Christmas Ideas at WDW...

[PirateJessica20]

Hello I am staying at the GF resort for the days of December 19, 2004- December 26, 2004. Does anyone have any tips or any schedule I can follow on things to do and such. I want to go twise to epcot and MK. I don't want to go to the Ak, But I want to go once to MGM. I want to go all-out, because we are celebrating a birthday. Also I am staying at the concierge at the GF, am I supposed to call them so they can keep my priority seating reservations in order? Or do I just go ahead and make reservations. I am going December 19, 2004 to Downtown Disney and I already bought tickets for Cirque du Soleil. Can anyone give me any tips for these days, where to eat (price isn't really an issue) and is it good to get the Fantasmic Dinner Package??? Any tips such as waiting time, FP tips, would be greatly appreciated. This isn't my first time going to WDW, I have gone about 20 times, lol I am a floridian resident so that might explain a lot. LOL I have just not gone during christmas. Does anyone have any tips? Thanks a ton!
ºoº

 

[SpectroMan]

I have never gone around Christmas, always in the summer, but I have an idea for the night of La Nouba.

Go back to your hotel in the evening, and get dressed-up (casual). For some reason, I feel that wearing blue jeans doesn't fit Cirque du Soleil. Go eat at one of the restraunts at the Grand Floridian (Narcossee's is my favorite) or one of the nice restraunts in Downtown Disney (I hear Portebello is out of this world). After that get to Downtown Disney about an hour to a 1/2 hour before the doors open. Stroll the streets. If you want souvenirs from Cirque go to the boutique BEFORE the show; it is packed afterwards. Once the doors open, get your seats because you want to be sitting down when the clowns come out.

 

[ClemsonTigger]

Good to Plan Ahead

Well, let me try to field some of those questions. In general plan on the parks increasing in volume each day of your stay. You may want to use the first two days to get in rides and such if you are into that and have the other days as lower key enjoying the ambiance.

I would suggest sticking with your concierge at the hotel for arrangements. That way they are all in one place, you can attach a name (but do get confirmation numbers). If you have some specific restaurants in mind, do make reservations as they will all be full.

Definitely book a dinner package for Fantasmic...Brown Derby is real nice.

For your Cirque day, I would suggest Portobellos, Fultons or Wolfgang Puck Cafe (downstairs in back) for dinner either before or after the show (depending on what time your show is). Then possibly Pleasure Island after.

As the parks get more crowded, I would suggest planning on visiting Animal Kingdom Lodge (possibly for dinner), Wilderness Lodge (also dinner, Artist Point) as the decorations there are wonderful.

If you really want to celebrate and budget is good, consider Victoria and Albert's for the birthday. It's in GF and a wonderful way to spend 2+ hours.

Back to the parks, wait times will be significant. Plan your visit, get to the park when it opens (plan on early admission days) and get a fastpass for one E ticket and then get in a shortish line for another. Fastpass will probably be done by about noon.

Don't miss Candelight Processional at Epcot. Check with the concierge about a dinner package that guarantees you seating.

I think you just missed Mickys Christmas Party for this year.

You will get more suggestions here, but let the concierge work up a plan for you highlighting the special events. That's what you are paying for, use it.
:xmas:

 

[PirateJessica20]

How does Concierge work? Do I call the hotel and tell them the restaurants I want priority seating for? I just don't want to have to wait a long time to eat. I would like to reserve a restaurant for each day. I have a free day that I have no clue what I am doing to do...

 

[ClemsonTigger]

Concierge and Christmas

PirateJessica20,
I have not used concierge so I can't speak first hand. I am attaching something to give you an idea:

22nd April 2004, 14:42
Jungle Skipper
Earning My WDWMAGIC Ears Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Owensboro, KY
Posts: 125


I LOVE Concierge..I'm spoiled by them!

I have stayed at the Contemporary and Grand Floridian Sugar Loaf Building and have mostly had great experiences. I have tried to make PS's on my own and can't get them, but the concierge is able to pull some strings (not guaranteed, but it has happened at least 5 times with me). They are always willing to help out if they can and are always there to add a little extra magic to our day.

Also, my experiences is a little before 90 days out they call me and ask if I need anything. It takes the planning load off of my shoulders and really helps out a lot!

Well, those are just my thoughts, hope you have a blast staying concierge. Use them, ask questions, you might be surprised to find out its more than just food on your floor.

Jungle Josh

__________________

If you have any additional questions I would suggest you contact them directly. It is always fun to talk to a CM, and no better way to get information than from the horse's mouth, right?

One other thought I had, I believe they are bringing back the Orbourne Lights this year at MGM. A must see!

 

[PirateJessica20]

You all have given me a lot of help. I've heard a lot about the Cirque du Soleil clowns, what exactly do they do??? :lookaround: What are the best restaurants at WDW?

 

[ClemsonTigger]

Tough question

Well, you asked one easy and one tough question.

As for the Cirque "clowns", don't think of them as clowns we are used to from the circus...don't think of anything in the show as comparable to anything you are used to. I don't want to say more, half of the fun is experiencing it cold.

As for restaurants, there are well over 100 with everything from counter service to buffets to sushi to 7 course exclusive dining. I suggest you look over at http://www.allearsnet.com/din/dining.htm for listings of restaurants and copies of many of the menu's from them.

Each hotel has 2-4 restaurants each, and then there is all the pickup food, like turkey legs. Look over the lists at allearsnet then maybe you can narrow down what you are looking for.

Sounds a little like homework doesn't it :animwink:

 

[KevinPage]

WOW, Grand Floridian during one of the busiest and most expensive weeks of the year? I can't offer you "high society types" any advice out of principle
:lol: :lol: :lol:

J/K

Have fun

 

[WDWcouple]

Ok now this is cheesy. but mmy wife and I do it every year

We bought a lil christmas tree at walgreens about 2 years ago with fiber optic lights on it and we wrap our gifts at home and bring them with us.

We wake up on Christmas morning, open our gifts drink some coffee walk around the resort a lil and get to MK in time to sit down for the parade (noon)

 

[SewIn2Disney]

From Allearsnet: (stuff to do at christmas)
http://allearsnet.com/tp/h_christmas.htm

Where to dine:
http://allearsnet.com/tp/h_dine.htm

Have a great trip!

 

[PirateJessica20]

Thanks to everyone who replied to my question! All of you have been awesome! Thanks for the help, I truly appreciate it! Do you any of you mind if I add you to my friends list on this message board? Thanks Again!

XOXO
~PirateJessica20~

 

[SewIn2Disney]

Not a problem, and you're welcome!

Welcome to the boards!