Christmas Day Dining recommendations

[Northernlass]

Hi all

We are DVC members (saratoga springs) and about to spend our first Christmas in Disney in 2008. Can someone please recommend a very special dining experience and can you book more than 6 months in advance? We will have an 8 year old ds and almost 3 year old boy and girl twins. We are very keen to know where we will be spending Christmas Day!!! Also any other hints and tips on how to make the most of our Christmas trip would be much appreciated!

Many thanks in advance

 

[mousefan1972]

This year will be our second Christmas Day in Disney. '07 was the first. We took the advice of many CM's and guests on this board, and stayed away from MK on Christmas Day. We had a MK view room in the Tahiti Longhouse at the Poly, and were very close to the ferry docking platform at the TTC. At 7 a.m. Christmas morning, the masses of people waiting to board the ferry were as far as the eye could see. My best advice to you would be to NOT make your dinner ressie at MK. You would have to get there very, very early and stay all day. (Or risk not being re-admitted if you leave and return, if the park is in a Stage 4 closure). We spent the day at Epcot, and had dinner at Akershus, with the Princesses. We will likely repeat that again this year. Ohter hints I can give you would be be at the parks before opening each day, tour until mid-day, (the crowds became noticeable bigger around noon-1 each day), leave for a rest, then return in the evening. Also take advantage of EMH. During Christmas week, MK opened to the public at 8 a.m, with a 7 a.m. opening for resorts guests, every day. That is by far the best time to get on Fantasyland and Tomorrowland attractions with little to no wait.

Regardless of where you dine, it will be a very special and magical time. Have fun! :wave:

 

[ClemsonTigger]

While Christmas week will be a bit of a challenge, with a little planning, you can make it a very special time. As it will be crowded, advanced planning will be required.

Following is a link for dinner packages from last year:
http://www.allearsnet.com/menu/men_christmas.htm

Don't know if you've visited around Christmastime before, but the many special events can be referenced:
http://www.wdwmagic.com/xmas.htm
http://www.wdwmagic.com/candlelight_processional.htm
http://www.wdwmagic.com/osborn_lights.htm
http://www.wdwmagic.com/lights_of_winter.htm
http://www.allearsnet.com/tp/holiday.htm

The strategy we have used around Easter is to get up and to the parks first thing. You will have a window of a few hours to enjoy your "must do" rides and then get some fast passes before the parks get VERY crowded. After lunch (especially with the young ones) relax for a bit at the hotel, maybe a swim (although it may be cool). Consider taking some time to visit some of the hotels as the displays are beautiful (GF, WL, AKL, Beach, Boardwalk).

From the above lists, you have Osborne Lights, Epcot and special MK events.
I would suggest that you get dinner package reservations for Candlelight Processional as it will be very crowded. Note: you will have to wait in line close to an hour before the show, but it's worth it. (The package guarantee's you a seat if you arrive at least 15 min before the show)

Also, make ALL planned sit down dinner reservations as soon as possible!

 

[Northernlass]

Thank you for your prompt replies! This will be our 11th visit to WDW in total so not new to Disney at all but 1st for Christmas. Thank you for the links CT. I will look at them shortly once the children are in bed! I think what we intend to do is try and do all the festivey things on the lead up to Christmas as we arrive about 15th Dec and leave 27th. We have already said that we would avoid MK on 25th but would still like to go out for our lunch/dinner somewhere special and memorable. Also intend to book Mickeys Very Merry Christmas Party (have done not so scary Halloween party)!

Thanks again!! :wave:

 

[ClemsonTigger]

That's a nice long window, so you can be real casual about your visit. Your first week should be reasonable as far as crowds.
See the following for MVMCP dates available (you have three). I would advise against Friday the 19th as it is the last and on a Friday, most crowded.
http://forums.wdwmagic.com/showpost.php?p=2873018&postcount=1

We usually go the first or second week in Dec. so avoid the real challenges.
Feel free to PM me if you have any specific questions.

You will be amazed at how much the parks transform for Christmas, it is truly magical!

 

[CAPTAIN HOOK]

We'll be arriving on Christmas Day for our very first Disney Christmas :xmas: :sohappy:

Can't wait - 235 Days to go

 

[coltow]

These are first places that pop itno my mind as to where I'd want to have Christmas dinner with my kids if I were there at Christmas (and I too would stay away from MK).
Ohana
1900 Park Fare
Whispering Canyon
Le Cellier, or any World Showcase restaurant that interests you

 

[ThinkTink721]

Hi all

We are DVC members (saratoga springs) and about to spend our first Christmas in Disney in 2008. Can someone please recommend a very special dining experience and can you book more than 6 months in advance? We will have an 8 year old ds and almost 3 year old boy and girl twins. We are very keen to know where we will be spending Christmas Day!!! Also any other hints and tips on how to make the most of our Christmas trip would be much appreciated!

Many thanks in advance

Cinderella's Royal Table is always a nice choice

 

[GoofyforWDW]

Hi all

We are DVC members (saratoga springs) and about to spend our first Christmas in Disney in 2008. Can someone please recommend a very special dining experience and can you book more than 6 months in advance? We will have an 8 year old ds and almost 3 year old boy and girl twins. We are very keen to know where we will be spending Christmas Day!!! Also any other hints and tips on how to make the most of our Christmas trip would be much appreciated!

Many thanks in advance

We are DVC members too (old key west) and are also going to be spending our first christmas in Disney this year. Arrive on 14th and depart on 26th.

You must have read my mind as I have been thinking about dinner on christmas day. No kids just me and hubby so was thinking of somewhere in Epcot as im sure it will be much quieter, possibly Coral Reef or Le Cellier. Would love to be in MK for dinner and fireworks but as another poster said we would have to go in early and stay all day which I just cannot do.

How about Coral Reef for your family, would your children like having dinner with the fish swiming around?

Hoping the weather will be warm enough when we are then to wear shorts, just wont feel the same if I am having to wear jeans and a jumper!