Your ULTIMATE SURVIVAL GUIDE to Disney World at Christmas Time! UPDATE x2 10/21

[POLY1985]

I can officially report that the Tomorrowland Terrace was open on June 15. My son and I were walking past one evening heading into Tomorrowland (we take that shortcut too!) and it was OPEN! I stopped dead in my tracks and started laughing because I thought of you. My son thought I was nuts.

The desserts looked Soooooo good!

 

[flyergrad09]

Ack! I'm so far behind on reading this!

I wish I could take the monorail to Mass all the time in Disney... so convenient!

You've inspired me to try to fit in a behind the scenes tour on one of my trips at some point. I've always wondered how much you really learn from them, but the Yuletide Fantasy tour looks awesome!

Omg... those desserts look SO good. Now I'm hungry!

 

[Curiouser&curiouser!]

Did you love the desert party? I have a DS2 and we are thinking about doing this. I am betting that it will be easier to entertain a little one with desserts and a table than trying to stake out a spot on Main Street. I have read that people get up and stand at the railing during the fireworks. Did that happen when you were there? It looks like there would be almost enough room for everyone at the party to stand by the railing in the pictures I have seen. Just worried that we might end up with a poor view even though we paid so much to go!

 

[JessicaFaye508]

I was in Disney two weeks ago and everytime we went to the Magic Kingdom, Tomorrowland Terrace was open. I feel like its open regularly now. But I don't know haha

Haha oh really?! Well that's cool! They do open it some weeks during the summer sometimes, but I unfortunately don't think it'll become a regular thing.

those desserts look yum!

They were! I wish I could go back!

I love how you said a while ago at the beginning of this trip that the crowds were dead and it was Christmas vacation week and I was like “Where are all the crowds?!” Now I see the crowds! Oh wow. That is just ridiculous.

The Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant was open? I am in shock!

I was like “Wasn’t it called the Tomorrowland Noodle Station?” when I first saw this update. I knew it!

Jess, you and your family are some brave people. I couldn’t imagine being in those crowds with people crashing into each other and kids crying. And I thought the crowds in the summer were bad. My goodness!

I wish the Diamond Horseshoe was open throughout the year and just not at Christmastime. It looks very nice inside and the food looks delicious, even though it’s the same as the Liberty Tree Tavern.

That is awesome you know someone that does the DCP. And now Alicia!

Thank God we are having dinner soon because I just got really hungry from looking at the AMAZING desserts at the Dessert Party.

Haha oh yeah. I told you the crowds were coming!
I know!! I was so excited that I got to eat there!
And yeah it used to be. They used to have a WAY different menu with like... more asian noodle type dishes. However, I like what they have now!
Thank you! Haha if it wasn't for me.. they would have never willingly gone! (I actually don't know if they "willingly" went... I kind of forced them )
I do too! If they opened it year round, though I would want them to make up a different menu.
I know a few people who have done it, actually!
Haha I know... I'm starving just thinking about it! Good thing my Mom is making a Disney recipe for dinner tonight!

Omg. Part of me wants to experience the magic of Disney at Christmas. Part of me gets a panic attack just thinking about it. I should research when the best times to go to get the optimal Disney Christmas experience without all the crowds would be. First week of December, I suppose?

Oh absolutely! You don't need to go during Christmas week to experience it! The best time to go is absolutely the first week (and even the second week!) of December! When I was there December 6th-9th or whatever it was... there was NO ONE there. It was awesome!

YUM!
Loooove chocolate covered strawberries at Disney. I want that whole platter of them! I think I may need to make some myself.

Me too!! Yum.

Wow! I don't think I could handle the crowds during Christmas. shudder
I had a hard enough time on MLK day. I'm so happy you got to eat at the mysterious Tomorrowland Terrace, I know you've been intrigued by that place for a while. I didn't know they still opened up the Diamond Horseshoe. That place is like super vintage, opening day stuff right? I think they used to have shows there. Wishes dessert party looks amazing. I'm surprising my husband with that for our next trip. -Amanda

Haha I can't believe I did it!
Oh wow... hahaha when I went on MLK day in 2011 it was DEAD. That's so funny you say that
I am too! I am so glad my dream finally came true!
I know, I didn't either! I saw on twitter that someone made a reservation for it so I altered my plans and squeezed it in! Yes, they did used to have shows there, I believe!
It was AWESOME! You guys are gonna love it!

Ok, thanks! I going to look into getting an ADR for the Desert party! Really, I just showed my DH and he's like book it!

I don't think Christmas week will be in my plans! Holy Crowds! I wouldn't be very happy to bounce off people like that.

You're welcome! You definitely should!!! I want to do it again SO bad!

Haha yeah, it really isn't the most pleasant theme park experience in the world. I mean, I had fun because I am immune to getting overwhelmed by crowds. But if I had a family to take care of.... HECK no.

I read this and had to let you know...

Jack Wagner was the original original voice of the Disneyland monorail and was known as the actual voice of Disneyland. They brought his voice to WDW to do the monorail announcements as well BUT they replaced his voice with that of Kevin Miles (who actually started out with Disney as one of the "Voices of Liberty") but they kept Wanger's voice (he's the Please stand clear of the doors guy) THEN around 1998 they replaced Miles with another Disney employee Matt Hanson who was then replaced by Joe Hersh (who I am pretty sure is the magical express voice guy. He's got a voice over website http://www.joehursh.com/) and that is the history of the monorail voice guy!!!

SOOOOOO long story short there have been a bunch of monorail voice guys and a majority of them are still alive!!!

Sad news is the "Please stand clear of the doors" one is the one who actually died back in 1995.
​

Oh wow! That's so cool! I love that you found all of the background on it! Those men are all perfect. UGH I just miss them sounding happy. I wouldn't be mad if the new one at least sounded decent... but he sounds like a robot!!
Is the "please stand clear of the doors" guy that they play now still the original?

Not sure if I've posted here before, love the trip reports!!! I'm excited to see food pictures too (every time).

Tomorrowland Noodle Station is seriously one of our favorite meals at MK. It's always so sad to see it closed when it's not in season.

I did ONE trip during the days after Christmas. It is like the worst of a shopping mall, family reunion, holiday gathering, any restaurant, and mixed up with a healthy dose of crazy. It takes planning to avoid crowds and people just at their limit. Coincidentally, the tomorrowland transit authority provides some world class people watching during high crowds. As bad as MK gets, I think DHS is worse, mostly because of less space/things to do.

Keep the fantastic reports coming!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

Thank you so much! LOL that's my favorite part too!
Isn't it so good!? I know.. me too.
Hahaha that's the perfect way to describe it! I didn't even bother riding barely anything on this trip for that reason.
Thank you - I will do my best!

They seriously would need to provide me with a blood sugar monitor if I was let loose with all of those yummy treats! I don't see anything that I DON'T like... scary! Thanks for sharing this.

I've NEVER seen the Noodle Terrace open so you have satisfied my curiosity as to the menu. It's certainly not what I expected since it has some unique offerings compared to the rest of the park.

Hahaha I completely understand! I know... same here. You're welcome! I have more pictures coming up!

Well there ya go! I know, I was always curious too! It stinks that it's not open regularly because of the unique items! That pasta dish was REALLY good!

I had no idea that Tomorrowland Terrace was only open Christmas week Thank You Ultimate Survival Guide to Disney World at Christmas Time! Seriously Jess I love the little tips and info in this TR! Great Job as always!

It's open during Christmas week and then SOMETIMES in the summer. And SOMETIMES during other busy times of the year. But it really is a hit or miss!
You're very welcome! Thank you so much for reading it! I'm so glad you appreciate the info! Thanks!

I can officially report that the Tomorrowland Terrace was open on June 15. My son and I were walking past one evening heading into Tomorrowland (we take that shortcut too!) and it was OPEN! I stopped dead in my tracks and started laughing because I thought of you. My son thought I was nuts.

The desserts looked Soooooo good!

Oh wow! It must have been a peak time or something! I could understand though... beginning of summer! That's exciting though! Hahaha I love that you thought of me!

Everything was AMAZING!

Ack! I'm so far behind on reading this!

I wish I could take the monorail to Mass all the time in Disney... so convenient!

You've inspired me to try to fit in a behind the scenes tour on one of my trips at some point. I've always wondered how much you really learn from them, but the Yuletide Fantasy tour looks awesome!

Omg... those desserts look SO good. Now I'm hungry!

I'm sorry! I have to speed ahead because I can't handle writing this AND a Disneyland trip report at the same time. So there are lots of updates being posted!

You definitely should! It's a one-of-a-kind experience and you learn a TON! Your guides are always very knowledgable!

They were AWESOME!

Did you love the desert party? I have a DS2 and we are thinking about doing this. I am betting that it will be easier to entertain a little one with desserts and a table than trying to stake out a spot on Main Street. I have read that people get up and stand at the railing during the fireworks. Did that happen when you were there? It looks like there would be almost enough room for everyone at the party to stand by the railing in the pictures I have seen. Just worried that we might end up with a poor view even though we paid so much to go!

Oh I absolutely loved it! I think that this would be a GREAT idea if you had a little one! It's not very chaotic and it's a much more "chill" atmosphere than Main Street/

And yes, people do stand by the railing. I did! And yes, it seemed like there was enough room as far as I can tell! And you can't know until you try. Think positive! Either way you get desserts so you really can't go wrong!​

 

[LifeIsDis]

Good thing my Mom is making a Disney recipe for dinner tonight!​

I saw you made the cheddar cheese soup with pretzel bread the other night. It looked so yummy! What amazing meal will you be having tonight?

 

[beachphotog]

You're commentary of the crowds had me cracking up! Are you going to review your spot at the dessert party? I really want to take my mom when I surprise her in Disney this november. My only hesitation is I LOOOOOVVVEEEE Wishes. Like, no other fireworks display comes even close. I've even youtubed a few times cause I needed to see it. So I've heard that you can't always see it that great... Fact or fiction?

 

[JessicaFaye508]

I saw you made the cheddar cheese soup with pretzel bread the other night. It looked so yummy! What amazing meal will you be having tonight?

Mmm yes That was the best recipie from my Disney cookbooks so far! Tonight we made Kona Bread (which had a different texture than the real bread, but it tasted really good) and Liberty Tree Tavern Pot Roast. (which was yummy!)

You're commentary of the crowds had me cracking up! Are you going to review your spot at the dessert party? I really want to take my mom when I surprise her in Disney this november. My only hesitation is I LOOOOOVVVEEEE Wishes. Like, no other fireworks display comes even close. I've even youtubed a few times cause I needed to see it. So I've heard that you can't always see it that great... Fact or fiction?

I am! I actually went up to the railing and watched the show which was awesome! I got TONS of great pictures and had a greaat view! You should definitely take her - it is such a fun experience, the desserts are great, and even if you're table is far away, just go up to the railing and watch! We loved it and definitely thought it was worth it!​

 

[Blissikins]

I LOVE your trip reports! It's a dream of mine to go to WDW at Christmas time (only ever been once so far), and your TR makes me feel like I'm there! Disney looks so beautiful on your Christmas photographs, and you describe everything so well.

I think I might totally have to take a deer face photograph next time we go!!

 

[LifeIsDis]

Mmm yes That was the best recipie from my Disney cookbooks so far! Tonight we made Kona Bread (which had a different texture than the real bread, but it tasted really good) and Liberty Tree Tavern Pot Roast. (which was yummy!)​

Mmmm, I saw the pictures and they looked delicious! Can I come over to your house for dinner? Please?

 

[JessicaFaye508]

I LOVE your trip reports! It's a dream of mine to go to WDW at Christmas time (only ever been once so far), and your TR makes me feel like I'm there! Disney looks so beautiful on your Christmas photographs, and you describe everything so well.

I think I might totally have to take a deer face photograph next time we go!!

Thank you so much! I hope you get to someday! I'm glad that you feel like you can live through the experience by reading what I wrote. That means a lot to me and I appreciate the compliments. I'm so glad you're here!

Mmmm, I saw the pictures and they looked delicious! Can I come over to your house for dinner? Please?

Thank you so much! Hahaha absolutely! My Mom makes the best food! ​

 

[debrapagliasotti]

Wishes Dessert Party...OMG!!! Those desserts look super amazing! Definately have to do this someday soon.

 

[hjones78]

We ate at the Tomorrow Land Terrace during Thanksgiving week last year. It was yummy. A great place to plug in your phone for a quick charge while eating. I'm always looking for a plug in anywhere we eat.

Note to self--- Never book a trip to WDW for the week between Christmas and New Years. That crowd is crazy!!!!! I can imagine all the parents in there NOT having a magical day with some NOT so magical meltdowns.

 

[Blissikins]

Those desserts look diiiiiiiiiiiiiiii-vine (I just got to the last update at work)!!

*Adds Dessert Buffet to WDW To Do List*

 

[JessicaFaye508]

Wishes Dessert Party...OMG!!! Those desserts look super amazing! Definately have to do this someday soon.

YUM it was so good! You should!!

We ate at the Tomorrow Land Terrace during Thanksgiving week last year. It was yummy. A great place to plug in your phone for a quick charge while eating. I'm always looking for a plug in anywhere we eat.

Note to self--- Never book a trip to WDW for the week between Christmas and New Years. That crowd is crazy!!!!! I can imagine all the parents in there NOT having a magical day with some NOT so magical meltdowns.

Ahh that's awesome! Oh how convenient! I love when you find random plugs aroun Disney

Those desserts look diiiiiiiiiiiiiiii-vine (I just got to the last update at work)!!

*Adds Dessert Buffet to WDW To Do List*

YUM! Haha I'm glad it worked for you!
Yay you should definitely do it!​

 

[JessicaFaye508]

Chapter 73: Holiday Wishes Do Come True!
December 26th, 2011

Here is one final food picture:

When Dad and Jonathan first arrived, there wasn't any Creme Brulee out! Once they brought us all a fresh batch, Dad went up and got THREE of them! Then for the picture, he ever-so-appropriately put them in the shape of a Mickey head. What a guy.

After that intense dessert consumption, I posted on twitter:
IM GOING TO EXPLODE.

We took a family picture in front of the castle while we waited for the show to start:

Brother and Sister picture:

Here's Mom and Jonathan sitting back at our table:

I WAS READY.

And then.... it started. THE MAGIC, THE MEMORIES, AND YOU.

Today, right here in the Magic Kingdom, thousands of memories were made - and you were there!

Whether today is your first visit or your one-hundreth, whether you are six or sixty, these special moments will live forever in every picture that was taken.

So join us now, as we visit all the fun, all the adventure, and all the family experiences you made here today. As we proudly present: The Magic, The Memories, and You!

*cue music*

They obviously were showing the holiday version, so there were some different projections. For example, the wrapped present:

And the Gingerbread House!

THEY SHINE LIKE A FRIEND, AND WON'T EVER END. OPEN UP YOUR HEART AND LET THE MEMORIES BEGIN!

I stood by the railing and took pictures of the entire show. It was absolutely amazing - the view was spectacular from the Tomorrowland Terrace! I absolutely LOVE the MM&Y, and my appreciation for it only grew as the trip went on. I was singing along to the soundtrack and I'm pretty sure I teared up several times. GAHH it was so magical.

I think the boys really liked the show, too!

Next up was Holiday Wishes! I loved watching it from our room, but really being there and having such an unbelievable seat was BEYOND incredible!!

Once again, this show brought tears to my eyes. It is SO well done and it truly captures Disney and the Holidays perfectly. I got goosebumps! It was SO pretty.

I got TONS of pictures of this show too, so I will share some of the best with you all:

O CHRISTMAS TREE. ♥

Continued in Next Post​

 

[JessicaFaye508]

I updated twice today! Don't miss the post on the previous page!
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Chapter 74: Holiday Magic at the Magic Kingdom
December 26th, 2011

Continuing on with more Holiday Wishes Pictures:

The Grand Finale:

I posted on twitter:
Holiday wishes = #crying. SO BEAUTIFUL OMG. It's beautiful
seeing it from the room, but actually being here is absolutely breathtaking.

I clearly got a little photo happy during this show, but I really hope that you all enjoyed the pictures! The colors of the fireworks were so vibrant and beautiful. Combine that with the music, holiday spirit, and desserts and I was in heaven once again!

This was a wonderful experience and I definitely recommend it! It was difficult to get a reservation because it came out on a random day not too long before the trip, but I just stalked the DIS until it was available! It was definitely worthwhile!

We got all of our things together and headed out. The Magic Kingdom was open pretty late tonight, so I wanted to see how long my family would stay out!

Since we were in Tomorrowland, we went over to the PeopleMover! Jonathan really wanted to go on that ride, and I was not going to argue! I narrated along with the old voice throughout the entire ride. *sigh* No, I'm still not over it yet.

Nice deer face, Dad.

Then Jonathan and I decided to use our Buzz Lightyear Fastpasses!

I posted on twitter:
I like to air drum along with the music in the buzz light year queue. #allpumpedup

I don't think it's physically possible for me to enter this queue and not air drum or march all the way through. It's inevitable.

I was disappointed with my score during this game, but that's alright. Life goes on I suppose...

Then we decided to do a family favorite - The Laugh Floor!

I had quite a few tweets posted on twitter about this show:
"and now we're makin' funny with the ha ha." I've seen this preshow a few too many times

CALL ME SENTIMENTAL BUT I STILL MISS THE SCREAMING......

I think I know the entire laugh floor script. Like seriously.

I cannot describe my love for Roz.

We were loaded into the theater and they started putting the guests on the big screen. I look up and suddenly Mom's picture is up there! And what did the caption say? "Has Kissed A Monster." Then they moved the camera over to my Dad. HAHAHA frump life.

The show was good! I didn't write down any other specifics besides the fact that THAT GUY sat right in front of us! YEAH YEAH!

After the show was over, it was already 11:37 pm and everyone was getting tired. So I guess I couldn't get them to stay out too long! Oh well.

We started making our way towards the exit, but first a slew of Castle pictures!

We also got a family picture before we left the park:

Goodbye, Magic Kingdom!

We WALKED back to the room. (yes, I was still incredibly excited about that)

I posted on twitter:
Just saw a bus that said "Flynn Rider." #iwouldliketogoonthatbus #pickmeupplease

Soon I was seeing this beautiful sight:

I took a picture of our building and you can see our dominantly orange Christmas lights on the right side!

Welcome Home!

And here's a picture of the lobby... AT NIGHT.

We went up to the room and pretty much went to bed.

Jonathan and I must of had another argument about what to watch on TV because I posted on twitter:
my brother is no fun. he does not understand the greatness of stacey. #thisisaHUGEproblem #getwithit

I don't know who won that battle, but Stacey always wins in my heart. She's perfect.

Anyways, that was another FANTASTIC day. I was excited to see what tomorrow had in store for us! This trip was just getting better and better as the days went on!

Overview of December 26th, 2011:

Highs:
- Yuletide Fantasy Tour!
- FINALLY eating at the Tomorrowland Terrace!
- Being able to eat at the Diamond Horseshoe - another Disney Dining obscurity!
- The Wishes Dessert Party - YUM!!!

Lows:
- Being very tired
- Dad and Jonathan being late for the dessert party
- Everyone not wanting to stay in the Magic Kingdom Later

Weather:
Cooler in the morning (in the 60's) and low 70's in the afternoon/night.

Food of the Day:
Desserts from the Wishes Dessert Party! (Particularly the Mini Apple Pies, Chocolate Covered Strawberries, and Chocolate Mousse with oreo crumbs at the bottom!)

Continued in Next Post​

 

[jburgi2505]

Those pictures from the Dessert Party are awesome!

 

[petals]

I really don't think I'll ever get over seeing that castle lit up at Christmas time. Most amazing sight EVER!

 

[LifeIsDis]

The castle is just gorgeous with all of the lights. Only 133 days until I can see it like that!

I love how the MM&Y have the holiday themed projections. I love the gingerbread house!

Your pictures of the reflection of the fireworks in the water are SO pretty.

Holiday Wishes is just beautiful. oh my god.

Roz is just perfect.

That is just awesome your mom and dad got up on the screen!

Walking back to the room from the Magic Kingdom would just be perfect. I'm jealous.

 

[miss.potatohead]

Those photos of the fireworks are amazing! Do you mind me asking what camera you used and what settings you had it on? I never seem to get the shutter speed correct when it comes to fireworks!