Disney / Christmas - What to book ASAP, what to expect, etc...

[BAD311]

We'll be at Disney Nov 26th (Sunday) until December 2nd (Saturday).

We'd like to book a tour, we've been told we need to do an all day tour for like $250 or $500 per person? What's the best tour for Disney?

Is there anything special to see/do for Christmas? I hear we must go to specific hotels on property? certain restaurants/etc...

We've never been during Christmas and want to take full advantage of everything with some family who's coming with us.

We're all adults. No children.

Do other parks like Universal go all out for Christmas? What can we expect?

 

[Captain Barbossa]

We'll be at Disney Nov 26th (Sunday) until December 2nd (Saturday).

We'd like to book a tour, we've been told we need to do an all day tour for like $250 or $500 per person? What's the best tour for Disney?

Is there anything special to see/do for Christmas? I hear we must go to specific hotels on property? certain restaurants/etc...

We've never been during Christmas and want to take full advantage of everything with some family who's coming with us.

We're all adults. No children.

Do other parks like Universal go all out for Christmas? What can we expect?

I can't answer your question about the tours, but in terms of things to see and do during Christmas time, absolutely!! All the parks and resorts will be decorated. It's so beautiful!! There will also be special entertainment as well.

 

[AndyS2992]

What to expect? Crowds. A lots of them.

 

[nickys]

As far as resort hopping goes, I suggest GF, WL, AKL, BC & YC. Those were the main ones recommended to me, and they are worth while. That makes a nice monorail loop plus boat to WL, and a break from Epcot and AK perhaps.

Candlelight Processional, if that's your thing. I think some dining packages are out now, not sure if all restaurants are yet.
Holidays around the World in Epcot - I saw some of these, not all.

The party at MK? Be aware of the frequency of these and early closing (6pm) of MK. You may want to pick your MK day(s) first, whether you plan to go to a party night or not.

At first I read your stay as 26th Dec to 2nd Jan, so was about to suggest booking NYE dinner asap. But then re-read! Not sure how much of the holiday overlays may be done, like Jungle Cruise and DHS fireworks (last year they did a special Christmas themed one in place of Star Wars, until they ran both much nearer to Christmas.

 

[keacc]

Christmas decorations start going up right after Halloween. We were there last year from 11/2 thru 11/9 and resorts were already decked out. The GF hade a life size gingerbread house. You really don't need to pay for a tour. We usually take a day to resort hop. Lots of great decorations and entertainment. EPCOT has story tellers in every land to explain their Christmas traditions. Candlelight Processional is great. Universal decorates but not as much as Disney.

 

[I am Timmy]

We will be there later in Dec. for the holiday fun. So much to do!
We start at Uni for 5 days(yes, they go all out for xmas, too). This year will mark the 1st year the Harry Potter sections will be decorated for xmas - there is also supposed to be holiday entertainment and food offerings planned for these sections (TBA). In Suess Landing at IOA, it is decorated and treated like Whoville (much like the movie), with xmas decorations EVERYWHERE and whos available for photo ops, and then there is an awesome Grinch (like Jim Carrey's rendition). There is a character breakfast available with the Grinch and whos at Circus McGurkus. The Whos take to the stage as well for an xmas show. If you love The Grinch and Whoville, this is a must do. Over in Uni, they also have some of the floats from the Macy's parade in their xmas parade, which happens daily, and ends with the arrival of Santa in front of a ginormous tree. They have also had Manheim Steamroller performing holiday hits on select nights, check back to see if that will continue this year. I'm sure I'm leaving stuff out.
On to Disney! All the parks decorate to some extent, with the bulk being in MK and Epcot. Each park will have a giant tree upon entering. Deluxe resorts also have brilliant decorations to see. In MK, they have xmas parties with special cookies and cocoa, parade, and fireworks. Epcot has xmas around the world, with stories for each country and specialty holiday food items and souvenirs. IllumiNations adds on a special holiday bit at the end. HS is decorated, and has a holiday dinner with Minnie and friends at Hollywood and Vine called "Minnie's Holiday Dine", the characters are in their xmas finest and Santa Goofy is there to get a pic with. Disney Springs is also decorated, and Santa is there to visit. Last year there was an xmas tree lane to walk through, and carolers and other entertainment throughout the district.
There are many things, I'm sure that have not been announced yet. keep checking back for updates!

 

[LAKid53]

If you want to do a tour, I would suggest Keys to the Kingdom. It's under $100 per person. It's a 5 hour walking tour of the Magic Kingdom - Main Street, backstage areas, the utilidors, 2 rides and lunch is included. Times are in the morning (think the latest is 9:30). It's a great intro to the Magic Kingdom - its history and how the park operates. You will be doing a lot of walking and standing if you decide to go, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.

During the holidays, MK has a special Castle lighting before the fireworks (hopefully, the same will continue with Happily Ever After). As others have said, all the parks are decorated for the holidays - with Christsms trees, lights, etc. All the resorts are decorated also, but the ones to see are Grand Floridian, Wilderness Lodge, Yacht Club/Beach Club/Boardwalk and Animal Kingdom Lodge. Santa has made an appearance at Disney Springs in the past and I'd make sure to go, for some great food, adult beverages and Christmas shopping.

Crowds will be large your first day or two, since you are arriving over Thanksgiving weekend (and rival weekend for college FB, so many guests will be wearing their school's colors instead of Disney or holiday tees), but Monday and the rest of your stay should have more manageable crowds.

You will enjoy it - the holidays are a specisl time ar Disney.