Never been in Dec - Calling for Help.

[kverdon]

Hi all,

Well so much for all good plans of the Mouse and Man Due to the last minute rescheduling of our Laboratory Computer System go-live from this weekend to mid Jan. My wife and I's plans for going to WDW are now changed from the end of Jan to Dec 4th - 13th. YIKES that means we leave in 2weeks :xmas: . We lucked out BIG TIME and got AP rates for Boardwalk for that block of time. :sohappy: :sohappy: :sohappy: Thought we did not have snowballs chance in Orlando but when I called they where available.

Now here's where we need some help. Though we are fairly well seasoned WDW travelers, we've never been in Dec for the holildays. We could use some suggestions. There seems like lots to do, Epcot CandleLight procession, MGM Osborne Familly lights, Resort tours, WOW!. Are there any Holliday Season seasoned travelers out there that can give us some good ideas. What are crowds like in Dec? Things to def see?

Thanks in adavance We've got some planning to do :wave:

Kevin and Mona.

 

[Gucci65]

We go to WDW each December. The parks are beautiful. Try to get tickets for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party - you won't be sorry. Candlelight Processional is also a do not miss & has a standbye line so you do not have to purchase the dinner package.

You won't regret going this time of year. Have fun!!

 

[DisneyPinDad]

Ok, these are only 1 Disney nut's opinions, but here goes. We have been several times the week after T-giving, which is almost the same as when you are going. In early Dec. you won't have the holiday mega-crunch to contend with yet.
Very Merry Christmas - a must. It's a great way to get in the holiday mood. Also, I understand that this is the ONLY way to see the Xmas parade, which is worth the cost in itself.

Candlelight Pro. - a must. And I highly recommend the dinner package. We have done this on a rainy night and the dinner package seats are UNDER the roof. The standby seats, for the most part, are not. Pick a good narrator - think about the voice, not just the personality.

Holiday storytellers in Epcot countries - always a highlight for us. Esp. Father Christmas in GB and Papa Noel in Canada. Really good presentations, engaging and fun!

Resorts - if you don't see any others, at least see WL and GF, they are awesome.

Plus, I hear that the new holiday parade at AK is going to be really special.

We have found the lines to actually be pretty light - seems many folks wait until after the 20th to come to WDW. This and the generally nice weather make for a great time.

Have a great time!!!!!!

DisneyPinDad :xmas:

 

[ClemsonTigger]

For candlelight, consider the dinner packages, even at off times it can get crowded.
Second attending MVMCP
The first weekend you are there they are filming the Christmas parade so it may be a little more crazy in the MK, especially on the weekend.
AK parade (new, so I haven't seen it yet) should be fun for an afternoon (3:45 I believe). You have flexability to enjoy the sights in Epcot and MGM at any time.
Be sure to catch the Country Bear Christmas show.
Also, if you have the time, possibly associated with dinner reservations, visit some of the hotels.
There are a lot of other little things, check out the following for what else might appeal to you:

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

Also, a number of us from here will be getting together that weekend. Check for the discussion on another thread. We'll be getting together Sat. PM at MGM.

 

[Debbie]

After this visit; and seeing how beautiful everything is; you and your honey won't want to go at any other time of year. You are going at the absolute best time; you get the best of both worlds (nice weather, gorgeous deco, light crowds). Make sure to visit the different resorts, Candlelight Processional is nice, Osborne Lights is spectacular, and Magic Kingdom decorated for Christmas, and lit up at night is awesome. I never want to go at any other time if it is up to me.

 

[wannabeBelle]

Oh my!!! Did you ever completely luck out!!!!!!! The Christmas season in Disney is absolutely astounding I found that out due to two of my friends going every December. I joined them in 1999 and havent missed a Christmas season ( usually early December for me) since!! I agree with everyone's suggestions thus far and would encourage you to drag along the video camera!!! The Christmas parade during the Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is amazing and one of my favorite tapes from the World. MVMCP is absolutely a must do. I Am going on December 5th with some of my friends. The Candlelight Processional for me with be on Dec 6th with Jim Cavaziel ( Jesus from Mel Gibson's Passion of Christ) I Am not doing a dinner package this year due to unstable plans, however I have always done this in the past. Again well worth taping. The show starts with a 50 piece orchestra doing songs of the season, they are joined by the Voices of Liberty from the American Adventure, Aftrer that they are joined by a 500 person choir, then the guest speaker for that evening comes on ( the speakers change every few days) The Christmas story is retold with songs to match that particular segment. It is very moving and quite lovely. There is also the lighting of the Christmas trees in EPCOT and the MK every night. As previously mentioned some of the resorts are absolute showplaces in their own right. The people from this board are meeting on Dec 4th to do some rides and attractions together as wa group. We will be meeting at Rock N Roller coaster at 1:30 pm sharp. If you can make it please just show up!!!! That is an open invitiation for all Board members. We are also doing dinner at the 50's Prime Time Cafe later on in the evening at 5:30pm. If you are interested in doing that with us, please let me know as we are doing it as a group reservation. Since group reservations require a deposit on a credit card, we are collecting a check for $10.00 per adult, $5.00 per child, which will be returned to you uncashed when you show up for dinner!! On December 5th I Am meeting up with some people who are fans of the band Off Kitler in EPCOT to hang and watch the boys all day!!! They are an amazing band. if you like bagpipes at all, stop by and see them. Il be there all day Sunday!! Above all just enjoy the flavor of the season allaround all of the parks and get into the holiday spirit!!!! Belle

 

[disneyhope]

December is an excellent time for DisneyWorld!

I was there in December of 2003 and here are my thoughts...

-Bring a poncho. One day it was rainy, but we were in EPCOT and we threw on the ponchos and never had to wait in line.

-See the Candlelight Processional. I saw it when Steven Curtis Chapman was narrating, and it was incredible.

-EPCOT has a lot of my favorite holiday things: Christmas around the world, the Tree-Lighting Ceremony...

-If you have time, hop a monorail to the Grand Floridian and look at the beautifully decorated lobby--they even have a giant gingerbread house with hidden mickeys all over it!

-Downtown Disney is decorated nicely as well, it's a nice place to shop around for a day.

All in all, the crowds were really not bad when I was there. I just don't remember waiting in line that much at all, and I really loved seeing everything decorated for the holidays. I hope you have a super time!

 

[kverdon]

First off thanks to all who replied, your help has been VERY much appreciated. Things are moving along. On the good side we've booked the Candelight Proc. for the 7th with a Dinner Package at San Angel Inn. We have also booked MVMCP on the 9th. On the down side, both the Yuletide Fantasy Tour and dinner at Le Cellier are sold out for all 8 days we are there.

As many times as we've been to WDW we have never eaten at Le Cellier as my wife does not eat red meat. We have some friends who just returned from WDW and raved about Le Cellier and the chicken dish there. Oh, well NEXT time (~Oct 2005) we will be able to book FAR in advance, this time we will just have to settle for Lunch at Le Cellier.

Ok some Questions.

1. For MVMCP, are the attractions running or just the events for the Party? Are any of the restaurants open? About what time do they do the Parade?

2. For the Osborne familly lights, do we just go over to MGM and view them or are they a more formal event?

Belle - We would both love to come and meet the group on the 4th but we are flying in from PDX that day and at this late date the only flight we can get (and afford!) gets us in at 11:30pm :snore:

Ok, back to work :animwink: Part of the fun of going to WDW is the planning.

thanks,

Kevin :xmas:

 

[wannabeBelle]

First off thanks to all who replied, your help has been VERY much appreciated. Things are moving along. On the good side we've booked the Candelight Proc. for the 7th with a Dinner Package at San Angel Inn. We have also booked MVMCP on the 9th. On the down side, both the Yuletide Fantasy Tour and dinner at Le Cellier are sold out for all 8 days we are there.

As many times as we've been to WDW we have never eaten at Le Cellier as my wife does not eat red meat. We have some friends who just returned from WDW and raved about Le Cellier and the chicken dish there. Oh, well NEXT time (~Oct 2005) we will be able to book FAR in advance, this time we will just have to settle for Lunch at Le Cellier.

Ok some Questions.

1. For MVMCP, are the attractions running or just the events for the Party? Are any of the restaurants open? About what time do they do the Parade?

2. For the Osborne familly lights, do we just go over to MGM and view them or are they a more formal event?

Belle - We would both love to come and meet the group on the 4th but we are flying in from PDX that day and at this late date the only flight we can get (and afford!) gets us in at 11:30pm :snore:

Ok, back to work :animwink: Part of the fun of going to WDW is the planning.

thanks,

Kevin :xmas:

1) Almost all of the attractions are indeed open. What I would do is as soon as you hit the magic Kingdom Park on whatever day prior to the parade go to Guest Relations in City Hall. Ask them for a map of the Christmas Party, Look at what is open on the night of the party, compare it to the regular days attractions and hit the stuff you want to do that wont be open during the party. Also just as an FYI, during the party there are shows ( Twas the night before Christmas in Tomorrowland), Parades ( Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party), Fireworks ( Perimeter type which isnt done except for special events)that are just NOT available during the regular park hours. Make sure to schedule in plenty of time to do all of the stuff you cant do normally!!! That is the fun part!!! Also look for the snow on Main Street!!!
2) Yes just go and view the Osbourne lights, they are an after dark item obviously, but there is not anything special you need to do to view them.
3) Have you thought about doing a lunch at LeCellier?? it is probably the best restaurant in World Showcase. Not in conjunction with the Candlelight Processional of course but just on another day? Also as a side note I will be in World Showcase on December 5th ( Sunday) hanging with my friends in the Off Kilter Fan club so if you want, stop by look for all the girls in the Off Kilter shirts, hats etc and just ask for Belle. I will be there at least for the first two shows of the day!!!
Above all have a wonderful time!! Belle

 

[ilovdisney]

Wow congrats on getting an AP rate this close to date.Just an FYI...The superbowl of Pop Warner football + cheerleaders will be at Wide World of Sports and hotels( my guess is AS) starting on the 5th leaving on the 11th.I think you may also run into the beginnig of Mega Mousefest.Have a great time and don't forget those PSs.

 

[crazydaveh]

December is a great time to go! At least the first part of December! The crowds should be light and last year during the same time, it seemed as if we had the parks to ourself!

It's great because all the holiday decorations are up and everyone is already in the holiday spirit!

I'm jealous of your trip because the entire family is going down for Christmas... can we say holy wait for everything! But at least it will be fun!

Have fun!

 

[kverdon]

Thanks again all for the info,

Belle,

Another question on MVMCP, from what I've heard if you are in the park by 4pm you can stay if you get the MVMCP armband, this true?. We are trying to pick a place to eat dinner that evening, Cindy's and Liberty Tree are booked up, any good alternates? Pieces are falling into place little by little. can't belive that in two weeks we'll be there!

We'll try to stop by Canada on Sunday and thank you in person. I'm first generation Irish so the pipes be in my blood.

Kevin :xmas:

 

[wannabeBelle]

Thanks again all for the info,

Belle,

Another question on MVMCP, from what I've heard if you are in the park by 4pm you can stay if you get the MVMCP armband, this true?. We are trying to pick a place to eat dinner that evening, Cindy's and Liberty Tree are booked up, any good alternates? Pieces are falling into place little by little. can't belive that in two weeks we'll be there!

We'll try to stop by Canada on Sunday and thank you in person. I'm first generation Irish so the pipes be in my blood.

Kevin :xmas:

Hey there, You absolutely can stay in the park with the wristbands. I have always gotten my wristband from the nice CMs standing in the hub wearing usually a Christmas hat etc. They will have the wristbands and park maps for the party events for you. As far as a good alternative, I love O'Hanas for dinner it is a pretty short monorail ride away at the Polynesian. It is an all you can eat type of thing, served to your table. The menu includes Sirloin Steak, Tiger Shrimp, Pork Loin and Turkey Breast served with polynesian inspired sides and for dessert fresh pineapple served with a warm carmel dipping sauce. All of these dishes are offered to you and you may have as much as you want of any or all of them!! Another great option was the Crystal Palace if you dont want to leavce the park. I ate there onb my last trip and found all of the food very good. it is a traditional buffett though, some people dont care for that type of thing. The food was wnderful and the dessert bar was pretty awesome!!!! All soft drinks, hot tea, coffee etc are included with the price at both locations. If you need more info on the menus let me know. I will be by the Off Kilter Stage for the first 4 shows on Dec 5th, the 1pm, 2:30pm, 3:30pm, and 4:30 pm. After that I have dinner plans at Chef Mickey's in the Contemporary ( which I hear good things about but I have never eaten there personally!!!) And then off to my MVMCP!!! Hope to see you there!!! Belle

 

[wannabeBelle]

BTW did you get your tix for the MVMCP yet?? Some of the dates are selling out and if you wait until you arrive you may not get the night you want!!! Belle

 

[kverdon]

Belle,

Yep, we got our tickets for MVMCP for Thurs Dec. 9th. We nailed that and the Candelight proc first off and then have been planning around that. Thanks for the nod to O'Hana's. Priority Seating for places in the park are booked so O'Hana's looks like a great alternative. Thurs is early opening for MK so we plan on hitting the park early, having lunch at Liberty Tree and then hopping back to Boardwalk for a nap. :snore: A short nap later and we head back to the park and then we'll take a break and head over to O'Hana's for a 6:20 dinner. After dinner its back to MK for the Party.
Thanks for all your advice, we are getting psyched to go.

Kevin :xmas:

 

[wannabeBelle]

Awesome!!! Here is a link to the menu as listed on Deb Will's Site www.allearsnet.com:
http://www.allearsnet.com/menu/menu_oh.htm
Hope you have a great time!!! Belle

 

[MouseRight]

Don't forget the weather. It can get pretty cold some nights in December. Almost every year we go in December we have faced pretty cold weather on some night. I'm talking in the 30's and 40's. So like a Boy Scout, be prepared. Bring a winter jacket or at least a very heavy sweater - maybe even gloves. Check the weather before you leave the hotel. If its gonna be cold, carry them in a back pack (I never go to WDW without my Mickey Mouse back pack - You can see it in my avatar.)

Depending on your party size and ages, you may want to get the MVMCP photo done right up front. Our family usually splits up and we can't get them all back in one place at the same time to take the picture. Also, they usuually run the parade twice. Skip the first one, go on rides since they are empty and then catch the late parade. Don't miss the "Night Before Xmas" show. It's a retelling of the poem with Mickey and gang acting out the parts. Fun and helps get you in the Xmas spirit.

We are going to the MVMCP on Dec 10 and will be in WDW through Sunday the 12th. Can't wait.