About to book for Christmas

[Fierce Fairy]

I got a mailer from Disney with one of those pin that saves 35%-40%. Hubby says to good a deal to miss go ahead and book for the week of Christmas . To anyone that has been there at Christmas...am I crazy to go during this time of year? I have a 4 year old, 18yr, and 16yr kids. How is the weather? We are looking at Coronado Springs with two rooms. I accept all advice

 

[Disney On A Dime!]

Yes, go for it! We were there from Dec. 21 - Dec. 27 and had a wonderful time! We rode everything that we wanted to ride...even multiple times. We saw all of the special Christmas Shows/Parades/Lights/Candlelight Processional...we did it all! One tip that is summed up by another poster..."Stay ahead of the crowds!" We arrived at most parks at rope drop...used our touring plans...and we were definitely able to accomplish all that was on our list for that day. Some days we even went back to the resort to rest/eat dinner...and then return to the parks for the evening events and use up FP's. Second tip...collect FP's for the evening. I was the runner...and once our group was able to get another FP for a ride...I would go and do that.


We even did MK on Christmas Day! A huge no-no by some...but we wanted to see for ourselves. We ended up getting to park 1 hour after opening...granted...opening was at 7AM. We were able to ride everything that we wanted too, however; with a touring plan...and gathering FP's. By 11AM the place was a mad house. I mean there was a line for the PeopleMover that went over to Space Mountain. It was crazy...but sooooo much fun to see! We even watched the noon parade from the castle steps...and then left.


We had so much fun that we might even do it again next year! Weather: My kids did the pools for the first 5 days...then a cold-front with record lows came in...We were then wearing layered clothing with gloves and hats. Basically you have to prepare for everything...But definitely doable...


Hey - I just noticed that you are from Hampton Roads...we are in Yorktown, VA...great to talk with you!


Crystal

 

[sharonmickey]

I got the same offer! I definitely want to go this year at Christmas time - it's always been my dream to see the Christmas decorations. I just need to pick a time to go. I'm thinking of the week leading up to Christmas (I think my discount is only valid until 12/23). Any suggestions on crowd size then? It sounds fantastic. Glad others are taking advantage of the offer too!

 

[Fierce Fairy]

Thanks for all the GREAT info Crystal!! and yeah we are in Smithfield,VA (love this area). I was on the fence about the whole thing. I am still a newbie..we have only been to see the mouse once back in 2006. I was so excited about being there I felt I was walking around in a dream.

Sharon hope you will be there at Christmastime I heard it is beautiful!!

 

[horseshowmom]

I strongly recommend that you consider the week leading up to Christmas rather than Christmas week. Between Christmas and New Year's is extremely crowded. In my case, I know that my husband (who hates to wait in line) would NOT have a good time. Not to mention the fact that you can barely get around. I remember being there when the MK parking lot was closed by 10 a.m. That kind of crowd is just not my idea of fun.

We have done the week leading up to Christmas very successfully. I wholeheartedly recommend TourGuide Mike (even more so if you do decide to go between Christmas and New Year's). Even though the crowd was fairly substantial, we had to wait very little (he always had us where the crowd wasn't - the only day we had any problems was the one day I didn't follow his schedule).

As far as the weather goes, there's no way to tell. Most of the time that we've been down there during that timeframe, it's been at least fairly warm. This year we were there the week leading up to Christmas (came home on Christmas Eve), and part of the time we were really cold. We did have one pretty warm day.

 

[vsimeone]

Check out my signature - I just booked!!!

I had the same pin offer. We have gone during Christmas week MANY times. The crowds are horrific but we don't mind. We have always managed to do what we want, when we want. BUT... my kids are adults now and waiting in line for rides is not an issue. Nor is eating at "odd" hours of the day. I would NEVER suggest for someone to take their first trip to WDW during Christmas week or to attempt to do it commando style with kids.

Have a WONDERFUL time no matter when you book and enjoy your discounted rate!!!

 

[aamob]

Have to agree with everyone else! We were there Dec 17th through Dec 26th

this past Christmas. We also did everything we wanted plus gave away fast passes almost everyday!

 

[Fierce Fairy]

Congrats VSimeone!! I will take everyone's advice and stop worrying about it and enjoy the planning. I am sooo excited ! I hope the weather stays warm.

After my second trip can I call myself a Disney Veteran? LOL

 

[kmvand1]

Have to agree with everyone else! We were there Dec 17th through Dec 26th

this past Christmas. We also did everything we wanted plus gave away fast passes almost everyday!

Everyone seems to be forgetting that there was a blizzard up and down the eastern seaboard that cancelled flights and all forms of travel for thousands of people!! I'm sorry but this past December was not normal for Christmas week at Disney.

 

[rkmassa]

There is also a huge difference between Christmas week and the week leading up to Christmas. So if the OP is talking about the week leading up to Christmas and not the week of, then I would say go and enjoy. Now, the week of Christmas is a different story. I would never do that again. Just not worth the time and expense to be in a sea of people at almost every park waiting 2 and 3 hours for rides.

 

[Fierce Fairy]

There is also a huge difference between Christmas week and the week leading up to Christmas. So if the OP is talking about the week leading up to Christmas and not the week of, then I would say go and enjoy.

We are going 12/18/11 to 12/23/11...is that considered the week leading up to Christmas? Still open to all advice.

 

[horseshowmom]

We are going 12/18/11 to 12/23/11...is that considered the week leading up to Christmas? Still open to all advice.

Yes, and it can work out very well for you.

As I said before, check into TourGuide Mike. I think with the Dis discount it's about $20 (not much compared to what you spend overall). I would also suggest Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. We went on the Tuesday night before Christmas, and it was great (TGM can give you some tips on which night to get tickets to avoid the biggest crowds).

 

[Jenny-momof3]

We were there this year from 12/15-12/23. It was a fantastic trip! I felt it was MUCH less crowded that week than it was for our spring break trip this year ( we went the week before Easter).

We only travel during holidays for the most part...next trip is 4th of July! So we're used to crowds and have never seen it any other way. But we use tour guide mike and have no problem staying ahead of the crowds.

We'll be back again that week before Christmas as well....hoping I get a pin code!

 

[mill4023]

The week before Christmas is a great time to go.

We spent 6 nights there in 2006. 12/17 to 12/23 I think. Each day got a little more crowded, but even the most crowded day wasn't bad at all.

When people talk about crazy crowds at Christmas time, they are talking about the week between Christmas and New Years.

 

[sharonmickey]

I called today and booked a couple rooms for the week before Christmas. I will be there the same dates as you Fierce Fairy. As a PP said, any time is a good time with a discount. DD graduates from college on Dec 17 so this will be her graduation/Christmas gift.

Let the planning begin.

 

[kelly1218]

We just went...Christmas day to New Years day. I have NEVER seen crowds like that!!!

We did EMH at MK on New Years eve....I have pictures of 7am, 8am, and 10am. 10am was PACKED.

Lines for rides were ridiculous..... over 4 hour waits for Space, Soarin, Test Track, even the people mover had an hour long ride.

I've never done the week before Christmas though...I'm told it's like night and day

 

[got4boys]

We just came back from our trip from week after Christmas and never again. Crowds were horrible, lines long, fast passes were out by 9:15 at some.

The week before is definitely better.

 

[kelly1218]

We just came back from our trip from week after Christmas and never again. Crowds were horrible, lines long, fast passes were out by 9:15 at some.

The week before is definitely better.

TSM was gone by 10am every day. Peter Pan was another one that I noticed was gone very early.

 

[DisneyFansInLINY]

Honestly, I have been to WDW for Christmas many times. It's a beautiful time to go. However, the crowds are insane! Expect extremely long lines for rides, food, etc. The last time we went was back in 2005 and on Christmas Eve we went to eat at Alfredo's (now closed) and then went back to my parent's vacation house as it was too crowded. We didn't even bother going to any of the parks on Christmas day. I read that this past Christmas, they closed MK due to being at maximum capacity. Now I can imagine how bad that must have been because I remember 4th of July one year that was at maximum capacity and they had to let guests out through the employee exits. It was so scary as you were afraid that you would be trampled to death. If you are mentally prepared for the crowds and do not mind them, then definately go as Christmastime is amaing at WDW. But if you and your family do not like crowded places, then avoid going this time of year.