How crazy is it really at the end of December?

[Bullseye]

How are the crowds the week after new years?

 

[koxler]

We did basically the same dates you are looking at last year. It was very busy and the crowds were large. The only gate turn away that I heard about was magic kingdom on NYE. The mornings were generally good and late evening better. Mid day and afternoon were crazy. We generally took a break during these times so it wasn't so bad. Wait times were longer due to the crowds but we used a touring plan and didn't wait longer than 40 minutes while doing all the big rides and things everyone wanted to do. Use the fastpass and if you are prepared it should be doable. We were planning for quite some time and had ADRs for most of the week. Someone else mentioned eating and the counter service areas were very crowded and we had to wait longer than what we were used to.

Not disagreeing with the other poster because it is very busy but the experience was fun. It it works out I'd suggest giving it a try.

 

[Shir Kahn]

Christmas is doable for a true Disney diehard.

Weather is also very unpredictable. In general it's cooler than I like.

We're definitely Disney diehards! As for the temperature, we live in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. There is absolutely no way it will be anywhere near as cold in Florida as it will be at home at the end of December!

 

[Robo]

How are the crowds the week after new years?

On many (most) years, the crowd-level drops to very low.

But, in 2012 and 2013, many school systems have/will take an extra week of Christmas Vacation and classes won't resume until the second week of January.

That means that the crowds will remain pretty high during that first week of the year. Not nearly as high as the last week of December, but still relatively heavy.

The following week (second week in Jan.) will see a drop in guest levels.
(Even the WDW Marathon will not see a major increase of guests actually in the parks.)

 

[deebeck]

We are fortunate enough to have spent 3 of the last 4 Christmas at WDW. However, we go from Dec 14th-28th. We hit the parks hard the first week when the crowds aren't too bad, after that we approach everything at a leisurely pace. On the 26th-28th we only hit the parks for 2 hours with specific things we want o do and a plan how to do them. After that we spend time at the resort, DTD, mini-golf, etc. it's an extremely fun time to be there, but the crowds are crazy starting on the 26th. I actually enjoy being at WDW at this time just not in the parks. We get the best of both with our dates, park time early in the trip and relax and enjoy the Christmas spirit at he end.

Having said all that, if your dates were the only time we could go I would consider it. You just have to approach the trip with different expectations and try to enjoy some time outside the parks.

It was helpful reading your explanation for week of Xmas. I have tried to find all posts on week before. We will be there 20th checking out Dec. 24th. Are the crowd levels a little less than actual Xmas week?? We will be out of there right before Xmas. We were just there Halloween week so we don't need to see everything... just our fav's in the morning. We have always pulled the kids out of school. This will be the first time we are going during high crowd levels. I just subscribed to touringplans.

If it's not swimming weather, what do most people do in afternoon (when avoiding parks?) Tour resorts??

thanks
d

 

[Robo]

If it's not swimming weather, what do most people do in afternoon (when avoiding parks?) Tour resorts??

That's a good plan, yes!

DTD is also viable, but it will be very busy, too,

 

[rock_doctor]

Sure you should be able to get a room. We always go over this time each year have done so for decades and just love Disney over this time. You will be fine, be patient and make use of the early morning magic hours. Enjoy all of the Christmas decorations. The only downside...you will be hooked and will have to go back each year over Christmas break from this point on. Get on the phone asap, make the reservations for where ever you can and then wait list for your dream resort... Go and Enjoy Yourself!

 

[roost0524]

We went the same dates last year (12/29-1/3) and I read a lot of threads like this one when we were getting ready for the trip. I did not experience the horror that a lot of people talk about, but thats probably also becuase we knew what we were getting into. It is the absolute busiest time of the year and at some points you cannot see the ground anywhere around you. That said,becuase we used touring plans, fast pass, and got to the parks early we went on everything we wanted to and did not wait more than 30 minutes for anything. The atmosphere is priceless too... walking down the boardwalk on NYE was something my kids will never forget.

 

[ZehnJahren]

If I had to drive that distance, you couldn't pay me to go to WDW on Christmas break.

I know some say "any day at WDW is a better than not being at WDW" but that is simply NOT TRUE for me.

I don't mind it busy, but not Christmas / Spring Break busy. That is not fun at all, and to me (a big fan) it's a waste of money. I don't care if you've been 100 times, being jammed into a crowd all day, every day is not a good time.

But hey, you asked for opinions. I'd say put that bonus back and go at a better time of year.

 

[Friendly Frog]

How is it the week before Christmas? ( 16th till...) Is it worse than early March?

 

[thumbalyna]

I was there last year from December 16 to December 20 and didnt think the first couple of days were bad. It was also during FD. Crowds did start to pick up on our last day.

 

[Shir Kahn]

Just an update to this thread: We booked yesterday, checking in Dec 28th and out on Jan 4th! No matter how crowded it is, we're going to have fun!

 

[cjlvsccm]

Just an update to this thread: We booked yesterday, checking in Dec 28th and out on Jan 4th! No matter how crowded it is, we're going to have fun!

Glad you're joining the craziness!

We'll be there 12/29-01/03. Which resort did you book?

 

[Shir Kahn]

Glad you're joining the craziness!

We'll be there 12/29-01/03. Which resort did you book?

We got our favorite, Pop Century! We tried for the AoA but of course, being so new and having such short notice, we weren't holding our breath on that one! We have a 2020 mile drive each way, so we'll be leaving on the 26th and driving all day for a couple of days. I love driving long distances though, so I'm actually looking forward to that part!

 

[1stvisit0909]

Just an update to this thread: We booked yesterday, checking in Dec 28th and out on Jan 4th! No matter how crowded it is, we're going to have fun!

yeeee haw! you can be crazy and and crowded with us!

 

[Shir Kahn]

yeeee haw! you can be crazy and and crowded with us!

Fantastic! Hope you don't mind my elbows!

 

[MSaboCLBR]

I've gone this time of year for about a decade now. It is amazing. I actually don't even know what the slow times there are like and can't imagine it. There is just something special about a crowd like that around the holidays and on New Years to make it special. Have fun. It is like nothing else

 

[happyann79]

Very very crowded!

 

[mm1971]

This crazy.

Now that IS crazy!

It will be beyond crazy. Christmas in on a Tuesday this year. I would guess it will be crazy all week. A lot of times due to the holiday near the start of the weekend you get some days less busy, but I know if I were going I would bookend both weekends with the kids off school making it busy the entire week. I am praying that the pixies send a little dust your way and the crowds are less than maximum.

 

[Wendimn]

Just an update to this thread: We booked yesterday, checking in Dec 28th and out on Jan 4th! No matter how crowded it is, we're going to have fun!

Woohooo..we will see you there!!!!