Well if I've got the information, might as well share. I definitely want to help my dis-friends through the craziness that is Christmastime at WDW.
Do I want to get there right at sundown for the beginning of it?
I've been there right at sundown (by accident) when they first turn them on, but it's not a big show. I would wait until a little later in the evening to walk through the lights. They run all the way through park closing & sometimes they'll let you stay in the lighted area a little longer just to walk around.
Okay that's good to know! I wasn't really sure of how the whole thing worked. Ugh it's gonna be busy but I HAVE to see them. I bet they're amazing!
I booked a Candlelight Processional Package at Teppan Edo because I figured the package would be the way to go after hearing about the insane waits. I am excited to see that - I bet it'll be great! My Mom loves the Christmas story so I'm sure it'll be beautiful!
Oh, Teppan Edo sounds wonderful right now! With the Japan pavilion's location being relatively close to the American Gardens Theater that will be a great place to relax and eat before the show. Another tip would be to bring something soft (like a blanket or another jacket) to sit on during the show. The America Gardens Theater seating is all metal benches like you would find at a football stadium. Those can get rather uncomfortable during a long show & cold during the "Florida winter".
Oh yay! Then I'm glad I booked it there! That's a really good tip.. I will mention it to my Mom. Is it in the theatre where the flower power concerts were playing in my last update?
Magic Kingdom Christmas Parade-
Yeah I haven't seen it, so I will make sure I do! How early should we line up for that? And is Main Street the best place to see it?
Especially during the Christmas week when you plan on being there, I would imagine the crowds are going to be flocking to watch this parade. I can't say for certain how early you should be lining up, but if you want to watch on Main Street
I would grab a snack from the bakery and find a seat maybe an hour before the parade is scheduled to start.
Haha okay sounds like a good plan! That's what I'll do. I have a feeling that'll end up being just me and my Mom because my Dad and brother won't have the patience.
Also,
double-check where the parade is supposed to start (sometimes Main Street & sometimes Frontierland). If it is going to start in Frontierland sitting on Main Street closest to the entrance and train station is best. If the parade starts on Main Street than sitting closer to the Castle is preferred. My family normally picks to watch the parades in Frontierland near the Country Bear Jamboree. The crowds are usually lighter because everyone is drawn to Main Street. This location is also great if you plan on hitting a ride (like Splash or Big Thunder Mountain) immediately after the parade.
Those are REALLY good suggestions. Thank you so much! I'll have to see where my Mom wants to watch the parade haha
One last thing: You can
check the official Disney website for parade times during your stay. Sometimes if the Magic Kingdom is open late (like they will be on Christmas) there will be an early parade followed by fireworks and a second parade. Both parades are the same and crowds have usually gone home after the fireworks. So finding a good seat is usually easier.
Ahh yes very good thinking! I will check on that for sure! Thanks!
New Years Eve-
That sounds really cute! I made an ADR at Ohana 7:35 pm... so should we venture out into the parks? We're staying at BLT so I don't know if my family wants to go out into the parks... but I sort of want to to get the experience. Haha we'll see. What happens at Magic Kingdom for the countdown?
Actually, O'hana will be a great place for dinner that night. If I remember correctly The Polynesian & The Contemporary stream in the Magic Kingdom firework music. So if your family does not wish to venture into the park you can comfortably view the fireworks and hear the music from either resort. BLT, the bridge that connects it to the Contemporary, and the viewing platform outside the Contemporary are all prime viewing locations for the fireworks (so don't be surprised by a crowd).
The Magic Kingdom's New Years Eve celebration is a basic countdown with fireworks, but I know every year they change the show a bit based on the "year's theme" (i.e. Celebrate Today, Year of a Million Dreams).
Okay! So wherever we are, we'll end up having a good view. So that sounds good! Thank you SO SO SOO much for your help again!