Between Christmas and New Years?

[jsweeks@cogeco.ca]

So is it really busy during this time? Are there extreme wait times for everything? I was thinking Dec. 26 to Jan. 3rd? I don't want to be in wall to wall people.

 

[bookbabe626]

Are you talking this year or next year? As in December 2009 or December 2010?

For either year, YES, it's really busy. Probably the absolute busiest week of the year.

We went that week a few years ago, and I couldn't believe how crowded it was...and we usually travel in the summer or on March Break, 'cause I'm a teacher, so I'm used to peak times for a visit. Picture "downtown Toronto, Union Station at the peak of rush hour" level crowded, and then double the number of people and add a metric ton of strollers for good measure. And I'm really not exaggerating all that much. At Epcot on NYE, we actually left before dinnertime, because we couldn't stand the press of people anymore. There were literally people on all sides, and you just got moved along by the crowd. I have never seen so many people in all my life. I don't think I'd ever go back that week...likely not even if they offered me a free trip...that's how crowded it was...


BTW, if you're talking this year and haven't booked yet, you may find it tough to get rooms. And, even if you do, likely most of the restaurants are booked up, especially for NYE...

 

[jsweeks@cogeco.ca]

Yes I was thinking about doing this as a surprise last minute xmas gift. But I had a feeling it was going to be as you described. So I think I will stick to my April visit. I think I am already getting the winter is coming blues and wanna get away now! Thanks for the info!

 

[disworldfan]

hi
we are going to be in Orlando Dec 22 and i cant wait.I know its going to be very busy.
I am looking forward to being away from the cold weather.
If u need a getaway then go in Dec.
I am going to have to deal with the crowds i know but just being away from winter just for a little while is worth it for me!! call me crazy!

 

[Angel_eh]

We are going to be visiting family in Sarasota, Florida this Christmas and I thought....what a great idea...go to WDW for New Years (never been to Florida).....we are going to be in the neighborhood!...........but after reading these posts about crowds....I may have to reconsider! It sounds like a nightmare! I'm a teacher too....and I can only travel at Christmas break and March Break....(Summers, I like to stay in Ottawa)....what a let down!

 

[tgropp]

Yes it is extremely busy and wall to wall people but....... IMHO you should do it once. We have spent many Christmas vacations at WDW and they are still the best. You have to remember that there are extended park hours and the parks are not crazy at all hours of the day. And you have to spend time soaking up the atmosphere of the Christmas spirit as there are so many special events taking place. And if you are there from the 26'th to the 3'rd, that will give you plenty of time to see everything and have lots of time to slip back to your resort for rests and pool time. NYE at Epcot is a hoot. Crazy crowded but just grab a drink and travel from country to country around the lagoon and enjoy the party. If you are not staying onsite, I would not reccomend going at this time of year though.

 

[CrazyDisneyMommy1]

We have been during that week for the past two years and I love it. I like getting away from the cold here and the craziness of the hoopla of Christmas. I find I am way more relaxed seeing the mouse. We have never stayed onsite and have gone many busy seasons. The park hours are extended just on their own, not including the extra magic hours for resort guests. There is so much to see and do. As long as you go knowing it will be busy and have a plan of what are your must do's and not to worry about the rest. Take in all the atmosphere, you will love it!!! I am trying to do a last minute trip for xmas, but don't think we are going to pull it off Have a great time

 

[mlegerto]

I will agree that this time period is very buys because many families have the opportunity to take this time off (school teachers and students off from school). HOWEVER, I have done this trip quite a few times with my family and we ALWAYS have a great time!!

We went in 2007 and on Christmas day we went to MK and were completely shocked that it WASNT as crowded as everyone says (and as it was in pervious years). Sometimes you get lucky depending on what everyone else in the world decides to do.

Epcot is a great place to do on NYE, but last year we decided to skip the crowded park and opted to go out for a nice dinner as a family (which we had to book 90 days in advance tho...it was also for a party of 8) and then we jumped over to Fantasia Gardens for some mini golf then over to the Poly to see the fireworks from the beach side. This was a much calmer night than we had had in previous years going to the parks on NYE. This is just an option for some people who are trying to avoid at least one day of crowds during this extremely busy time.

 

[susanv]

If you can get a room it is SOOOOO worth going!!!! Have gone twice for New Years and it was amazing. Went Dec 28, 2005 to earyl Jan. 2006 (my memory is going, we have three kids now). Was 5 months pregnant and travelling with a 2 year old and DH. Super packed but excellent. Had personal space behind the castle by Cinderella's Golden Carousel. Absolutely amazing. Went back the next year for even longer only this time we had a 3 year old DD, 7 month old DS, DD and my self. Was even better than the first time for New Years! They closed the parks sooner so there was more personal space. Yeah it was crowded but we expected that. Again room to move at the back of the Castle. When there was a parade on we could literally walk on to "It's a Small World" ride. Even better was from January 2 on the parks were very quiet, except Epcot (The marathon was on then). Are planning our next trip for December 2010, and yeah we are going for New Years again. Only now have and extra one year old DD to bring along!

Just one piece of advice, if you can get a 1 or 2 bedroom Villa would suggest it. The restaurants are booked up really quick for that time of year and is nice to have the cooking facilities that come with them. Also Beach Club Villas are an easy walk home if the kids get to tired from the festivities (if there is any availability left!)

Hope all goes well for you!

 

[Calgary DISHeads]

Yes, it was insane back in 07, but not so bad that we aren't going again last time however the first part of the trip was parks and the last part was mostly resort due to the crowds so we were never at a park for more than a few hours. Boxing Day at AKL was so insane we walked in and walked out again. However, my sister was there last year and said all through the holidays, including Christmas Day felt like off season. I'm hoping it will be same way this year as the economy has certainly not improved. We are staying through the 30th. Missing NYE though as we are flying on points and couldn't get a flight back until waaay in January.