A couple of questions from a rookie!

[amicrazy?]

Hello all!
My family and I are traveling to WDW on December 20th-27th. We will be there for the Christmas holiday! Are the crowds really that bad?? I'm stressing now! Either way I'm sure we will enjoy it!
We are actually staying in Kissimmee and renting cars (there are 8 of us) to go back and forth to the different parks This is everyone's first time so we are beyond excited! Our party has one child who will be 9 at time of travel. My question is this I'm thinking of buying the 5 day ticket plan. For my son (said chilld) & I.. everyone else "wants to do different things" .. I say If I'm doing it, I'm doing it right!
We are taking a train from Maryland leaving on the 19th and arriving mid afternoon on the 20th (18 hrs on a train! yikes! )
My son is into the whole video games, star wars, etc.. Should I do Disney Quest the day we arrive or do you think this is way too much action after 18hrs on a train?
Now I plan on doing the 4 main parks (AK, MK, Epcot & HS) but I've set one day to do one of these twice! I'm thinking Epcot to entertain the boy.. what would be your suggestions? I know I'm not going to see everything at these palces in one day.. but if you have a child around the same age which would you suggest? Any help is greatly appreciated! I'm trying to get our days in order!


Thanks!

 

[ChelleinNC]

Hello all!
My family and I are traveling to WDW on December 20th-27th. We will be there for the Christmas holiday! Are the crowds really that bad?? I'm stressing now! Either way I'm sure we will enjoy it!
We are actually staying in Kissimmee and renting cars (there are 8 of us) to go back and forth to the different parks This is everyone's first time so we are beyond excited! Our party has one child who will be 9 at time of travel. My question is this I'm thinking of buying the 5 day ticket plan. For my son (said chilld) & I.. everyone else "wants to do different things" .. I say If I'm doing it, I'm doing it right!
We are taking a train from Maryland leaving on the 19th and arriving mid afternoon on the 20th (18 hrs on a train! yikes! )
My son is into the whole video games, star wars, etc.. Should I do Disney Quest the day we arrive or do you think this is way too much action after 18hrs on a train?
Now I plan on doing the 4 main parks (AK, MK, Epcot & HS) but I've set one day to do one of these twice! I'm thinking Epcot to entertain the boy.. what would be your suggestions? I know I'm not going to see everything at these palces in one day.. but if you have a child around the same age which would you suggest? Any help is greatly appreciated! I'm trying to get our days in order!


Thanks!

The closer to Christmas you get, the more crowded the parks will be. If you can avoid the parks on the actual holiday, it would be best. MK has been known to close on Christmas due to overcrowding.

As far as Disney Quest on day of arrival, I would probably play that by ear. Your DS will probably need a little activity after the long ride, but you can judge that when you arrive. He'll probably enjoy the Lego store at DTD (lot's of legos to play with)

At 9, my DS loved Epcot more than anything (TT, MS & Soarin). I think Epcot is a 2 day park (Future World and WS). You never know, your DS may fall in love with DHS (our 2nd favorite park) He may want to ride Star Tours over & over again and watch the car chases at Lights Motor Action and the Indiana Jones Stunt spectacular. ToT was the 1st thrill ride that my DS fell in love with. He'd ride it all day long if we'd let him
For your 5th park day, I would wait to see what he enjoyed the most or where you didn't get to do as much as you'd like.

Try to enjoy all of the special Christmas activities. The Santas around the World in Epcot is one of my favorite things The special Holiday Illuminations is incredible Osborne Lights at the Studios are amazing and the Castle Icicles are beautiful

Have a wonderful trip!

 

[ntsammy5]

This is the most crowded time of the year. Plain and simple.

 

[happymommy]

Yes, the closer you get to Christmas, the more crowded! And I mean CROWDED! When we went during the Christmas break, all the parks closed every day the 25th and beyond (the got filled to capacity, and I still couldn't believe how crowded it was!).

I'd do as much as you can the first few days, with the exception of the day you arrive. You may be tired and just want to relax.

I agree about Epcot - it's our favorite, and you do need 2 days there. Start early, so you can get fastpasses for Soarin' - they go quickly! Also Test Track.

Also, due to the crowds, be prepared for changes in your plans. Go with the flow if it gets overwhelming. I'd start early each day, and then if it gets too crowded, go back and relax at your resort (don't know where you're staying, so can't help with that).

Beware - if you're taking the train - they are frequently delayed from here. I priced that once, and it was actually better pricewise for us to fly (we use BWI usually). You may want to look into fares on Southwest Airlines - they are sometimes good. 18 hours on a train sounds like a lot.

 

[Ilivetogo]

Oh boy amicrazy!! We have GOT to talk!! We have so many parallels in our trips that it's not funny!! We have 5 of us going on the exact same days as you from almost the same area!! We are boarding the train in Philadelphia on the 19th to arrive in Orlando the morning of the 20th. (airline prices are through the roof right now) We are renting a car (as we always do) and staying in Kissimmee at a resort we've stayed at a couple of times. (It's only about 5 minutes down the road to the WDW entrance.) We are staying 20-27th like you. (Only time we can - the kids have school!) I have a son who is 8 also! He's been about 4 times before. I have been to WDW many many times and would be more than happy to chat with you about anything you want. We even did this exact same trip last year at the exact same time!! (except last year we went by plane) Who knows? If we're on the same train, we could say hello and chat in person!!

 

[noahdove]

18 hours is a long time on a train..I rode the train for 36 hours to New Orleans once and I would love to go back, however, the ride was long and tough on the butt I have lots of padding, however, it didn't do diddly squat...I loved the ride tho...good luck in your planning as you are going to take the parks as they come...I would enjoy the decorations and the magic..

 

[AnitaDisneyVacation]

That is the busiest time of year, and the parks do start closing their gates when they near capacity. The first "group" to be denied admission are those that are staying off property (which applies to you).

The earlier you can get to the parks, the better chance you have of getting in.