Quick, low cost December trip

[mdubm]

I’m hoping to plan a quick 3 day trip down mid December. In order to keep cost down, I think we’re just going to stay 2 nights and do MVMCP in lieu of paying for a park ticket. From my parents’ house I can make the drive in 5-6 hours. Questions:
1. Has anyone used Undercover Tourist to purchase event tickets? They don’t give me a date to choose, so they are showing up cheaper than on Disney’s site, but I’m wondering how this all works.
2. Swimming in December? I know pools are heated, but is it worthwhile?
3. Can I go in at 4 for the party like MNSSHP?
4. I’m thinking with our free time we’ll resort hop and check out all the Christmas decor, go to the pool, or visit the Springs. Any other suggestions?

 

[Worldlover71]

I'm going on a very similar 2 1/2 day trip next month. Going to the party but no other park tickets. I can't help with #1 but as to the others,
#2. I'm bringing a bathing suit because December weather is so unpredictable but I'm not counting on using it.
#3. Entry to the party is at 4pm but they often let you in a few minutes earlier. I'm planning on being on line no later than 3:30pm.
#4. I'm doing similar things including the Christmas tree trail at the Springs. I'm also going on the behind the scenes Yuletide Fantasy tour to see the holiday warehouse!

 

[JIMINYCR]

#2 When weve gone in Dec. I found the weather a bit too chilly to use the pools. The water was heated but the air was chilly enough to make it unpleasant. DS swims in any weather conditions so he used the pools a lot. Myself... I concentrated on using the hot tubs. It depends on what you can tolerate. In the parks, we were wearing sweatshirts or light jackets in the afternoon and evening hours.
#3 When you enter at 4pm you will get a wristband that shows you have paid for the event. Grab an event map and target those things you want to do. The character M&G are extremely popular and lines grow very quickly. It helps if you know where you are going and in what order ahead of time.
#4 A great tour with lots of interesting information. Adds to the holiday experience. Enjoy!!

 

[nickys]

I’m hoping to plan a quick 3 day trip down mid December. In order to keep cost down, I think we’re just going to stay 2 nights and do MVMCP in lieu of paying for a park ticket. From my parents’ house I can make the drive in 5-6 hours. Questions:
1. Has anyone used Undercover Tourist to purchase event tickets? They don’t give me a date to choose, so they are showing up cheaper than on Disney’s site, but I’m wondering how this all works.
2. Swimming in December? I know pools are heated, but is it worthwhile?
3. Can I go in at 4 for the party like MNSSHP?
4. I’m thinking with our free time we’ll resort hop and check out all the Christmas decor, go to the pool, or visit the Springs. Any other suggestions?

The sleigh ride at FW is meant to be really festive, it's next on my bucket list for Christmas. If you can't book it, try the cart ride instead which is a lot cheaper, but I don't think you can pe-book it so you have to take your chances.

Maybe check out a movie under the stars at one of the resorts that still do them outside. Contemp still do, WL maybe, PO (not sue if it's Riverside or FQ that does them there). Wrap up and enjoy! Or Kidani inside with free popcorn, and combine it with animal viewing outside.