Going in December

[ArielLover]

My wife and I are going down the first 2 weeks of December for our 20th wedding anniversary. I was hoping all you vetereans could help out. Even though we have been down many times, this will be the first in December and with no kids. We are from New Hampshire and will be driving down. we are both 40 years old. We are staying at the Wilderness Lodge. Some things I was hoping you veterans couls answer.

1) the weather-how should we pack

2) Resteraunt sugestions? I am truly a meat and potatoes guy.

3)Romantic things to do?

4)Crowd levels, what do attraction wait times look like?

5) We want to meet the characters for ourselves. Is this frowned upon for adults with no children? I have to get a pic with Ariel (LOL).

6) any other ideas are welcome....

 

[Rob562]

1 - Coming from Massachusetts I can speak as a Northerner. Be prepared for any weather, but in New England terms, think our late-October. During the day it can get up to the mid-60's sometimes low 70's, sometimes no warner than 60, but at night it can get down into the 40's, and very occasionally the upper 30's. For people who are used to snow and cold in December, you can often wear shorts during the day (they're the easy ones to spot in the parks), but then you'll want long pants and a sweatshirt in the evening. The past couple years it's actually been a little colder than usual, and I've only worn shorts once or twice the week we were there.

2 - 'Ohana at the Polynesian, definitely. It's a carnivore's dream.

4 - As long as it's early-to-mid December, crowd levels are much lower than much of the rest of the year. The exception is usually the MK on Saturdays, which are quite busy due to the longer hours and it's one of the few times they show Spectromagic and Wishes in early December. If you're going around Christmas, expect the exact opposite, with HUGE crowds and long lines.

5 - Go ahead and get all the pics you want with the characters! Some may think it odd (and there's always those few sour people who are of the mindset of "the characters are for kids only"), but it's great to get pics with the characters even without kids of your own. If you're feeling a bit odd waiting in line for them, perhaps you could look into a character meal where the characters visit ALL the tables.

-Rob

 

[napnet]

Weather will range from hot days to cold nights... being from Florida, 50s is cold... the crowds will probably be the lowest on average per year. We'll be there Dec 2nd - 5th and we always go during this time. Have fun!

 

[eroyee]

:wave: My DH and I are both in our 50's and we ALWAYS go to the Crystal Palace buffet to see my EEyore. No kids. who cares if you look funny? Dec. is cool during the day but really cool at night. we hardly got to wear shorts last year. At MVMCP we wore big coats and gloves!! As far as romantic things for anniversary: carriage ride at POR. very nice. also, first park you go to, go to the info. services desk and get buttons you pin on saying best wishes or congratulations. My DH and I got them for our anniversary and you get lots of attention and some free desserts from nice CM's. also, mention to the resort. we got a room upgrade and some balloons and card signed by Mickey and Minnie. Yaay. 158 days till our next magical vacation!!:sohappy:

 

[swimmom]

Pack for all weather. Last December we had a day that was almost 90, and the year before it barely got up to the 70's and very cool at night. One night I was real happy to have a pair of mittens in my jacket pocket.

'Ohana & LeCellier are great choices for "meat & potatoes". I've never been to Yachtsmen Steakhouse, but that menu looks good too.

There are "sleigh rides" at the WL they take you on a quiet evening ride toward Fort Wilderness. It's so quiet, you forget that you are at WDW. FYI reservations are required. Illumination cruises or Fireworks cruises are great too. Hang out in the World Showcase after Illuminations and let the crowds get ahead of you and then take a quiet walk through the World Showcase & Epcot.

Crowds aren't too bad the first of December. Here's a link to give you an idea. http://www.touringplans.com/tp2/UG2_index.php?PageID=14

Be sure to see the Osborne Lights, Holiday Illuminations, the Candlelight Processional & Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. If you avoid these events on Friday & Saturday's they won't be very crowded. WL has great holiday decorations, but you could also check out some of the other resorts too.

 

[The Mom]

You can also rent bikes or a surrey at WL and ride the trail through the woods. We've seen deer and other wildlife there.

I second the MVMCP! I finally broke down and did a couple of years ago, and wonder why I waited so long! I second the trying for a week night; I went on a thursday and most of the rides were walk-ons. Also, walking down main street in the snow was especially magical. Just don't get there as soon as the party starts, as it takes about 1/2 hour to get to full strength.

Going without children is very different. This is the time to go to PI for the late shows, sample wines around the world at Epcot (Germany, France, and Italy all have sampling bars in their shops...for a fee. But it's still lots cheaper than buying a whole glass in the restaurants, etc)

If you plan on using the pool or hot tub, make sure you have a warm covering for getting out and back to your room. As mentioned, it's almost guaranteed to be somewhat chilly at night. Layering is the way to go. And as you're travelling "light" (without children) running to a locker or back to your room during the day to retrieve a jacket, shorts, etc is not as difficult.

 

[Debbie]

My wife and I are going down the first 2 weeks of December for our 20th wedding anniversary. I was hoping all you vetereans could help out. Even though we have been down many times, this will be the first in December and with no kids. We are from New Hampshire and will be driving down. we are both 40 years old. We are staying at the Wilderness Lodge. Some things I was hoping you veterans couls answer.

1) the weather-how should we pack

2) Resteraunt sugestions? I am truly a meat and potatoes guy.

3)Romantic things to do?

4)Crowd levels, what do attraction wait times look like?

5) We want to meet the characters for ourselves. Is this frowned upon for adults with no children? I have to get a pic with Ariel (LOL).

6) any other ideas are welcome....

1)Shorts or thin long pants for day time/ jeans at night---this is usually the rule of thumb everytime I have gone
2)Definitely LeCellier
3)I think it's romantic to walk around World Showcase at nighttime and then sit,watch and listen to the Lights of Winter (located between Future World and World Showcase)
4)Crowd levels are higher than they once were because folks have caught on to this wonderful time to go. The closer to Christmas you get; the higher the crowds are, but still nothing compared to summer, and school breaks
5)I certainly stood in line to take a picture with Peter Pan and Wendy! I had gone over 25 times and had never seen them; I HAD to take our picture

6)Ideas? make sure to visit the different resorts and see the decorations. Let your wife pick out her Christmas present/I got a beautiful MIckey sterling silver watch with Chrystal Mickeys around the band. The Wilderness Lodge is gorgeous! Make sure you spend some time to enjoy it.
Last December was my first time going without the kids and I just enjoyed the decorations, casually walking around with a cup of Cafe' Mocha, and we really enjoyed LeCellier. Any more questions please be sure to ask

If you don't come home in the Christmas spirit----ain't nothing gonna get y'all in it! Walt Disney World is the perfect place to catch the Holiday spirit!

 

[ClemsonTigger]

First off, congratulations! 20 years is something to be proud of. My DW and I have celebrated a number of anniversaries (without the kids), and some of the nicest ones have been in WDW.

You have already gotten the scoop on weather....I've always found it quite pleasant, occasionally sweatshirts in the evening.

I think you've picked the most wonderful time of the year to visit. The holiday offerings are unbelievable, and going in early Dec. you won't have any trouble with crowds.

Following is a link that lists all the special offerings for the holiday season:

http://www.allearsnet.com/tp/holiday.htm

Two things I would suggest you order prior to your trip. First tickets for MVMCP. I suggest going midweek as weekends can get more crowded, even early in the season. Don't think twice about not having children along...there is probably more for adults to enjoy. Second is a dinner package for the Candlelight processional. The actual show is free, but to be assured seating, I suggest one of the packages. There are links for the details on allearsnet.

You are staying at WL which is a truly festive and romantic site. One thing you can do from there is a "sleigh ride". Also their signature restaurant, Artist Point is a nice quiet place....I suggest the bison steak...:slurp:

Before I forget, with your hotel reservation (and if you've already made it, be sure to mention at checkin that this visit is for your anniversary. Also, whenever you make dining reservations, mention that as well. At the better restaurants, they often provide something special. We've been treated very well with some extra touches at Artist Point and Cinderella's Castle.

Other very good steak houses of note are Le Cellier in Canada (Epcot), even better is Yachtsmans Steakhouse at Yacht & Beach (and an easy walk from Epcot), Brown Derby in MGM, and Concourse Steak in the Contemporary.

Also from allearsnet (a very convenient reference), here is a link to the various restaurants and menu's:

http://www.allearsnet.com/din/dining.htm

While I recognize your self professed food preferences, consider an anniversary dinner at Victoria and Albert's in the Grand Floridian. It is the premier restaurant on the property, a grand way to spend a relaxing 2-2 1/2 hours on dinner, if you enjoy wine, they have great wine pairings, and some very special memento's. You MAY consider the offerings a little exotic for your palate, but they do offer something for everyone...and if you state your preference for beef, beef, beef, I'm sure they can prepare some special offerings not on the menu. Dining here is always the highlight of a celebratory visit.

Other things to consider include visiting the various hotels, particularly Grand Floridian, Yacht and Beach Club, Boardwalk and AKL.

If you want any additional or more specific info, feel free to PM me.

 

[wdwhoneymooner]

1) the weather-how should we pack
It's usually a nice comfortable temperature during the days. We've experienced a high range from 75 - 85 during the days and lows into the 50's. Being originally from Boston, we were comfortable with shorts and t-shirts and a sweatshirt if we stayed out after sunset.

2) Resteraunt sugestions? I am truly a meat and potatoes guy.
The Garden Grill @ EPCOT is one of our favs for casual fare. The marinated steaks, seasoned roast chicken and roast veggies have always been good. Plus you can meet some characters there (Your question #5). Boma is another great choice.

3)Romantic things to do?
Before the wee ones came, we enjoyed simply sitting on the sand at the Yacht/Beach clubs and strolling along the Boardwalk.

4)Crowd levels, what do attraction wait times look like?
The crowds have been relatively low with wait times no longer than 20 mins. The longest ones were at Mission:Space, Soarin' and any of the other "must dos"
5) We want to meet the characters for ourselves. Is this frowned upon for adults with no children? I have to get a pic with Ariel (LOL).
Shouldn't be a prob. I think it's cool for kidless couples to enjoy themselves too. We certainly did.

6) any other ideas are welcome....

Definately get reservations now for any restaurants.

As already stated, Congrats on 20 years together! Man, I hope I make it that far too.

 

[SamatBCV]

1. Dress for fall, but bring a small set of cold weather and hot weather clothes. I've been there in late December and it got to the upper 70s, but as others have said, it does get colder at night. I wore jeans and long sleeve tshirts, but was actually kinda warm during the day. That said, in January, it has gotten quite cold for Florida. (2005 it had a HIGH of 46 during the day - but that was exceptionally bad weather). My point is it can be kinda unpredictable between December and March.

2. Steak and potatoes? There are lots of steak restaurants including Le Cellier in Canada, Yachtsman's Steakhouse in the Yacht Club. If you're looking for a more casual hearty meal, you could try Whispering Canyon in the Wilderness Lodge.

3. Walking around Epcot after it officially closes (right after Illuminations), dinner at Victoria and Albert's (Grand Floridian and very very expensive), when making reservations for meals, let them know (and your waiters/waitresses) you are there for your anniversary - they'll sometimes add something romantic. Check and see if the hotel has any special packages, they will sometimes offer romantic packages for couples.

4. It's one of the best times of the year for low crowds. We usually walk away if a ride is more than 20 minutes for (doesn't happen very often... unless it is a brand new ride or Peter Pan which is ALWAYS at least 20 minutes).

5. I've never felt like the characters mind.

6. As others have said, make reservations for meals ASAP. With the new disney dining plan, the restaurants book MUCH earlier than they used to, even off season. The Christmas party is a good idea, so is the Candlelight Processional. Finally, if you do get into Christmas, try to see some of the decorations at some of the hotels. Standouts IMHO are Grand Floridian (pointsettas, the tree, and the gingerbread house), Yacht and Beach club (chocolate carosel), and the Wilderness Lodge (overall decorations).

 

[slowbee]

1) We went last year for the first time in Dec. and was a little unprepared because it got chilly at night. during the day, it was shorts and t-shirts, but at night, you need ed pants and jackets. Prepare for both.

2) There are a ton of resturants. Each had their own personalities. www.allears.net has a menu page on their web site, so you could see what each menu has. Best way to plan. I do suggest Ohana's though. Great food.

3) Watch the electric parade from the Poly shores.

4) the first two weeks in December, the crowds will be light. 20 minutes for space mountain last year.

5) You're there to have a great time. I always get my pictires taken with the characters. You do what would make you happen and have a blast.

6) Do the Candle light processional, Mickeys christmas party.. and check out the various christmas decorations at the resorts... some of them are AWESOME.

 

[DisneyBride94]

My wife and I are going down the first 2 weeks of December for our 20th wedding anniversary. I was hoping all you vetereans could help out. Even though we have been down many times, this will be the first in December and with no kids. We are from New Hampshire and will be driving down. we are both 40 years old. We are staying at the Wilderness Lodge. Some things I was hoping you veterans couls answer.

1) the weather-how should we pack

2) Resteraunt sugestions? I am truly a meat and potatoes guy.

3)Romantic things to do?

4)Crowd levels, what do attraction wait times look like?

5) We want to meet the characters for ourselves. Is this frowned upon for adults with no children? I have to get a pic with Ariel (LOL).

6) any other ideas are welcome....

First of all...congratulations! Second of all... good luck with the drive! We did it once (before we had kids!) and my butt hurt by the time we finally got there!

I can't answer all of your questions....but I find the best romantic restaurants to be:

Narcooses
Artists Point
California Grill (time it so you can see fireworks)
San Angel Inn (Request a table by El Rio del Tiempo)

As for the characters...you can CERTAINLY get your pictures taken with them, it is entirely NOT frowned upon. FWIW, there is a statue of Ariel near the entrance to Disney's Beach Club Villas... if you need another photo opportuinty... My daughter loves her too... Me? I'm waiting for a Captain Jack Sparrow statue.

 

[MHSJAX]

Consider a MVMCP fireworks cruise, or go all out and book the Grand 1 for a late night private cruise.