Tips about Christmas and Epcot

Epcot - When in Epcot's World Showcase pavilions, I try to have my children say at least one phrase in the native language of the Kidcot host or hostess. It is amazing the response that can be elicited from a simple "Cheers!", "Hola, buenos dias!" or my favaorite "as salaam alekem" (Morocco). We have ALWAYS been met with incredible warmth and extra kindness. Take the time to learn a few easy phrases, stand back and watch a world of smiles unfold! - Tom McManus

ALL PARKS - This is a tip for anyone who celebrates a special day or occasion on the same day every year at one of the Disney parks. My wife and I have celebrated every one of our 11 wedding anniversaries at Disneyland. To add to our tradition, we get a Fastpass that is marked for that day and covers the time that we were married, i.e. 4 p.m. Then we have a cast member take a picture of us in front of that attraction at the exact time that we said our "I Do's." Between the photo and the Fastpasses, it makes a nice keepsake of that specific day and time. The only drawback is we can see how we have aged over the years. Go out and CELEBRATE! - Michael Greening

You need not carry medications in an ice pack through the parks all day. The First Aid station has a fridge for guest meds, and they are happy to store them for you. The nurse on staff was polite and professional. She allowed my 7-year-old daughter to practice being a self-advocate, and listened patiently to her medical needs. It was a stress-free experience and we could enjoy Magic Kingdom without worrying about heat or spilling. - Tracy Boylan

ALL PARKS - Just wanted to share a fun tip for kids taking a foreign language at school (or adults trying to pick up a second language!). At each park, pick up a guide map in the foreign language. Your learner will only be allowed to look at that guide and will be responsible for finding and describing the rides and eateries your group is going to by translating the foreign language guide map for the rest of your group. (The guide maps are IDENTICAL to their English counterparts, by the way.) Even reading the FastPass rules becomes fun this way! (The maps are usually available on the front steps of City Hall at Magic Kingdom, as you come through the gates at Epcot, across from the stroller rental near the washrooms in AK and at the round photo/souvenir stand just after you enter the Studios. A lot of times they are out in dispensers and you do not even have to ask a cast member for a copy.) I've even had a cast member wish me well in French when I requested the map in French from him! - Jen from NYC

If you have limited time and have a park hopper ticket you can enjoy the Osborne Spectacle of Lights in Hollywood Studios right around 6pm. Then hop on the boat and take it to the International Gateway entrance to Epcot. Enjoy the sights of the World Showcase and if you are lucky see the Candlelight Processional by at least standing in the back. Grab a caramel treat in Germany's Caramel Kuche and find a spot for the 9:30 Holiday Illuminations which you just don't want to miss. (Kay)

One of the smallest lines in general to see Santa and Mrs. Claus is at the American Adventure in the World Showcase at Epcot. They normally are available starting around 4pm but check with the Times Guide or the concierge at your resort. (Kay)

CHRISTMAS - When people think of Florida, they think of warm, humid, tropical weather. But Florida does get cold fronts, as we experienced firsthand a couple years ago during the holidays. We brought those packet hand warmers that you shake to activate. We put them inside the kids' gloves to keep their hands warm. The kids loved them, and they really came in handy in the evenings when it got chilly. They're very inexpensive and can fit into a purse or pocket until you need to use them. - Jones Family

CHRISTMAS - I consider myself to be one of the very fortunate people to have been to the Candelight Processional almost every year for the past 15 years. As a birthday gift my great hubby sends me to see this spectacular event. That aside, I have seen the show many different ways, but the best way to get a seat without having to wait in line for 90 minutes is to purchase the dinner show package. I have often stood in line for the first show knowing that I would not get a seat, but I enjoy the show so much I stand in the back and watch it -- and then watch it again when I get a seat. Or if I get a seat for the first show, I sit outside of the American Adventure and listen to it a second time. The only problem with the dinner show package is that they sell out very quickly, especially at the lower price level. But, if you have never seen this show before I highly recommend it, any way you can get to see it --sitting or standing! - Geri Preisser

CHRISTMAS - My family has adopted the tradition of watching the parade right from the comforts of our family room. The kids of course get us up very early on Christmas morning. Once the gifts are opened, and we've completed the typical assembly, we're all ready to relax and enjoy the day together. So we stay in our Christmas pajamas and enjoy watching the parade of all our favorite Disney characters and sites. It's like a special present to our whole family. - Michelle from New Jersey

CHRISTMAS - For many years my wife and I have given up going to the Candlelight Processional for keeping to more "kid happy" events and rides. Last time we made dinner reservations with the reserved Candlelight Processional package for the four of us. When it came show time we let the kids out of it and looked over the long line of standby people hoping to get in. We spotted someone wearing a WWII veterans' insignia, so we handed the kids' passes to that older couple and wished them a Merry Christmas. - Mark Benjamin

CHRISTMAS - If you happen to be in the Magic Kingdom anytime after December 20th and find yourself anywhere near the back of the park (Adventureland, Frontierland, or Liberty Square) near the time of Wishes and wish to exit the park, TAKE THE WDW RAILROAD FROM FRONTIERLAND TO THE PARK EXIT! There is literally a sea of people down Main Street with no access through the crowd. - MJK813

CHRISTMAS - One of my favorite times to visit WDW is at the holidays. We never miss the Candlelight Processional. Try going to the early show. Stop by and see Santa and Mrs. Claus first in the USA Pavilion. Santa and Mrs. Claus are usually there until 5 p.m. Then grab a hot dog and wait in line to see the early showing of the Candlelight Processional. Both Santa and the Processional are worth the wait. - reenmch

CHRISTMAS - We are frequent visitors of Disney, but it wasn't until December 2006 that we experienced the Disney Christmas spirit. What we did to add more fun to our trip (and actually help locate our stroller) was we purchased some battery-powered Christmas lights before our trip and we cable-tied them to my then 4-year-old's stroller. I also purchased some big jingle bells with holly and some thin bendable gold garland and also attached it. During the day our stroller was easy to spot with the decorations and the sound of the bells, but at night it was awesome! I cannot tell you how many comments we received even by cast members! People wanted to know where they could buy that! We actually put the lights on it this year in February when we were there just for the fun of it. It was brighter than the glow necklaces that they sell at the parks. - Jackie Nylen

CHRISTMAS - We didn't know about this on our trip, but I really wish I would have taken a tour of the mobile homes at Fort Wilderness campground. Apparently, there is much competition between the residents to outdo one another. Be sure to go to American Adventure in Epcot if for no other reason but to hear the Voices of Liberty (the a cappella group that performs in the lobby before the American Adventure show). They are always good, but especially so during the holidays. - Shirley

CHRISTMAS - There are pros and cons of seeing the Osborne Lights right when the switch is flipped. On the plus side, there is that big "WOW" moment when the street goes from dark to fully lit. However, on the negative, you are completely surrounded by throngs of people. Even on a day that was otherwise not crowded in the park, the crowds at the beginning of the Osborne Lights were amazing. We had no choice but to move with the crowds, and really couldn't see things very well at all. This would be particularly hard with young children. I would recommend waiting until later in the evening and letting the initial crowds thin some. - Rodney Green