buffet, beverage (no alcoholic; no specialty) and gratuity
The Garden Grill Restaurant - The Land
Biergarten - Germany
Restaurant Akershus - Norway

Tier 2
Adults - $34.99 / Child (3-11) - $10.99
Includes soup, salad or appetizer, entree, dessert and beverage (no
alcoholic; no specialty) and gratuity; children order from children's
menu
San Angel Inn - Mexico
Restaurant Marrakesh - Morocco
Nine Dragons - China
Rose & Crown Pub and Dining Room - United Kingdom

Tier 3
Adults - $41.99 / Child (3-11) - $10.99
Includes soup, salad or appetizer, entree, dessert and beverage (no
alcoholic; no specialty) and gratuity; children order from children's
menu
Chefs de France - France
Coral Reef - Living Seas
L’Orignale Alfredo di Roma Ristorante - Italy
Le Cellier Steakhouse - Canada
Mitsukoshi Teppanyaki Dining Room - Japan

Notes:
Gratuity is included.
Prices do not include 6.5% tax.
Dinner packages do not include park admission.

How do I book the Candlelight Processional Dinner Package?

Tickets for the 2003 Candlelight Processional dinners can be purchased by calling 407-WDW-DINE. There is a 48 hour cancellation policy. Tickets can be picked up at your Disney Resort Guest Services Desk or in Epcot.



Do I still need a Priority Seating?


YES! When you call to order your dinner package tickets, you will be asked to select a restaurant and priority seating time.

According to WDW Dine: For the 5:00pm show, you should make your dinner pririty seatings for 7:00 or later; For the 6:45 show, you should make dinner priority seatings for 4:45 or 8:45; For the 8:15 show, you should make dinner priority seatings no later than 6:15.

Be sure to allow sufficient time to dine and get to the back of World Showcase. I recall year before last having a 5:30 priority seating at Le Cellier for the 8:15 show. For whatever reason, we weren't seated at Le Cellier til 6:00pm and then at 8:05 had to run (just about) to the American Gardens theatre to catch the show. The "reserved" seating area had already been opened up to non package guests.

Do I have a reserved seat?

Not exactly. There is a reserved section for those with the dinner package. The reserved section is front and center, behind any VIP seating. Within the reserved section, seating is on a first come-first serve basis, so if you want your choice of seats, you should arrive 30-45 minutes early. 15 minutes prior to the show beginning, available seating is opened up to folks without dinner package tickets.

Where do I enter the theater?


If you stand in World Showcase directly in front of the America Gardens Theatre (facing the theatre), the line to the left side is for persons WITH Candlelight Dinner Tickets. The line to the right side is for first-come available seating. Be sure to check upon arrival so you are in the correct line!
Is Sign Language Interpretation Available?

Lisa Crawford writes (10/14/02): I received an email from Mark Jones, the sign language coordinator at Disney today, informing me that all performances of the Candlelight Processional will have sign language interpretation available. This is a change from last year where it was only available on Tuesday and Friday. For anyone have questions or wanting more information they should contact Mark Jones at mark.jones@disney.com.

Is it worth doing?


If you enjoy the Christmas Holidays I highly recommend the show. I have seen the show the last three years. Last year I purchased the dinner package. The four of us felt it was worth the price, we had a great dinner at Le Cellier.

The first time I saw the show, I stood in line for the first show of the evening. It was still early in the season and a week night, so the crowds were not to bad. I did wait about 30-40 minutes in line.

If you are on a budget, you don't need to purchase the tickets.

If you are already planning to dine at one of the restaurants in the package, take a look at the Menus From Around the World and see if the price of a ticket works out better for you.

 

[katerkat]

I went for the first time in December last year. It was SOOOO worth it! The lines were short - about the same as when we had been in January in years past. The weather was cold - but in January 2002, we were just as cold! But you just can't beat the CP and MVMCP. We were there the week before Christmas (left the 21st) and it totally got us in the mood for the season. Not to mention all the gifts we bought!

 

[wannabee princess]

Besides the MVMCP - which is awesome, CP - beautiful and seeing the Christmas Parade in person, there are also the different storytellers in Epcot - educational and interesting, the Lights of Winter at Epcot, the decorations not only in each park, but the resorts do go all out, the Santa Goofy - too fun, the Mickey and Minnie Santa hats, the characters in their Christmas clothes. Just so many reasons!

 

[Madi100]

OK. DUH. I've heard fo the CP a million times, but not the abbreviation. DH just came home and I told him we are going next December. Too many days away.

 

[Micca]

Early to mid December is terrific at WDW. Crowds aren't bad, and everything on property is decorated. Regarding the weather, you will probably hit some mild days, and I'd much rather enjoy the parks in a jacket and jeans rather than endure the hot days and blazing sun of the summertime. I think the only down side is that you probably won't get to enjoy the waterparks.

 

[Serenity]

We are going for the first time this December. I am soooooo very excited. I can't wait to see the decorations, go to MVMCP, see CP, see all the different Santa/Storytellers in Epcot, and the Osborne lights!!!!

I haven't heard of the "Lights of Winter" at Epcot. What is that?

 

[Harley-Mouse]

First week in dec is the best I have gone all months but found this week to be the best of all. Weather great lines none Merry Christmas Party A Must Do! We had one night that the temp was low 50 but the pool at BCV is always 83. hope you have your robe or you can run fast. My kids love going in the pool when the lifegaurd has on a winterjacket they think it's so funny. well hope this help you this Hear we will go first week in Feb.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Low crowds, decorations, great weather, value rates, holiday 'specials' (CP, MVMCP, Christmas tour, Osbornes, etc)

 

[Eeyore2003]

We went the first week in December last year for the first time and we're doing it again this year. So relaxing compared to the summer, and the beautiful atmosphere is unsurpassed. We go with the attitude of not doing much but taking it all in and relaxing. We only make a point of doing our favorite rides and whatever else we get in, that's fine. Mostly we just enjoyed the holiday atmosphere and doing whatever we want. It's just DH and I though, which does make a difference compared to "with kids".

 

[NeverEnufWDW]

Why not go in December ?

I've heard the parks all look great dressed up for Christmas.

 

[jann1033]

Originally posted by Jordan's MOM
WDW is December is nice, BUT it was colder and more crowded than it has been when we went in January.


jordans' mom

lol !we had the opposite so guess that proves Fl's "winter" ( misnomer imo coming from REAL winter in Ohio) is undependable. on our trips in Jan (3x) we usually have had more cold weather than in Dec., a few days this last trip in Jan actually wearing a jacket and sweat shirt/sweater together while in our Dec.trips( 4 xs) we have only had one night of 40 ish weather. guess it just depends on what you happen to get that week of that year. the crowds have been about the same, meaning walk right on most rides with the occasional "slow" walk where you keep moving but someone is in front of you and the rare actual 10=15 min stop and wait. we usually get there in the mid to later part of the first week of either month and stay till the middle of the month

 

[kathymc]

weather can be tricky then - we have been 3 times in first or second week of Dec - we have had 80-90* and we have had chilly 40* at night - but nothing that a sweatshirt and jeans couldn't fix!

its a fabulous time to go - we're going in mid-Sept this year and I am freaking out about how hot its going to be!

 

[cranbiz]

As you can see from my signature line, we are going again in early Dec. IMHO it's the best time to go.

The weather is usually fair, the scenery is great, the special functions are sooo worthwhile to go to.

If you go, don't miss checking out the resorts, the decorations are fabulous.

Small lines, low crowds, usually some sort of code available let you get the most of your Disney dollar.

Can't wait!