We are considering spending the holidays at Disney World this year. This would be with 2 adults and 4 children. Has anyone every stayed there for a week at Christmas time? Where did you stay? I am particularly interested in staying right at Disney in a hotel on the grounds there. My husband and I would appreciate any input, thanks!
2007-01-17 23:16:25 · 9 answers · asked by PrincessOfFun35 3 in Travel ➔ United States ➔ Orlando
Christmas time is a lot of fun, but it is also very busy. So keep that in mind. You'll want to work with the crowds, not against them when visiting the parks. I'll explain more about this below.
As for places to stay: I've stayed on Disney Property (Coronado Springs), stayed in a timeshare condo off Disney property, and lived in an apartment during Christmas time in Orlando. The Coronado Springs was decorated so beautifully, as are all of the resorts. We like to stay there occassionally because it works with our budget. We have stayed at Delux Disney Resorts, but only a few times because they are so expensive. Any of the Walt Disney World Resorts will be wonderful that time of year. Check out Disney's official website: http://www.disneyworld.com
click on "resorts" and take a virtual tour of all the different resorts to see which theme suits your family. Also request a vacation planning video, which will be shipped to you at no cost.
No matter where you end up staying, be sure to visit these resorts to see some amazing sugar artwork which only goes up at Christmas and takes over 6 months to create!
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa: On the main floor lobby, guests can see a life-size gingerbread house! Cast members inside sell gingerbread cookies and other Christmas treats. There is a plaque which tells you all of the details (how much flour was used, how much frosting, etc...). It's amazing.
Disney's Beach Club Resort: Check out this resort's main lobby to see a one-of-a-kind chocolate, gingerbread, and sugar carousel! This last Christmas, all of the horses were made of milk chocolate. The detailing was so intricate and beautiful!
Here's a great Christmas tip that I'm telling everyone about. Buy tickets in advance for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. This party takes place on certain nights from late November to the end of December. Check the Disney World website for dates. Now, the tip is that you only visit the Magic Kingdom during the party. The party is from 7pm until midnight, but you can enter the park as early as 4pm. The tickets are also only $39.95 per person if you purchase them from Disney in advance. My husband and I were going to buy a full day pass and then also stay for the party, but we wanted to save money. The minute the cast member on the phone told me we could enter at 4pm, we just decided to only go to the party. We saw EVERYTHING! We even went on most attractions twice! The park cleared out of those guests that were not staying for the party. Everyone in the park had to wear wristbands to show they had purchased party tickets. We got free cookies and hot cocoa, saw 2 fireworks shows, an amazing holiday parade, and there were no wait times for the rides! It is by far, the best (and cheapest) way to see the Magic Kingdom!
Now, about working with crowds. On your other park days (DAK, EPCOT and Disney Studios)... take advantage of extra magic hours. Resort guests are allowed to enter a Disney park an hour early or stay an hour ;later. Plan which parks you visit based on this (which can be found on Disney's website). Also, know that when there is a parade, the lines will be shorter. So if you don't care for a parade, head over to your favorite ride for a very short line!
If you would like help planning for your next trip or if you would just like to read up on some fun tips and ideas that are updated monthly, visit my Disney Vacation Services Website, at:
http://im-all-ears-disney-vacation-services.blogspot.com/
Have a great time!
2007-01-18 06:15:15 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you can, I'd recommend going a week or two before Christmas. The week between Christmas and New Year's in the absolute peak of Disney attendance, which will make your visit tiring and stressful (not to mention, you won't get to see much if you aren't intent on sprinting all day). However, if you visit during the beginning of December, you'll find the parks decorated for Christmas AND the lightest crowds of the year! You'll practically be able to walk onto any ride you want without a wait, and you'll be able to take a relaxed and happy tour. Also, since it's a slow time of year, you'll be able to take advantage of room rate deals both on and off Disney property.
2007-01-18 06:37:34 · answer #2 · answered by Danielle 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We went Christmas of 2005. (and again last week!!!) We loved staying there during Christmas. Since you have a large family try a Family Suite at Pop Century, which is a Disney Property. We have stayed at Pop, Caribbean and the Poly (which is the best and if you have a lot of money to rent a suite go for it!)
You have to be very prepared and organized to go at Christmas. All dinner reservations (and lunch for that) have to be made well in advance. Think about bringing a small Christmas tree and stockings--we did and are glad we brought Christmas with us!
2007-01-18 02:23:00 · answer #3 · answered by boohoo 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We stayed at the Wilderness Lodge in early December a few years ago. The Christmas tree was amazing.
There was a special night event in the magic kingdom run a couple of times a week with a Christmas themed parade and fake snowfall on main street - well worth a try.
2007-01-17 23:36:07 · answer #4 · answered by UK_2_USA 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you go around Christmas, be sure to sign up for the Very Merry Christmas Party. This is in the Magic Kingdom. They limit the number of guests this evening so there are not significant lines at the attractions. They advertise the party as being from 7pm to 12pm but in reality, they let you in earlier. Besides being a way to avoid lines, there is the fake snow. It is a good evening and the only way to see Magic Kingdom around Christmas.
2007-01-18 00:24:06 · answer #5 · answered by nancy1720 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes we did it 5years ago.If you want to stay in a Disney hotel right over the Xmas holiday you will need to book it before the end of February,As the hotels are in great demand.We stayed at the Hard Rock at universal studios,We booked the holiday in the January,Almost 11months before our holiday.So Book Early.
Have a great time..
2007-01-17 23:25:06 · answer #6 · answered by Bella 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
we stayed there for 2 weeks christmas 2002 and got married, bit of advice stay off disney, international drive is a safe bet, most hotels offer free transport to the disney transportation centre and christmas on i drive is fun, all your resuarants are there as well as 5 crazy golf courses, wet n wild, 10 min walk to universal studios and a short trolley ride(small bus) to seaworld, loads of shops,chemists,off licences,pubs and a shopping mall at the end of i drive, we have been staying there for the past 7 years and going back this christmas for 3 weeks,also shop around and book hotels and flights seperatly,and shop around for tickets..best place so far we have found is www.orlando-ticket-deals.co.uk
anymore questions feel free to e-mail me direct at nick.pcc@fsmail.net.
2007-01-18 06:59:21 · answer #7 · answered by nickwillybum 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think a really nice thing to do would be to go to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. It's my 18th Birthday whilst I'm at WDW this year, I'm having breakfast at the Crystal palace, and attending MVMCP! Have Fun!
2016-05-24 02:53:26 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know about Christmastime, but I was just there last week. The weather was PERFECT - not too hot, not cold, and the lines were very short. We stayed at the Best Western Lakeside in Kissimmee and rented a car, and that was perfect, as well. Not a luxury hotel, but it was quiet and spotless and we were hardly ever in our room anyway.
2007-01-17 23:26:59 · answer #9 · answered by gelfling 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋