Conference koolit::disney

    I was there last year on December 23 in the middle of the cold snap. 
    The decorations are beautiful. The square just inside the Magic Kingdom
    looks like an old fashioned Christmas card. They were closing the park 
    at 8:00 that day -- I don't know if that is usual or if it was because
    of the weather. Christmas Day they were interviewing park attendees on 
    the local news broadcasts because it was so cold. Many of the people 
    interviewed said it is a family tradition to be in WDW on Christmas. 
    Every parking spot was taken, and there was not a room to be had in 
    the park -- I tried! 
    
    There was also a stage with Christmas figurines set up at Disney
    Village shopping area, with seasonal plays performed periodically
    during the day. 
    
    It looked like Christmas Day would be a lot of fun. 

	I just made reservations also for Dec 23 - 29 (leaving boston,
	UsAir)....  I'm really looking forward to the disney christmas
	parade!!!   

	yipee!!
	/Robin

    Seems to be the appropiate topic.
    
    Just made flight reservations, will be in LA two weeks before Christmas,
    in Phoenix the week before and in Orlando during the week around 
    Christmas. 
    
    Just wanted to ask if it is necessary to make reservations now or if
    i can do that in the week from dec 10th.  And would anyone that has
    been there in that time rather recommends to take a Disney package or
    is it just the same to stay in one of the other hotels and enter the
    parks on 24th and 25th. 
    
    Would you think that it will be sufficient to make flight reservations
    just a couple of days before I want to go there, as I have no choice on
    the airline or am I expected to have my trip readily planned today.
    I will fly in from Phoenix and will leave after 1 week for Boston, I
    allready have the tickets for United but with no dates given. Would you
    think that the flights in that week are heavily booked?
    
    Thank you for any information
    Karl  

>    Just wanted to ask if it is necessary to make reservations now or if
>    i can do that in the week from dec 10th.  And would anyone that has
>    been there in that time rather recommends to take a Disney package or
>    is it just the same to stay in one of the other hotels and enter the
>    parks on 24th and 25th. 

>    Would you think that the flights in that week are heavily booked?

Yes, flights to Orlando around Christmas are HEAVILY booked.  I would expect
that flights from Dec. 21 (which is a Friday) on are filling up fast, so you'd
better make reservations NOW...

The week between Christmas and New Year's is one of the busiest times of the
year for Disney.   You'd better try now to make reservations to stay on WDW
property, though I wouldn't be surprised if everything's booked.  I don't know
what the Christmas situation is like for staying off-property.  

As to the merits of staying on-property vs. off, other notes in this file
discuss that at length.

Good luck!

						-- Nina

    You were right, Nina, when you said that flights are heavily booked.
    Unfortunatelly I got a round trip ticket with United so I'm stuck with
    them, and all the flights up to Boston from 29th till 31st of december
    are allready full (that's in the Q-class, there would be places in
    Economy, but full fare only, and I got a paid for, non refundable
    ticket). Maybe there is a chance over waiting list. The only ok I could
    get was for Orlando to Chicago Midway where I would arrive at 15:21
    with a connecting flight from O'Hara to Boston at 17:10. This would
    cost less, but I doubt that with all those delays I could make it to
    O'Hara. Nor do I know if the transfer time is realistic.
    I think if I can't get one of the waiting list flights, I'll just get
    me a ticket there at the normal fare on any airline, and let United
    have that one unused coupon on my roundtrip ticket. Don't expect to see
    any refund.
    Now I'll try to make reservations for one of the offers out of the
    Disney Membership Guide, let's see if there are any hotel rooms left.
    Thank you for the Info
    Karl

I just found this on rec.arts.disney.

    From: CHRIS@MIAMIU.BITNET (Chris Allison)
    Subject: Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
    Date: 8 Oct 90 19:49:04 GMT
    Organization: Miami University - Academic Computer Service

    I just got off the phone with the reservation people and
    the MVMCP will be Friday Dec. 7 and Saturday Dec. 8 this
    year.  The MK is open from 9-6 and will reopen from 8 P.M.
    to 1 A.M. these nights.  Separate tickets are required. He
    did not have the prices yet.

For those who don't know, MVMCP is a special night in the Magic Kingdom that
happens once a year in early December.  In addition to the regular attractions
there are special Christmas performances all around the park.  I also believe
they run the Electric Light Parade.

A separate admission is required.  Last year it was $17.  Regular passports and
tickets can not be used.  It is heavily marketed to locals, (tickets available
in local stores and by mail etc.) and is quite the event in the Orlando area.

My brother-in-law and his family went last year and had a good time, even
though it was somewhat crowded.

    I was at WDW last year and left the day of the MVMCP.   I would have
    stayed another day if I knew about it further in advance.
    
    For the three nights or so leading up to this night, the park was open
    late, but only to employees for their Xmas party.  From our room in the
    Poly, we could see the activity and hear the train blowing its wistle.
    
    /Jim Pappas

    re: .4
    
    There is one benefit to staying on the property that is worth
    noting here as it is quite likely to apply around Christmas.
    On property guests are allowed into the parks even if the parks
    are "full" and "the gates are closed".  I don't think people
    staying off the property need to panic though since I've heard
    they still let you in if you arrive by bus.  I believe the main
    restriction is they don't allow any cars into the parking areas
    once they are full.  If anyone has better information than this,
    please enter it here.
    
    Just how busy is WDW during Christmas week?
    
    The 1989 edition of Birnbaum's book says park attendance between
    50,000 and 125,000 from the Christmas holidays through New Year's
    Day.  The only other times the crowds get anywhere near those
    numbers are the two weeks around Easter Sunday (45,000 to 70,000),
    mid-June through mid-August (35,000 - 65,000) and Thanksgiving
    weekend (35,000 - 60,000).  If you look at the attendance graph
    in the unofficial guide, you can see that Christmas week is by
    far the busiest time of the year.

    I called the WDW information number some time ago and was able to
    get the scheduled operating hours for the week of Christmas.  I don't
    have them with me but will try to get them in note 98.  If I remember
    correctly, the parks are open their regular off-season hours through
    Dec. 23, are open until 6:00PM on Dec. 24 and are open late (11:00PM
    or midnight) through New Year's Eve or so.
    
    Although the parks close early on Dec. 24, the dinner shows are still
    going on - we'll be at the Hoop-Dee-Doo.  I didn't think to ask about
    Pleasure Island or the shopping village.  I also forgot to ask how
    late the transportation system would be running.
    
    There will be some special events going on.  There is a nativity
    pageant in the shopping village and the Christmas parade.  There will
    be fireworks in all three parks, probably the usual presentations.
    The person I spoke with also said the Electrical Parade will be running
    and although he couldn't find it on the schedule, the Voices of Liberty
    usually stroll around Epcot center carrying candles and singing carols.
    
    When I asked about the televised Christmas parade I was told, "Yes,
    there's a Christmas parade."  I'll call back at a later date and
    see if they have any other details.  I taped last year's parade so
    I have a pretty good idea of when it starts airing, etc. but I need
    to know what time I should be at the park.  I imagine I'd have to
    be at the gate as early as possible.  Do any of you have any info?

    I've been trying to figure out how to ask this question for quite
    a while.  Forgive me if it sounds strange to you, but I'm coming
    at this from a different perspective.

    Just how "Christmasy" is Christmas time at WDW.  Is it the same old
    WDW I know and love with a little tinsel added, or will it be like
    stepping into a cross between Santa's workshop and a nativity
    scene, all done up Disney?  We'll be arriving the week after
    Thanksgiving when it all begins.

    I know for a lot of people this is their favorite time of year,
    but being a non-Christian it is sometimes difficult for me to deal
    with the way the holiday seems to prevade American culture.

    Please don't ask me to get into a discussion of why I, (and others), 
    feel this way.  It has been discussed at great length in TAVENG::BAGELS
    among other places.  Just accept that an emphasis on the Christian
    holiday gets me down.

    Those who have been there during December tell me what is
    different from WDW during the rest of the year.

    Sign me,
    Scrooge McLen

    
    re: <<< Note 219.8 by CLOSET::AAARGH::LOWELL "Grim Grinning Ghosts..." >>>
    
    > There is one benefit to staying on the property that is worth
    > noting here as it is quite likely to apply around Christmas.
    > On property guests are allowed into the parks even if the parks
    > are "full" and "the gates are closed".  I don't think people
    > staying off the property need to panic though since I've heard
    > they still let you in if you arrive by bus.  I believe the main
    > restriction is they don't allow any cars into the parking areas
    > once they are full.  If anyone has better information than this,
    > please enter it here.
    
    There are several places to park when the normal parking lots are full. 
    For example, you could park at the CBR and take the bus.  Technically
    you need to show your resort ID but I have never been asked, even
    during the 4th of July which is possibly the most busy day of the year. 
    You can park at the Swan or Dolphin and take the tram or walk into
    Epcot.  Other places to park would include the shopping village,
    Typhoon Lagoon, River Country.  Once parked you can take the busses
    which run everywhere.  All of these methods save you the parking fees
    as well.
    
    When we went to the MK on the evening of July 4th we had dinner
    reservations at Papeette Bay at the Poly.  They Poly's parking kiosk
    was manned and they were only letting poly guests park there.  I told
    them I had a reservation for dinner and they let me in, but only for 3
    hours.  Instead I used Valet parking and was able to keep the car there
    all night.
    
    /Jim Pappas
    
            
    

    Len,
    
    	    My impressions from last Christmas were that although 
    there is a definite 'Christmassy' theme, it concentrates on the 
    idealised commercial side of things, not the religious. The 
    decorations are standard bells, lanterns, candles etc, lots of red 
    and green ribbons and wreaths. The Christmas trees in the theme 
    parks are spectacular, and the custom is pagan in origin anyway (I 
    believe!). Lots of poinsettias in the floral displays, and the 
    'flower garden' (first sidestreet on the left off Main Street) is 
    converted into a sort of Santa's Grotto, with masses of 
    poinsettias and foliage around a 'Santa Type' sleigh, great for 
    photos of the kids (or at least, it was until the big frost got to 
    them!). Presents with bows and ribbons, stockings, candy sticks, 
    snowmen, Santa's Elves etc make up the rest of the theming. I 
    don't believe I saw anything relating to a nativity scene 
    anywhere. The shows and parades are again mainly on the Santa and 
    Gifts theme, "Twas the Night before Christmas etc".
    
    The only things I can think of that had a vaguely religious theme 
    were a candlelit carol procession in the MK in the evenings, and 
    the lighting of the tree in Epcot with the Voices of Liberty 
    singing carols.
    
    I think it is more likely to upset a devout Christian, with the 
    feeling that the meaning of Christmas has been lost in 
    commercialism, than offend any non-Christians by ramming religion 
    down their throats.
    
    Is this the sort of flavour you were after? If you want more 
    detail, I can refresh my memory from the videos.
    
    Mike who is staying warm in England this Christmas!

    My memory might be failing me, but I thought I saw a set-up for a 
    Nativity Scene-type play at the Disney Village shopping center
    last year. Am I wrong?
    
    Linda
    

    Yes, I'd forgotten about the Disney Village until I watched the 
    videos again (Any excuse!). There is a Nativity scene, and a small 
    stage where they put on a Nativity play.  
    However, if I interpreted Len's query correctly, he was asking 
    to what extent the 'religious' side of Christmas was portrayed, 
    and whether non-Christians would feel uncomfortable in that 
    environment. 
    Obviously it is difficult to see things through another person's 
    eyes, but my impression is that Disney does value differences, 
    there is nothing overtly 'Christian', and in the main, it's still 
    the WDW you know and love, with holly and tinsel added.
    
    Mike_who_now_hates_British_Airways_but_that's_another_story!

    Scrooge McLen,
    
    I think I understand where you're coming from, there was a big
    discussion about Christmas/holiday parties in the HUMAN::DIGITAL
    conference last year (KP7 to add conference to your notebook).
    
    I taped last year's televised Christmas parade.  From what I
    remember, there were a lot of decorations along Main Street.  I'm
    guessing the rest of the park is decorated too.  The parade
    featured the usual Disney characters dressed in typical Christmas
    colors and singing winter/Christmas songs.  There were also some
    winter oriented characters such as snowmen.  Most of the songs
    were generic winter songs (often sung as part of Christmas
    celebrations) such as "Frosty the Snowman" and "Jingle Bells".
    However there were a few Christmas themed songs such as "Santa Claus
    is coming to town".  I don't remember any religious songs such as
    "Joy to the World".
    
    As for other changes, I've heard (probably in here) that the
    Country Bears get changed to a Christmas program and the Hoop-Dee-Doo
    Revue also changes.  Personally, I'll be disappointed if the HDD
    is different (going to be there Dec. 24) because I've never seen
    the show.
    
    The big question in my mind is, when/how do these changes take place?
    Knowing how efficient the Disney operation can be, I can imagine
    all this taking place the Sunday after Thanksgiving.  Is WDW
    magically transformed into a winter wonderland over night or do the
    changes take place over a couple of weeks?  For Len's family's sake,
    I hope it takes a while.
    
    Len, could you post some information in this note when you get back?
    I think this would help a lot of people (Christian and non-Christian)
    to plan their December trips.
    
    Have a great trip,
    Ruth

From what I've heard, most of the decorations magicly appear between closing on
Thanksgiving Day and opening time on Friday morning.

I know that the country bears do a Christmas show, I've never heard that the
HDDMR changes.  That WOULD be a bummer! Someone also said that the show in 
Mickey's Starland would be changing to a Christmas show too.  My kids will be
very disappointed not to see the crew from The Disney Afternoon!

What about the parade?  Do they run the Very Merry Christmas Parade or the
regular one? (Wbe watch the Christmas parade on TV every year too, there's not
much else to do that morning.)

I'll let you know the answers when I return.  The kids are already in Florida,
I'm leaving on Thanksgiving.

    I don't have the exact date, but during Christmas week a nativity play
    takes place at DisneyWorld Village.  This is supposed to be sort of
    like a medieval nativity theme - a passion play I think.  Anyway, you
    can find out the exact date and avoid the Village if you want (and for
    others, they can go).

    Len,
    
    I'm not sure about the parade, I assumed it will change to
    the Very Merry Christmas Parade when the decorations go up.
    As for the Hoop-Dee-Doo, check out note 116.26.  The author
    indicated the show had changed for Christmas.
    
    Bummer,
    Ruth

    
    re.10
    
    
    Len,
    
    How did you find Christmas at the world. 
    
    inquiring minds want to know
    
    steve								

    re: .-1

    I'll have more details in my forthcoming trip report, but the first
    week after Thanksgiving wasn't too bad.

    The resorts were all decorated, appropriately themed to each of course,
    as were the shop windows.  The theme parks each got their decorations
    during the week we were there.  The tree lighting ceremonies were all
    scheduled for the following weekend, so we missed out on those.

    There was a Christmas show featuring Minnie and Melvin the Moose on the
    Fantasyland stage, and at the Hoop-Dee-Doo they added a few Christmas
    songs to the show, but it was basically the same.  The Country Bears were
    doing their Christmas show too.  We didn't see it, but we were told that
    only the soundtrack was re-programmed, the movements were all the same
    as the "Vacation Hoe-down" show.

    We were at WDW Dec. 23, 1990 through Dec. 28, 1990.
    
    Each of the three parks was decorated, the main decoration being a
    huge tree.  If I remember correctly, the Magic Kingdom was the most
    decorated of the three and most of that was on Main Street USA.
    The decorations were beautiful and did reflect a Christmas theme (as
    opposed to a generic holiday theme).
    
    Each of the resorts was decorated.  The decorations were themed to
    the resorts - for example, the tree at the Beach Club had ornaments
    shaped like shells and mermaids to reflect its beach theme.  We didn't
    stop at all the resorts but made a point of stopping at the Grand
    Floridian which had the most beautiful "tree" by far.  It was covered
    with white, light purple and deep purple poinsettias.  Actually,
    after getting an up close look at a red version of this in fantasyland,
    I suspect it was a wire form which held pots of the flowers.  We saw
    the "tree" at the Contemporary Resort from the monorail.  My husband
    said he expected the hotel to turn upside down at any moment - in
    reference to the Poseidon Adventure.  If you saw the movie, you know
    how ugly the tree was.
    
    The very Merry Christmas Parade was good.  It's pretty much the same
    as what you see on the televised special and is run in the afternoon
    and at night.  When we entered the park on Dec. 23, they had the
    cameras all set up for taping.  I guess it was mostly a rehearsal but
    it was fun to watch.  I learned more about producing a television
    special by watching this than I did the time I took the backstage
    tour at MGM.  TIP:  if you are there on Dec. 25 and want to be on tv,
    get to the park around 7:00 or 7:30 AM!  Then grab a spot at the rope
    they put up by the little side street where you can take pictures.  If
    you see a camera on a boom right above your head you've got the right
    spot.
    
    As for other special Christmas activities in the parks...  We caught
    a glimpse of a show in fantasyland that looked cute.  We saw the
    show in front of the castle at night and thought it was fantastic.
    The country bear Christmas show was better than the regular show.
    If there were more activities, we missed them.
    
    Other special things...  We went to the Hoop-Dee-Doo on Christmas
    eve to make it special.  Had we known about the hotel activities,
    we would have gone at another time.  The CBR had free activities -
    face painting, etc. at Old Port Royale plus a visit from santa and
    also some characters.  They also provided some snacks.  I think all
    the resorts did something like this.  When I opened the door on
    Christmas day, there was a Christmas stocking with candy in it hanging
    from the handle.  Later that day they left a poster sized Christmas
    card in our room.  At some point they left a paper listing tons of
    church services too.
    
    Crowds...  Christmas day at the Magic Kingdom was the worst I've ever
    seen it.  It was impossible to move.  We got to the park around 9:30
    and had to wait in huge lines to get through the gates.  Main Street
    was packed with people waiting for the parade to start at 10:00 so it
    was hard for the crowds to walk.  For us the situation was worse.
    Nicole got sick so we had to leave as the parade was starting.  We
    tried to cut through the stores with little luck.  I bet it took us
    a half hour to get from the arcade to the front gate.  I went back
    about 8:00 PM and it was still crowded.  Rides like It's a Small World
    still had lines at 11:00 PM.  To add insult to injury, the noon news
    report showed shots from the blimp - the parking lots weren't full!
    I can't imagine it being more crowded.  On the good side, MGM and Epcot
    didn't look crowded at all (at least from the blimp during the parade).
    Other than Christmas day, the crowds were very manageable.
    
    That's all I can come up with right now.
    
    Ruth

    We were at Disneyworld last December and were delighted with
    holiday feeling.  
    
    My question...  Does anyone know the name of the theme
    song that was being piped in thru the P.A. system during this
    time?????  We would like to buy a copy to enjoy this holiday
    season.
    
    Thanks, Brigit

    I'm looking for a suggestion of a restaurant for Christmas dinner. 
    There will be four adults -- myself, my husband, and his parents. 
    
    Limitations are:
            1. My father-in-law will not go to a restaurant where
               he has to wear a tie.
            2. They like to eat EARLY -- 6:00 is probably as late as 
               we can push it.  
            3. They are on low fat, low cholesterol, sugar-free (diet 
               controlled diabetic) diets. 
    
    My husband and I would like a traditional Christmas dinner of turkey or
    roast beef, they would probably choose chicken or fish.
    
    Any suggestions? 
    
    Linda       

    Why not try the Liberty Tree Tavern at MK?  This would be quite
    traditional fare - I'm sure if you called ahead they would be able to
    accomodate the parents diet restriction.
    
    KJ
    

                    <<< W7_:[NOTES$LIBRARY]DISNEY.NOTE;1 >>>
                       -< The Disneyphile's Disney File >-
================================================================================
Note 219.26                     Christmas at WDW                        26 of 26
AAARGH::LOWELL "Grim Grinning Ghosts..."             15 lines  25-OCT-1991 15:03
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Linda,
    
    I suggest going through the Good Meals, Great Times section of
    Birnbaum's book and looking for a restaurant with a menu that
    comes close to what you consider to be a traditional Christmas
    dinner.  Off the top of my head, I think The Yacht Club Galley
    or the dinner buffet in the Character Cafe at the Contemporary
    might do it.
    
    Also, I seem to remember getting a notice that Christmas dinner
    would be served at Old Port Royale at the CBR.  I'll check
    through my stuff and report back here.  Please feel free to
    pester me if I forget.
    
    Ruth

    Linda,
    
    This is the note we received last December while staying at the CBR.
    I suspect the other resorts do something similar.  I assume the
    regular menu was available at the other food stands.
    
    Ruth
    
    
    Caribbean Beach Resort Guest,
    
    The staff and management of Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort wish
    to welcome you.
    
    In addition to the many holiday festivities, we want to invite
    you to take part in "The Spirit of Christmas" get-together at
    Old Port Royale on Christmas Eve, 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
    
    The evening includes:
        Picture time w/Santa
        Cookie decorating for children
    	Complimentary holiday goodies to include Egg Nog, Apple
            Cider, and Jamaican Snowballs
        Storyteller/guitar player
        Sleigh rides
    	Ice Carver
    	Clown Face Painting
        Petting Zoo
    
    Due to limited parking spaces, we encourage you to take our
    internal bus route or enjoy a walk through our promenade.
    
    On Christmas Day we will be serving a traditional turkey buffet
    in our Oriental Shop, including:
        Roast Turkey
    	Giblet Gravy
    	Mashed Potatoes
    	Candied Yams
    	Green Beans Lyonaise
    	Corn O'Brien
    	Cranberry Relish
    	Corn Bread
    	Assorted Pies
    
    Christmas dinner will be served from 12:00 Noon to 10:00 P.M. at
    $9.95 for adults and $4.95 for children 11 and under.
    
    We look forward to serving you in the days ahead.  Please contact
    the Guest Services desk if we can answer any of your questions.
    
    Happy Holidays!
    
    (signed)
    
    Joe Wisner
    General Manager

    Thanks, Ruth. It looks like we should have no trouble finding a 
    real Christmas dinner. Looks like it should be very nice.
    
    Linda

    As we're going to be in Florida for a month, with Xmas slap-bang in the 
    middle of our holiday  ... and as we will no doubt be visiting WDW several 
    times (probably a 5-day passport), I wondered if anyone could post their 
    experiences as to how crowded the other two parks are during Xmas week.
    
    I'd like to go and sample the atmosphere etc.  Having read through the
    previous replies, I don't feel inclined to try the MK.  Much as I enjoy
    rugby, I don't fancy `scrumming-down' with >100k people ... especially as 
    we will have three young children in tow.
    
    I read in one of the replies that EPCOT & MGM appeared much less busy
    than the MK. 
    
    Please would anyone who has been to these parks at that time advise as
    to whether it's worth going there and being able to see anything.  I
    guess the atmosphere would be better at the MK, but any comments about
    how good or bad the `feeling' is inside EPCOT & MGM would also help.
    
    We're not interested in taping parades or seeing any of the shows (Hoop
    Dee Doo etc), just walking around and visiting the attractions.
    
    Many thanks for any help you can give to help us decide how we spend 
    those valuable 5-day passport days.  I don't want to waste one of them
    looking at the back of someone's head in a massive crowd, no matter how
    good the atmosphere is:-)
    
    Cheers,
    
    Andy.    

    We spent Christmas Day at MGM last year. The crowds were what I would
    consider moderate. There were lines, but they were much less than in
    MK, and there was room to walk around. We were able to do the more popular
    attractions. There are Christmas decorations, although not as extensive
    as in MK. A huge tree, smaller but similar to the one at MK, is in
    front of the Chinese Theatre, and there are other decorations, too. 
    
    In contrast, others from our hotel remarked that in the MK, if one were 
    to faint, there was not enough space to fall onto the ground. We went
    to Spectromagic at 9:00PM Christmas night (major tactical error). In 
    Liberty Square, where the parade turns the corner in front of the 
    prisoner stocks, we wre 7 deep and there were 5 rows behind us. 
    
    The crowds in all parks was much greater after Christmas. 
    
    Linda 

Gee, Linda and I were there at the same time!!!  Wonder why we didn't
bump into each other.


I agree with Linda.  Last year, we spent Christmas in MGM and it was quite
pleasant (busy but not unreasonably so).  We managed to get into or onto all 
the shows that we liked with probably not much more than 30-45 minute waits in
the very worst cases.

Around lunchtime, we took the boat over to the Epcot Centre (which gave us a good
look at the Swan/Dolphin/Beach Club/new Boardwalk area). It was MUCH busier in
Epcot; even the little walkways that don't lead anywhere in particular were 
knee-deep in people. 

We met someone in the line for the "Great Movie Ride" who had come from the MK;
they said that the whole park resembled the crowd watching the parade; people 
everyhwere with long waits and general misery.

So my advice would be "Go to MGM and perhaps Epcot, but watch the Magic Kingdom
on TV".

				Nigel

    re .29
    
    Andy,
    
    If you have the opportunity to go to the MK (and the other parks)
    before Christmas, do it.  The crowds in early December are
    traditionally the smallest of the year.  As Christmas approaches, say
    after the 18th, the crowds increase geometrically.  All the Christmas
    decorations, including the tree, magically appear on the day after 
    Thanksgiving, which is on Nov. 26 this year.
    
    --Jay
    

Christmas day at disney:

My son and I went in 90 for christmas.  Some notes:

The Christmas day parade is EVERYday for that week.
(If the weather is not good in FLA on christmas day,
they use a film from another day).   SO, you can
catch the christmas day parade on a different day
than christmas.   

MK usually closes due to max capacity on christmas
day, so either go early, or avoid it.  Most of the
people were watching the parade on christmas day.
We hit some of the other attractions in MK that
day.  

I seem to remember the park closed early on christmas
eve, then stayed open till 2am on christmas...

We had a GREAT! time.  Only day the people got to us
was christmas day in MK.  We went to Epcot/Mgm, alot
less people!

    Many thanks to you Linda, Nigel, Jay & ???? Wheeler, it sounds like a
    summary of all your replies would be:
    
    o Go before Xmas to see the MK parade, rather than after (crowds smaller)
    o MGM is the least busy, followed by EPCOT - forget MK on the 25th unless 
      you DESPARATELY want to be there or are a sardine that enjoys looking at 
      the back of people's heads. 
    o The Xmas decorations will be up in all parks after 26th November.
    o Check opening times carefully (as always).
    
    I think that, if we do go in on Xmas Day itself, it'll be to MGM in the
    morning ... spend a few hours there and then off to EPCOT for the
    evening stuff.  I DO want to savour the MK atmosphere, so maybe we'll
    aim to go early Xmas Week in the hope of seeing what I hope will be a
    spectacular parade, as well as having my 1st go on Splash Mountain!
    
    Are there any attractions (apart from the parades), that are any
    different at Xmas, or is it the same excellent stuff, but with added
    tinsel?
    
    I just need someone to sort-out temperatures in the low to mid 70s for
    my entire stay, and then I'll be happy.  I don't want to have the
    `Batty Experience' (one week sun, one week cold wasn't it Mike?).
                                  
    Thanks again,
    
    
    Andy.

    A few attractions change the script for the season:
    
    The Country Bear Jamboree has a Christmas-Winter themed show versus 
    the one shown the rest of the year. The bears all wear scarves, hats, 
    and mittens and the audio changes to "Winter Wonderland" etc. 
    
    The Hoop Dee Doo also changes to a Christmas-Winter theme for the 
    cast's solos, and the singers at the American pavilion in EPCOT 
    perform traditional seasonal music.  
    
    There are probably more, but those are the ones I remember off the
    yop of my head.
    
    Linda

    Re .34
    
    Don't worry Andy, the weather will be great 'cos I'm not going to 
    be there! I daren't risk another trip until I've finished the 
    current Trip Report, so that blows Christmas (1992 and 1993?).
    
    The only thing you might miss out on is getting hold of a knitted 
    woolly hat with Mickey ears on it! They may be available under the 
    counter because of the season, but they were in every shop during 
    our cold trip!
    
    A lot of the shows change to cover the season. As well as the ones 
    previously mentioned, there was a Disney version of 'Twas The 
    Night Before Christmas' in the Futureland Theatre (?) and, also in 
    MK, there was 'Minnie's Christmas House Party' in the little 
    theatre between IASW and the track to Mickey's Starland (Can you 
    tell that I've left my guides at home from these vague 
    descriptions?). The weather wasn't all bad, I remember watching 
    Minnie's CHP while eating a much needed ice-cream to cool me off!
    
    Have a great time - and remember us at home while you are asking 
    about jobs 8-)8-)
    
    Mike B.

    Mike,
    
    That theater behind IASW may be Fantasy Faire. It's an open air theater
    and pretty small.
    
    The Other Mike

    re: .36
    
>>    The only thing you might miss out on is getting hold of a knitted 
>>    woolly hat with Mickey ears on it! They may be available under the 
>>    counter because of the season, but they were in every shop during 
>>    our cold trip!
    
    	I didn't bother checking when I was there a few weeks ago, but
    doesn't MK have a Christmas store (or was it in the shopping village)?
    Either one should probably carry them all year 'round.  
    
    	They were also all the rage in DL last winter (even though it
    wasn't cold enough to NEED them any of the times I was there).  They
    were silly enough that I wanted to buy one, but there "One Size Fits
    All" was to small for my head (Ufortunately also true for the Mickey
    Cowboy hats).
    
    tom

    There is a XMAS store in the MK but i can't remember exactly where,
    don't remember seeing the hat anywhere.  It sounds cute.
    
    regards,
    JP

    Do you guys mean "Mickey's Christmas Carol" in FantasyLand? This little
    shop is found on the right immediately after you emerge from walking
    under the castle.
    
    I remember this from my '90 trip. While walking thru TMK at night and 
    approaching the castle from behind I noticed an artist leaning up
    against this shop and sketching the castle.
    
    I don't remember ever going in....heck now that's yeat ANOTHER reason
    for returning.
    
    Mike

    That's the one I'm thinking of... picked up a few music boxes last time
    I was there, as well as a piglet and tiger ceramic ornament.
    

    Just back from Disney a couple of weeks ago and remember two 
    Christmas shops.The one already mentioned and a bigger and better 
    one in the Disney village.Is this the one you were talking about.

    Re .38 I couldn't get one of the hats to fit me either (!), but 
    the kids loved theirs. I wasn't actively looking this year, but 
    during the '89 cold snap they were on every (and I mean EVERY!) 
    counter, together with mitts and scarves (a bit like the way 
    ponchos appear when it rains, but are kept out of sight normally).
    
    I think the Christmas Stores in the DV and MK deal mostly with 
    decorations and ornaments (I remember the one in the MK having 
    several strings of the bells that play Carols, all ringing out 
    different tunes!), and no clothing apart from Christmas Stockings. 
    There is also a shop in Germany in EPCOT that has many seasonal 
    decorations, mainly carved wood, including some most excellent 
    nutcrackers.
    
    Is there a shop in MGM near Mama Melrose's? The alley is certainly 
    winter themed, with icicles, snowbanks and a sledge.
    
    That triggered the memory of another Christmas change in MK. In 
    the side street on the left going up Main Street, there are 
    usually banks of flowers and a bench for 'photo opportunities'. At 
    Christmas this was changed to banks of poinsettia and fir trees 
    with a brightly painted 'Santa-type' sleigh.
    
    Mike B.

Be sure to catch the Voices of Liberty singing Christmas carols at the
American Adventure in EPCOT.  They are stupendous...!  (And tapes are available
in the gift shop there.)

						-- Nina

    re: .34
    
    Andy,
    
    You may find some information which may help you plan your trip
    in my December 1990 trip report.  If I remember correctly, the
    parks were not busy at all through the 24th but after that it
    got much more crowded with Christmas day being the worst.
    
    One thing that could impact a Christmas day MGM visit is if they
    broadcast the parade like they did last year.  On Christmas day
    (not sure if it was done this way throughout the Christmas season)
    the Very Merry Christmas Parade was held at MGM and the Surprise
    Celebration (20th anniversary) Parade was held at the MK.  If they
    do that again, MGM could end up being quite crowded.
    
    Ruth

    Way to go Nina...yet another reason for me to return...during the Xmas
    season to see my...erhhh...the Voices of Liberty perform Xmas Carols.
    
    Mike

    While sorting out some Park Guides this w/e (To help with the Trip 
    Report!!), I came across the Entertainment Schedules for 
    Christmas '89.
    
    In addition to the usual, there was :--
    
    In the MK.
    
    The Sparkling Christmas Spectacular - Elves, Toy Soldiers, Dolls 
    join with many Disney Characters, singers and dancers to present 
    an exciting show that's full of the joyous Christmas spirit. 
    Castle Forecourt. 
    
    Tree Lighting Ceremony - Walt Disney World Band. Town Square.
    
    Miss Minnie's Country Christmas Party - With Melvin the Moose and 
    the Country Bears. Fantasy Faire Stage.
    
    Mickey's Twas the Night Before Christmas. Tomorrowland Theatre.
    
    Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Parade. Santa and helpers. Usual 
    Parade Route.
    
    In EPCOT.
    
    Holiday Splendor - Carol Lawrence with the World Dancers and the 
    Holiday Splendor Orchestra. America Gardens Theatre
    
    Christmas Tree Lighting - Voices of Liberty. Showcase Plaza.
    
    The Christmas Shop in MK is Mickey's Christmas Carol - Yuletide is 
    in season all year 'round with this impressive display of 
    Christmas accessories and gifts.
    
    Mike B.

    
    As i'm off to WDW on the 17 December for three weeks , I have a few
    questions that i hope you can answer for me..
    
    What are the park opening hours..?
    Do they have any special shows ect, on Christmas day..?
    What are the crowds like..?
    Whats the weather like around Christmas..?
    In which park should we spend Christmas day..?
    
    Andy

RE .49 - Er, did you read the rest of the replies in this string?  I'm sure
a lot of your questions have been covered already...

					-- Nina

    
    I leave for WDW on the 17th of December and I have some questions...?
    
    What can i expect of WDW at Christmas and New year..?  I visited
    last June and had a great time but thought I'd try Christmas time 
    this year.
    
    What are the best times to visit the Magic Kingdom,MGM,Epcot...?
    
    Do they have any special shows or parades over Xmas/New year period..?
    
    Is Christams a good time to go...? ( I hope so cause i only have about 
    9 weeks to go...So it would be a bit late now..)
    
    I am trying to get a day to day plan together of what i shall be doing
    when i get there, but i bet it doesn't work out anyway...
    
    Andy..B

    we are there during the Chistmas season a lot.  but unless you like
    crowds, don't go in on Christmas day.  the rest of the week is 
    managable.
    
    and don't plan, let it happen.  Not planning is my best plan.  it
    allows that I will miss something.  Then we'll just have to go back.
    next year.  letting things happen without planning reduces stress.
    you don't woory about hitting everything.  you don't miss an attraction
    because someone told you they didn't like it so you won't like it.
    ed
    

    
    I know they had to close the gates at Euro Disney  on Christmas day
    due to over crowding in the park, is there any chance that the 
    gates at the Magic Kingdom could do the same.
    
    Andy..B

    Andy, 
    
    Yes, the parking lot fills to capacity early in the day, so people
    arriving by car are turned away. Guests at the WDW resorts are still 
    allowed to enter the MK and other parks if the take WDW transportation. 
    
    We found MGM to be more enjoyable on Christmas Day. All features of the
    MK Christmas are available for the week between Christmas and New
    Year's Day. Everything can be experienced under just "Very Crowded" 
    versus "Unable To Move" conditions. 
    
    Linda

    Andy,
    
    Take Linda's advice to the bank. TMK is No Man's Land on Easter Sunday,
    July 4th, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. You're better off taking in MGM
    or Epcot (should be first choice due to space).
    
    Take in TMK on Dec. 24th.
    
    Mike

    
    Now only 9 days until we fly off for Disney, Were in Orlando for 
    three weeks and come home on January th 7th..
    
    Where are the best places to visit on Christmas day and New years
    eve..?
    
    Are there any special shows not to be missed over Christmas..?
    
    Andy.. 

    
    	Andy,
    
    I'll be over there roughly the same time as you, so I'm counting the
    hours down also!
    
    In answer to your questions, well it obviously depends on your crowd
    tolerance level and/or whether you're determined to be in one of the
    theme parks on Xmas Day.
    
    I've decided to avoid the parks as it is rumoured to be one of (in not
    the) busiest days of the year ... and trip reports from previous noters
    who've braved the parks on Xmas Day and told of wall-to-wall crowds, have 
    put me off. 
    
    When I was there for Xmas & New Year 1992/3, we visited Epcot Centre on
    New Year's Eve.  They had several bands playing live, and a spectacular
    fireworks display.  It was a great evening, and I would thoroughly
    recommend it.  Epcot is the largest of the parks, therefore it
    didn't feel over-crowded at all.  
    
    I've also heard that Universal Studios put on a good NY-Eve bash.
    
    My tip would be to buy the Orlando Sentinel newspaper and look out for
    the many adverts in there.  All the theme parks advertise their events,
    and you can call them to find out more details.
    
    The best free show around Xmas are the festive lights that people put
    on their houses, gardens, cars, children, pets, elderly relatives etc!
    
    It appeared to be a competitive pastime over there, with people vying
    to put on the best display.  I think they're very impressive, and the 
    Sentinel also points out the best streets to go and see.
    
    Have a great time.
    
    	Andy.
    
                                   

    
    
    
    Do the parks close early over the Christmas period, i dont really 
    want to visit Disney on the those days. It would be helpful if
    i could find a Disney timetable for the Christmas period..?
    
    Andy..B

    The parks only close early on Christmas Eve. Even so, there are special
    Christmas activities at all of the Disney Resorts. Gates open again
    bright and early Christmas day, and Spectromagic runs both at 9:00 and
    11:00 PM. 
    
    Linda

    
    Whats the best time to get to the Magic Kingdom Christmas day, i dont
    really want to get locked out.
    
    Andy..B

    
    anytime, not just Christmas, 30 minutes before stated opening time.

    Some castmembers have told me on the slide that during the big vacation
    and holiday weeks they may actually open the gates as much as 90
    minutes before the official opening time.
    
    I would try getting there 60 minutes beforehand...but it's gonna be
    crowded.
    
    Mike

    
    I went to the Magic Kingdom last year but my wife has never been
    before, She insists on making her first visit at MK on Christmas
    day. As this hoiliday is our honeymoon i wont argue with her:-)
    We leave next saturday and i'm counting every hour..
    
    Andy..B
    

    
    	I tend to like the parks best after dark.  I'm trying to figure
    when I can go with the extended hours and the least crowd.  The 1995
    Birnbaum guide mentions something called Jolly Holidays.  Is this a
    package?  It sounds a little like the Mickey's Very Merry Christmas
    Party mentioned earlier.  Extended hours, but an additional admission
    fee.
    	BTW, anybody who's gone to WDW in December, what's the weather
    like?  Shirt sleeves?
    
    Bill
    

    Hi Bill, we've gone in dec-feb
    
    weather is great!  we like it on the cool side.   gotta watch those
    nights.  we take a sweater and put them in the lockers.
    of course we swim in the ocean and the locals don't.  I'd compare
    december there to our northern September.
    ed
    

    we went a few new years' ago...we were in shorts and t-shirts most of
    the time, and the cast and crew were in winter coats and gloves...i
    thought it was pretty amusing.
    
    
    -raquel
    

    I've been going to the WDW area attractions for the past 
    15 years during the Christmas holidays (parents retired 
    to St. Pete) and have found the weather to be (on average)
    in the high 60s to low 70s during the day, and in the high
    50s to low 60s during the evening.  Some years warmer, 
    some years cooler.  I gotta tell you though, I remember 
    the temp. being 38 degrees on Christmas day one year while
    we were at DisneyWorld.
    
    Tony