Help Planning a Christmas Trip (Pros-Cons)

[dixiepixie]

I would love some help weighing the Pro's and Con's of visiting WDW over Christmas.

My family and my best friends family are toying with idea of moving our trip next year from our usual Thanksgiving Week visit to a Christmas Week visit. We have only ever visited during Thanksgiving, but being there at Christmas has always been a dream of ours since our kids were little, but we didn't want to take them away from Santa and Christmas at home then. With ours kids spread out over Middle, High School, and College now we think the time is right.

As soon as the idea started to seem that it might become a reality I knew the first place I wanted to go before making the final decision was here for some feed back.

The dates we are looking at right now would be Sunday December 20 to Sat December 26, 2009. With a 4 day Hopper Pass, our family staying at All-Star Music this time and their family at Port Orleans Riverside in Alligator Bayou.

This would be my families 7th trip (my 9th) and their families 4th trip. So we have done most everything, at least we have done everything we have ever wanted or planned (with the exception of Candlelight Processional - which is a def do next year). So opting for only the 4 days should not be a prob, we want to have the 2 days w/out tickets to take advantage of some down time for out families and to keep the option of not being in the parks on Christmas Day open.

So let it begin...Thank you in advance for any and all help, suggestions, comments or concerns. All will be taken into consideration and are greatly appreciated!

-DP

 

[smk]

We did the same thing when our kids got to High School, we loved going our first time at Christmas. We went the last time a few years ago when all the kids were in college and that trip went well too. I just remember the first one so foundly because it was our first time there over the Holidays and it was so much fun! The second trip we had "extras" in tow, and we grouped accordingly, boys in one room and girls in the other which meant that my DH and I stayed apart, he stayed with our daughters boyfriends and our son and I stayed with our girls. I was lonely! We had two people with us who had never been to Disney before and they had a blast, in fact they still talk about it. It was fun to show them what we do as a family there, making sure they "fit" in with our girls. If you want to be a part of our family you must love WDW!

It was very crowded, more so the second trip (2005) than the first in 1999. We did get 5 day park hoppers and planned several meals all together and checked in with each other at least once during the day to chat. DH and I spent our days roaming the parks and taking in all the decor, the kids spent the days riding rides and hopping from one park to the next. They accomplished much more than we did but we hit the parks early and they usually did not :snore:, they took advantage of the LATE hours and got home much later than we did. The parks are open insanely late during that time, like 3 am. WE could never stay up past the fireworks, which are amazing! We spent Christmas night (alltogether, my ONLY requirement the entire trip) at HS, were it was snowing and we watched the Osbourne light show. It was perfect. Not too crowded, a surprise to me. Christmas morning at MK was a walk on ride morning, no one was there early in the day.

We have some really fun pictures of us all on rides, in fact we got them out last weekend and took a stroll down memeory lane with our oldest daughter who has moved away from home to Chicago , we hardly ever see her but she was home for the weekend ( we hardly saw her this time either, she had too many friends to see!).

To make a long story short, GO! Don't fret the crowds, make a simple plan and be prepared to fly by the seat of your pants should the crowds get in your way. It is a wonderful way to spend time with your kids before they get too far away (trust me).

 

[dixiepixie]

OMG - You have just sealed it for me! Thanks for the encouragement...the crowd situation is what I am most worried about, but I am sure with a positive attitude we can handle it, and just the very fact of being "there" for Christmas, with my kids before they are gone will be the best and make it all worth it. I'm like you...any "new" people in our group (boyfriends, girlsfriends, fiances...) will HAVE to LOVE WDW and all things Disney! I don't want to wish these times away, and I don't want it anytime soon... but the day when we can take our grandchildren to WDW will be very special.

Thank you again for the encouragement!

*** Even though I am sure we will goahead with the plan .... I would still love comments and feedback... Thanks - DP

 

[dixiepixie]

Regarding the Dining Package for the Candlelight Prossional...is it worth it? we will def. be doing this on our trip next year, it is the only thing that we have always wanted to do but never have. Each time we have went we always plan for it, but it is always on our last day (only) since we are there over Thanksgiving Week, and we always seem to be having so much fun, that we don't want to give up a day (our last day at that) in the parks.

Also, I have been told that you need to be there at least 2-3 hours before the show time you want to attend to get a seat.
Is this correct? ... I'm sure this is for those without the Dining Package, since there is reserved seating with it.
How does that work? ... Is the reserved seating for the Dining Package participants good (or worth it, compared to just coming in)? ... How early do you need to be there for the show if you have the dining package?

We would prob. do the last show and the later dining time, and prob. with the Tier 1 restaurant (The Garden Grill), we have eaten there before and loved it. Ofcourse if I can get reservations w/ the package at La Cellier we might go ahead and do it, even though it is a bit more costly, I would love to eat there.

Any comments welcome...Thanks! - DP

*** How crowded is the last show on Christmas Day? Anyone know from past experience? I would love to go then, but don't want to be overloaded fighting crowds on Christmas Day and loosing my Christmas Spirit.
How crowded is Epcot on Christmas Day in general, in the afternoon and evening?

 

[smk]

OMG - You have just sealed it for me! Thanks for the encouragement...the crowd situation is what I am most worried about, but I am sure with a positive attitude we can handle it, and just the very fact of being "there" for Christmas, with my kids before they are gone will be the best and make it all worth it. I'm like you...any "new" people in our group (boyfriends, girlsfriends, fiances...) will HAVE to LOVE WDW and all things Disney! I don't want to wish these times away, and I don't want it anytime soon... but the day when we can take our grandchildren to WDW will be very special.

Thank you again for the encouragement!

*** Even though I am sure we will goahead with the plan .... I would still love comments and feedback... Thanks - DP

I will be the first in line to take any grandkids....even when we ourselves waited to take our kids till they were older (all in grade school). I will take my grandkids as soon as their parents will let me! I may take the grandkid's parents too but I don't know for sure! I am so glad you decided to go at Christmas and I hope you have a great time.

We don't do the DP and only watched one Processional, I really enjoyed it. We really do fly by the seat of our pants on our trips, we don't overplan and go with the flow. On vacation I don't like to stress over who wants to go anywhere, we always make sure to ask if anyone has a special thing they want to do and then we set out on that as a plan each day. Works for us.

 

[CAPTAIN HOOK]

We have never been to Disney at Christmas. Having seen photos and videos of the parades, the lights and the trees etc we decided we just had to go.

My wife is a teacher and both girls are still in full time education so we were limited to when we could travel.

With an airline price cut by Virgin on Christmas Day we decided in April 07 to book for Christmas 08 - a 9 nights trip splitting our stay between AKL and GF, arriving in Orlando on December 25th.

We've been to Disney before several times and have done the rides, the shows etc. This trip is all about experiencing Christmas at Disney. We know that we're travelling at the busiest time of the year - we're prepared for that and won't let the large crowds spoil our enjoyment.

The ADRs for our entire trip were all booked on the 180 day mark, the CandleLight Processional Dinner Package was booked on the day they went on sale - we're just monitoring the prices of the UK Disney park tickets before we buy, and thats it - apart from packing we're ready to go.

This will be our shortest WDW trip - but I have a funny feeling that I'm going to be taking more photos and shooting more video than any other trip

:xmas:

 

[MinnieLee]

We have been to WDW for two Christmas holidays. It is absolutely beautiful at that time of year. Make sure you go resort hopping and see the chocolate/gingerbread displays at the resorts. The full size gingerbread house at the Floridian is great. Beach club had a large carousel. It's a great way to get away from crowds at the parks for a bit. ADR for the Candelight Processional is definitely recommended. The line starts a couple of hours before the ropes are dropped and ADRs are seated first. Really gets you in the spirit of Christmas. The MVMCP was so much fun.

The crowds are heavy so be prepared!!!! Take advantage of Magic Hours and FP. You can decorate your room(s). You can even order a tree through Disney, bring it with you or send one down ahead of you if you are flying.

WDW really becomes a "magical" place during the holidays. ENJOY!!!!!!:wave:

 

[dixiepixie]

Thank you for all of the sugesstions and feedback!:sohappy:

Since we have always been at WDW over Thanksgiving week in the past we have been able/lucky to see the decorations at the resorts, parks and DD. We have hopped around to several resorts over the years to check them out also. The only thing I have not been able to do that I want to is purchase a gingerbread house from the gingerbread house at GF. The large house is always up but they never begin to sale the gingerbread houses until after we have left. So that is on my list to do also.

We will be doing the CP and with the ADP. But now I believe I would rather do it earlier in our stay than to wait and do it on Christmas Day, which will be our last day. Even though it would be so special to do ON Christmas Day, I think it will help us get into the Christmas spirit.
Also plan to see the Christmas show with Mickey and the Gang at the Tomarrowland Theater in MK (Night before Christmas?). We saw it on our first family trip in 1995 but haven't been able to catch it again since. Do they even still do it?

Thanks again...and Have a GREAT trip this Christmas Captain Hook! Be sure to post a report so I can get some ideas.
-DP

 

[dixiepixie]

We have been to WDW for two Christmas holidays. It is absolutely beautiful at that time of year. Make sure you go resort hopping and see the chocolate/gingerbread displays at the resorts. The full size gingerbread house at the Floridian is great. Beach club had a large carousel. It's a great way to get away from crowds at the parks for a bit. ADR for the Candelight Processional is definitely recommended. The line starts a couple of hours before the ropes are dropped and ADRs are seated first. Really gets you in the spirit of Christmas. The MVMCP was so much fun.

The crowds are heavy so be prepared!!!! Take advantage of Magic Hours and FP. You can decorate your room(s). You can even order a tree through Disney, bring it with you or send one down ahead of you if you are flying.

WDW really becomes a "magical" place during the holidays. ENJOY!!!!!!:wave:

Question about CP ... with the ADP did you go straight from your restaurant to line up for the CP? Or can you eat, then have some time to stroll around before getting in line?

Also... what were the general wait times for rides at the parks during your trips over Christmas week?
We have noticed a gradual increase in crowds during Thanksgiving week during our last 3 trips, with this past years trip ('07) being the biggest by far. The major crowds were during PM/EMH's (basically unbearable) but AM/EMH's were great. Still our wait times during regular park hours were usually between nothing (15-20min) and bearable (45 - 55 min), which we can deal with and mostly the times are always the shorter, except for "big" rides like Soarin', Mission:Space, and RnR was a very long wait this past year, but it was also down alot.

And ... how are the buses during Christmas? Ever had much issue with slow transportation or VERY long lines over Christmas?
Asking because this was an issue this past Thanksgiving week trip. Ours was long enough, we were staying at All-Star Sports, so if that bus line was too long or slow we would just go get on another All-Star resort bus and then walk over to our hotel. But my BF's family was staying at Port Orleans - Riverside and the bus situation there was mass confussion and very long, with people being rude ontop of it during the wait for a bus and loading.

We will be taking a Christmas Tree! We always decorate our window even at Thanksgiving (mostly with Disney stuff) and we did take a tree to decorate during our 2005 trip.

Thanks again....SOOOOOOOOO Much! Keep the suggestions coming..they are a great help! -DP

 

[WTBAD]

We've gone a couple of times for Christmas fut always left on the 23rd to be home from Christmas day. The only recommendation I would offer is to go the the CP when Edward James Olmos is the narrator & don't wait for Marlee Matlin. Olmos is a real good narrator. Matlin does sign & they have someone else do the actual reading. Also, schedule out the Santas you want to see. You may have to go from one side of WS to the other to see as many as you can. China's Monkey King is pretty interesting. Canada, France and the UK are also good.

 

[RiversideBunny]

If you go the week before Christmas Day and then leave when Christmas Day comes (or the day after), you will miss the heaviest crowds, which are Dec. 25 - Jan. 1.

Check the weather forecast on this web site or elsewhere so you will know how to pack.

Have fun.
:xmas:

 

[dixiepixie]

If you go the week before Christmas Day and then leave when Christmas Day comes (or the day after), you will miss the heaviest crowds, which are Dec. 25 - Jan. 1.

Check the weather forecast on this web site or elsewhere so you will know how to pack.

Have fun.
:xmas:

I was hoping that was the case. Thanks-

Anyone know what the weather is generally like during this time.

When we go in November it is always sunny and hot during the day, shorts and t-shirts. At night it gets a little cooler, but not much. We have only had rain 1 time during our 2005 trip. Is December about the same?

Thank you all...DP

 

[WDWRLD]

100% chance of snow........in central florida no less.

 

[TTFN-Tiggger]

I did the CP dining package last year. We did a late lunch with seats for the first show. We had plenty of time to walk and look at things on our way to the theater for the CP. We arrived about 20 minutes before show time and walked right into the theater. they fill the front of the theater first so you do have nice seats. We were also just under the awning which was nice when the quick rain shower came by. Have a good time!

 

[dave1105]

Question about CP ... with the ADP did you go straight from your restaurant to line up for the CP? Or can you eat, then have some time to stroll around before getting in line?-DP

Last year we went to the last show of the nite. We left Le Cellier after dinner to see how the line was and people were already lined up. The line seemed long but when they actually started letting people in we wound in like the 3rd row center. I would say we were there about an hour before the show. Great Show! Worth the wait! Got out just in time to get a spot for Illuminations.

I also second Edward James Olmos! He was wonderful, did it all in english and then repeated some passages in spanish, which was cool.

 

[ClemsonTigger]

First off Christmastime is my favorite time to visit WDW. I am guessing that being there over Thanksgiving, you've seen Osborne lights, MVMCP, Storytellers, Holiday Wishes and the like...and only Candlelight was missed...

I am a bit chicken and do my visit in early December, but have done WDW over Easter for a few years, so taking the crowd situation as similar, I would say it is definitely doable. As others have said, the parks are open very late and many seem to take advantage of that, so if you turn in a little early and are at the parks at opening, then you will have a good two hours of relative calm that you can walk on rides then get FP's for early afternoon. Leave the parks mid afternoon when they get crowded for a break or just enjoy strolling around with the bustle.

Yes I strongly encourage you to do the package for Candlelight. Plan on making your reservations soon after they become available next July. With the package, you should queue up about a half hour before the show...those that want front and center seats will be there an hour before (with package). Unless you are willing to wait 2 or more hours, you will not get to sit for any of these shows with stand-by. Do either of the two later shows as there is usually still light for the first.

If you haven't done MVMCP, the last one I think is the 19th.

On your days off, or afternoons off, consider visiting some of the hotels... WL, Beach Club, Grand Floridian, AKL and Boardwalk have exceptional displays.

 

[CAPTAIN HOOK]

Thanks again...and Have a GREAT trip this Christmas Captain Hook! Be sure to post a report so I can get some ideas.
-DP

Thanks dixiepixie - but we only arrive the day before you leave

Enjoy your trip - see you in the parks :lol:

 

[dixiepixie]

Thanks dixiepixie - but we only arrive the day before you leave

Enjoy your trip - see you in the parks :lol:

Our trip won't be until Christmas 2009, I believe you are going this Christmas (maybe I read wrong)....so if you have any planning, touring tips, info about how the crowds or the weather was that you could pass on it may help a little for my trip next year.

Again, Have a Great Time! And Merry Christmas early!

 

[dixiepixie]

Originally Posted by ClemsonTigger:
I am guessing that being there over Thanksgiving, you've seen Osborne lights, MVMCP, Storytellers, Holiday Wishes and the like...and only Candlelight was missed...

We have seen Osborne Lights, have not been to a MVMCP and since the last one is the 19th I guess we'll miss that next year too (it always starts the day after we leave from our Thanksgiving trip) - but since we'll have the later park times due to no parties that will kinda make up for it.

I don't think we have seen Holiday Wishes. We love Wishes and always see it at least 1 time during our trip, usually more. But it is always the same and it doesn't have any type of "Holiday" theme. I had always assumed that the Holiday Wishes was only done during the MVMCP. Do they do it on regular nights during the week of Christmas? If so we will def. catch it.

Is there a Holliday theme at Fantasmic! or Illuminations ?

As for the storytellers...which are the very best? We prob won't hit them all, but I would like to see a few.

We are def. going to DD to see Santa. Even though our kids are all in middle, high school, and college my BF and I both have a standing rule that they have to sit on Santa's lap if they want anything for Christmas. The bad thing is that "Santa" (the "real" Santa that they have been seeing since they were all very little) has gone back to the North Pole (his mall was closed) so last year we had to go to the new mall, and see a Santa's "helper" ... it was not the same.

I'm sure Disney has a great Santa, so we are super excited about that.
Where in DD is Santa located?

And ofcourse we are doing CP for sure next year.

Thanks for your help - DP

 

[wdwmomof3]

Our trip won't be until Christmas 2009, I believe you are going this Christmas (maybe I read wrong)....so if you have any planning, touring tips, info about how the crowds or the weather was that you could pass on it may help a little for my trip next year.

Again, Have a Great Time! And Merry Christmas early!

I am thinking seriously about moving our trips around. I have one planned for Oct 09 but I really want to go before then so I may change it to May 09, and go back to Disney for Christmas 09. I have always wanted to see the parks and resorts during the Holidays. My DH would love it, except for the crowds. This is why I am not sure what to do. I am very interested in this thread to see what everyone says about it. :xmas: