December it is!

Erin · 03-26-2003

My DH and I talked and we decided we would get the most for our money by going in Dec. because of the low crowds (that means less line time) and because of the Christmas decorations.

I overheard a CM tell somebody that the deadest times were in May and September. I thought it was in October, early Nov, early Dec, and Jan/early Feb....

We are now trying to decide the best place to have a Character Breakfast/Lunch. We've never done it before, and the castle with Cinderella sounds the best, but our 8 year old son may not agree :c)

We don't want to park hop. We only want to do MK for two days, and maybe AK for one. We will still be on limited time...my hubbie can only be off for a few days at a time. He uses vacation time to be off with us over Christmas Break, and we want to be in the park when it is slow, not busy!

Any suggestions as to make the most of another trip!:nervous

We would be staying for 3 nights 4 days

**mickey** · 03-26-2003

We have three boys, all between 7 and 14, and they really enjoyed it last time we were there. I think Chef Mickey's might be a better choice for you though. While it isn't in the parks, it is a short monorail ride over to the Contemporary.

As far as park passes, you have a couple of choices. You could go for a four day park hopper, which is $192 for adults. Unused days do not expire, so if you end up with a day left, you could do another one day trip with your left over tickets. Another choice is to go to a guest services and buy a 3 day 3 park tickets. That will allow you into three parks on three days, but you can't park hop. You basically pay the face price of a daily park ticket, but you will get a small discount for buying them at one time, and you only have to stand in line once to buy tickets. I would guess that the cost will be about $145 per adult.

We were there last December, and it was not crowded at all. The decorations are beautiful at all the resorts and parks. If you get a change, try to attend Mickey's Very Merry Christmas. The extra money is worth it.

SillyMe · 03-26-2003

Hello Erin,
Last December it was my mothers 85th birthday. We wanted to do something special for her birthday. We decied to have breakfast at Chef Mickeys in the Contemporary resort. This is served Buffet style. We had a blast, especially my mother. I'll never forget her leaning over to me, her eyes filled with tears, telling me what a wonderful birthday this was. The food was very good and a nice selection. Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, Chip and Dale came up to our table one by one. I suggest you buy an autograph book, (on sale right in the lobby of the hotel) your son will get a kick out of collecting the characters autographs.
Since my husband is retired Navy we stayed at the Shades of Green. We did "Mickeys Very Merry Christmas" and the Osbornes Family Lights at MGM. I did not like MVMCP. Alot of the rides were shut down. It was very dark in the MK. I expected more "Christmas Magic". I expected more lights. I was disappointed. The Osborne Family LIghts at MGM was very, very crowded. So all in all I would not recomend these 2 activties. I dont want to seem like a downer, that was just my experience. My son Joe would disagree with me. Hope this helps. maria

sandanv1 · 03-26-2003

I am a repeat visitor at Mickeys Christmas Party and would'nt dream of missing it. We have made the December trip for 8 years.
We normally stay at Fort Wilderness, and the entire family (mom, dad, 4 siblings, and our families) goes, even my grown boys. This year will be different, 2 nephews are overseas in the Military, so they will be absent and missed:cry: My youngest will be in college, and the oldest is moving to Missouri, which will make picking a weekend hard. But we are collecting schedules and waiting for dates to be announced. Sorry got off track

I think the magic of mainstreet decorated is awesome. It gets me in heart every time. I do agree that the other areas are not as flashy, but it still is magical. The lines are short, the mood is festive, the parade is great (love the float that smells like cookies) and if you are lucky, our Florida weather will cool down and you can enjoy the Hot cocoa.

Crowded is an understatement for the Osborne lights. It reminded me of moving cattle. we just moved with the flow. there was no time to look around. But you have to do it once.

Christmas at WDW is wonderful. :)

**BDavis932** · 03-27-2003

We went the first 2 weeks in December in 2000 and it was great. Minimal lines and BEAUTIFUL decorations. It was a wonderful trip. We did not do MVMCP mainly because we were on a budget. We did get to see the Christmas parade and it was great!

When we went to the Osborne Family lights, it was not crowded at all. Leisurely walked through the whole place. Took time to take lots of pictures and great the snowmen and toy soldiers, etc. Not a big crowd. We went about 7 o'clock at night (right after dinner)

Hope this helps!!:D

Erin · 03-27-2003

We are definitely going to do the MK for two days, and MVMCP.
We also have a 6 year old girl, so I think I'll have to do two characer breakfasts. One at Chef Mickeys and one at the castle.
:D

Now tell me how to get the countdown!!!!!!!

wesleyba · 03-27-2003

My hubby and I have gone to DW the past 2 years (around the first week of December-this will be our 3rd!) and I must say, I don't think I would enjoy it as much at any other time of year. What a way to kick off the season!! By the time time we got home from our trip, we were truly in the holiday spirit. It's an incredibly magical time to be at the Parks - everything is decorated with lights, wreaths, a lot of the characters adorn holiday outfits and Christmas music is constantly played throughout all the parks. If you get the chance, I wouldn't miss stopping at the Grand Floridian to check out their tree - it's glorious! The Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights are also a must see.
We also really enjoyed MVMCP. The cookies, hot cocoa, snow on Main Street, and the holiday shows (I thought) were the absolute best!! Plus, you get a FREE family photo taken - can't beat that!! We're going again this year and wouldn't miss it for the world!
KEEP IN MIND - the first two weeks in December is still considered "value" season, so you can enjoy all the holiday trimmings they have to offer without the added hassles of considerably larger crowds and more $$$.

If this is your favorite time of year - there's no better place to be. Hope you and your family have a fabulous time!!

trishb · 03-27-2003

Quote:

Originally posted by Erin
My DH and I talked and we decided we would get the most for our money by going in Dec. because of the low crowds (that means less line time) and because of the Christmas decorations.

You will SO love WDW in December. I have gone many times in the beginning of the month...and there are no crowds and no lines.

The decorations are absolutely beautiful! You must see Epcot at night. And, you must see the resorts. The Wilderness Lodge will leave you in awe, as will the Grand Floridian.

Oh! I almost forgot...snow on Main Street USA during Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is breathtaking!

*sigh* I would love to go in December...I'll start working on Dh tonight:love:

**DisneyTeacher** · 03-27-2003

You are so lucky, it has always been a dream of mine to go the WDW at Christmas time. I know I will get there at Christams time, just not any time soon. I think the decorations look so beautiful, what a way to celebrate the holidays--family and Disney.

Connears · 03-29-2003

I have one DS(now 12) and Donald's Breakfastaurus in AK is a great character breakfast. And you get to see all the big guys:Mickey, Goofy, Pluto and The Donald! Food is very good and characters are very interactive as are the waiters(they do play pranks at times). When we were they in December the characters all had some holiday attire. I would also suggets 1900PF for great food and attentive staff and characters. We were there on New Year's Day and it was Pooh, Tigger, Madd Hatter and Belle(but I thin it usually is Alice). Mary Poppins was in waiting area and DS did not want to see her, but when Belle came to the table, she asked him to take a picture with him and he said YES! We asked her where Gaston was and she said"Not here, that's why I'm having a wonderful New Year"s"! Cute.
Connears

Erin · 03-29-2003

I think that Donald's Breafast thingie would be great, but we probably won't be going to the AK. I'm not really sure, yet...Does the pirate from Peter Pan go to any of them?

trishb · 03-29-2003

I have seen Captain Hook and Mr. Smee by Pirates of the Carribean in the Mk, signing autographs and taking pics.

Erin · 03-29-2003

I saw Captain Hook and Shmeed (sp?) by Pirates of the Carribean just this last visit! Does Captain Hook attend any breakfasts, lunches, or dinners?

If not, don't you think they should have one with Tinkerbell, Peter Pan, Capt'n Hook, and the rest???

This would be the one my family would HAVE to go to!

MickeyMac · 03-29-2003

Once an hour, at Cinderella's Royal Table, Peter Pan and Captain Hook have a sword fight right outside the windows of the castle. Peter always seems to win. There's no guarantee that he's going to be there though, since Captain Hook seems to be scared of rain, high winds, and flying crocodiles. :D

Yes, I do think they would do well by a Neverland character meal.

mickaholic4077 · 03-30-2003

Quote:

Originally posted by trishb
You will SO love WDW in December. I have gone many times in the beginning of the month...and there are no crowds and no lines.

The decorations are absolutely beautiful! You must see Epcot at night. And, you must see the resorts. The Wilderness Lodge will leave you in awe, as will the Grand Floridian.

Oh! I almost forgot...snow on Main Street USA during Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is breathtaking!

*sigh* I would love to go in December...I'll start working on Dh tonight:love:

My mother and I ate at Whispering Canyone last December just to check out the WL Christmas decorations and found them to be sadly lacking according to Disney standards.

03-26-2003	#1 (permalink)
Erin Scooter Princess Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Welaka Posts: 9,771	December it is! My DH and I talked and we decided we would get the most for our money by going in Dec. because of the low crowds (that means less line time) and because of the Christmas decorations. I overheard a CM tell somebody that the deadest times were in May and September. I thought it was in October, early Nov, early Dec, and Jan/early Feb.... We are now trying to decide the best place to have a Character Breakfast/Lunch. We've never done it before, and the castle with Cinderella sounds the best, but our 8 year old son may not agree :c) We don't want to park hop. We only want to do MK for two days, and maybe AK for one. We will still be on limited time...my hubbie can only be off for a few days at a time. He uses vacation time to be off with us over Christmas Break, and we want to be in the park when it is slow, not busy! Any suggestions as to make the most of another trip!:nervous We would be staying for 3 nights 4 days

03-26-2003	#2 (permalink)
mickey Administrator Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 6,232	We have three boys, all between 7 and 14, and they really enjoyed it last time we were there. I think Chef Mickey's might be a better choice for you though. While it isn't in the parks, it is a short monorail ride over to the Contemporary. As far as park passes, you have a couple of choices. You could go for a four day park hopper, which is $192 for adults. Unused days do not expire, so if you end up with a day left, you could do another one day trip with your left over tickets. Another choice is to go to a guest services and buy a 3 day 3 park tickets. That will allow you into three parks on three days, but you can't park hop. You basically pay the face price of a daily park ticket, but you will get a small discount for buying them at one time, and you only have to stand in line once to buy tickets. I would guess that the cost will be about $145 per adult. We were there last December, and it was not crowded at all. The decorations are beautiful at all the resorts and parks. If you get a change, try to attend Mickey's Very Merry Christmas. The extra money is worth it. __________________ Frank Costanza: You can drop a grand in Disney World, like that.

03-26-2003	#3 (permalink)
SillyMe Mouseketeer Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Florida Posts: 37	Hello Erin, Last December it was my mothers 85th birthday. We wanted to do something special for her birthday. We decied to have breakfast at Chef Mickeys in the Contemporary resort. This is served Buffet style. We had a blast, especially my mother. I'll never forget her leaning over to me, her eyes filled with tears, telling me what a wonderful birthday this was. The food was very good and a nice selection. Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, Chip and Dale came up to our table one by one. I suggest you buy an autograph book, (on sale right in the lobby of the hotel) your son will get a kick out of collecting the characters autographs. Since my husband is retired Navy we stayed at the Shades of Green. We did "Mickeys Very Merry Christmas" and the Osbornes Family Lights at MGM. I did not like MVMCP. Alot of the rides were shut down. It was very dark in the MK. I expected more "Christmas Magic". I expected more lights. I was disappointed. The Osborne Family LIghts at MGM was very, very crowded. So all in all I would not recomend these 2 activties. I dont want to seem like a downer, that was just my experience. My son Joe would disagree with me. Hope this helps. maria __________________ maria

03-26-2003	#4 (permalink)
sandanv1 Mouse Meister Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: 15 miles from WDW Posts: 1,110	I am a repeat visitor at Mickeys Christmas Party and would'nt dream of missing it. We have made the December trip for 8 years. We normally stay at Fort Wilderness, and the entire family (mom, dad, 4 siblings, and our families) goes, even my grown boys. This year will be different, 2 nephews are overseas in the Military, so they will be absent and missed:cry: My youngest will be in college, and the oldest is moving to Missouri, which will make picking a weekend hard. But we are collecting schedules and waiting for dates to be announced. Sorry got off track I think the magic of mainstreet decorated is awesome. It gets me in heart every time. I do agree that the other areas are not as flashy, but it still is magical. The lines are short, the mood is festive, the parade is great (love the float that smells like cookies) and if you are lucky, our Florida weather will cool down and you can enjoy the Hot cocoa. Crowded is an understatement for the Osborne lights. It reminded me of moving cattle. we just moved with the flow. there was no time to look around. But you have to do it once. Christmas at WDW is wonderful. :) __________________ Now that we live in near WDW, we stop by every couple weeks! "Of course I don't look busy...I did it right the first time! 2005 - Moved 20 miles from WDW POR (Oct) Fort Wilderness (Dec) 2004 - Pop Cent. (Feb, April) POR(Oct,Dec) Caribbean (Oct) 2003 - All Star Music (Feb.) All Star Sports (April), POR (Oct), CSR (Dec) 2002 - Fort Wilderness (Dec), POR (Oct), AKL (Aug), off site (may):(, CSR (April), Caribbean (Feb) 2001 - Fort Wilderness (Dec), PO Riverside (Oct)

03-27-2003	#5 (permalink)
BDavis932 A dream is a wish.... Join Date: May 2002 Location: Central Texas Posts: 3,608	We went the first 2 weeks in December in 2000 and it was great. Minimal lines and BEAUTIFUL decorations. It was a wonderful trip. We did not do MVMCP mainly because we were on a budget. We did get to see the Christmas parade and it was great! When we went to the Osborne Family lights, it was not crowded at all. Leisurely walked through the whole place. Took time to take lots of pictures and great the snowmen and toy soldiers, etc. Not a big crowd. We went about 7 o'clock at night (right after dinner) Hope this helps!!:D __________________ DVC/BUDGET TIPS MODERATOR ºoº DVC MEMBER at OKW since 2000 ºoº Love my Mom "Trailblazer" & My Dear Sister "A Goofy Family" 77 DL85 (offsite)94 AS Sports97 ASMusic99 AS Movies00 ASMovies02 OKW03 WLV 04 OKW05 SSR05 ASM06 AKL/OKW/CSR07 DHHIR6/08 AKLV12/08 SSR3/09 AKLV Next Trips: 6/2011 AKLV, 12/2011 BLT, 3/2012 AKLV Buzzers I've met: Gingita, DisneyTeacher, RCharmicheal My Disney Countdown Counting down to:* Quick trip the the Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine, TX 27 days 16 hours 6 minutes

		MouseBuzz.com > Walt Disney World > WDW Theme Parks
December it is!

03-27-2003	#6 (permalink)
Erin Scooter Princess Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Welaka Posts: 9,771	Character Breakfast/Tickets We are definitely going to do the MK for two days, and MVMCP. We also have a 6 year old girl, so I think I'll have to do two characer breakfasts. One at Chef Mickeys and one at the castle. :D Now tell me how to get the countdown!!!!!!!

03-27-2003	#7 (permalink)
wesleyba Junior Mouseketeer Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Palm Beach Gardens, FL Posts: 27	My hubby and I have gone to DW the past 2 years (around the first week of December-this will be our 3rd!) and I must say, I don't think I would enjoy it as much at any other time of year. What a way to kick off the season!! By the time time we got home from our trip, we were truly in the holiday spirit. It's an incredibly magical time to be at the Parks - everything is decorated with lights, wreaths, a lot of the characters adorn holiday outfits and Christmas music is constantly played throughout all the parks. If you get the chance, I wouldn't miss stopping at the Grand Floridian to check out their tree - it's glorious! The Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights are also a must see. We also really enjoyed MVMCP. The cookies, hot cocoa, snow on Main Street, and the holiday shows (I thought) were the absolute best!! Plus, you get a FREE family photo taken - can't beat that!! We're going again this year and wouldn't miss it for the world! KEEP IN MIND - the first two weeks in December is still considered "value" season, so you can enjoy all the holiday trimmings they have to offer without the added hassles of considerably larger crowds and more $$$. If this is your favorite time of year - there's no better place to be. Hope you and your family have a fabulous time!! __________________ 1999 May ~ Caribbean Beach 2000 April ~ Disney Cruise (Magic) 2001 November ~ Grand Floridian (Honeymoon!) 2001 December ~ Disney Cruise (Wonder) 2001 December ~ Boardwalk Inn 2002 December ~ Grand Floridian 2003 Nov/Dec ~ Grand Floridian 2004 December ~ Grand Floridian 2005 October ~ Off Property 2006 October ~ Off Property 2006 December ~ Saratoga Springs 2007 June ~ Boardwalk Villas

03-27-2003	#9 (permalink)
DisneyTeacher Super Moderator Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: WDW in my dreams Posts: 18,305	You are so lucky, it has always been a dream of mine to go the WDW at Christmas time. I know I will get there at Christams time, just not any time soon. I think the decorations look so beautiful, what a way to celebrate the holidays--family and Disney. __________________ ~Stephanie~ 1993 Caribbean Beach Resort ~ 1996 Caribbean Beach resort ~1997 Caribbean Beach Resort ~2003 Wilderness Lodge ~2004 Beach Club Resort/Shades of Green/Pop Century~ 2005 Wilderness Lodge Resort/Beach Club Villas ~ 2006 Saratoga Springs Resort~2007 Port Orleans French Quarter/Beach Club Villas/Boardwalk Villas ~ 2007 Port Orleans Riverside~ 2008 Wilderness Lodge/Beach Club Villas~2008 Beach Club Villas~2009 Hilton Head Island~ 2009 Beach Club Villas My Disney Countdown Counting down to: Beach Club here we come 241 days 13 hours 6 minutes

03-29-2003	#10 (permalink)
Connears Mouseketeer Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Natick MA Posts: 78	I have one DS(now 12) and Donald's Breakfastaurus in AK is a great character breakfast. And you get to see all the big guys:Mickey, Goofy, Pluto and The Donald! Food is very good and characters are very interactive as are the waiters(they do play pranks at times). When we were they in December the characters all had some holiday attire. I would also suggets 1900PF for great food and attentive staff and characters. We were there on New Year's Day and it was Pooh, Tigger, Madd Hatter and Belle(but I thin it usually is Alice). Mary Poppins was in waiting area and DS did not want to see her, but when Belle came to the table, she asked him to take a picture with him and he said YES! We asked her where Gaston was and she said"Not here, that's why I'm having a wonderful New Year"s"! Cute. Connears __________________ Connears DVC member (1994)

03-29-2003	#11 (permalink)
Erin Scooter Princess Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Welaka Posts: 9,771	Character Breakfasts I think that Donald's Breafast thingie would be great, but we probably won't be going to the AK. I'm not really sure, yet...Does the pirate from Peter Pan go to any of them? __________________ Team Jake! http://www.twitter.com/IamBubbles www.facebook.com/scooterprincess

03-29-2003	#12 (permalink)
trishb Mouse Meister Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Delaware Posts: 1,350	I have seen Captain Hook and Mr. Smee by Pirates of the Carribean in the Mk, signing autographs and taking pics. __________________ Trish

03-29-2003	#13 (permalink)
Erin Scooter Princess Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Welaka Posts: 9,771	Captain Hook I saw Captain Hook and Shmeed (sp?) by Pirates of the Carribean just this last visit! Does Captain Hook attend any breakfasts, lunches, or dinners? If not, don't you think they should have one with Tinkerbell, Peter Pan, Capt'n Hook, and the rest??? This would be the one my family would HAVE to go to! __________________ Team Jake! http://www.twitter.com/IamBubbles www.facebook.com/scooterprincess

03-29-2003	#14 (permalink)
MickeyMac Cherubic Chocoholic Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 2,233	Once an hour, at Cinderella's Royal Table, Peter Pan and Captain Hook have a sword fight right outside the windows of the castle. Peter always seems to win. There's no guarantee that he's going to be there though, since Captain Hook seems to be scared of rain, high winds, and flying crocodiles. :D Yes, I do think they would do well by a Neverland character meal. __________________ ... back in the frozen tundra!

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