12/19-12/25....Questions

[wdwfanatic80]

Hi everyone!

So I have a family I am planning a trip for. They are heading down during a time that I usually avoid...Christmas week. I have been reading and reading and every page you go to has different touring ideas.

Parks that EasyWDW says are recommended are the opposite of what Kenny the Pirate has. I am perplexed as to who to follow when helping them. They just booked today!! I have dining reservations all over the place and was even able to secure a Candlelight package or two. I got a character meal, etc. But we plan to talk tomorrow to iron out a plan.

Can she park hop - will parks reach capacity? She is arriving early on the 19th and will take advantage of possibly the last lower crowd day before the Christmas week starts up. She is leaving early the 25th. So her park days are the 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24.

I need to discuss with her about waking early and getting in there, taking a midday rest and then taking advantage of late nights. Ugh....I am not a fan of crowded times.

Please help me help her with any tips from veterans of traveling at this time!!

Thank you!!!!

 

[Art 1]

I wouldn't pay attention to any of those sites. I know lots here do but I wouldn't. Really it's going to be packed every where they go. I no longer go any time near Christmas. The only advice is patience, or choose another time to go.

 

[3dog2kidmom]

We've been going that week for 9 years. My advice: reserve FP+, make ADR's, get to rope drop early, and bring a giant bag of patience. Lower all expectations of getting to see and do everything and just enjoy the atmosphere.

 

[wdwfanatic80]

We've been going that week for 9 years. My advice: reserve FP+, make ADR's, get to rope drop early, and bring a giant bag of patience. Lower all expectations of getting to see and do everything and just enjoy the atmosphere.

Here's a tentative plan...thoughts?

12/19: land at 8:35 am head to MK - hop to HS ADR at 50s Prime Time for 7:15pm
12/20: AK - take a break - hit up late night at MK - ADR @ Tusker House for 4:15pm
12/21: DHS - ADR @ 7:50pm Hollywood & Vine
12/22: Epcot - ADR for Candlelight Processional Package @ Biergarten @ 1:05pm
12/23: MK - ADR @ Tony's for lunch 1:15pm
12/24: MK to start? have FP+ booked. Ohana for dinner at 5:25pm hop to wherever...possibly DHS

Thoughts on this plan???

 

[disneydentist]

The plan sounds workable.

A few questions.

Where are they staying?
What are the ages?
Have they ever been to Disney before?

 

[wdwfanatic80]

The plan sounds workable.

A few questions.

Where are they staying?
What are the ages?
Have they ever been to Disney before?

First visit. Staying at Coronado Springs, its Grandmom, Mom and two kids ages 10 & 8.

 

[wdwfanatic80]

On day one we actually have Sci-Fi for 6:55 not Prime Time. And I have a back up for 1900 Park Fare for 6:55. In case she doesn't want to hop at all on her travel day and get some rest for a jam packed rest of her week.

She said crowds don't concern her, she just wants a good plan so that she can get the most out of the trip. They are going on the Stay, Play and Dine package, so we were able to secure a pretty good rate, even though it was so last minute.

They are in a preferred room - actually have two, grandmom has her own. I told her midday breaks are good and then take advantage of late night hours? However I am concerned about parks hitting capacity....is this a problem before the 25th?

 

[disneydentist]

I'd try to avoid, and I know you have ADR's already, starting with MK two days in a row. You're looking at 7AM openings. They are great for minimizing lines and maximizing rides but a challenge two days in a row.

I'd go with 1900 Park Fare for the first dinner. That's going to be a long day. You're talking a 6AMish flight not counting time to get to the airport and through security.

 

[1stvisit0909]

First visit. Staying at Coronado Springs, its Grandmom, Mom and two kids ages 10 & 8.

I'll be there then! well, 12/20-12/26, but we will be at CSR.
Its our 2nd christmas trip. I can NOT stress enough rope drop and late night.

The best, less frustrating times lines wise were 7am-1030am ish and then again after 10pm for MK.

I use easywdw for park picking.

Its not for everyone, but we can only go when the kids are out of school, so I totally understand. I'd rather cut off my arm than go in the florida heat of summer.

 

[1stvisit0909]

On day one we actually have Sci-Fi for 6:55 not Prime Time. And I have a back up for 1900 Park Fare for 6:55. In case she doesn't want to hop at all on her travel day and get some rest for a jam packed rest of her week.

She said crowds don't concern her, she just wants a good plan so that she can get the most out of the trip. They are going on the Stay, Play and Dine package, so we were able to secure a pretty good rate, even though it was so last minute.

They are in a preferred room - actually have two, grandmom has her own. I told her midday breaks are good and then take advantage of late night hours? However I am concerned about parks hitting capacity....is this a problem before the 25th?

Christmas Eve at MK might - but it closes in 4 phases, and I believe last year and the year before they didnt reach phase 4 (no one admitted). Being a resort guest and having ADRs help a lot.
We had no issue leaving mid day and going back in later our last trip.