Winter/Christmas break for 2013?

[humboldthny]

We're looking at taking a longer trip (9-10 days) next Dec./Jan. since our child's school runs on a year round schedule giving us 3 weeks during that time (school starts again on 1/13). Thinking of arriving a around the 29th-31st but would like some idea of when the crowds will drop off after the holidays. What are the dates of your Winter/Christmas break next year?

 

[IllinoisMommy]

In the Chicago area- it is usually around 12/21-1/5. We were there from 12/23-12/31 last Christmas. The crowds should drop aff after 1/1. New Year's Eve was insanely busy at MK- you MUST arrive early (like at RD or within an hour of RD). The first few days of your trip will be crowded, but doable. We got to every park when it opened (offsite so missed opportunity for EMH at a few parks)- and we got to see/do a lot before 10:30am.

The decorations are beautiful. They will start to take them down in early January, so even though the parks will be more crowded I would go on those days just so you can see all the decorations (exception would be to stay away from parks possibly on 12/31- or go to DHS or AK that day)

Have a fun trip

 

[Disworldluv]

Illinois Mommy is absolutely correct. Disney is insane during Christmas week
through Jan. 1. After than time frame the crowd levels drop to a low level. Decorations are usually up until Jan. 7 or 8. Public school vacations in are area
will probably begin Dec. 23 through Jan. 2. vv

 

[cvjw]

We have been the 1st week of January the last 2 years, and the crowds may drop off some after the 1st, but not a whole lot. This past January, the MK was closed to capacity the 1st week of January - it was insanely crowded. If you want to come when the crowds have really dropped off from the holidays, come the next weekend.

 

[mom2rtk]

New Years is on a Wednesday this year. It's a pretty safe bet that many school districts will be out through the 6th. When schools are out, Disney park crowds are up. It will be crazy crowded that entire week. Also be aware that the Disney marathon is the 8th through the 12th, so that will have an impact as well.

If you arrive the 30th or 31st, don't expect anything but peak crowds that entire week.

 

[momofkids]

I just checked our school calendar. We are back in session on Thursday 1/2/14.

 

[cemeb4dk]

We are booked about the times your are going. We arrive on 12/30 and are staying til 1/9. Keeping my daughter out a bit longer form school. We have never been actually over the xmas/NYE week before. But we are planning on it being very busy til the Sunday after NYE. Then we are hoping for a quieter week the rest of the way.

The way we are approaching it, is planning on it being busy so we are not disappointed in crowds. Getting there at Rope drop and or very near, and leaving by lunchtime and just relaxing at resort and resort hoping and swimming (if weather is good) Possibly taking a day to do discovery cove then use that last week to hit things we missed or want to do again.

 

[RMulieri]

Since the New year falls on a Wed, it is likely that the crowds won't die down completely till after Monday ,Jan 6th

 

[JennyDrake]

New Years is on a Wednesday this year. It's a pretty safe bet that many school districts will be out through the 6th. When schools are out, Disney park crowds are up. It will be crazy crowded that entire week. Also be aware that the Disney marathon is the 8th through the 12th, so that will have an impact as well.

If you arrive the 30th or 31st, don't expect anything but peak crowds that entire week.

Ditto. the first week of January is no longer "dead" like it used to be.

 

[Tennshooter]

We were there this year from Sunday 1/6 thru Thursday 1/10 and the crowds dropped to nonexistent after Sunday.

 

[humboldthny]

The schools in our district go back on the 2nd....
We've been there before Christmas before...just never after. I think if we can plan for the bulk of our trip to happen after the 4th we should be good. Since it isn't our first trip I don't mind navigating the crowds for a few days, or spending the busier days at other parks besides MK.

 

[Deb & Bill]

We're looking at taking a longer trip (9-10 days) next Dec./Jan. since our child's school runs on a year round schedule giving us 3 weeks during that time (school starts again on 1/13). Thinking of arriving a around the 29th-31st but would like some idea of when the crowds will drop off after the holidays. What are the dates of your Winter/Christmas break next year?

If schools start back up on Jan 6 (Monday), expect the parks to pick back up by Wednesday with the Marathon week. They are including a 5K, 10K with the Half and Full Marathon to make a Dopey. That's four separate race days.