Christmas Day at the Magic Kingdom

[Azerin]

Hi all,

I am certain this question has asked previously... and I have looked... but everything I have seen talks more about Christmas Week or Christmas time in general but not Christmas Day itself... of course in the past I have been known to look for my keys in the same spot five times before someone else shows me they were there the whole time and I somehow just missed them So I apologize in advance if there is some other recent post about this.

We are going to WDW for Christmas for the first time, I have been in Dec many times; however, always in early Dec and never for Christmas itself. Like everyone else we will probably head to the Magic Kingdom for the 25th... I know to expect CRAZY crowds and that we need to get there early on Christmas Day or risk the park reaching capacity. I also know that all week they have the Christmas Parade and Holiday Wishes... but is there anything they do special for Christmas day itself? Is there anything (shows, characters, etc) that we should make a point of doing on Christmas Day? or is the 25th the same as the rest of the week as far as parades, shows, characters? I want to make sure we dont miss anything

Thank you

 

[HollyBelle]

We were at the Magic Kingdom on Christmas day 2005, and you're definitely right about the crowds, etc. Although it did begin to rain a bit at one point, which cleared the place out tremendously. And we actually headed over to Epcot in the evening... it was so beautiful and peaceful and the crowds were next to nothing. It had alot more Christmas spirit than I ever would have thought. We decided if we ever returned to Disney again for Christmas day we would avoid MK... but I had to experience it just once... and I'm sure you feel the same way!

Other than the Holiday parade we didn't experience anything that was any different than the days leading up to Christmas. I was actually under the impression that Christmas day is the only time, other than parties, that you can see the parade and holiday fireworks? I didn't know they did this all week long. We certainly didn't run into any characters that were special/different on the 25th... that's one thing I was on the look out for.

Have fun!!

 

[RiversideBunny]

We have been at WDW several times on Christmas Day.
There is nothing special going on at the MK except for large crowds, many of whom are there because they think that the Christmas Day parade is actually there on Christmas Day.
I think we spent one Christmas Day at EPCCOT instead.

The thing is that, beginning the day after Thanksgiving, it's Christmas at WDW so you can see everything Christmas for several weeks.

At Port Orleans Riverside, they put a stocking of candy on your door on Christmas morning.

Have fun.
:xmas:

 

[wild01ride]

If you will be a Disney Resort guest, you should expect something special from Santa on your door on the morning of the 25th. (At least the jolly old man stopped by when I was there a couple years ago - might depend on the whole naughty/nice thing though, so keep that in mind! :animwink: )

Other than that, I don't think that there are any particular events that are for that day alone. Since, naturally, not everyone can travel at the same time, WDW does a good job of "spreading out" the Christmas festivities.

From Dec. 21-31, you can see the "Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime" Parade twice daily (12noon & 3pm) as well as the Holiday Wishes Fireworks nightly at 9pm (Spectromagic will be performed at 8 & 10pm).

Additionally, Epcot will have Illuminations with the special "Holiday Tag" during the same time period.

Also, keep in mind that Magic Kingdom will have morning Extra Magic Hours every day from Dec. 21-31 (so opening time for Disney Resort guests will be 7am daily!)

This year will be my first Christmas there in a few years, so I'm looking forward to it too! We'll be doing a sorta grand gathering with some first-timers, including a nephew's first Christmas!

:xmas:

 

[RiversideBunny]

It's hard to describe, not being a poet laureate, but what I enjoy is Christmas Eve at WDW.

There's a peaceful stillness at your resort after a busy day in the parks and you know that Christmas Day is coming and that you are at WDW and when you wake up tomorrow there will be chimes and bells ringing, at least in your head, because you are there and it's Christmas Day.
The magical meaning of Christmas blends with the child-like innoncence that draws people there and permeates WDW. Peace on earth, good will to all. God bless us everyone.

:xmas::xmas:

 

[AshaNeOmah]

I remember Christmas Day 2005. It started raining mid-day, about parade time. It was cold and overcast but a bad Christmas at Disney is better than a good Christmas anywhere else.

As for special events day of, I do not recall any. If you are going with friends/family who are hesitant about leaving home for Christmas, I do suggest bringing a few decorations from home to make it feel a little more home-y. And it's always fun to open presents in WDW!!!!

 

[drew81]

I was there on Christmas Day 2005 as well. If you get there early I would say you will be ok, but like everyone else said, it is crazy! They had some different characters out that day as well. Darkwing Duck and Launchpad McQuack were out along with Robin Hood and Little John.

 

[Azerin]

Thank you for the info everyone

Yeah, can't wait... and both of us are VERY excited... we currently have a dinner reservation at the Wave in the contemporary... which I wasn't sure if we would keep or not since that meant probably not being able to get back into the magic kingdom... but maybe we will split time between epcot and MK or something on the 25th

 

[theverynk]

Hey hey,

Does anyone know if they light up the Castle in regular park hours like they do for MMVCP?
I really want to see the pretty lights, but not sure they do them outside the Xmas Party!

Thanks,

Dan

 

[Bug715]

Hey hey,

Does anyone know if they light up the Castle in regular park hours like they do for MMVCP?
I really want to see the pretty lights, but not sure they do them outside the Xmas Party!

Thanks,

Dan

Yea I don't remember which day they start but they will have a castle lighting show at around quarter till 6ish or when its starting to get dark out.

Azerin,
As everyone else has said there isn't a whole lot different christmas day. Some CMs will be able to wear santa hats. It does reach capacity but usually will be reopened at different times of the day as people leave. But if you are staying at a resort they will close it to resort guests last because of the system they use to close.

I'll be arriving at 10:30 that night. I'm bummed that I can't be in MK on christmas day because it was the most fun after midnight christmas eve to start wishing everyone a merry christmas!!

 

[CAPTAIN HOOK]

... but maybe we will split time between epcot and MK or something on the 25th

Pick your park for Christmas Day and stay there - the parks will be so busy they will stop admitting guests - you run a huge risk of being stuck outside if you try to hop

 

[ClemsonTigger]

Hey hey,

Does anyone know if they light up the Castle in regular park hours like they do for MMVCP?
I really want to see the pretty lights, but not sure they do them outside the Xmas Party!

Thanks,

Dan

The new castle lighting is on every night throughout the Christmas season. there is a short lighting ceremony around dusk.

 

[scottnj1966]

The only think different as everyone has said are the crowds. The park will be closed for capacity. Get there early so you can get in. If not expect to be going to one of the other three parks.

Nothing different at the park that day. They do the same things from a week before Thanksgiving until a week or so after Christmas. I love that too because Christmastime at the Magic Kingdom and WDW are the best times!!!!

The best time to see it all is between after Thanksgiving and a week and half before Christmas.

But if you have to be there the actual day dont expect to get on too many rides. Lines will be very long, even with fast pass.
Expect to eat the fast food since all the good restaurants are already booked.

I remember going to the Magic Kingdom as a kid, everytime we went was full to capicity. It was there only park and they opened at 7 and closed at 2. So it was always packed but it was always fun and magical nonetheless.

Enjoy and Merry Christmas. Anytime at the mk is a great time.

Scott

 

[goofntink]

We have been to the park on Christmas Day a couple of times as well. I agree with one of the other post as well.The reason the park closes early to capacity,and is so crowded is a large number of the guests at the MK are there just for the televised parade and then plan on leaving afterwards.They unfortunately are not aware the televised Christmas parade is pre-taped.We have seen many guests getting upset after finding out about this and leaving after getting into the park. We even saw a family demanding a refund because they were not told by anyone it was not broadcast live,and the only reason they came was because they wanted to be in the crowd in the parade,and their friends and family were going to look for them on tv.
By the way they also were wearing homemade Christmas decorated colored shirts and big hats.