On
Nov 6, 2013
Kyndra from MT
Asked
Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.
Experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.
“
My family is going to Disney 12/21-12/28 for a Christmas Present for our kids (8, 11 & 17) We have never been to Disney before and am feeling a little lost at what I should be doing. Do you have any helpful tips? Anything special for Christmas happen”
Kyndra,
I know it can seem like a lot, but don't let it bog you down. If you stick to a few simple planning steps, all will be OK! Consider these items first;
Understand the time: Get a take on the weather there, and how the crowds will affect your visit. Plan to wear layers, so that if it is warm you can enjoy a summer-like time, but you still have those jackets handy for nights out. As for crowds, you are coming to Walt Disney World at a particularly busy time. That does not mean you won't have fun, but you need to do some planning for where to eat, and what park to visit on what day.
What park, what day?: Because the parks can be busy, know where you want to go on what days. The Magic Kingdom is particularly crowded on those iconic days like the 25th, so maybe avoid them on those days. And avoid a park with morning Extra Magic Hours, as that will lead to larger crowds. With your family I would suggest an even split of days between Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and the Magic Kingdom, with just one day at Animal Kingdom.
Dining: There are two basic kinds of restaurants, quick service and table service. With the first, you just go to the ones that appeal to you, based on where you are at a meal time. No real advance planning is required. But if you want a sit-down, table service meal, you will need a reservation. So figure out where you will be, and what you want to eat, and make dining reservations whenever a table service restaurant is your preference.
I can offer further help with all of these, if you want? Just write me back a separate question on each with more details (preferences, arrival/departure dates & times, where you are staying) and we can hone down a bit on each! In the meantime, don't let the myriad of options get you down. It will be a GREAT vacation!
Have a magical vacation!