Christmas 2017... input

[mshanson3121]

So... I was really hoping for a June 2017 trip, but it just really doesn't look like it's going to be possible. So we're *possibly* considering a Christmas 2017 trip. I could use some input/advice on what our best options would be for this. It would be for us and our two children, who would be 10.5 & 7.5. We'll be driving from Atlantic Canada, last time we drove we did it in 3 days, but we *could* do 2 days if we really push it (14 hours driving each day). We can leave Dec 22nd, and we would need to leave by January 4th. We will be staying off-site (as much as I would l would love to stay on site for Christmas we just can't afford it). We'll be buying 5 or 6 day basic passes, with 2 MK and 1 at each of the other parks. Probably staying 8-9 nights.

So, question 1: Is there any hope of getting a seat sale that would give us flights around $200 round trip from Portland, ME; Manchester, NH or Boston, MA? If so, when would a person want to be booking those? Would they be cheapest as soon as they open up? Or a last minute sale?

Question 2: What scenario would be better in your opinion:

Leave Dec 22nd, arrive Dec 23rd, sleep in Dec 24th, do a noonish park entry (I'm thinking Epcot for the processional, but would another park be better? And would we even have a chance of getting entry to the park as an off-site guest in the afternoon on the 24th?), and then have Dec 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 1, 2, 3 available for park days. (Spend NYE at Fort Wilderness and watch fireworks from there).

Leave Dec 22nd, arrive Dec 24th, rope drop Christmas Day, and then have Dec 27, 28, 29, 30, 1, 2, 3 available for park days (same, spend NYE at Fort Wilderness).

Or, Leave afternoon of Dec 25th, arrive Dec 27th, and have Dec 28, 29, 30, 1, 2,3 available for park days (same thing, spend NYE at Fort Wilderness).

Question 3: How insanely crowded will the parks be, especially Dec 24th, 26th and 1st? We saw crowds of 8 & 9 during our summer trip leading up to July 4th. Will there be that much of a noticeable difference? I'm thinking that at least the weather will be a lot better! If we use Rope drop, FP+ and our DAS card, will it be that bad?

Our real goal for a Christmas trip, is more to enjoy the shows: parades, fireworks, Christmas shows, see the decorations etc... we want to do the Candlelight processional, see the different countries at Epcot etc... What is the best strategy for this? And my kids will also want to meet characters. They honestly enjoy this just as much as the rides.

Anyways, would appreciate all your thoughts, inputs, tips etc...

 

[mountdew1]

You may be able to get airfare from Manchester NH for 300 or so round trip. 200 might be pushing it. Southwest flights had the cheap options for around $200 from MHT to MCO on 1/1, so if you are slightly flexible you may be able to find them a smidge cheaper by shifting a day or two. SW is usually cheapest right out of the gate, but if they have a sale later on you might be able to do better, but prices will typically only go up as it gets closer. Other airlines can be all over the place.

 

[Minniemoo15]

I'm from the Maritimes as well and have been looking at flights out Maine/Nh/Boston for our March 2017 trip..With our dollar as terrible as it is, I'm finding the US flights are nowhere near as good of a deal as they used to be for Canadians. Cheapest I could find for March Break was $400 out of Boston. At that price it was cheaper for us to do the $480 deal I found with Air Transat out of Halifax.

Air Canada had a seat sale a few weeks back and I was able to get my parents flights for $300 out of Hali. That was the cheapest I have ever seen since I started my stalking. They had to leave a day earlier and come back a day later than scheduled which didn't work for us since I'm a teacher so am not flexible with my dates. But I was pleased with $480 direct.

 

[mshanson3121]

I'm from the Maritimes as well and have been looking at flights out Maine/Nh/Boston for our March 2017 trip..With our dollar as terrible as it is, I'm finding the US flights are nowhere near as good of a deal as they used to be for Canadians. Cheapest I could find for March Break was $400 out of Boston. At that price it was cheaper for us to do the $480 deal I found with Air Transat out of Halifax.

Air Canada had a seat sale a few weeks back and I was able to get my parents flights for $300 out of Hali. That was the cheapest I have ever seen since I started my stalking. They had to leave a day earlier and come back a day later than scheduled which didn't work for us since I'm a teacher so am not flexible with my dates. But I was pleased with $480 direct.

So yeah, with those prices we'll definitely have to drive. Not that they're not a good deal, just more expensive than driving. I wish our dollar would go back up!

 

[IrishNYC]

If you're looking to fly out of any of those cities, it's worth looking at Providence as well. My sister lives in central MA, but takes the time to drive to Providence to fly to Orlando because the savings can be significant.