Xmas Visiting help

[Homer]

Hi to all

Not posted for a while but have been reading lots!!!!!

Having just spent an incredibly dull Christmas and new year this year we have decided that we will be going away for Christmas next year (well actually this year!!!)

So what if any pitfalls are there for visiting at "the most wonderful time of the year"!!!

Flights/Villa/Parks etc what are the best options I am safely assuming that the parks are usually bonkers at that time of the year

Any help welcomed

Cheers and happy new year to all

[CERICROWLEY]

Vince

We have now visited Florida 4 times at Xmas and New Year.

Yes it will be busy, and yes it probably will be expensive,as this is peak season for homeowners.

But you will love it, Warm sunshine, friendly people all in joyful moods. Need I say more.

I love just getting away from dreary UK and the dreaded family, argueing etc.

The first time we went, I told myself, Why didnt I do this years ago.

[Newhomebuyer]

Homer, it is a beautiful time of the year to go. The parks and resorts are so pretty.
You are right in thinking that it is busy but that means the parks extend their hours and with careful planning and use of fast pass systems within the parks, you can get to do a lot.

If you have decided to go then start looking for a early. It is popular and many villas book up well in advance for that time of year.

Enjoy Planning GO for it.

[steph_goodrum]

First tip
If you are not tied to travelling at school holiday dates then check the airlines first for their cut off dates before the flight prices rise for Christmas and start planning for then. This year it was around the 16th Dec. Flights went from around £300 on 16th to £600 after (that's for flying direct which in winter time is always recommended as there is less chance of delays than if you have a changeover.

Although the parks are busy between Christmas and New Year they are usually open till around midnight that week so you can spread the day out by taking a break at the shops or going back to your villa for a rest and returning later. Obviously there are many people with young children around so they are not likely to be out so late meaning some of the queues will be shorter later.

Start thinking about where you want to stay and getting your accommodation sorted as early as you can and you will get the best choice that suits your family. Don't get too hung up on "how many minutes to Disney" etc your accommodation is, once you are in the car it is usually negligible the time difference and often has other advantages in that easier access is gained to other places. Wherever you are you will be driving so take more notice of what is actually on offer in the accommodation etc for your party. With enquiries already starting to come in for next Christmas (2007) it is almost always a case of the early bird catches the worm when it comes to finding the best place to stay and it is disappointing to receive a string of "I@m sorry we are already booked" emails when you set your heart on a place.

Finally just take the time to enjoy the planning without it becoming a chore and you'll have a much better time because of it I'm sure.

[moodyvilla]

We have just got back from our second Christmas visit in the past 2 years and we had a fantastic time.

Parks - We visited Universal (3 days before Christmas)and IOA (on boxing day)- I was surprised how quiet these parks were and we didn't have to wait that long (maximum about 25 minutes). Some of our group visited Sea World between Christmas and New Year and it was very busy then, I would think this is due to the US holidays so I would suggest a plan to visit the parks either before Christmas Eve or after New Year.

Weather - It was fine, most days we were in shorts and on our last few days it was like a warm summer day and on a trip to the Coast the beaches were very busy.

To be honest I can't think of anything negative, we intend to keep visiting at Christmas as we feel it is one of the best times to visit snd there's an excuse to escape from members of the family you would be otherwise be forced to visit. [msnwink]

Highlights for me were Cirque du Soliel (best show on earth at any part of the year), Christmas brunch at the Renaisance and Christmas shopping at the Florida Mall (amazingly relaxing)

[dawn]

We have also just back, and have decided to alternate years, so will stay at home next year
It is definately worth booking tickets for Mickeys Very Merry Xmas Party, as you get to see Magic Kingdom without too many crowds(they limit the numbers of tickets sold)
Would also say a trip to the 'snow' at Celebration is a must, as well as the Osbourne Family Lights - spectacular.
We found the parks quieter before Xmas than after.
As far as the villa is concerned, make a wish list of what you would like from it (views, gamesroom, location etc, etc) and take it from there, you really will be spoilt for choice.
It was a great feeling waking up on Christmas day with a champane brunch, followed by a wonderful swim in the pool and admiring the views - bliss[msncool]

[Cruella DeVilla]

We visit every Xmas and would not miss it for anything, it is a very magical time of year, it can get a bit busy but with extenededpark hours it is not a problem, lots of special events which are a must. The shops are full of lovely things and the sales are even better!

[Ray&Sarah]

We love Christmas in Florida, didn't go this last year but are planning to go Christmas 2006, looking into going a few days before the schools close, to save a few pounds. Can't wait.[msnsmile2]

[abbeyvillas]

Hi Homer,

We have just spent our 1st Christmas & New Year in Orlando and can recommend it to anyone. We will certainly do it again in the future.

The weather was good -mid 70's most days but a bit chilly in the evenings - take a sweatshirt or jacket.

The parks were fairly quiet upto Christmas and much busier between Christmas & New Year - closing times varied so remember to check in advance.

We enjoyed Christmas Eve in Universal & spent New Years Eve visiting Celebration for the 'snowfall' at 7pm before going over to Downtown Disney - we had a meal at Planet Hollywood - a terrific party atmosphere with big screen countdown from Times Sq, party hats, streamers & champagne and caught the end of the Pleasure Island Fireworks. There is so much choice of where to go depending on the make-up of your party, we have 2 teenagers who were slightly disappointed that most of the organised New Year parties were strictly over 21s but they thoroughly enjoyed Planet Hollywood.

An added bonus was how stress-free the whole holiday was!

Book early as direct flights do get booked up and are much less hassle than connections and you will also get the best choice of villas.

You are sure to enjoy wherever you stay if you choose from this site - a major benefit is booking directly with the owner!

Happy hunting, happy holiday!

[luckylady]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by abbeyvillas
Hi Homer,

We have just spent our 1st Christmas & New Year in Orlando and can recommend it to anyone. We will certainly do it again in the future.

The weather was good -mid 70's most days but a bit chilly in the evenings - take a sweatshirt or jacket.

The parks were fairly quiet upto Christmas and much busier between Christmas & New Year - closing times varied so remember to check in advance.

We enjoyed Christmas Eve in Universal & spent New Years Eve visiting Celebration for the 'snowfall' at 7pm before going over to Downtown Disney - we had a meal at Planet Hollywood - a terrific party atmosphere with big screen countdown from Times Sq, party hats, streamers & champagne and caught the end of the Pleasure Island Fireworks. There is so much choice of where to go depending on the make-up of your party, we have 2 teenagers who were slightly disappointed that most of the organised New Year parties were strictly over 21s but they thoroughly enjoyed Planet Hollywood.

An added bonus was how stress-free the whole holiday was!

Book early as direct flights do get booked up and are much less hassle than connections and you will also get the best choice of villas.

You are sure to enjoy wherever you stay if you choose from this site - a major benefit is booking directly with the owner!

Happy hunting, happy holiday!
Jeanette

[/quote]
Hello Homer,
I can second every comment that Jeanette has made
This is our second Christmas in Florida, we are still here enjoying the sunshine, what weather
Go for it, will be one of the best decisions you will ever make
Good Luck and enjoy.