Disney World in December (Christmas season)

[canadawithboys]

I am starting to lean towards a Disney World trip in early December, but have a few questions about that time of year! I hope this is the right forum for these questions!

During December, do the Christmas lights come on every evening after dark, or do they only come on for the "Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party"? (It's in Magic Kingdom, right?) If I understand right... you have to pay separate admission to stay in the park during that time and you get booted out when it begins? Or could you stay but just not ride any rides? Are there different parades that happen during the Christmas party as opposed to the ones during the daytime? I would really love to see Disney all lit up, I'm sure it's beautiful in person!

Does the Magic Kingdom still feel "Disney Magical" or does the Christmas atmosphere kind of take over? I love Christmas, but I also love the feeling of Magic Kingdom the way I think of it, which is kind of a "loaded with magic, hot summer vacation feel".

Does "It's a Small World" change to a Christmas theme the way Disneyland's does? I searched on the net but it always brings up Disneyland's Small World. I know it sounds silly, but my boys love the rides as they know them and I think they might be somewhat disappointed if the rides were totally different than usual, etc.

What's to be expected of the weather? I have heard it varies hugely! I'm wondering if it will likely be too cold to have a pool day at our hotel, etc. Is it warm enough to "sit out by the pool" or do people pretty much stay away from that in December? I'm from Canada, and part of the thrill of coming down there during the winter is being able to be warm, wear shorts, go swimming, etc. I saw photos of people wearing puffy winter jackets during the Christmas season and I was surprised! I'm assuming it was people who are from around the area, and not Canadians but still. We went at the end of September last year and to me it felt deathly hot and humid (though I was thankful it was warm) and I figured that December might be a little more moderate. Does the temperature etc change THAT much by December? Maybe it would feel warm to us, and just not to those who live in the area? Or is it chilly to everyone? (any people from cold climates who have been to Orlando in December want to chime in?)

Thanks so much in advance, any opinions are totally appreciated!! :D

[Metro West]

Welcome!

[BearcatsFan]

I haven't been to WDW during Christmastime, but just wanted to say to the DIS!

[lovetoscrap]

moving to the theme parks board

[Jen0504]

We absolutely love going at the beginning of December. You get all the wonderful Holiday experiences without the crowds. Now to answer some of your questions....

1) They do light the castle every night even if it's a MVMCP night. However, if it is a MVMCP night you will either need to purchase a ticket to stay at the park past party time, or you will need to leave. I would recommend doing the party at least once if you've never done it. It is amazing!!

2) You will definitely still experience and feel the Disney Magic during the Holiday Season.

3)No, Small World does not change at all during the Holiday Season.

Hope that helps. Ohhh, another thing.....if you go during this time don't miss Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Hollywood Studios!!

[Jen0504]

Ohhh forgot to mention we always had great weather when we were there at that time too. Very little rain, and pleasant temps. I usually wear capris or jeans, a t-shirt, and I bring a light jacket in case I need it in the evening.

[mm1971]

Originally Posted by Jen0504

We absolutely love going at the beginning of December. You get all the wonderful Holiday experiences without the crowds. Now to answer some of your questions....

1) They do light the castle every night even if it's a MVMCP night. However, if it is a MVMCP night you will either need to purchase a ticket to stay at the park past party time, or you will need to leave. I would recommend doing the party at least once if you've never done it. It is amazing!!

2) You will definitely still experience and feel the Disney Magic during the Holiday Season.

3)No, Small World does not change at all during the Holiday Season.

Hope that helps. Ohhh, another thing.....if you go during this time don't miss Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Hollywood Studios!!

Agree with all of the points. While Small World does not change, they do add a few strategically placed reindeer and some other little changes like a hat or outfit on some dolls. I have some pictures and will try to post them later, but nothing like the DL changes that happen at the holidays.

Agree that the Osbourne Lights are spectacular! Epcot has the Candlelight Processional as well. The performers doing christmas carols will certainly get you in the holiday spirit.

You'll want to go to the Grand Floridian and see the giant gingerbread house and if you have some free time, head over to Fort Wilderness campground and see the lights that a lot of the guests put up. We actually took the horse and carriage ride around and it was awesome when we went, but I don't remember the cost. Some of the on site hotels (POFQ for one) have nightly marshmallow toasting and bonfires, etc... There really is a lot to do and see around this time.

[michelleiada]

I just booked our second trip for 2013 for December 8th-15th. We've never been this time of year either and I'm excited to see it all decorated for the holidays. We are bringing my cousin, his children and my aunt and uncle, none have ever been to Disney. I can't wait!

[CynBeth]

Originally Posted by michelleiada

I just booked our second trip for 2013 for December 8th-15th. We've never been this time of year either and I'm excited to see it all decorated for the holidays. We are bringing my cousin, his children and my aunt and uncle, none have ever been to Disney. I can't wait!

We will be there the 7th- 15th. Where are you staying?

[michelleiada]

Originally Posted by CynBeth

We will be there the 7th- 15th. Where are you staying?

Beach Club Villas. How about you?

[Stinky_Pete]

December is my favorite time to visit WDW. Relatively low crowds and usually cool and low humidity. I was there for a week this past December. Here is what I found:

The MK closed at 7 p.m. on party nights.
There is a special parade and fireworks during MVMCP. It is not the same parade as the afternoon parade. I believe it is the Christmas parade that they show on T.V.
Wishes doesn't show on Christmas party evenings.
Same with the electrical parade - didn't run in the evenings when they had the party.

As far as the weather, you really can't tell. I've been when it was in the 80's all week and other times the high might be in the 50's. This past December I think half the week was in the 80's then it cooled down to the 60's (which I prefer). The pools are all heated though, so you can swim even if the air temp isn't really hot.

It's really such a special time to go - there are decorations everywhere and everything is so pretty. Huge Christmas trees and special entertainment, especially at Epcot. I am planning on being there again this coming December.

[serene56]

we are'going dec'8 thru 15 staying at pop. going to'a'party on a tuesdsy celbrating gd birthday.

this is a once in a life'time trip for me. i always wanted to'see'disney in all its'holiday splendor.
epcot will feature story tellers'from esch country.

last years weather was amazing, 2010 was absolutly freezing. cousin was there and not prepeared. spent much of the entertsinment money os sweatshirts and gloves, etc.

pols areheated.-kids'can swim in any weather

[11290]

Originally Posted by Stinky_Pete

There is a special parade and fireworks during MVMCP. It is not the same parade as the afternoon parade. I believe it is the Christmas parade that they show on T.V.

Totally different parade and fireworks for the party. It is NOT the Christmas Day TV parade although some parts of the party parade do make up the TV parade.

For the "week" before Christmas day, the party parade (party's are over then) will become the "day parade", usually double day parade, in place of Celebrate A Dream Come True.

To the Original Poster, try to do MK about the Wednesday after the Christmas Day parade taping (check the schedules for the actual dates) as the tree in Town Square does not go up until after that parade taping and depending on weather may not get up until Wednesday.

[CynBeth]

Originally Posted by michelleiada

Beach Club Villas. How about you?

We are doing a split stay between WL and CR.

[o2bnoz]

Loving this thread because we will be there December 1-8th

I have been to DisneyLand at Christmastime several times, but never Disney World. So excited!

I've been to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, but not to MVMCP. Can anyone tell me what all happens at MVMCP?

I can't wait!!!!

Dee