Not-to-be-Missed Christmas Activities
Feb 06 '00
Isn't it a wonderful convenience that the absolute BEST time to visit Disney World - early December - is also when all the wonderful Christmas activities are in full swing? Visiting WDW the first weekend of every December has now become a family tradition for us. In fact, I've been taking a bus-load of folks along with me for the last few years and many of them have made it tradition, too.
No matter how many times you've been there before, you MUST go to the Magic Kingdom for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. This is held on select nights from 8:00 PM to 1:00 AM. A party ticket (which costs around $35 for adults) is required and can be purchased through the regular Central Reservations number. Order early because only a limited number are sold and they DO sell out (though they will be sold at the gate if there are any left).
Mickey's Party consists of an evening in the Magic Kingdom, complete with all the usual attractions and rides. In addition to the lovely Christmas decorations the day-visitors see, extra decorations are brought in as well. Free hot chocolate and cookies are offered at various locations, and each family may have a complimentary commemorative photo taken. (Do this early since the lines get very long later on.)
There are two parades and, for a change, you can actually find a good place to watch them just as they start. I also highly recommend the fireworks display which is a true work of art. There are several shows held throughout the evening so be sure to pick up a schedule as you come through the gates (which unofficially open about a half hour early).
Last but not least, a beautiful flurry of "snow" falls on and off all night long on Main Street. You couldn't find a better activity to get you in the holiday mood, and it's suitable for all ages.
The other DON'T MISS thing is the Candlelight Processional in Epcot. The processional is held several times nightly at the American Gardens Theater and is narrated by a celebrity guest. (The names of the celebrities aren't announced until about October.) The show is about an hour long and consists of the telling of the Christmas story interspersed with traditional carols sung by a large choir and accompanied by a 50+ piece orchestra. A very moving performance to say the least. And the narrators range from good to great so you really can't go wrong with any of them.
A Processional package is offered which includes dinner and it's the best value to be found at WDW. Participating Epcot restaurants are considered lower tier or upper tier. The lower tier restaurant packages cost about $30-35 and include a full buffet dinner (w/ beverage, tax and gratuity) as well as preferred seating for the processional. The upper tier restaurants cost about $10 more but include the better restaurants and you may order from the menu.
To see the Processional without the dinner package, you must stand in a VERY LONG line and keep your fingers crossed that they'll be seats still open after the show starts. At that point, gate-tending cast members will let people in until there are no remaining seats. Once all seats are gone, the only way to see the show is by standing along the rail at the back. If you're going to eat at Epcot anyway, it's best to just buy the dinner package and be assured of a seat. You should make dinner package reservations at least four months in advance for the better restaurants (France and Italy especially). Call Central Reservations to get them. Packages are sold on-site for restaurants that have availability.
The Processional is recommended for adults and for children old enough to sit through an hour-long musical performance. Wheelchair seating is available, and the show is done in sign language when requested in advance.
Finally, an "After 4" admission pass is also usually offered to those who purchase the dinner processional packages. This allows you to enter Epcot that day anytime after 4:00 PM for about $22, as opposed to paying more than twice that for a full-day admission. If you are staying for several days, it's nice to do Mickey's Party one night, then sleep in and enjoy your hotel the next day before heading to Epcot for dinner and the processional. You MUST add the After 4 admission when you make your dinner reservation. They are not sold at the gate.
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Epinions.com ID:
EFoss195
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Member: Elizabeth Foss
Location: Naples, FL
Reviews written: 10
Trusted by: 2 members
About Me:
Travel agent with over 20 years experience; specializing in cruises and Disney travel
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