Help! Change in plans!

[Dwarful]

Ok, my family surprised the heck out of me at Thanksgiving. I was informed that they had all quietly arranged for us to go back to Disney for Christmas. Our gang had a grand gatherings in June, a first time visit for many, but we all got ap's and they fell in love with the magic.

Now, everyone but us will be arriving 12-21. But I, being the tradionalist /stick in the mud, will be going to church Christmas Eve, wake up at home to see what Santa brought and then head down to WDW arriving early on the 26th. DH, 2 DD and I will still be going back in Feb. unless we bump that back to late March or early April.

I have never been during the holidays and am curious about a few things. I know we will be packed in tight w/crowds, staying onsite and will go early daily. How early do we need to go to get seats for little ones for parades, fireworks etc., Are there holiday mugs, cups, etc. sold in the parks, the souvineer cups etc., do they have holiday theming to it. Also any advice from those pros who face this insanity yearly would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks Dwarful

 

[Dwarful]

Update. My husband was able to get a decent price on an airline ticket. So he is flying down 23-26. The girls and I are driving down w/my sister and her family and will be there 22-1st.
I still need some help from anyone who has been to WDW for the Holidays. I am not sure what type of clothing to pack for the kids. Here we have already had two snowfalls and cold temps. Will they need to wear their big winter coats all day at the parks? Should I store them in a locker for night time? gloves/mittens? or will turtlenecks and sweatshirts be alright?

also, if anyone can tell me how early to go get our spots on mainstreet for the parades and fireworks I'd greatly appreciate it. In June we arrived about 1 hour before w/o problems. But I am wondering if the crowds will demand an early time? thanks again for any help you can provide.

 

[crazygirley]

It can be pretty unpredictable. I would plan on wearing sweatshirts at night, and even packing a lightweight jacket and gloves just in case it get's cool. But you never know about the day, you could need a long sleeved shirt, short sleeved, or sleeveless!

 

[jordanyosh]

My advice to you would be to try and do the must see attractions/shows before the 25th. The parks will be very busy, but still manageable with a plan of attack. Starting the 25/26th it will get very, very busy. Typically one of the busiest times of the year. So if you get most of the must sees done before Xmas then you can relax a little more when the crush of people arrive.

Parades will be busy. Bummer to line up a few hours early but it will happen. The week between Xmas and New Years it looks like they will be running 3 Fantasmics...with the last show at 10pm. If your kids can last, go to the last show as finding a seat may be easier.

In another thread, a poster said that during this busy season, EMH is not really a big help. When the parks are crowded, they begin to let guests in early whether they are resort guests or not. It may not be fair to resort guests who pay for that privilege, but it spreads out the crowd a little more throughout the day. Getting there early would definitely still be an advantage, but get there a before EMH time to ensure that you are the first ones in.

If you haven't done so already, make any Priority Seating arrangements ASAP especially since you have a larger group. Trying to get into a restaurant with a large party by walking up will require alot of waiting.

 

[Dwarful]

Thanks for the info. Yeah I spent some time on the phone today arranging some PS for our gang. We are willing to split up for some meals and will probably only eat one big sit down meal a day..what with crowds, etc. plus if we will be waiting 2 hours for a parade, we might as well eat hamburgers and fries curb side
Thanks for the help!