First Christmastime Trip - need do-and-don't tips

[KingStefan]

I'm no novice to WDW, although we haven't been there in a while (way too long!).

Who has tips on the do's and don't's of touring at WDW during Christmastime? How to cope with the crowds - things definitely-not-to-miss - etc.

We are usually commando-style, early-morning tour-ers. Sometimes early-morning (rope-drop or EMH), then nap/swim/rest/etc., then late night somewhere else. But this time, we're travelling with a more late-morning into late-evening continuous tour non-park-hopping people. We hope to find a compromise.

Although we want to see what we have missed in the last four years or so, we can always catch up on some of that on another trip, and focus on Christmas-y stuff for this trip.

So, any suggestions on how to have the best time?

advTHANKSance

 

[Figgy1]

I can't stress thus enough if you are going to MK make it for the entire day and be there at least one hour prior to the official opening time! Well be at all the parks ASAP in the am. Rope drop is soooooooooooooo important!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Thumbelina]

Most of the resorts are all decorated for the holiday season, you can always take a day to tour them all. Mickey's Christmas party in MK, The story tellers over in Epcot and the Osborne lights over in Hollywood Studios are the big Christmas things that come to my mind. I would do some research and make a list so you can make sure you know what you want to see and what you want to skip!

 

[Mukta]

MK: The castle lighting ceremony at 6:15 pm, and the party (MVMCP)
Epcot: Holiday Storytellers and Illuminations with the peace on Earth tag, Candlelight Processional (with dinner/lunch package)
DHS: Osborne Lights

The deluxe resorts area beautifully decorated. There is another thread on that on this page.

 

[KingStefan]

Thanks, everyone. Do they still have Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade?

 

[tare]

Do the Christmas party and have fun. We love going at the beginning of December!!!!

 

[KingStefan]

Do the Christmas party and have fun. We love going at the beginning of December!!!!

Sorry, we arrive just after the last one. We were hoping to do this. I just hope that the MOUCP runs during the regular hours between 21-26 Dec some time.

 

[Gabe1]

We avoided rope drops at Christmas. Being there an hour before is just nuts as are the buses.
We actually went into the parks around 4pm as they were open late and often extended their hours during these busy days of Christmas. Guests with small children fled as they tired. We got more done in a few hours than guests did all day with the long lines during the daytime hours. We pool'd it during the early day or hit DTD when it wasn't nutty or mini golfed. We even have hit the water park when temps allowed. Funny to see us Northerners in the lazy river in the 70's and the lifeguards is UnderArmour warm ups.

Stay out of the MK on Christmas Day and NYE. Epcot was almost tranquil on Christmas day and we ended it with going to Hoop for Christmas dinner show. The only time we had an issue with NYE at Epcot was the year of the Millennium, that was beyond wild and even worse than the MK on its worst NYE. DHS tends to draw more locals but has a younger approach to NYE.

 

[sxeensweet]

Sorry, we arrive just after the last one. We were hoping to do this. I just hope that the MOUCP runs during the regular hours between 21-26 Dec some time.

Yes it runs durning the regular park hours the week of Christmas that's why they stop the parties prior. The special parade, special Holiday Wishes Fireworks, snow on Main St, special shows etc. will be available for everyone to enjoy at no extra cost for that whole week.

 

[tare]

Sorry, we arrive just after the last one. We were hoping to do this. I just hope that the MOUCP runs during the regular hours between 21-26 Dec some time.

Yes they usually do start running that parade regularly after the last party date. Have a fun trip. It's so beautiful there during Christmas time.

 

[disneygirl76]

I'm no novice to WDW, although we haven't been there in a while (way too long!).

Who has tips on the do's and don't's of touring at WDW during Christmastime? How to cope with the crowds - things definitely-not-to-miss - etc.

We are usually commando-style, early-morning tour-ers. Sometimes early-morning (rope-drop or EMH), then nap/swim/rest/etc., then late night somewhere else. But this time, we're travelling with a more late-morning into late-evening continuous tour non-park-hopping people. We hope to find a compromise.

Although we want to see what we have missed in the last four years or so, we can always catch up on some of that on another trip, and focus on Christmas-y stuff for this trip.

So, any suggestions on how to have the best time?

advTHANKSance

There is so much to see at WDW for the holidays. I would find time to resort hop. We were there the week before Christmas. We did attend the MVMCP and saw Santa. A great way to kick start the holidays. The resorts were my favorite though. Eating a gingerbread shingle from the GF. We went to see all the chocolate displays at the resorts - the carousal at BC - the animal display at AK - the display at Contemporary. Just to name a few. Also, make sure to tour Epcot and see each countries Christmas representation. The Osborn lights are cool! Also, make sure to grab some of the special holiday treats. Peppermint cupcakes, hot chocolate, gingerbread Mickeys, etc. Catch the parades too - like the jingle jungle parade at AK. And if you have the chance, do the candlelight processional. As for traveling with a later crowd, I would still get up and go. This is your trip too. You pick a time and place to meet each day. And perhaps, go rest at a different resort. Grab a coffee and gingerbread at GF for example. Or tour the resorts first thing in the a.m. when you are waiting for the other members of your party. Good luck and you will have the most magical time! Christmas is extra magical at WDW!

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

You'll want to tour some resorts like the GF, WL, and Beach Club they have the best displays.
Don't miss the Candlelight Processional, I like the first show as it starts out light and then darkens softly through the show.
Some people don't like the MK's Christmas Party but I think everyone needs to go once. Spend some time at the beginning with rides and the castle show and then after the 1st parade find a spot for Wishes and the 2nd parade.
Plan on more than one night for the Osborne lights for a couple reasons...in case it rains they might not run them and it is awesome you'll want to watch it more than once.

 

[HouCuseChickie]

Not sure if you're staying on or offsite, but since MK is so prone to going into phased closings at this time, I'd also advise being there pre-rope drop on any days you want to hit MK.

Love Holiday Wishes and while I agree with seeing it in the park at least once (plus the parade & the castle lighting), I think it's worth catching it from the Poly beach at least once since the perimeter effects are best seen from afar.

Candlelight Processional and the Storytellers in Epcot are a big must. You should also check the various spots in the WS for holiday treats...i.e. special qs desserts/snacks/drinks.

Osborne Lights in DHS also should not be missed. We like to grab some hot cocoa before heading through. It's also neat if you can get there for the lighting (between 6-6:30pm)...they do a little ceremony and it's pretty cool to see the area go from dark to fully lit. Santa Goofy also now sets up in this area.

The hotels are also a "don't miss." GF, WL, AKL, BC, and BW are my personal faves, but you might also try getting over to Ft. Wilderness for a stroll since so many people decorate their campsites like crazy. I believe you can also do sleigh rides over there.

Finally, DTD had some wonderful musicians around their lit tree last year. I believe it was a string quartet playing holiday music- so nice.

 

[hankhill]

Don't forget the Santas at the resorts on Christmas Eve. Candlelight Processional is a must.