All WDW @ x-mas experts! Pls help my friend!

[FINFAN]

Hi....my friend is hoping to go sometime between 12/19 and 1/5 2003/4. She has been twice in May, and her oldest doesn't want to miss any school as he will be in his freshman year. I have only been during the summertime and had July 4th crowd info to share with her, but am clueless as to the holiday season. Will they get on any rides at all? They usually do a 5 day hopper plus. When does the code rate typically end? Is it a whole week b4 X-mas? I know if they can check in on the last day of a special rate they can get that rate for the duration of their stay right? Any /all help and info is appreciated.....She is sooooo excited to start planning, but if it will be so crowded that they will just be frustrated they may not plan to go. I am an atmosphere person, but her kids love the rides! TIA!
Pam

 

[luvtogo12]

Hi FINFAN, I am not an expert but I can offer some advice on Christmas week. Our first trip to WDW was Dec. 26th of 2000. Never again. They actually had to close Magic Kingdom at 10:00 a.m. because the park was filled to capacity. They reopened within an hour or two, but the crowds were enormous. Fast pass helps for those must do rides/attractions but you are allowed only one at a time. We missed seeing so much because of the crowds that I was actually a little disappointed in the trip. Yes, I was warned before hand but I never really expected them to actaully have to close parks because of it.
So, we decided to go back and give it another try. We were there the first week of this month and we had a great time! Wish I was still there.

 

[FINFAN]

That's what the general consensus seems to be....to go b4 the holiday if you can....my friend is mulling it over...it is SOOOO tempting, but her kids are ride lovers and if that will be limited they may choose not to go. On the other hand, a different friend/neighnor told me today that they are heading down last minute this X-mas....and are just putting things together! She managed to get the Dolphin from 12/27-1/2...but now the rest needs to be arranged! It is the first trip for them in 10 years, and the very first for their kids...9 and 7. The best advice I had for her was to limit what they tell the kids about attractions etc., that way if the crowds are really bad they may not be too upset about mising something. Her main ? like everyone else is NYE...I suggested choosing a park and staying PUT! At least there seems to be so many activities going on that they kids should do o.k. I am going to go over and help her do some planning....it is pretty exciting actually, I get to live vicariously through her!
Pam

 

[dianeschlicht]

From 1/1-1/5 will be fine too. New Year's Day is crowded, but we are there often that time of year, and the next day crowds drop to near nothing!