[Honor]

Our son, Eric, is a College Program Intern (look for him emptying trash on Main Street USA) so if we want to see him for Christmas, we have to visit the MK. We are arriving on Sunday, Dec 22 and leaving on Friday, Dec 27. We have booked a savannah room at AKL. We already have reservations for the tours (Backstage Magic on Monday, Dec 23 and Keys to the Kingdom on Wednesday, Dec 25). We now need to fill in the rest of the days with shows or dinner reservations. Eric works second shift so we usually try to meet him for lunch before work (we visited over Fourth of July, very hot and crowded; at least Christmas won't be as hot).
Also, does anyone have recommendations and tips for other special holiday events like the Candlelight Processional at Epcot and tips on viewing the special Christmas parade? We are also visiting in October but that will be a very leisurely and laid-back visit. Not bad, three Disney visits in six months.
We expect to see our son working for Disney in a few years. His surprise high school graduation trip two years ago was, you guessed it, a trip to DisneyWorld (at least he didn't have to sweep the streets then). We all love Disney.

[mickey]

Honor, welcome to DisneyCentral! Wow, how lucky for all of you. I love WDW during Christmas time. Everything is set up with Christmas decorations all around. All the resorts and parks are wonderful, especially the Grand Floridian.

As far as the Christmas Candlelight Processional, it is first come first serve, and during the time you are going to be there, I would guess that it will be about an hour wait. One option is that EPCOT offers a Candlelight Dinner or Lunch package. You make a PS and eat at one of the EPCOT restaurants that they want you to eat at (usually a very wide choice) and you get reserved seats at the processional. I'll check on the details for you tomorrow.

As for restaurants, make sure you eat at both Boma and Jiko at Animal Kingdom Lodge, they are both wonderful. Some of my other favorites would be Kona Cafe for breakfast in the Polynesian, Spoodles or Flying Fish on the boardwalk, Le Cellier in Canada in EPCOT. The Plaza Restaurant and the Liberty Tree Tavern in MK are also good choices. Nice for lunch.

The one other suggestion would be go to La Nouba (Cirque du Soleil). It is a wonderful show and a great way to spend the evening. Let me know if there are any other questions that you have.

[trishb]

Christmas is a wonderful time of year to visit, and you are so thoughtful to spend the holidays with your son!
My only recommendation is to spend time in the resorts, all of them! They are all decorated to fit the theme of the hotel. Tops is the Wilderness Lodge, which is just a short boat ride from the MK. The atmosphere is incredible. I highly recommend eating at Artist Point (try the salmon and berry cobbler), and spend the evening ejoying the warm and cozy feeling of the lodge. Be sure to find the hidden fireplaces!:love:

[disneycouple30]

Don't forget to see the lights at MGM. Just wait until fantamic is going on and about 45 minutes after they open it to the public. This will allow you to take your time and not be mobbed.

[Linda]

I have visited the Candlelight Processional several times and prefer doing it with the dinner package. You will have to eat somewhere, so why not get a little extra by having priority seating at the show!

Definitely don't miss the christmas lights at MGM. What a fantasy world. If you can see them in the day and then at night, gives you a real appreciation for all the work done to set them up for all of us to enjoy.

The Beach Club and the Grand Floridian have Christmas scenes made out of ginger bread! A couple of years ago we stayed at the Beach Club and they had a carousel made out of ginger bread and goodies that was just out of this world, not to mention the spice smell in the air.

This will be my first year for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. It sounds like a lot of fun, but you have to buy your entry ticket early. There are special dates that this event happens on. Look it up on the Disneyworld.com site.

Be sure and carry a jacket in case it should turn cold. Shorts are usually OK during the day, but the evening really needs a jacket and/or jeans. Three years ago a cold front came through and dropped down to 32 degrees. It was really chilly, but it made it nice when it came time to sit and wait for Illuminations to start and have a cup of hot steaming Wassel. It just makes the Christmas season that much more special.

The Christmas tree in front of the Animal Kingdom is great. Look for all the different animals on it.

[iamagrump]

I am sooooo jealous ;)
I have always wanted to spend Christams at Disney.....
I am haveing surgry in October and will not be able to this year but I am hopeing for next year..... Maybe with any luck my husband will agree to stay at the Grand Floridian....:angel

Anyways have a great time and I am sure it will be a Christmas to remember

Elizabeth

[jwdj4lfe]

Welcome Honor to DisneyCentral! WDW during Christmas is the best!!!! We went last year dec.14-17 (just a short trip for my grandmas birthday). We stopped by AKL and I was shocked! The AKL is sooooooo beautiful during the holidays. They have a huge christmas tree in the middle of the lobby, i mean HUGE its atleast 3 storys! You will love it. As for tips, All i can say is that it wil be really crowded! During the parades is the best time to hit the rides, that is if you dont mind missing the parades. You cant miss the osbourne families spectacle of lights, thats amazing! I hope you have a great trip!
Joe:)