Best Park Christmas Eve and Day, and Why?

[missydisney]

Where are the best places to go on Christmas Eve and christmas Day. I have never been Christmas Week and would like the inside info from those who have.
Thanks,
Missy

 

[craziefortigger]

We went last yr Dec. 25-28th to WDW.....

We arrived 8am on Christmas morning and spent the entire day at EPCOT. The wait for everyone EXCEPT....test track, mission space and food was 15-20 min! It was awesome! Lunch in the Land was a mess, it took about 45 min. at counter service for food. So book a PS for lunch and dinner just to make it easier!

I believe MK closed by 11 am on Christmas Eve and Day (may be wrong but those are the days I would SKIP MK!). Whatever park you pick STAY THERE ALL DAY! It may close on and off througout the day.

Dec. 26th we did AK and started with a Character Breakfast. Other than a wait for the safari we only waited for shows to start. Food lines WERE NOT bad and character pics/autographs near Dinoland was only about 15 min. Left by 1pm

Dec. 27th MK...get there early! We rode Buzz 5 times before there was a line! We left by 1pm

Dec. 28th MK...EEH...rode 6 things before 10am left by 12 and headed home.

My trip was awesome but we were there each morning before opening, rested each afternoon (except Xmas day) and went back to the parks til closing each night. HAVE FUN but HAVE A PLAN!

My entire trip was sprinkled with Pixie Dust I'll send some your way for your trip this yr!

HAVE FUN
Patty

 

[XStAnt]

DW and I went over Christmas time in 2002. Before 12/25 the parks are not too crowded and you can get a lot done. Beginning 12/25 they are mobbed. That's not to say you shouldn't go or that you won't have a good time.

We did Epcot on 12/25. Since the park is so big and spread out it seems to handle the large crowds better. Also, many people don't think Epcot is a good park for kids. They'll either not go to Epcot at all or only go at the end of the trip (and most people begin their XMas vacation on or after 12/25).

MK will be wall to wall people and will probably close to new guests by mid-morning. Even if you get in you can't expect to go on many attractions. For a short trip like yours, stay away from MK on 12/25.

With that in mind, I'd recommend MK on Xmas Eve. Actually, if you are arriving earlier in the week I'd do MK as early in the week as possible.

Whatever park you go to during that week, make sure you get there early--right at opening. In 2002 they (quietly) announced that the parks would be opening one hour earlier than normal (including the EMH park). Check the opening times when you get there.

Make sure you make the most efficient use of FP. It really helps. FPs for TT and MS will go early so get them first.

Also, make sure you make PS's ahead of time for any sit down restaurants. If you don't you'll wait hours for lunch or dinner (or will only be able to do counter service).

 

[missydisney]

The plan is to arrive on the 19th with Christmas as our last day in the parks. I guess we will be fine. Will do CP on 23rd and MK on 24th and 25th. Thanks for the help.
Missy

 

[XStAnt]

Originally posted by missydisney
The plan is to arrive on the 19th with Christmas as our last day in the parks. I guess we will be fine. Will do CP on 23rd and MK on 24th and 25th. Thanks for the help.
Missy

One recommendation would be to spend at least one day at MK earlier in the week. While the crowds don't usually explode until 12/25, the crowds do grow over that week. MK is almost always the most crowded park. You'll be able to get a lot more done at MK if you go earlier in the week and do another park on 12/24.

If you're worried about the decorations, they go up weeks earlier so you'll get plenty of Xmas festivities and spirit. Plus, you may be there early enough in the week to go to MVMCP. (I'm assuming you want to be in MK on Xmas Day for the excitement of being able to say you were in MK that day. I think that's okay if you're not planning on going on many attractions and just want to soak up the ambiance.)

It's just a suggestion to help you fit more into your trip. Have a fun time.