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Since we will have APs, I am considering a short trip at the end of Nov/ beginning of December to see Disney World at Christmas. There was a lot of hype at Disneyland leading up to the holiday season, but I was pretty disappointed in what actually appeared.
Is Christmastime at Disney World a lot better? Would I just be disappointed again?
My family has been many times during Christmas/New Years week and we love it! The atmosphere is so cool, decorations, parades, music, special foods and treats. In spite of the crowds; it has been worth it to us!
Too me, it's 'all that AND a bag of Doritos!!' It all depends upon what YOU like. The decorations in themselves -- in the parks and in the resorts -- are worth it for me, but the additional shows -- Candlelight Processional, Holidays Around The World, etc. -- are big bonuses. The additional 'tags' on the fireworks displays and the MVMCP (Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party -- 'hard ticket event') just add the icing to the cake.
Again, it all depends on YOU.
Just did this right after Thanksgiving (11/29 - 12/6/2017) and the crowd levels were low, the weather was perfect and I enjoyed the heck out of myself.
this is the only time we go now. there's so much to see and do, parades, parties and tours that are special this time of year. Plus all the resorts are decorated. Also certain resorts have special things in them for x-mas time like GF has the gingerbread house( full size). its the prettiest time to go!
In Disney Springs they have a Christmas Tree Trail. It displays thematic decorated trees for all kinds of characters. There is snow and it's free! Also in Disney Springs they have a Stitch hunt, kind of like what they do in Epcot during food and wine - but he's hiding in the stores, etc. When you find him you get a little something - this year it was a special coin or something.
Also, don't forget all the special holiday treats and foods unique to the season.
The resorts are completely decorated as well.
Yes, go!
Yea, it is all that. The closer to Christmas you go through NYE you will find yourself packed into a park tho. There are so many things to enjoy and not just in the parks. The resorts have tons of things to look at in total amazement !! Disney World knows how to celebrate Christmas !!
This was my first year experiencing Christmas. We took a short trip before Thanksgiving for DWs birthday and did the MVMCP as well as the holiday events at DHS. That was a fantastic trip!
We then went down again during Christmas/NY week to spend time with my DS and pickup his stuff since he was finishing up his DCP program. We did a resort tour on the 25th, MK on the 26th, and Epcot with a Candlelight Dinner package on the 27th. While the resort was definitely more crowded and much cooler than in November, we had a great time sharing the season together as a family.
IMHO if I go for the holidays again, I would most likely avoid Christmas/NY week and be able to see the decos and programs without the huge crowds that come with that time. Right before or right after Thanksgiving seem to be the best times to go.
Same here. We visit every few years either during Thanksgiving Week or the beginning of Dec.Quote:
Originally Posted by sorcerer fan
:ditto: Ditto to all of the above.
The one drawback to going close to Christmas is the crowd levels.
But other than that, it is totally over the top, cream of the crop!
Our Christmas trip a few years ago was one of our best family vacations to any place ever. We had a blast. Just go expecting big crowds and go with the flow. You'll have a great time.
It is a great time to go! No one does the holidays like Disney❤️
Thanks everyone. Sounds like there is a lot more than just new decorations. Now to decide on which resort to stay at. :)
It’s the best time to go! We started going the first few days of December and it’s now our favorite! Crowds are low, temps are perfect and the decorations around the park as well as the resorts, are all wonderful! We already have our reservations for December 2018!!! Go!!!!!
How does Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party compare to the Halloween party?
About the place to stay ... for me on a moderate budget .... Riverside or FQ ... I've visited every resort so if you're on a deluxe budget, then I suggest the Yacht Club. They are my favorite when it comes to Christmas decorations.Quote:
Originally Posted by Cinderelley
I LOVE the Halloween party, trick or treating in the MK and the parade .... THE BEST EVER !! The Headless Horseman and those guys dragging the shovels make it the best !!
As far as the parties go, I say the Halloween party is the best, but overall, the Christmas season at all the parks and hotels is tops. Does that make sense? For a single event, I don't think you can beat the MNSSHP, although it has gotten more and more pricey over the years. But the special fireworks, parade (gravediggers!) trick or treating, etc. make it the best single event. The Christmas Party is really great, but the Halloween Party is even better.Quote:
Originally Posted by Cinderelley
I also love the whole Haunted Mansion set up - the grave diggers with the shovels dragging on the ground, the ballroom dancers, the three hitchhiking ghosts. This is the only parade I actually ever make plans to watch and that section is the reason why.Quote:
Originally Posted by #1donaldfan
It makes sense. I shouldn't go in expecting the Christmas party to be as good as the Halloween party, but everything else about the season makes it worth going.Quote:
Originally Posted by joonyer
Exactly !! This thread is making me want to be there right now ... but at Christmas time !! There are so many little things that make the season wonderful and being at Disney only intensifies that feeling. I need a Disney fix soon !!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by Cinderelley
Lol. Maybe I shouldn't go during Christmas. I may become addicted too. :PQuote:
Originally Posted by #1donaldfan
For me, yes, but with a big BUT. We've been three times. The first two were Christmas and they were MAGICAL, and the theming, the music, everything just means "Disney" to me. However, the second trip in particular was pretty chilly - I really suffered a couple of times that I didn't prepare and only had a T shirt, and we couldn't swim at all. Third trip we went in September, and while I REALLY missed the Christmas stuff, the WARM weather, the swimming, the not being chilly after dark - was more important to me. That might matter a lot more to me since I come from someplace COLD, so I want a vacation to let me swim and such.
The fall is my favorite time to go.Quote:
Originally Posted by mom2morgan