Christmas at Disney: Heaven or Hell?

[CookieandOatmeal]

I went to DL at 26 weeks and was fine, even climbed Tarzan's treehouse 2x with my ODD (ok, had to stop and rest a lot). I've also flown for work at 35-36 weeks - the being on the ground part and working, walking, etc was fine but I was pretty uncomfortable for a 2 hour flight. Second trimester (especially early 2nd trimester) is really ideal. Hopefully any nausea is gone, you can eat most things, and you'll have a good bit of energy.

That's good to hear! My hubs likes to say that I'm like superwoman when I'm in Disney. Nothing phases me and I have boundless energy. Hope that would still hold true!

 

[1mena7]

I did Christmas at MK 2 years ago and it wasn't bad because it fell on a weekday. Don't get me wrong, the crowds were a a nightmare, but getting in was fine as since we got there early. I went to Epcot last year and saw the pile up of cars trying to get into the lots for MK as I drove by. THAT looked awful. Since it did land on a weekend more people were there. Epcot was crowded too but it wasn't that bad. I'm guessing the same will be for this year since it'll be part of a long weekend. I'm skipping Christmas this year and doing NYE instead at Epcot just to avoid the crowds at MK. Though I will miss all the amazing events they have at MK (I've done NYE twice there already), I fear the crowds more.

 

[RangerPooh]

If everything goes according to plan, I will be in the early stages of the second trimester, if not the first. Keeping my fingers crossed for the future!

We flew cross country to WDW when I was 32 weeks pregnant. It was not the first time or last time being at WDW/DLR while pregnant, but the most trying trip. Not because of my size as I knew my limitations, but because I didn't hydrate enough and almost wound up on bedrest during our trip. I miscalculated my hydrating in August and wound up with swollen feet and legs. Spent the remainder of the trip being pushed by DH, my dad, and my brother. Other than that it was easy. You obviously cannot go on some rides, but many you can. Plus you have an excuse to try all the yummy snacks!

 

[CookieandOatmeal]

Not because of my size as I knew my limitations, but because I didn't hydrate enough and almost wound up on bedrest during our trip. I miscalculated my hydrating in August and wound up with swollen feet and legs. Spent the remainder of the trip being pushed by DH, my dad, and my brother. Other than that it was easy. You obviously cannot go on some rides, but many you can. Plus you have an excuse to try all the yummy snacks!

Seems like hydration comes up a lot so I will definitely keep that in mind and I can't wait to eat all the snack even though nothings stop me now lol.

 

[staceymay00]

We've been twice for Christmas and once for NYE. We love the weather and decorations that time of year, and are going again for Christmas this year. It could be we are crazy?? Or maybe it is not as bad as it sounds if you go in with the right plan and expectations. Park hours are longer, attractions run at full capacity, buses more frequently, etc. Pre-Christmas Eve is usually crowded, but not as crowded as Christmas to New Year's. I would not recommend Christmas for people who can not handle significant crowds (which rules out many other times of year at WDW). We take advantage of 7am EMH at MK, which usually occurs daily that time of year, leave at 11 and then go back to MK in the evening. Other parks are a combination of going at RD with an afternoon break if we plan to be in that park at night, or arriving later in the day with FP and we know we can't experience everything.

We have never tried to switch a Christmas reservation at 7 months. I have not had trouble getting the ADRs I want when booking as soon as the 180+10 window opens. I can see having trouble getting the most popular restaurants on Christmas or Christmas Eve if you do not arrive until the 23rd or 24th, and the popular spots do seem to fill soon after the 180 day window opens.

 

[lisaviolet]

Heavenly.

Late park hours.

No sunscreen sweating off in two seconds.

Free cookies on Christmas Eve. Small things make me happy.

Beyond festive.

Wonderful energy.

EMH used to sometimes go as late as 3am.

If you're organized ADRs are not an issue.

Do not overlook ordering room service at the Polynesian during your stay. I was there last year for two weeks over the holidays and ordered the Twilight Feast ('Ohana to your room) a few times. Order way under the number you want to feed.

I have been many times and have never had a park capacity closure. I know people talk about this all the time but I have never hit one in about four or five vacations during this time period.

_________________________

The only negative is when it's cold, IT'S COLD. I live in Toronto, but there is nothing like cold in the south. An entirely special breed of cold.

 

[CookieandOatmeal]

Free cookies on Christmas Eve. Small things make me happy.

Beyond festive.

Wonderful energy.

EMH used to sometimes go as late as 3am.

If you're organized ADRs are not an issue.

I have been many times and have never had a park capacity closure. I know people talk about this all the time but I have never hit one in about four or five vacations during this time period.

_________________________

The only negative is when it's cold, IT'S COLD. I live in Toronto, but there is nothing like cold in the south. An entirely special breed of cold.

That's awesome to hear that you've never experienced a park capacity closure. I am extremely organized with ADRs and FPs so I think I can do this and not regret it! Plus free cookies never hurt lol.

I live in MA so I am used to the cold but definitely not Toronto cold. How would you describe "south cold"? Is it only at night or can be throughout the day?

 

[lisaviolet]

I live in MA so I am used to the cold but definitely not Toronto cold. How would you describe "south cold"? Is it only at night or can be throughout the day?

Last year was extremely warm for the entire two weeks. No issues. Could swim most days. Really beautiful. My first stay the same. So really hit and miss and can be in the same vacation if you stay long enough.

One year there was a day or two I wanted to cry it was so cold (mostly at and nearing the night but this day was all day long). It seeps into your bones. A damp cold. I can be out and about in the cold here with no issues. I have been in Williamsburg, VA and Orlando during cold spells and felt I would never get warm. And it was only in the 40s and 50s, nothing outrageous. Others have described it as feeling at least ten degrees colder than cold in the north. Damp for me.

But I was still out and about and having fun. Just different to be wearing hats and mittens on a Florida vacation.

 

[tgropp]

We are going this Christmas with my family for the eighth time. Nothing nicer and we have always found it quite manageable until Christmas Day. Using your fast passes wisely and plenty of pool/water park time in the afternoons is crucial. I got all of my dining reservations (other than Ohanas) at the 180 plus 10 day mark. Sadly, it will most likely be our last family Christmas vacation as we no longer all fit into a 2 BR and points at Christmas are crazy for two units at that time of the year. Go,enjoy and have fun!!!

 

[lillasmom]

Christmas is a beautiful time to go, just stay hydrated and patient! Plan to wait longer and assume you won't get places fast. And wear closed toe shoes, with the crowds. My DH tried wearing sandals one year at Christmas and lost his toe nail. Also remember that you can get free water from the quick service places, so you don't have to carry it with you, and it comes with ice if it's hot.

 

[kniquy]

I live in MA

Where in MA? I'm in western MA!

How would you describe "south cold"?

When we went for NYE it actually ended up being warmer than normal --mid 80's during the day. So we were comfortable with sweatshirts for early morning/evening and shorts. Your best bet is to just check the weather before going to see what to expect. It will definitely be warmer than MA

 

[CookieandOatmeal]

Where in MA? I'm in western MA!

When we went for NYE it actually ended up being warmer than normal --mid 80's during the day. So we were comfortable with sweatshirts for early morning/evening and shorts. Your best bet is to just check the weather before going to see what to expect. It will definitely be warmer than MA

I'm in Southeastern MA, right by the RI border!

Hmmm I will definitely do that. If it's warm, the hubs will be happy to play in the pool lol. I'm getting so excited for this trip!

 

[dgaston]

Since my late husband was a high school teacher and we could visit WDW on school vacations, our family is a veteran of 9 Christmas weeks. We developed a tradition of visiting the deluxe resorts and rating their gingerbread houses. They have lemonade and cookies out and we would try to use as many forms of transportation as possible. We would watch MK fireworks on the 24th. The Candlelight Processional at Epcot is also a must for us.

 

[lisaviolet]

Since my late husband was a high school teacher and we could visit WDW on school vacations, our family is a veteran of 9 Christmas weeks. We developed a tradition of visiting the deluxe resorts and rating their gingerbread houses. They have lemonade and cookies out and we would try to use as many forms of transportation as possible. We would watch MK fireworks on the 24th. The Candlelight Processional at Epcot is also a must for us.

Unsure if I extended my sadness hearing of the loss of your husband Debbie. I am so very sorry.

I was sad to read but happy that you have these memories with your entire family.

 

[lisaviolet]

Your best bet is to just check the weather before going to see what to expect.

Yes.

But do not make the mistake to rely on it. I've had many Christmas/NYs holidays where it changed while already there. You really need to pack for everything, unfortunately. Or go shopping.

___________________________________

You are going to have such fun! I am smiling just thinking of many wonderful memories.

 

[dgaston]

Lisaviolet such kind words, you always take the best photos! And CookieandOatmeal I'm now in SE MA after years in NE CT very near that lake named "You fish on your side, we'll fish on our side, and no one fish in the middle."