First time trip questions

[Joshrzmeup]

HI!
So, November 30-Dec 5th is my first trip to WDW and my parents 2nd trip. We booked through AAA and I am excited. We are staying at All-Star Movies and I have our table service meals planned and reserved already (well, all except for 1 day - and we upgraded our dining plan so that we could do table service)

What are some Must-do's around Christmas? We are planning on seeing Illuminations and the MSEP already.

Also, for Breakfast one morning, we are eating at the Grand Floridan Cafe (mostly because I want to see their decorations and the Gingerbread house), so what would be the best and fastest way to get there from our hotel?

Also, when my parents went 5 years ago they seemed to remember that with the dining plan, there were only certain things on the menu that you could order, is that still true?

Where is the best place/time to see the Princesses? Past 2 times i've been to DL, I've waited in line at the Princess fantasy fair to see my favorite character and even had Guest Services call and find out when she would be there so I knew when to be in line, and nada and I want this for my trip!!

Thanks so much!!!

 

[Master Yoda]

HI!
So, November 30-Dec 5th is my first trip to WDW and my parents 2nd trip. We booked through AAA and I am excited. We are staying at All-Star Movies and I have our table service meals planned and reserved already (well, all except for 1 day - and we upgraded our dining plan so that we could do table service)

What are some Must-do's around Christmas? We are planning on seeing Illuminations and the MSEP already. Osbourne lights at Disney Hollywood studios, Candlelight Processional at Epcot, Holidays around the world at Epcot and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (extra fee for this) at Magic Kingdom,

Also, for Breakfast one morning, we are eating at the Grand Floridan Cafe (mostly because I want to see their decorations and the Gingerbread house), so what would be the best and fastest way to get there from our hotel?Bus to Magic Kingdom Resort Monorail or boat to Grand Floridian

Also, when my parents went 5 years ago they seemed to remember that with the dining plan, there were only certain things on the menu that you could order, is that still true? For the most part no. However, the last time your parents used the dining plan it included an appetizer, entrée, dessert, beverage and gratuity. The appetizer and gratuity are no longer included.

Where is the best place/time to see the Princesses? Past 2 times i've been to DL, I've waited in line at the Princess fantasy fair to see my favorite character and even had Guest Services call and find out when she would be there so I knew when to be in line, and nada and I want this for my trip!!This link will telly you where and when you can find the characters as well as schedules for all of the streetmosphere in Walt Disney World. http://pages.prodigy.net/stevesoares/

Thanks so much!!!

...

 

[BeGuy]

We'll be there at that time as well. I definitely recommend seeing the Osbourne Lights at DHS. Another really neat holiday thing to do is spend and afternoon traveling to the different resorts to see their decorations. You can just hop on the resort monorail and hit each of those or you can slip out of Epcot through the International Gateway and check out the decorations at the Epcot resort hotels.

Regardless of what you choose to do, I hope you have a great time.

 

[cowanfamily]

Ditto on the Osbourne Lights!!!!!!!!

 

[Mori Anne]

We'll be there at that time as well. I definitely recommend seeing the Osbourne Lights at DHS. Another really neat holiday thing to do is spend and afternoon traveling to the different resorts to see their decorations. You can just hop on the resort monorail and hit each of those or you can slip out of Epcot through the International Gateway and check out the decorations at the Epcot resort hotels.

Regardless of what you choose to do, I hope you have a great time.

I agree on this 100 percent. The decorations at the resorts are fabulous.

The international gateway is an entrance into Epcot. Not the main entrance. If you walk back to the world showcase it is in between France and the United Kingdom. If you are unsure of where to go, ask a cast member in France or the UK. You can exit this way and walk directly to the Yacht Club, Boardwalk, and Beach Club. Inside these hotels, in the lobby, you will see the holiday decorations. They are amazing. You can walk right back into Epcot (international gateway) using your tickets.

The holiday decorations around all the parks are fantastic. The castle is beautiful as well.

Fantasmic at Disney Studios is amazing and our favorite show to see. You will get to see many of the princess here, although it won't be upclose as it is a show. I highly recommend this show.

If you are there, the Very Merry Christmas party is nice. The fireworks show and special shows are what make it a must see for us.

Have a great time!

 

[BeGuy]

Another really fun holiday thing to do is to check out the special holiday related shows at each country in the world showcase. Each country puts on a show several times a day that explains the holiday customs and how they came about. It takes a lot of time to see each show but in my opinion it's with it. You can also get your picture taken with the storyteller. Even though we've seen all the shows my wife and I plan on watching them all again this year.

 

[DisneyPrincess5]

Yes,make sure you see the Osbourne Lights and the gingerbread house at GF.

Have an amazing first trip! You're going at a wonderful time. Enjoy!!

 

[DisneyGirl11]

I agree with what everyone else said. To find the princesses, either dine with them at Cinderella's Royal Table, this is a really hard restaurant to get in, so you might not be able to, but you can try. Also, at the restaurant in Norway, the princesses are there too. This link is one that I found to locate all of the characters in the world!! http://pscalculator.net/pswebtools.shtml#t006

The file is under character locations. There are some other really cool things there too. I will be there December 4-11th. We usually like to go in December, because of all of the Christmas decorations!!! I am doing Mickey's Christmas party. They give you hot chocolate and cookies and they even make it "snow" on Main Street. You get to see the special Christmas parade and fireworks and then you can get on most of the major rides with little or no wait!! It is a separate ticket. Look it up on the website, but I believe it's around 50 or 60 dollars. Hope you have a great time!!!