2 Days at Christmas - worth it?

[kathi]

I just booked BWV for 2 nights after our cruise (12/23-12/25). Do you think 2 days is enough? I feel like we are either going to commando ourselves into exhaustion or stress about what we have to cut. I know we want to spend a lot of time in HS; some time in Epcot (although it isn't our favorite park anymore) and then want to pop over to MK to ride Tron and see the decorations. We will skip AK this trip. We will fly home on Christmas, so I don't think we will have a ticket that day. We could stay till the 26th (but flights are more expensive and it would be another day of tickets). How are the parks on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day?

 

[disneydreamer1980]

Christmas Eve and day are some of the most crowded park days of the year. I’ve never visited then because of this but I’m not sure how much you’ll be able to get done in 2 days during that busy time, just go expecting crowds. Even during slow times, 3 parks in 2 days won’t leave you time to do a whole lot. Just my opinion. We go for 2 weeks (10 park days) each year snd don’t get to do all we want.

 

[EvanRubio]

Visiting Walt Disney World during the holiday season, specifically on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, can be a magical experience. However, it's important to note that the parks tend to be quite crowded during this time. Here are some considerations to help you decide if two days are enough for your visit:

1. Park Crowds: Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are among the busiest days of the year at Walt Disney World. Expect long wait times for attractions, crowded walkways, and high demand for dining reservations. Keep in mind that the increased crowds may limit the number of attractions you can experience in a single day.
2. Prioritize Must-Do Experiences: Given the limited time, make a list of the must-do attractions, shows, and experiences in each park. Focus on the ones that are most important to you and plan your itinerary accordingly. Prioritizing your favorites will help you make the most of your time.
3. Park Hopper Option: With the Park Hopper option, you have the flexibility to visit multiple parks in a single day. This allows you to experience different parks and focus on specific highlights. Consider utilizing the Park Hopper option to maximize your time and cover more ground.
4. Park Hours: Check the park hours for the specific dates you plan to visit. The parks might have extended hours during the holiday season, providing additional time to explore and enjoy the attractions.
5. Balance Rest and Activities: Given the potential for crowded parks and busy schedules, it's essential to find a balance between enjoying the parks and taking breaks to rest and relax. Pace yourself and listen to your body's needs to avoid exhaustion.

 

[HerzerHerrick]

I just booked BWV for 2 nights after our cruise (12/23-12/25). Do you think 2 days is enough? I feel like we are either going to commando ourselves into exhaustion or stress about what we have to cut. I know we want to spend a lot of time in HS; some time in Epcot (although it isn't our favorite park anymore) and then want to pop over to MK to ride Tron and see the decorations. We will skip AK this trip. We will fly home on Christmas, so I don't think we will have a ticket that day. We could stay till the 26th (but flights are more expensive and it would be another day of tickets). How are the parks on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day?

I went once around Christmas, never again.

 

[kathi]

Thank you for the comments. I added another night because flying on Christmas seems sad. We are WDW veterans and have visited during insanely crowded times (and we don't love it - to be honest). If Genie + is still a thing, I feel we will be just fine. I understand how to work it to the best touring advantage. We will just have to take our patience in abundance! Now to add a calendar reminder for dining reservations!

 

[scrappinginontario]

We've done 2 day trips a number of times and loved them! 2 days at Disney is better than 2 days anywhere else.

Genie+ will still be a thing. There is no talk of removing it and with the amount of $$ they make daily from people purchasing it, I'm confident it's here to stay.

 

[Smugpugmug]

I went during Christmas last year. It was so insanely busy that I wouldn't go during that time again and I absolutely would not go without buying Genie+/ILLs. Even rides like Figment, Small World and Nemo had 60+ minute waits. With that said, the decorations and festivities were wonderful. I would rather see them at a less insane time though.

 

[Her Dotness]

We went several years ago for the week leading to a Friday Christmas.

Christmas Eve Day in MK got extremely busy, so much so that CMs began directing people across Main Street near the Partners Statue by mid-afternoon as well as keeping an open path on both sides of the street beside the shops. We're talking almost shoulder-to-shoulder crowding along and on Main Street itself.

We ate early at CRT on Christmas Day and stopped briefly at Princess Fairytale Hall before trying to leave MK about 9:30 a.m. Main Street was literally shoulder-to-shoulder its entire length. So congested that a woman in a scooter and DH in his powerchair often couldn't move at all. Thankfully, a wonderful CM spotted their predicament, asked were we all trying to get to the gate (Yes!) and forged a way through the crowd for us.

We escaped to Epcot and heard not long after arriving at about noon that MK had closed.

Never again will we go to MK on either day.

DHS may be pretty bad both days due to the appeal of the newer rides. No idea, but good luck.

Crowds were much greater everywhere a couple weeks ago than on our fall 2021 trip. I suspect there are still lots of people going this year who weren't able to since the reopening.

 

[kathi]

I think the plan will be to hit MK late night (I am assuming it will be open till 11 pm at least on the 23rd) and steer clear on Christmas Day. I'd love to have either Christmas Eve or Christmas Day dinner at the Brown Derby. Maybe Jiko for the other meal and take an Uber over to AK Lodge. We will likely do a monorail tour for holiday decorations and the boat over to Wilderness Lodge to see the tree. So, some activities that get us out of the parks for a bit.

My husband and I were in Epcot for New Year's Eve 2001 and it was INSANE (and super cold). The park filled to capacity before noon. I still have some PTSD from that experience. But our daughter is a freshman in college and our vacation days with her are coming to an end sooner than I would like. I feel like this is something we should do once before she is off on her own.

 

[disneydreamer781]

I booked Christmas week 12/23 - 12/30 at BRV. It's been a bucket list trip for a long time and since DH's workplace is in a Christmas shutdown every year, what better time to go? This is intended as a Staycation even though I would like to see holiday decorations in the parks but I'm not sure it's worth doing that this week. We've been to WDW during December many times so it's not really a necessity. I really do wish there was at least 1 AH at some park that week but you take the good with the bad, I guess.