We had a fabulous time on our Alaska Disney Cruise. But since it was our first one we definitely made some mistakes. Certainly not anything that negatively effected our trip but things to learn from for next time. So read on and hopefully you can learn from the mistakes we made on our Disney Cruise.
1) Boarding time is not arrival time
I planned to be at the port before our boarding time but I didn’t realize how long the process would take. We arrived at the port in Vancouver about an 1 1/2 hours before our boarding time. This was not nearly enough time to actually board at our time. There are so many steps in the process–baggage drop off, initial check-in, security checks, and a couple custom checks.
Lesson learned: Get to the port more than 2 hours before boarding time. There is an area to sit and wait to board after you are all checked in.
2) Waiting to Purchase Key Card Holder
I didn’t really think about this at all before leaving. In past cruises our kids were older and didn’t want anything hanging around their necks. But, I quickly realized after boarding that it would be very important for my young daughter to have a lanyard to hold her Key to the World Card. I certainly didn’t want to be digging for hers all the time. I knew that if she was responsible for putting it in her pocket it would be lost before dinner.
So, the hunt for a card holder began. Unfortunately, we had to wait until after we left port for the onboard stores to open up. Finally, after waiting and waiting (this was very difficult for my daughter who frequently asked if they would open soon) the doors opened. In we went, excited to see all the possibilities.
Sadly, our choices were very limited. I think there was three styles to choose from. Now, there were lots of pin trading lanyards but since the pocket was detachable I knew that with my daughter that would be a recipe for disaster. After much agonizing, one was settled on. Even though it was expensive (in my opinion $13 was quite a bit for a pocket) it was worth every penny. My daughter kept track of her very important Key to the World Card the whole trip. Bonus: we have it for the next cruise.
I will say there was one benefit for purchasing the lanyard on the ship. The plastic pouch ripped so it was unusable. We brought it back to the shop and they replaced it with a smile.
Lesson Learned: Purchase a Key to the World holder before leaving on the trip. They are invaluable for young children who want to hold their cards themselves.
3) Overpacking
On our last cruise (non-Disney) we dressed up for dinner almost every night. Not always fancy but at least changing out of shorts/swimsuit and into a skirt or nice pants. But not this time!
Our cruise was very casual. VERY! We had the late seating so I was able to see all the people going into dinner for the early seating. I was so surprised the first night to see so many t-shirts, sweatshirts, and jeans.
I had packed a change of clothes for almost every dinner. Most of them languished in the closet never worn. Why change if I don’t have to?!
Now, we were on an Alaska Cruise in September so shorts never graced my body. It might be different if I was on a Caribbean cruise and had to change out of my shorts to go to dinner.
Lesson Learned: Pack extra clothing for Formal and Semi-formal night but don’t worry so much about the rest.
4) Under Utilizing the Disney Navigator App
I downloaded the app before our trip which was a good first step. I really like paper and seeing all the activities at once and in comparison to each other. For this reason I didn’t really use the app much.
It wasn’t until the 5th day of our 7 day cruise that I was lamenting the fact I had missed some of the characters and wished I could have known ahead all the meeting times for characters. Another passenger informed me that ON THE APP you can look up each character and see all the meet and greet times throughout the week. Boy, this would have been helpful on day 1 or 2.
I wished I had know this for planning out the movies too. I sure loved watching movies on the ship. I know, I know. I’m quite silly but I really don’t get much chance at home.
Lesson learned: Look through the Navigator App right away. Pick favorites and enjoy the trip!
5) Letting the weather stop me
This mistake we made on our Disney Cruise is probably the only one I actually regret. As I said before, I thought it was kind of cold on our cruise. I did come prepared with insulated water boots, down coat, hat, and gloves. I donned them all for the important times such as the Frozen Deck Party and traveling up Endicott Arm to Dawes Glacier.
Other than those two times I spent very little time outdoors. At the time I just didn’t want to be cold. But now, I look back and think, “Man! Why didn’t I even walk around the deck and sit for a bit and watch the beauty floating by?”
Lesson learned: Bundle up and spend at least a little time walking around the decks and watch the scenery.
6) Feeling Guilty About Skipping the Dining Room
We loved our dining room servers, the dining room atmosphere, and the dining room entertainment. We didn’t love the food and found ourselves wanting a change. I know it is silly, but we felt like we were letting down our servers if we ate elsewhere.
Finally, after looking at the next day’s activities we decided that we needed to skip dinner in order to do all we wanted to do. We hesitantly informed our servers and the next night ate at Cabanas for dinner.
When we walked in we expected to eat at the buffet. Boy, were we wrong! At night Cabanas is sit-down service. At first we were disappointed as we were in a bit of a hurry to eat. The initial look at the menu also was disheartening as it seemed very basic. But we ordered and it was actually our favorite meal. Go figure!
Lesson Learned: It’s your vacation. Do what you want!
7) Trying to Leave Ship with Hot Drink
As you know, we were on an Alaska cruise in September. Well, it was kind of cold and rainy. Having a hot drink while exploring Juneau sounded so fantastic! I went up to the drink station and poured myself a lovely cup of tea. Down I went to the exit the ship. But, unfortunately not with my tea! The security personnel informed me that drinks were not allowed to leave with me. Ah man!
Lesson learned: Find the first coffee cart on a cold day and get a hot drink. (or iced drink on a hot day)
Thank you for reading through all the mistakes we made on our Disney Cruise. Hopefully you find this a little helpful in planning your own vacation.
What mistakes have you made on your Disney Cruise that you don’t want to make again?
My daughter and I sailed on our first Disney Cruise at the beginning of September. Other than a fantastic, relaxing trip my purpose was to experience a Disney Cruise in order to be able to better inform my clients. I brought my 7-year old daughter for special Mother-Daughter time and as my “guinea pig” for the children’s programming.
Our first Disney Cruise took us on the Disney Wonder back to our Alaskan home. It is quite typical for Alaskans to have never visited the city and towns of Southeast. So, I was thrilled to explore the ports of Juneau, Ketchikan, Icy Strait (Hoonah), and Skagway. But, I am focusing my gushing about the things I love to the the actual cruise ship.
Without further ado, here are the things that I LOVED about our Disney cruise!
1) Our Dining Room Servers–Potchara and Heny
Potchara and Heny, our dining room team, were fantastic. They made every dinner fabulous. They quickly remembered our likes and dislikes. They watched closely to when we needed anything and checked on us regularly (but not too much). They let us get to know them, about their lives.
2) Rotational Dining
The Disney Wonder has 3 main dining rooms. Rotational dining allows you to experience all the dining rooms during your cruise. Place’s decor is reminiscent of 1920’s New Orleans. Triton’s dining room style is more classic and subdued. The final dining room is Animator’s Palate. This last dining room initially looks bleak in all black and white. As dinner progresses this room transforms into a vibrant color palate. It’s so delightful!
3) Dining Room Entertainment
I vaguely remember reading something about live jazz in Tiana’s Place before we left on our cruise. But, I was totally unprepared for how cool it all was. The jazz band in Tiana’s Place was excellent. The second evening at Tiana’s our servers had a great musical number and encouraged all the guest to join in and dance around the dining room. So fun!
Animator’s Palate was my absolute favorite. The first time we dined there was a cute show after dinner. But, on our second dining at Animator’s Palate we experienced probably one of my favorite things on the whole cruise. Before they let us order we had to draw a character on a piece of paper. After dinner they took our characters and animated them into a cute movie. It was one of the cutest things I have seen in a long time! I LOVED it!!
4) All the Focused Attention on my Daughter
All throughout the cruise I felt that my daughter was respected as a traveler and not just along for the ride. I loved how kids were an important part of the cruise. It is truly a family friendly cruise with emphasis on creating special memories for children as well as adults.
At the Frozen Party a section was roped off just for kids so they could be close to the stage and join in with the dancing. So many activities could involve the whole family together. At the Oceaneers club, they would interact with the kids at things they enjoy doing. My daughter loved playing games with them.
One of the things that impressed me the most was how our servers looked at her in the eye (as much as she would let them). They spent time helping her decide what to eat, taking as much time as necessary without rushing her. They asked her what she wanted and listened to her requests. Every night Potchara would have a special activity planned such as origami or magic tricks. As soon as he realized how much my daughter loved the magic tricks he made sure he had one ready every night.
5) The Movies
I know, so silly. But, we rarely go to the movie theater. It was such a treat to sit and watch so many of the movies I really wanted to see but hadn’t. I loved the live action Aladdin and saw it twice. Watching the Lion King and Toy Story 4 on the big screen was so fun.
6) Frozen Deck Party
Freezing the Night Away! Even though cold and bundled up with hat and gloves I loved this show! It was so fun! Music reverberated across the deck. Dancing infected the feet of everyone. Anna and Elsa lit up the night. And even though I am very accustomed to snow, the snowfall on the deck was enchanting. I loved every minute of it! I can’t imagine how amazing a Pirate Party must be with fireworks on the Caribbean cruises.
7) Our Room Steward–Alvin
A cool cat courtesy of Alvin
Alvin was awesome! He always had a smile on his face. He always greeted us like he was happy to see us. One night we left our room a disaster only to come back to a neat and tidy space ready for us to sleep that night. He never made us feel like we were interrupting his duties when we changed our routine and messed up his. He crafted awesome towel (and blanket) creatures. He pixie dusted my daughter with Princess sheets and absolutely thrilled her by leaving them on a couple of nights. He made our trip extra special.
These were not the only things that I liked about out Disney Cruise. But, these were the things that, I believe, set Disney apart from other cruise lines. Now, I know that others may not agree with my opinions but that’s okay.
Now, it’s your turn. What was your favorite part of your Disney Cruise?
Have you wondered why so many people go on cruise vacations? Have you wondered if a cruise might be something your family would enjoy? Do you have questions about what benefits a cruise might provide over another type of vacation? Then, this post is for you! Read on to find out some reasons why you should take a cruise vacation.
We took our first cruise vacation in 2000. We sailed to the Western Caribbean. The cruise was a lot of fun but we didn’t’ go on another cruise until the summer of 2017. Why? Other vacation opportunities (aka DISNEY) called us elsewhere. But in 2017 my interest in cruising the high seas was renewed.
What’s great about a cruise vacation?
This post is all about why I think that taking a cruise is a great vacation option for your family. So, keep reading (this kind of long post) and find out why I think cruises are great!
Cruises are all-inclusive
On a cruise, you pay one price and that includes all of your food, lodging, entertainment, a lot of activities, and transportation to different places.
Cruise lines differ in the amount of all-inclusiveness. Some cruises include almost all the food and activities onboard. On others, there are sufficient complimentary choices to have a fantastic vacation but also have quite a few options with additional fees. A few cruise lines even include an excursion in each port.
On the cruises we have been sailed, we pretty much stick to the included stuff and have a fabulous vacation. I think the only thing we have spent extra on is a basic beverage package. Although, if we were on one of the ships with the go-karts we would have to splurge on a ride or two.
Delicious food
Dining options are abundant on almost every cruise line. Larger ships usually have more than smaller ones. The amazing selection of dining options is a great reason to take a cruise vacation.
Main Dining Room–This dining option is included in the cruise fare. These are fabulous sit-down meals at which you choose appetizers, salads, main entrees, and yummy, yummy desserts. Meals in the dining rooms are served a specific times. The really awesome thing is that you can order whatever you want. Do you want two entrees? Order both. Do many desserts look delicious? Order them all? Want a side from one entree and a different one from another? Feel free to mix and match. Where else can you order with such freedom! (Note of caution: be a bit mindful of wastefulness. If there are many things you like maybe think about sharing)
Buffet–The dining room serving the buffet is usually open more hours than the main dining rooms. At the buffet, you will discover many different fantastic food options. There is something for everyone and eating at the buffet doesn’t take nearly as long as in the dining room.
Complimentary Restaurant–On some ships there might be a smaller restaurant option that is included. It might serve lighter fare and a smaller menu.
Signature Restaurants–Signature restaurants are another fantastic dining option. On some ships, you might have one or two options but on larger ones, you could have 10 or more to choose from. These restaurants often have even better food than the classic dining room. These restaurants usually have a specific type of food such as sushi, Mexican, Italian, Bistro-style, and others. Most of these restaurants charge a small fee. But, sometimes cruise lines offer dining in their restaurants as an incentive and then you only have to pay the gratuities.
Snack Options–Your cruise might have a complimentary pizza parlor, hot dog stand or lounge with desserts. Maybe you can enjoy an ice cream soda shop or Coffee Bar (both usually additional fees apply).
Room Service–Most cruise lines offer room service right to your stateroom. Leave a placard out the night before and awaken to a delicious breakfast delivered right to your door. Maybe you would like an afternoon or evening snack. All possible with room service. Some cruise lines have complimentary room service and on some, there is a small fee. Check with your travel advisor about your specific cruise line.
Excellent lodging
Oceanview Stateroom on Disney Wonder
From the simplest interior stateroom to the sprawling suites, the accommodations are top-notch. Your room Steward is always nearby to help you with anything you might need. Feel pampered with your bed turned down each night and put back together each morning. Your bathroom is cleaned twice a day as well as your room tidied.
For even more luxury on the major cruise lines, you can opt for suites and concierge-level service. Many lines have a special suite level that allows you to access special dining rooms, reserved outdoor pools and relaxation zones in addition to the glorious rooms that are just a cut above the rest.
Of course, you can step off the luxury even further by cruising on one of the actual luxury cruise lines.
World-class Entertainment
Entertainment abounds on a cruise ship. You might see a death-defying water show or a beautiful production on ice. Some lines produce Broadway-caliber plays and musicals for their guests. Evening shows are even worked around dining schedules so that each guest is able to see each production. You don’t have to worry about missing anything.
In addition to the nightly entertainment, you will find many other opportunities. Some ships have jazz clubs, piano bars, comedy shows, and more. Join in the fun of a Newlywed Game or Talent contest.
Abundant Activities
The rock climbing wall on the Oasis of the Seas
From morning to night activities are planned for your enjoyment. Trivia, pool games and parties, sports tournaments, Bingo, karaoke, contests, arts and crafts are just a few diversions to help you pass the time.
In addition to planned activities, there are many other things to do onboard the ship. Relax by the pool or jump in for some fun. Waterslides, other slides, rock walls, ice rinks, bumper cars, go-karts, laser tag, escape rooms, sports courts, movies, carousels, trampolines, VR activities, video game rooms, and so much more. For those looking for tranquility, some ships have libraries, cozy nooks and crannies, and game rooms. Each cruise line and even each ship has different levels of onboard activities. Larger ships might have many while the smaller ones have just a few.
Cruises Help You Explore the World
A cruise ship is your floating hotel that takes you from one destination to another. You only have to unpack once and you get to explore many different countries and cultures. You can find an itinerary that will explore almost any part of the world you want.
Ocean cruises can take you to:
Bahamas
Caribbean
Mediterranean
Coastal Europe
Northern European Countries
Great Britain
US and Canada’s East and West Coast
Alaska
Hawaii
Panama Canal
Central America
South America
Polynesia
Australia and New Zealand
Singapore, Thailand and Southeast Asia
Japan
China
Antarctica
Africa
Middle East
India
Overlooking St. Maarten
River Cruises will explore these rivers around the world:
Danube–Europe
Rhine–Europe
Moselle–Europe
Main–Europe
Elbe–Europe
Rhone–France
Seine–France
Dordogne and Garonne–France
Douro–Portugal and Spain
Volga–Russia
Dnieper–Ukraine
Mekong–Cambodia and Vietnam
Yangtze–China
Ganges–India
Nile–Egypt
Chobe–Southern Africa
Amazon–South America
Columbia and Snake–Washington and Oregon
Mississippi–United States
Cumberland, Tennessee, and Ohio–United States
Great Lakes–US and Canada
St. Lawrence Seaway–US and Canada
A Cruise Line for Every Traveler
No matter how you like to travel there is a cruise for you.
Small Ships
Does a small ship that can cruise into small ports in out of the way locations appeal to you? There are cruise lines that just have small vessels that carry from 6 to just a couple hundred passengers. Love to sail? There is even a line that is made up of luxury sailboats. Wow!!
Large Ships
Are you someone who wants to go, go, go? You want to have many, many options for food, entertainment, and activities? Do you love to be in the middle of all the action? A very large ship that carries 4000-6000 passengers might be just for you. There are also cruise lines that cater to this more than others.
Major Cruise Lines
The major cruise lines have somewhat different flavors. Are you a foodie? Do you like to party? Do you like more tranquility? Do you want to cruise with a generally younger or older crowd? Do you want a very family-friendly vacation? Do you want a cruise that caters to your children?
Luxury Cruise Lines
Are you all about luxury, concierge service, and gourmet meals. Do you like educational, cultural learning and education on vacation? Certain cruise lines cater to this travel style beautifully.
Do you want a cruise that focuses on the family? Do you want to travel without any kids? There are cruises specializing in this too.
As you can see there is probably a cruise line out there that would fit the desires of your family!
Vast Array of Itineraries
Oh my goodness! As you saw above you can travel all over on a cruise ship. You can stick to oceans or travel inland waterways to see even more. But you can customize your trip even more which is another reason why you might want to take a cruise vacation.
Pick your number of cruising days
Do you want to cruise to 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, or 14 days? Yes, these are all choices. How about longer, 2 or 3 weeks? Maybe a month? Or even a year?
Pick Days at Sea vs. Port Days
More days at sea
Cruises are a combination of days in port and days at sea. Do you like to relax on the ship more? Cruise on an itinerary that has more days at sea and less ports. You could take a Transatlantic cruise, Transpacific or repositioning cruise.
More days exploring different countries
Are you hungry for adventure, culture and different countries? Pick an itinerary that stops more frequently in port. River cruises really do this well. Most of your time on a river cruise is spent in port exploring the area. There are also cruise lines that excel in this more than others.
Enjoy the ship on port days
Or, you can choose an itinerary that has some ports that you like and some that you don’t. Explore the countries you are interested in seeing. Stay on the ship for the ports that don’t excite you. You can stay on the ship on port days and enjoy all the ship has to offer with less people onboard.
Private Island Beach Days
Labadee, Haiti–One of Royal Carribean’s Private Islands
Some travelers love having beach days. Often ports will have a beach excursion option. But some cruise lines have their own private island stops for their guests to enjoy. They provide many beach activities as well as food that is included in the cruise fare. To make your day extra special, some up the ante with extra activities, beach clubs, cabanas, and water parks that are available at an additional cost. Plus, they often stay at their private islands all day so you can soak up all the sun.
Choose your itinerary wisely to either avoid private islands or to stop at your favorite one. If beach days are your absolute favorite you can even find itineraries that stop at private islands twice in one trip. Score!
So, Let’s Find the Cruise for You!
I kept this post pretty basic to get you thinking. Once you decide that a cruise vacation might be for you and your family it is time to dig into the details. A travel advisor will be able to help you narrow down your choices and find the perfect trip for you.
Please comment below if you have other reasons you love cruising!
Questions about cruising? Let me know in the comments.
Happy travels to you…until we meet again!
Want to do a little cruise research? Cruise Critic is a good place to start.
Christmastime is my absolute favorite time to visit Disney. I love walking down Main Street under the lights and holly garlands. All the special touches drag you into the holiday spirit whether you want it to or not and you just want to sing right along with all the Christmas music.
A Disneyland Resort Guide to Holiday Decorations
The Disneyland Christmas makeover starts at the beginning of November. Main Street comes alive with lights, holiday garland and decorations all leading each guest to the enormous, gorgeous and towering Christmas Tree. Cinderella’s Castle shimmers and shines with lights. Head back to Fantasyland where the It’s a Small World Every facade is covered in 50,000 lights and special video projections for and amazing transformation. Each and every land joins in the holiday fun!
What about California Adventure? How do they join in the festivities? Bring back nostalgia from times gone by with the beautiful vintage holiday decorations up and down Buena Vista Street. Feel dwarfed and inspired by the 50 ft. Christmas tree. Wander through Paradise Pier, Grizzly Peak and other lands immersing yourself in holiday cheer. And don’t miss Cars Land, where the residents of Radiator Springs have decked the streets in seasonal a-tire. Two not to miss attractions: Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl and Mater’s Jingle Jamboree.
Of course Downtown Disney and the resorts are not to be outdone. Find your holiday home-away-from-home festooned with frosty flair. The Disneyland Hotel, Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa welcome Guests with splendiferous displays that send spirits soaring. Each Disneyland Resort hotel features a unique holiday tree decorated with whimsical flourishes, traditional trimmings and dashes of pure Disney magic.
When can you see the decorations?
The decorations go up the first week of November and come down the first week of January.
A Disneyland Guide to Special Holiday Events and Activities?
Disneyland
A Christmas Fantasy Parade— With prancing reindeer, marching toy soldiers, dancing gingerbread cookies and more, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Disneyland Park! Wave to all your Disney friends as they pass by on fantastic holiday floats.
“Believe…In Holiday Magic” Fireworks Spectacular— Feel your spirit soar during this splendid pyrotechnical spectacle. As the sky overhead lights up with dazzling color, more than 80,000 twinkling lights illuminate Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle with sparkling “icicles” and shimmering snow-capped turrets.
“it’s a small world” Holiday–This classic attraction dresses up for Christmas. The holiday dolls sing medleys of holiday music as well as the classic song. Outside each evening, every 30 minutes, thousands of lights come alive as well as video projections to bathe the exterior in colorful lights and images.
Haunted Mansion Holiday–The ghosts and ghouls are in festive holiday spirit and want to wish you a merry macabre holiday. Enjoy the spooky mansion inspired by Tim Burton’s Nightmare before Christmas.
“Holiday Time at Disneyland Resort” Guided Tour–This 2 1/2 hour guided tour will share favorite Disneyland holiday traditions from around the world. You will also enjoy reserved seating for the Christmas Fantasy Parade, delicious holiday treats, a collectible pin and more. Cost: $99 (theme park admission also required)
Meet Santa and his elves at the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail
Buena Vista Street Holiday Tree Lighting— Watch in wonder as the tree twinkles to life with a kaleidoscope of colored lights, hundreds of whimsical ornaments and swags of gleaming garland.
A Disneyland Resort Guide to Holiday Crowds?
This is a very busy time but all the special additions make it worth the extra crowds.
The busiest times are when schools are on vacation–the week of Thanksgiving and Christmas Break.
If you want to try to experience the parks with a little fewer people your best bet is the first few weeks of November and December. Weekends will be quite busy but Tuesdays-Thursdays might be a little less crowded.
How do I handle the crowds?
The best way to enjoy the holidays at Disneyland is to be prepared. Have a plan! Touring Plans is a great place to help plan your day.
Here are some other things to keep in mind:
Expect lots and lots of people and lots and lots of waiting!
Stay in the park on the busiest days (definitely Christmas and New Year’s Day). They often reach capacity and if you leave you won’t be able to go back.
Know what are your must do’s (keep the list short) and what can wait until another trip.
Purchase tickets before arrival. Ticket lines get very long.
Get to the park early (30 min-1 hour before opening)! Maximize your time while others are sleeping.
Get your FastPass for World of Color-Seasons of Light early in the day.
MAXPASS!! Make sure app is downloaded before your vacation so you are ready to roll right as you walk through the gate.
Stake out your spot for the Parade and Fireworks VERY early if you want a good spot.
Focus on entertainment and activities as well as rides.
Be patient! Everyone around you also desires a magical holiday.
I hope that you found this information helpful for your Disneyland vacation planning. Remember, even though November and December are very busy with lots of people you can still have a memorable and magical vacation!
Walking the streets of Disney World when Christmas magic has descended is my absolute favorite time to visit! I love the lights, the decorations, the stories, the treats, and special performances. My favorite place to celebrate the holidays is at Disney World!
When do the decorations go up?
Disney magic strikes again making it seem like the transformation from Halloween to Christmas happens overnight. At the beginning of November, right after the last Halloween party, the magic begins. The decorations stay up until the last week of December with some decorations still remaining until the beginning of January.
Magic Kingdom is the first park to receive the treatment due to the Christmas party with the other parks quickly following. All the resorts participate in the holiday fun. Some of the Deluxe resorts
If you are planning a trip the first week of November or the beginning of January you will see decorations in flux. Some will be there but not the full picture.
What are the crowds like at this time?
While you can have a wonderful time and celebrate the holidays at Disney World no matter how many people are there, some time definitely have lower crowds than others. As other times of year crowd levels depend on school breaks. Every year is different and Disney World has been working hard to offer incentives to guests to visit at the slower times. But, listed below is some of what you can expect with November- early January crowds.
Less Crowded periods:
Around Novmeber 12th crowds die down a bit until the weekend before Thanksgiving
Moderately crowded periods:
After the 1st weekend in November (the Wine and Dine Marathon) until Veteran’s Day weekend
The Monday after Thanksgiving until toward the end of the 2nd week of December (historically this was a very slow time but events have been added to increase attendance)
Very crowded periods:
Beginning of November during the Wine and Dine Marathon
Veteran’s Day Weekend
The weekend before Thanksgiving until the Monday after
End of the 2nd week of December until 1st week of January when school is back in session. The days around Christmas until New Years Eve are the absolute most crowded of the year. Sometimes they have to close the park so go early.
2019 Holiday Season exceptions:
Since Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge just opened at the end of August expect the crowds to be more for the entire holiday season. The Rise of the Resistance experience will open December 5th so there will probably be a boost in attendance around this time.
One more thing:
Not all parks have the same boost in crowds during the season. Crowds during the Food and Wine Marathon will concentrate in Epcot. Some will spill over into the other parks.
Pop Warner events during the 1st week of December cause a huge influx in the value resorts. These competitors and their families will increase the park attendance but they also spend a lot of time at their competitions out of the parks.
Hollywood Studios will be very busy the entire season due to the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
What’s the weather like?
November weather averages in the 70’s to low 80’s. December averages in the 70’s. Both months have relatively little rain. In our experience the temperatures in December have been a little all over the place. In one two week trip we had some lovely weather in the upper 70’s and then some cooler weather in the 60’s. So, it is a good idea to bring layers.
What makes celebrating the holidays at Disney World special?
At Epcot:
I would say that Epcot is my favorite park at Christmastime. I love to see how other countries celebrate.
Celebration of Holiday traditions and culture in the countries around the World with stories, decorations, and activities.
Savor food around the world from the Holiday kitchens.
Candlelight Processional–Experience the Christmas Story read by an actor (Neil Patrick Harris, Gary Sinise, Whoopie Goldberg, and more) accompanied by a 50 piece orchestra and full choir.
Candlelight Processional Dining Package–Enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner at one of 16 restaurants and then guaranteed seating to the Candlelight Processional that night.
Holiday Cookie Stroll–Purchase any 5 cookies from any of the official cookie stroll locations featured in your Festival Passport—and be sure to collect a matching stamp for each cookie purchased. Once you’ve collected 5 stamps, bring the stamped Passport to the designated redemption Holiday Kitchen to receive a complimentary cookie!
Joyful! A Celebration of the Season– Experience the joy of Christmas and Kwanzaa in the uplifting Gospel, R&B, and holidays songs of the ‘Joyful!’ vocal ensemble.
Chip ‘n Dale’s Christmas Tree Spree–Purchase a Map (from select Epcot stores) for a fun filled scavenger hunt. Help Chip ‘n Dale find Christmas ornaments for their tree. As you find them place stickers on your map. When you finish turn you map in to Disney Traders or World Traveler and exchange it for a festive surprise, courtesy of Chip & Dale!
At Animal Kingdom:
Cross the bridge to Discovery Island and find yourself in the midst of a celebration of winter, hand-crafted by the eclectic community of artists who make the island their home.
In the evening the villages shimmer and shine with luminaries and bird lanterns. The Tree of Life comes alive with wintery tales and holiday music and sparkles throughout the night.
Over in Dinoland, U.S.A., all the Disney character friends gathered for Donald’s Dino-Bash! get into the spirit with colorful holiday decorations in the style of Donald Duck and each of his pals, and at night, you’re invited to gather ‘round Truck-O-Saurus for the Holiday Hoopla Dance Party with Chip ‘n Dale and plenty of interactive fun and games.
Asia, Africa, and even Pandora dress up for the holidays with lights, music, costumes, decorations that reflect the land they represent. The residents of Anandapur celebrate Diwali, the holiday festival of lights in India. Various groups appearing throughout Harambe will delight your eyes and ears with performances of African holidays. The inhabitants of Pongu Pongu have their own way of celebrating the holidays that will surprise and delight.
At Hollywood Studios:
Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!!— Featuring traditional holiday tunes and stories brought to you by Mickey, Minnie, Olaf and friends, state-of-the-art projections from Disney Animation classics, amazing laser effects, fireworks and even a little “snow,” this spectacular evening celebration builds to a festive finale that must be seen—and heard—to be believed! Enjoy the Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! dessert party (extra cost) and watch the performance from preferred seating.
Sunset Seasons Greetings–Every night the Hollywood Tower Hotel comes to holly-jolly life with colorful projections. Boasting new laser effects and projected falling “snow,” this exuberant celebration also includes stories, songs and holiday cheer brought to you by Disney pals like Mickey, Minnie and Olaf.
Andy’s backyard gets a touch of holiday magic in Toy Story Land.
Christmas at the Magic Kingdom is beautiful. Nothing will put you in the Christmas spirit like passing by the giant Christmas tree and walking down twinkling Main Street underneath the swagging holly vines and Mickey Mouse wreaths. But the extra special Christmas events are centered on Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. This is an extra ticketed event that takes place 23 magical nights between Nov. 8 and December 22, 2019. What are the special activities?
Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks–an all new fireworks show celebrating the magic of Christmas with medleys of beloved holiday songs and fireworks seen from all over the park. A dessert party is available for additional cost and provides yummy snacks/desserts and preferred viewing for fireworks.
Once Upon a Christmastime Parade
A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas–Join Tomorrowland friends for an Out-of-this-World celebration
Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration Stage Show
A Frozen Holiday Wish stage show– Queen Elsa will magically transform Cinderella Castle with glistening ice.
Specialty eats and holiday treats
Club Tinsel–A mega-fun dance party at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe
Snow on Main Street
Tomorrowland Speedway, Space Mountain, Monster’s Inc Laugh Floor and Mad Tea Party join the festivities with some Christmas fun.
Christmas Tree Trail–Holiday music, falling snow, and seasonally themed trees
Stitch’s Holiday Gift Hunt–Embark on a very merry mission to find the items on Stitch’s lost list and earn a surprise even Santa would love.
Holiday shopping for everyone on your list
Don’t miss the Days Of Christmas store
Joyful Entertainment
Say “Hi” to Santa
Special Holiday tours
Disney’s Yuletide Fantasy Tour–During this fun-filled 3 hour tour you will get a sneak peak at how the Disney elves transform the resort into the holiday wonderland. This tour costs $149. Theme park admission is not required nor included.
Disney’s Holiday D-lights Tour–After a delicious BBQ dinner at the Whispering Canyon Cafe your “holiday hosts” will unwrap some of the secrets of holiday traditions at Magic Kingdom (the lighting of Cinderella’s Castle) and Epcot (the Candelight Processional) and ending with the Epcot Forever fireworks display. This 6 hour tour costs $289.
Note: These tours are available on select dates during November and December. These tours are for ages 12 and up.
As you can see, Disney World is dripping with Holiday Magic in every corner. Even the resorts get a Christmas makeover. Head on over to some of the Deluxe resorts and feast your eyes on some amazing life size Gingerbread House displays as well as all the festive decorations. Enjoy the extra special magic as you celebrate the holidays at Disney World this year!!
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