Florida for Christmas - anyone had a Disney Christmas Day?

[shellyt]

I am looking into going to Disneyland Florida to spend Xmas this year. My mum died early this year so it will be very miserable if we stay here, plus my little daughter will be nearly 3 and much more aware then, don't want to ruin it for her, if we are away it will be new for us all and a happy time.
My questions are, Has anyone spent Xmas day at Disney before? Is it just like any other day there? How busy is it likely to be, I have heard that Easter holidays is very very busy, not sure about Christmas.
Any recommendations for hotels in the Disney resort? Anything else I need to know?
It will be myself, husband and one daughter (3 in Feb) and I would like to go for 2 weeks.
Thank you in advance for your opinions x

Been to Florida/Disney loads of times but never at Christmas so can't help there.
Just wanted to say I'm sorry about the loss of your mum. I lost mine last year and last christmas was the first without her and it was terrible. I kept thinking of the year before when we'd all sat down for Christmas dinner and she'd been at the top of the table, a little tipsy on her bucks fizz
I think its a fabulous idea to get away and do something completely different. My DD wasa just 3 last Christmas and she definitely picked up on my (miserable) mood.

I'm sure you'll have a fabulous time if you go and it will completely distract you (and DD). I've been at easter a few times before and it is pretty busy and I imagine Christmas is also busy but it would be lovely. I'm going in Oct/Nov and know that they will already be preparing for Christmas as they don't do things by halves there.

shelly,

I was very sorry to read of your Mum's passing.

I also think it is a fab idea to go somewhere like this too in December.

If you can fly out to Orlando sometime around mid December that would be a good idea. Have a look at both Virgin and BA as they both fly direct into Orlando; other carriers like Thomas Cook use Sanford which is another hour's travel time into Orlando itself. Your three year old will have her own seat on the aircraft so will pay full child fare.

The ESTA (electronic travel authorisation) is now mandatory for travel to the US so this would have to be completed online for all three of you. The airline websites will have more information on the ESTA but if you are unsure do ask on here.

I have been in the Magic Kingdom on Christmas Day - I'll be honest here and say I would never do that again! (and I was not a parent at the time). It was sooooooo very crowded and full on throughout the day. If you do go to Disney on the 25th I would advise you to visit one of the other parks in Walt Disney World instead.

Christmas Day and Easter are two of the busiest times in the whole theme park season. If you do go to Disney at Christmas may I suggest visiting the Magic K either the day before or the day after the 25th.

FL can be a bit variable weather wise in December; would take a light jacket or sweater with you as well as the nights can be very cold. Days can be fine and sunny but it can feel very cold particularly first thing in the morning.

Have never stayed on Disney property so cannot assist there. Would not though have a room which opens out onto an external corridor (some Disney property is like this).

Hi
Have stayed at both Port Orleans Riverside and Wilderness Lodge, would recommend both (POR has external corridors and have had no problems with it).

Hello. Very sorry to hear about your mum.

I have been to Disney quite alot but never for xmas although we go mid November so get to see the xmas lights, go to Mickey's xmas party in magic kingdom and generally enjoy the xmas atmosphere.

It is amazing! Your Dd will love it. My DDs are 11 and 8 now but we first took them when they were 2 and 5.

We usually stay outside of Disney but on our last trip in November we stayed in Saratoga Springs. Fantastic! Not quite as Disney as some of the other properties but we liked that and the service was second to none. I can let you know more if you are interested.

Have fun planning!

Thank you all for your replies and good wishes.
I had fun today asking around and everyone has said they would go back there time and time again.
I'm definitely thinking about staying outside Disney now, I was worried about car seats as I have heard mixed reviews but I think it would be better to have more space and be able to cook if we want to, do washing etc so newpup if you could recommend accommodation I'd be interested to look into all my options.
Mumoverseas I'm sorry to hear you have lost your mummy too, I think going away is my only option this year, but it is such a worry because I am one of life's anxious people. But I do think it will be great for my daughter to have all the fun in the world on her first Christmas without Nanny and it being the first that she will remember too. Just hope she doesn't expect such an expensive Xmas every year!

shelly I too am one of life's anxious people and constantly worry about things. I really think it is a good idea to get away and wish I'd thought of that. We are going to Florida in Oct/Nov and I'm thinking of going back to Discovery Cove as I can remember the lovely time we had there when I took mum and dad years ago with DC1 and 2. The look on mum's face when she was swimming with dolphins was fantastic and I'd give anything to find the photos that were taken then.

If you are looking at private villas, have a look at Loyalty Homes www.loyaltyusa.com
This company is run by an english lady called Yvonne who only manages luxury homes within 4 miles of Disney. Most have private pools and some have gamesrooms. we own a property that they manage and would definitely recommend them. Most houses are within a few minutes walk of a childrens play area too which is quite nice.
Have a look at their website and I'm sure you'll find something you like. If you want to be nosy, my house is Minnies Mansion

We stayed in Sheraton Vistana Resort which is actually on Disney property as such. You could walk to Disney from it if you wish although easier to drive. They are apartments, ours was 2 bedroomed and was lovely. It had a large kitchen area with all the equipment you could possibly need, dishwasher, oven, microwave and a washing machine and dryer. Master room had a spa bath in the corner.

We booked through Virgin and it included daily housekeeping. The reviews on trip advisor were mixed but we loved it. It was clean, spacious and lovely. I know it has recently been refurbished too. I would stay there again and I am very fussy about accomodation!

The advantages over a villa was that it was so close to Disney. Lake Buena Vista is a great place to stay not overly busy like International Drive but not too far away like Kissimee. We found that the villas were more of a drive away although you may prefer that.

We have made quite a few trips with the Dds so feel free to ask any questions. I may be able to help.

ooh, I stayed there many years ago before it was a Sheraton resort. It was lovely and right opposite one of my favourite shopping malls. I have very fond memories of the lovely spa bath. (not sure I'd want to walk to Disney though!)
Was an expensive holiday though. One day it was raining so we went to the real estate office just down the road to be nosy at prices and ended up buying a 4 bed villa.

newpup is right about some of the villas. Some people are very naughty and describe them as being 'minute to Disney' Yeah right, 59 minutes. Where ours is located (just off the 192 the nearest mile marker to Disney) it really is only 4 miles to Disney. Please be careful if you are booking a villa, I've known quite a few people being disappointed when they found they were so far out.

Lucky you having a villa mumoverseas!

Sorry, should have said it is in walking distance of Downtown Disney!

I was going to say, you are clearly a lot fitter than me

We went several years ago, and stayed in some condiminiums. We all got some stomach bug, but still had a good time. The Christmas lights were amazing. We went to see the Father Christmas parade at the Disney village area.

We all felt too grim to manage to see the singing Christmas tree at one of the Orlando Churches (which I still regret). We also swam in the complex's swimming pool when the weather was warm enough.

Oh and the thing my kids keep reminding me is, there was a ride in Disney Animal Kingdom where we got SOAKED not splashed. I said we'd get splashed and I was so wrong! So beware.

We've spent another Christmas day at Monument Valley, on that day you can only go in with a Navaho Guide (not self drive). So we spent some of the time sitting in the Ear of the World being serenaded in Navaho. Something I will never forget!

Have a great Christmas.

I went once over christmas and I really didn't enjoy it. It all just felt so unlike christmas. Too warm, no roast etc. Just be prepared that it will feel very different.

However that could be just what you need, as the first xmas without your mum will be so different anyway. I think in your case, it is a great idea.

So sorry to hear about your mum. I think it is a brilliant idea. Port Orleans is brilliant if you want to be super restful and close to the parks. The staff will make sure you have a wonderful time. I would look at the dibb boards for ideas and advice. can give you a link but it is easy to find via google. Good luck.

Disney a Christmas is wonderful but very busy.

The best place for advice on all things Disney is www.thedibb.co.uk

We were living in the States when I was five and we stayed over Xmas (though I dunno if we were at the MK on the day itself actually). We didn't do presents, because that was our present iykwim so it took a lot of the pressure off my parents I guess.
It was awesome and I still remember it very clearly some twenty years later.
HTH

We're going the two weeks before - really looking forward to seeing all the lights and decorations! If you're planning at eating at a Disney restaurant for Christmas day/eve, make sure you get your reservations in time - you can do them 180 days before you plan to eat. Apparently the popular restaurants get absolutely booked out! (I'm taking DD for breakfast at Cinderella's castle - can't wait to see her face...)

So sorry to hear about your mum, I do think its a brilliant idea for you all to go away this year and enjoy Xmas.

I went this year, didnt have Xmas Day there though, I arrived on Boxing Day. It was obviously all very Xmas like though and I would imagine that Xmas Day would be lovely there.

I stayed at the hyatt regency grand cypress hotel and it was absolutely gorgeous. A 5 minute drive to Disney and local for everything. I would recommend it highly.

Having said that, I do fancy staying in a villa next time we go.

Btw, the disboards are also great for planning tips, they have a UK section in there, too.

forgot to mention the downside to Xmas in Orlando - the parks are absolutely jam packed! The queues for the rides are really bad (some 2 hours +). All the fast track passes had gone by 11am too!

Still very worth it though, its a magical place to go.

I'm not very good with this site, this might appear twice - watch this space!!
I have booked it woohoooo!!
We are going to Buena Vista resort village. We get a car included and it's self catering apartment, good location. I'm very excited!
We fly on Xmas day, not sure what that will be like, but at least it will be different. Plus I get to be home with my sister on Xmas eve which will be nice too, so lots to look forward to now which feels so good, the first thing this year to look forward to
Many thanks to you all for your comments and good wishes x
Now, my next question - I'm reading everywhere about the need to book in advance restaurants etc. Can any of you recommend a good place for New Years eve and a plan of action for the day. Would like to make the New Year start off well, will be glad to get rid of this one tbh.

There are special Xmas parties, that you can book in advance, but I think they are all before you go. I don't think they do a New Year's Eve special party. We did the halloween special (was well worth booking the tickets online in advance)

disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/magic-kingdom/special-events/mickeys-very-merry-christmas-party/

From what I've read on Yahoo questions the parks get packed on Xmas & New Year's Eve and they shut the gates when they reach a certain capacity so you need to get there early enough on those days if you are going.

www.christmasinorlando.com/disney-world-christmas

ooh thanks for those sites gillybean x

shellyt - great to hear you've booked it.
Disney at xmas is fantastic. i went many times as a child, we stayed in a villa and made sure we bought a tree and decorated, to add that extra xmas spirit. we always did Epcot on xmas day, my moms birthday, its her favourite park, so she always chose that day.
It is very busy the weeks you're going, but if you're prepared for that in advance, you'll be fine. Take it at your own pace and don't feel the need to cram it all in, have some rest days, and enjoy every minute.
xxx