View Full Version : Never Again
This has been one of the worst xmas thus far. Don't get me wrong, I had my family with me but for some reason just felt like it was too over commercialise and felt something was missing.
Over the past 5 years, my family have been travelling to orlando from the 23/12 for two weeks, this year we decided to stay home and I have regretted that decision since the beginning of december and still not over it. Xmas didn't feel like christmas to me.
Just my little rant, so as soon as flight release for december 2010, im booking.
You and us both. We've been in Florida for the last two Christmases and had a ball but stayed in the UK this year. Half way through Christmas Day, Dave said 'We'll be in Florida for the next one.' YESSS!!!:D
Funny...each to his own, I guess!
We were in Florida for Xmas and New Year last year and decided to never do it again! Don't get me wrong, we enjoyed it, but it was extremely busy trying to fly into and around the US over the holiday period (no direct flights from here), and the flights and car hire were also very expensive. All in all, we decided it just wasn't worth it.
So this year we agreed to stay in Germany over Christmas and New Year. What with snow, Christmas markets and lots of parties, it just seems so much more like Christmas. Working over the holiday period is no hassle for us, as our company has a 'freeze' on all system changes so there's little to do in the office at this time other than easy admin stuff. And just as everyone is coming back to work depressed in early January, we'll be heading off to Florida for 3 weeks! Even better, the flights and car hire are considerably cheaper than over the Christmas period.
njstringer
29-12-2009, 17:53
As Keith says - each to his own.
We were in Florida for Christmas a couple of years ago and even though we loved it (how could you not love it). When we got back home to the UK it felt that we had missed Christmas. We now aim to travel to Florida every November when the weather is super and come back to the UK for Christmas. The best of both worlds for us.
Must agree with Wayne that Christmas is far to over commercialised here.[xmas2]
Nigel
When i was younger the snow was ok and there wasn't the mad rush, which there is today, with the over commercialised xmas it is today. Everyone was asking for the snow here in the uk and when it happened we all wish that we hadn't ask for it. England comes to a hault with just an inch of snow, got stuck on the motorway for 6 hours for a journey that takes 20 minutes. Each to their own but black ice, nasty squegee snow, small shops compared to walmart over saturated with misserable people is no fun at christmas.
I spent well over a £1000 on presents and not once did any of the cashier say thanks, how you doing or any of those plesentries, In the states you could spend $1 and they would say thank you, have a nice day, those little things makes a difference to one.
So this is why i will not be here next xmas and many xmas ahead, hopefully by then will one day be out there permanently.
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by ukman
I spent well over a £1000 on presents and not once did any of the cashier say thanks, how you doing or any of those plesentries, In the states you could spend $1 and they would say thank you, have a nice day, those little things makes a difference to one.
[/quote]
Try responding when one of those sales assistants says "How are you?" though. It's automatic to them, just like breathing...there's no feeling or interest behind it.
Don't get me wrong, I love going to the states, but I don't kid myself that the shops there are interested in anything other than my money, like shops everywhere else.
Try responding when one of those sales assistants says "How are you?" though. It's automatic to them, just like breathing...there's no feeling or interest behind it
I often reply 'fine thank you and how are you' and have never had one not reply and normally get a smile as well.
mary and colin
29-12-2009, 22:16
Same for us, whenever i say "fine how are you" you get the nicest smile back.
At our local Sweetbay over there they have got to know us and are always so pleased to see us.
Not all are bad in England i have had some nice chats while packing my shopping.
Mary
Lesley S
29-12-2009, 22:35
Must admit I prefer to be at home for christmas and Florida for another time of year. Its not quite the same. Wouldn't mind doing christmas here (UK) and then Florida for the New Year, that I did enjoy
We enjoy our Christmas in Florida but this year we stayed in the UK due to our children's work commitments and had Christmas in Sheffield. It was great fun going to the park, playing frisbee and having a snowball fight. We rounded it off by using the frisbee to sit on and slide down the hill - it certainly was a Christmas to remember.
We alternate - Christmas in the UK one year then Florida the next. This year is Florida and we have all had a ball. It has been cooler here than previous years, but when the sun shines, whatever the temperature, Florida is definitely the place to be.
canarypam
30-12-2009, 22:15
We had Christmas here this year never again ! Really missed our Florida Christmas so have made sure we have booked the villa for ourselves next year [msnsad]
freddiehollie
31-12-2009, 01:46
We are in Orlando now[msnsmile2] Just spent day by pool relaxing. Over 70deg
Christmas day dinner at Fultons, very good, New years eve at Epcot for fireworks fantastic.
You can keep the cold, wet, snow, slush or whatever back in Northwest, UK.
We have kept in touch with family back home, they wish they were here with us[msnwink][msnwink]
Cal20one
01-01-2010, 22:05
Hey guys, Me, my hubby and 3 kids had our first holiday to Florida in October 09 and it was the best holiday ever! I will never forget my kids face's the first time we went to Magic Kingdom. My youngest daughter is 6 and was called Princess by all the staff in Magic Kingdom and she loved this! We went to Mickey's NSSHP for my son's 9th birthday and OMG, was just out of this world! We have so many memories from this one holiday.
My kids enjoyed it so much so, they have been pestering since we got home for us to book up and go back this year. I am tempted to go for 2 weeks Xmas 2010, but before I do anything, I was wondering if anyone could let me know what the parks and Florida in general is like this time of year - and if anyone has advice on villa rentals for this time of year? My kids are excited at the prospect of going to Disney @ Xmas so any info would be great, thanks [msnsmile2]
freddiehollie
02-01-2010, 19:37
We have just returned this morning, having been there for Christmas and New Years Eve.
Had a fantastic time[msnsmile2][msnsmile2]. Villa superb[clap][clap] Parks manic[msnsad]but only to be expected this time of year.
Worth it though for fireworks parades and Osbourne lights "ICE" etc etc [clap][clap]
We usually go about end April early May for quiter time and Flower & Garden at Epcot, but have done Christmas 5 times and Halloween 3 times.
If you select your days you can still do what you want at parks and get some time to relax by pool[beer][msnwink]
Andy & Arlene
06-01-2010, 04:02
We just returned from Florida yesterday and I wish I had added another week to stay away from the freezing weather in the UK. Although it was not sunbathing weather over there, at least you could still wear shorts and t shirts on most days. Although sometimes at night it was very cold. However, on return we had to dig the cars out of the drive with snow nearly up to our knees. Brrrrrrrrr. Having not been in Florida for xmas since 2003, it looks like we may return this xmas - for the fantastic sales if nothing else. [msnwink]
We are currently still in Florida having been here since the 21st Dec and we are thinking the exact opposite from most of you,
we have been coming here for 17 years and own our own villa and have spent 12 xmases here but this is the worst we have ever had.
apart for the terrible weather we are having with the highs of around only 55 degrees we are finding there is just not the usual magic you usually find in Florida, the atmosphere is very different this year, yes the parks are still heaving and the shops are still bursting before xmas day but we have found a lot of the smiles have gone as well as many of the shops in the malls. Lakeland was almost like a ghost town when we went the other day,and
there are hardly any British here at all. One thing we are glad about is we booked a 3 day cruise to the Bahamas from 24th to 27th Dec as we know xmas day here in Florida can be a bit of a let down having had many bad experiences in restaurants on xmas day, the only thing was when we landed in the Bahamas oon Xmas day we were met by the local police who said it was a waste of time going into town because it was SHUT lol, aparently the Bahamas close everything on xmas day.
At the moment we are in the villa, having just been to Busch gardens today and it was really weird, not only did we have to wear heavy jackets hats and gloves but at 2pm today we were told that as there were only 200 guests in the park and the weather was so cold that most of the animals were being taken inside and a few of the rides were closed because of the impending SNOW , yes I did say snow.
so for us our next time here will probably be in Nov as its just not the same in Florida at xmas any more [msnsad]
canarypam
09-01-2010, 16:58
I suppose it depends on what you want from Christmas. We go to Florida to get away from all the usual Christmas stress
here in the UK. We have had good and bad weather over the years but would still rather be there whatever it is like.
chrizzy100
09-01-2010, 18:05
We used to Christmas in FL while living in the UK..but now I like to be in MA to see if we get snow or not..we have had real Christmas snow this year..and yesterday it was like living in a Christmas card..we don't get problems with the roads here unless we have about 6 ft or more ...and most of the problems then are where to put the snow..it has to get off the Cape in trucks which can take a time..we have been snowed in for 3 days....but that is rare..
I don't think it felt very Christmas this year even with a house full of kids..Thinking about going up the country next year and doing sled rides to get that feeling back...
I think it is about what you are looking for, i prefer xmas in florida as i want to get away from the rush and stress in the uk. On xmas day i dont go to any restaurant or parks, I spend the day in the villa with family and friends and still try to cook my xmas dinner, go to walmart for turkey and all my trimmings, but xmas day is spent in villa and a deep in pool, make it a good party.
luckylady
11-01-2010, 16:32
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by canarypam
We had Christmas here this year never again ! Really missed our Florida Christmas so have made sure we have booked the villa for ourselves next year [msnsad]
[/quote]That's good news Pamela look forward to seeing you and George[msnwink]
We have spent Christmas in Florida for the past six years. Sometimes family joins us sometimes not. Although it is different than Christmas in the UK we love it!!
Far more relaxed, we meet up with friends go shopping and just chill!!! The weather has been colder in central Florida this year but even so it’s still considerably warmer and brighter than the UK.As my husband says often when in Florida “this is the life “
We spent Christmas at home this year, and although it was great to be with family, I don't want to be in the UK next year - far too much hard work! It will be Florida for us - so relaxing, none of the cooking etc.
It is such a shame, Angela, that one experience out of 12 should make you feel that every Christmas will be chilly. This weather is VERY unusual, and we have never experienced such a long period with low temperatures, as we are usually walking round in short sleeves at Christmas. Last Christmas it was around 80 degrees when we left Orlando on December 23rd, but minus 10 in New York.
The thing is, if you are going at Christmas then you cannot expect the same sort of experience as in August, but we found getting round the parks a breeze in cooler temperatures, rather than 100 degrees and high humidity.
Guess its what you make of it, really. My 3 week Christmas guests had a whale of a time and were totally bowled over by the whole experience. They even managed to swim in our pool on the morning of their departure!
We were in Orlando just before Christmas and despite having visited regularly we still felt the 'magic' as we entered the parks. They were beautifully decorated and everyone we met was polite and helpful.
Perhaps once you no longer feel that magic it is time to move on?