Christmas 2008 - Anything we MUST do?

[cufc]

Hi everyone,

Our next trip to Orlando is December 12-26 (got a good deal on flights, using Virgin air-miles[msnwink]), although we've been many times before we've never been for Christmas. We are excited to experience a different perspective on things[xmas2].

We're a family of 3: Mum, Dad and Son, aged 12.

We don't usually go to MK now (being a coaster addict, DS much prefers Busch, IOA, Universal), however it's definitely on my list - can't wait to see Wishes over a decorated Cinderella's Castle[clap]!

Does anyone have any recommendations from their "must see/do" list for this time of year? Also need suggestions for Christmas Day lunch.

Many thanks

[mfairhurst]

Christmas is busy in FLORIDA as a lot of snowbirds are down from CANADA also Christmas week the sales are on in the shops .
All the villas are decorated with lights and it is nice to ride around and look .
Celebration is the best as lots of homes dressed up .We like to go for a meal at night there also there is snow on one street and it is good to watch the childrens faces .
A lot of the resturants are closed Chrismas day but we still find a few open so you will have to ask around before .
Have a lovely time .
MAUREEN
www.onlinefloridavillas.com/villas/1683.aspx

[blott]

One 'must see' is the Osborne lights at Hollywood Studios - I think if you have a search, you might find some pics on the forum. Anyway, it's like nothing you've ever seen before and it's totally awesome!

Christmas decorations, which some might say are OTT but we say what a great effort, are everywhere. On homes, in stores, in towns like Celebration. Do have a drive around and see what you can spot as some of them are very spectacular.

If you're there at the same time as Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (MVMCP) is on, do go to that as it's very special too.

It's important to find somewhere and book it up well in advance for Christmas day lunch as lots of restaurants are closed. Most of the large hotels will be open though.

[eagleydo]

Not done Christmas but flew out straight after for New Years Eve. Snow still falling every night in Celebration, Ice Show still at Gaylord Palms and the christmas decs were great, everywhere.

[thornton]

We are going to be there in December this year and two places on our definite list are Celebration and Gaylord Palms for the ice show and the ice sculptures.

[dawn]

Don't forget The Osbourne Lights at Hollywood Studios (use to be MGM)

[ShirleyD]

Drive around the estate where you are staying just to see everyones Christmas lights :D and don't forget to arrive with empty cases, the shopping is great and the duty free allowance goes up in December [msnwink]

[cufc]

Thank you all for your suggestions, will have lots of fun making our own "must do/see at Christmas" list.

[gail and david roberts]

Kevin
we did Christmas last year 07 and new year 08 , we went on the 12th December and
found the park empty Bush Gardens first couple of days , but by the Saturday it was very busy ,
A Must is
The Disney Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom ,
you go in about 5pm and stay until 12 midnight
when it snows in the main street ,its just amazing ,show are fantastic

http://www.orlando-guide.info/forums/Data/Gail and david Roberts/200852685213_DSCF0003.JPG

http://www.orlando-guide.info/forums/Data/Gail and david Roberts/200852685437_christmas.JPG

http://www.orlando-guide.info/forums/Data/Gail and david Roberts/200852685548_DSCF0011.JPG

you also get free hot drink and a cookie,
all ride are open
the shows are the best I have seen from Disney
and fire works show is like you Have never seen before [msnsmile2]

you can print you ticket off the Disney site and pick the date you want to go
we went on the Friday night

Tip for the parks
after the Saturday the American kids finish school for Christmas break 15th ,
we found if we got up and off to the park early (universal )for opening time,
they were empty
we came away about 1pm as we had done all the rides without standing around ,
walk straight on to most of the rides in both parks
Hope you will have a fantastic time

[cufc]

We've made a start by booking MVMCP for Drcember 16th[xmas2].

Thinking about one of the hotels in the boardwalk area for lunch on Christmas Day - does anyone have any recommendations?

Does anyone know how busy EPCOT would be on Christmas Day? I've been looking at the Disney web site; the Candlelit Procession and Tree Lighting Ceremony sound very special:). Another option would be to eat in EPCOT and take advantage of reserved seating for the Candlelight Procession.

So many decisions!

[becbecs]

The Osbourne Dancing Lights at MGM Studios is a must.

[dunkderby]

Try and see some of the Disney christmas shows, get maps and times of shows when entering the park, christmas parades and fireworks are brilliant, Epcot on christmas day will be busy but just relax and enjoy, going to the boardwalk while at Epcot via the International Gateway is a good idea, a few years ago we sat in 'England' world showcase and had fish n chips for our Christmas dinner[msnsmile2]. Also celebrations at night with the snow and seeing all the houses there with beautiful christmas lights. Just walking round the theme parks in the warm night air, with all the christmas decoration and music might not sound like much, but it's a memory you won't forget.

Colleen