Disney in December
 

I know going to Disney in December is the craziest time of year but we don't have a choice. So with that said it's our first visit and we are really excited. We are looking at staying at the Disney's Pop Century Resort. Our daughter's are 10 and 15. Any suggestions on which parks to visit, attractions to see, or "must" things to do?

For sure, Mickey's Very **something** Christmas. Sorry, can't remember exactly. Big parade, "snowflakes", great visual effects. And Epcot has a series of concerts with famous people narrating that can be very moving. Make your plans and reservations ahead of time as far as you can, and be ready for crowds. It is a magical time of the year at Disney.

It's actually not horribly busy until you get close to Christmas. However, if you go early in December, Pop Warner week is very busy at the value resorts, and possibly some of the moderates. I guess it can get pretty noisy from practicing cheerleaders, etc.

Many of the resorts are nicely decorated, and worth checking out even if you aren't staying on site. I agree with rncheryl that "Mickey's Very Merry Christmas party", which requires a separate ticket,and the "Candlelight Processional" at Epcot are both very nice.

Oops! How could I forget the Osborne Lights at the Studios? It's certainly a must that time of year.

For your planning, I think the BEST information on all things Disney is www.disboard.com. I used it for a trip a couple of years ago and was able to save a bundle, as well as plan on what to see and where to stay.

I love Disney, and the Orlando area has lots to see as well and some GREAT and I mean GREAT shopping at some of the outlet malls. You also will get discount coupons so it's even better pricing. Makes for nice shopping for Christmas too.

Have a GREAT trip.

Make sure that you check out the hours of each park for each day. Some will stay open until 9, some 7.

Agree on the Osborne light show.

Thanks everyone, I appreciate your help.

We spent a Christmas Day at Disneyland in Anaheim. We had a little tree in our hotel room and one gift for each family member.

Disneyland was very busy Christmas Day - weather was in the 80s and it was 35 below zero back in WI. It was a wonderful week visiting all the great attractions. The kids loved it.

Don't know how Florida Disneyworld will be in December - but have a good time there.

Recommend that you go onto mousesavers.com, allears.net, and mouseplanet.com as well. And Disney's own site is a lot of fun, if not as helpful as some of the others.

I second the http://www.disboards.com/ forum. You'll get very helpful info from folks who have been there multiple times and are willing to share their Disney secrets! Have a great trip!

Aliquilts, I know your pain. We did Disney the day after Christmas, for a week. Just relax, breathe, and have low expectations about getting to everything. We had a wonderful time. Do not miss Soaring at Epcot, it is an amazing ride.

The Candlelight Processional at Epcot is incredible. Famous voices tell the Christmas story of Jesus accompanied by a huge choir. Not to be missed. Mickey's Very Merry Christmas @Magic Kingdom is also great. Snow on Main St, a great parade and free hot cocoa and cookies for all. All the hotels will be decorated for the holidays, the Grand Floridian hotel should have a grand gingerbread house, the Boardwalk Hotel might also have a large gingerbread display. I just love Christmas at Disney.

Early December is our most favorite month to visit Disney World. Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is worth the ticket. You can enter the Magic Kingdom at 4 p.m. with this ticket even though the party is officially 7-Midnight.

Also, the Osborne Festival of Lights at Hollywood Studios is amazing.

You will find the resorts, parks and restaurants decorated for holiday cheer and it really puts you in a festive mood. Tons of great photo ops, too!

In early Dec. the early mornings and after dark can get a bit chilly and require hoodies or light jackets.