Hi Gayle,
Thank you for stopping by planDisney with a question!
Looking at your dates, I had to smile! December is now our favorite time of year to visit the Walt Disney World® Resort. First things first, I suggest that you consider which type of resort hotel you would prefer. Take a look at the
Disney Resorts Collection. With five people, I suggest that you consider a
deluxe or deluxe villa resort or try one of the family suites at
Disney's Art of Animation resort. The family suites have two bathrooms, so that might make a difference in your decision making process. Disney's Art of Animation resort also has access to
Walt Disney World® Bus Service and the
Disney Skyliner.
Once you settle on a few resort hotel options, keep your eye on the
Special Offers to see if any are released that are applicable to the dates of your visit. In the meantime, I suggest that you go ahead and price out a
vacation package with the resort hotel and theme park tickets. Also price out a package with a
Disney Dining Plan. You could also make a room-only reservation and purchase your theme park tickets separately. If you do book a vacation package and a new Special Offer is released, check to see if you can modify that reservation to take advantage of the new Special Offer.
As it gets closer to the dates of your visit, make note of your
reservation advance booking window so that you remember to make
advanced dining reservations. Remember to review the special experiences that are a part of the
Enchanting Extras Collection and reserve those within your booking window as well. If you have any Star Wars fans in your group, be sure to book
Savi's Workshop and
Droid Depot.
Gayle, you are starting to plan at the right time. Your dates are typically very popular, so be sure to get that vacation package booked. The
Holidays at Walt Disney World® Resort always feel so special to my family. I trust you will find your own magic as well!
Magic and memories,
Donyell