Am I Crazy to Even Consider Christmastime?

[NMAmy]

Due to some personal issues, I'm now considering going to WDW for Christmas. We always go off-season. If we go at Christmas, though, we could go for 2 weeks--in February, we could only go for one week.

Am I going to freak out because of the crowds? Do the longer hours and more frequent shows, etc, make up for the sheer amount of people?

We've been before so it's not like we have to do and see everything.

What would you do? 2 weeks at Christmas or 1 week in February?

 

[Nickunited]

Ive never done either but I really want to get there at Christmas one year. I heard it is really wonderful! I can not think of a more magical place to spend the holiday. One year I have to do it!

 

[princess angel]

with 2 weeks, you'll have a great time because you wont be rushed.
I'd pick 2 weeks at Christmas for sure, it is so magical!!!

especially if your week in February is President week... one week during those crowds would not be a better choice (imho!)

 

[stacilee]

I would have to ask you a question back?

Hello? Who would want to trade an opportunity for 2 weeks in Disney World for just ONE?

Christmastime in the world is wonderful! The decorations are spectacular. People are in that festive, jolly, holiday frame of mind. The weather is still really nice and since it is the holiday season the parks have extended hours and special events that you don't have in February.
Even IF the crowds are heavy the week of Christmas, certainly if you are going to be there 2 weeks you will have ample time to see everything on your list and more!

I think you have a decision to make in your heart and whatever you decide you will enjoy yourself immensly.

Let us all know!

 

[myboysmom]

We went at Christmastime, and found it not to be all that bad. In fact, we thought it was less crowded then Spring Break this year. Granted, it was only a year after 9/11 so maybe the crowds were still down.

Make a plan, and then be flexible.

 

[DemonLlama]

Two weeks?!?

Man, that would have made my decision easy. Of course, we go every year around Christmas, so I guess we were crazy to begin with.

 

[TammiMcMan]

I would absolutely take the 2 weeks in December. Sure the crowds are going to be bigger, but with 4 parks to spread over 14 days, you won't be rushed. You can take advantage of getting in early and leaving before they become too crowded. If you can do a resort near the parks, then that would help alleviate any transporation issues also. Perhaps the Dolphin or Swan. They would put you right within walking distance of 2 parks and you also have the Boardwalk. You might even consider splitting your stay between two resorts.

Definitely go for the 2!!!!

Tammi

 

[NMAmy]

Wow--thanks for all the encouragement!

We would stay at the Dolphin, if possible. I checked yesterday and there were rooms available. We have AP's so no worries there. Airfare was reasonable.

I just have to try to talk dd into it. She's really attached to having Christmas at home--she loves decorating and celebrating with family. We've done Christmas at DL and with family in California and she hated it!

I'm off work from 12/24 - 12/31 (the office is closed and paid vacation!) plus I could take vacation time for the rest of the second week. It would really work out well (if dh can take that time off) as I'd get maximum time off while using little actual vacation time. Plus I wouldn't have to take dd out of school later.

My main concern was the crowds because we've always been so spoiled going off-season. But I think y'all have talked me into it. I'll keep you posted as to what the rest of the family thinks!

 

[Flibbity]

Another really cool thing about having 2 weeks during that time period is the number of extra special things there are going on thorughout Disney World, especially at the resorts.

Check out last year's schedule on Allearsnet.com -
http://allearsnet.com/tp/holiday.htm

DH and I went and saw lots of different choral groups perform at various resorts in 2003. It was very magical with all the christmas lights and singing, and we often stayed for dinner at the resorts we visited.

 

[ScottNBecky]

We are going during Xmas and take 2 weeks over one any time!

 

[DisLUV]

We always go in december and will always go in December. Now we always go between 12/1 and 12/20. The parks are perfect and beginning the christmas season at WDW makes it even more Special. We at this point go every other year but I hope too change that to every year. I guess we will see.

 

[Mickeyhugger]

I might rain on your parade, but I'd reconsider if DD wants to stay at home. (If she's hated Christmas at DL.) If she's very young, two weeks might seem too long. If she's tween or teenager, she might be able to handle it better. WDW will be around forever, but kid's awe with 'Christmas at home' is very fleeting. JMHO

 

[NMAmy]

She's 13, mickeyhugger, but she's very much a traditionalist when it comes to Christmas. We have to do things the same way every year (decorations, cookies, etc.) or it just doesn't feel like Christmas to her.

I'll be sure to discuss it with her and make sure it's something she really wants to do before I make any ressies. If my pretend reason to go to WDW is for her enjoyment (I think we all know that I'm the one who loves it most!), then it just would not be as much fun if she was wanting to be at home.

I agree that you have a valid point and it's one of the reasons we usually go in February or October. But she's getting older and maybe she'll have changed her mind. If I tell her she gets 2 weeks there versus one that might just tilt the scales.

 

[Mickeyhugger]

NMamy, I say go for it!

I think it's different when children are under 10, but now that she's 13, she realizes there are plenty more traditional Christmases to be had.

(Your very lucky she's a traditionalist too, and likes holidays a certain way. It'll make for a lifetime of wonderful memories when she has children of her own.)

 

[sugermouse]

We are going at xmas. As crowded as it may be, there is no place that I would rather be for the holidays. Go and enjoy!

 

[Dizzy4Dizney]

We're going for the first time at Christmas time this year, but we are leaving the 23rd to spend it with my grandparents. We will be there ALMOST 2 weeks and I say go for it. 2 weeks anytime in Florida beats 2 weeks in the cold!

 

[funhouse8]

If you are off for two weeks I see your vacation states on 12/14 maybe you could leave on 12/26 and that way she could spend Christmas with the family. Thats what we did last year because my kids felt the same way as your daughter. The week after New Year is not bad the parks start to empty out after 1/3.