Christmas at Disney (help!)

[charlestongirl]

My husband's family decided they wanted to go to Disneyworld for Christmas this year. We live far away from our family (military) and we really enjoy getting to see family every small chance we can. So we haven't seen them for a couple years and planned on spending this Christmas with them. They are coming out this way so it's the only affordable way to see family. We are about 7 hours from Disney, they decided they wanted to go there. We couldn't really afford it, but they offered to pay for everything but food.

I have been before during March. I was semi-excited to go again (Magic Kingdom isn't my thing but loved Epcot) until I started hearing from everyone how horrible it is, how crowded it will be, how people will be running me over with strollers, the lines are so long we won't be able to do anything, and it'll be so crowded we won't be able to really move or walk. So now I am dreading it!! But I have no choice.

Any advice will be helpful. We'll be there from the 24th throught the 30th. We can spend a day or 2 somewhere else, but I know his family wants to spend a lot of time at disney, they are disney addicts. I want to see Animal Kingdom too. I don't care about rides, I'd like to just walk around, take pictures, things like that. Anything anyone can tell me to help make this more bearable is appreciated.

 

[Danauk]

Yes it will be crowded but if you decide exactly what you want to do you will have a great time. If you enjoy just looking around and taking photos plan a day just touring the resorts to look at all the christmas decorations. We will be there during Christmas week too and we plan on spending a day just going around all the deluxe resorts to look at the decorations and take lots of pictures.

I suggest as a group you make a plan and decide what are must do activities in which park. Perhaps each person could pick one must do per park and you could just stick to those. Also do some research as to what crowds are best to do or avoid on each day and plan around that. I also suggest you try and make some ADR's if you have not already. So many people are saying that walk ups at restaurants are being turned away.

I am excited about being in WDW over christmas time. I know it will be very busy but I am going for the atmosphere and to have fun with my friends. I hope you have a great trip.

 

[cleo]

The best thing I can say is, "Welcome to the DIS!"

Christmas week is going to be packed. There's no getting around that fact. BUT...use FastPass, keep a good attitude, and know you're not going to see or do everything. If you have the right frame of mind you can certainly enjoy the parks, especially if you're there more for the atmosphere than the attractions.

People are going to be grumpy (maybe that should be GRUMPY!), but that doesn't mean it has to spoil your trip. There will be plenty of people in the true Holiday Spirit.

If you're big into photography, offer to take pictures for other guests. Then, have them photograph you in front of some thing that will be in every park (the floral arrangments, a specific Christmas decoration, the special trees in each park, etc....). We have gone to the parks without doing a single ride and we've certainly made a full day of it. It can be done!

Whatever you do, enjoy! Yes, it's going to be crazy-busy, but if you can avoid the frustration of the queue and the melt-downs, you can definitely have a great time!

 

[skiingwife]

You might want to subscribe to TourGuideMike.com. He offers solutions for dealing with the crowds, making the most of your trip, avoiding waits in lines. I thought it was very helpful.

 

[salmoneous]

I think Fastpass and the right attitude will take care of most problems. But you'll still want to eat. Suggest you bring food and drink to the park so you don't have to deal with waiting for that.

I'm sure you will have a great trip. Think about it, if it were as horrible as some people make out, why would so many people be there...

Nobody goes there anymore. It's too crowded. Yogi Berra.

 

[GoofyNKansas]

I've been twice at Christmas, and had a great time. Like others have said, it'll be crazy, but take it all in stride. You'll have a blast. The first time we went at Christmas, the weather was pretty chilly, but the last time, I only wore a jacket one time, and that was to watch Fantasmic at night.
By all means, go to the Candlelight Processional. It's a must. We went on Christmas eve both times, and it was very moving.
The decorations at the parks and resorts are worth your time.
I hope this helps. If I think of something else, I'll let you know. Enjoy!!

 

[charlestongirl]

Thanks everyone! I feel better already.

As far as rides go, I've been and done them, so it's not at the top of my to-do list. The family might want too, but as long as they don't make me I don't care if I don't go on any of them. I just want to SEE... I want to see and photograph the buildings, rides, and espeically the holiday decorations. I want to observe for the most part. Just look. In fact I hate roller coasters so there. I liked the tea cup ride, but if I don't go on any rides I won't care. And if I can't get into a store, all the better, I don't need to spend too much money in the gift shops!

Someone told me you can't bring your own food in the parks, otherwise I'd love to. Can I bring my own water? Will reservations be almost necessary? We plan on at least one day at Animal Kingdom, one at least in Epcot, and one in MK. Other than that, a day at Seaworld.

Also, we are staying at a hotel outside of Disney. Should we be up and camping out to get into the park really early, like 5am?!

Thanks again for the advice, and if you have more, keep it coming! I've enjoyed everyone's responses.

 

[GoofyNKansas]

Someone told me you can't bring your own food in the parks, otherwise I'd love to. Can I bring my own water? Will reservations be almost necessary? We plan on at least one day at Animal Kingdom, one at least in Epcot, and one in MK. Other than that, a day at Seaworld.

When we were there in May, I saw quite a few people eating lunches they had brought into the parks. Granted, they were small items (i.e. sandwiches, chips, bottled water).

 

[MarilynMirrorVase]

I know how you feel! We spent last Christmas at Disney standing in lines and avoiding crowds. On our last day, we headed over to the Gaylord Palms ICE exhibit and the kids loved it! It was so interesting...everything was made of ice, there were ice slides, and it was kept at 9 degrees, so gaylord palms offered parkas to wear for the exhibit!

It was so great, we are planning on returning to the exhibit this year. i definetly reccomend it as an alternative to standing in crowds and lines at the park!!!

there is a ton of information on a site i found, (christmas in orlando)----(as one word). it also has alot of other cheap alternatives to the parks.

 

[mickaholic4077]

I have been bringing food and drinks into the parks for 15 years now. The only things you won't be able to bring in are glass containers and alcoholic beverages.

 

[rie'smom]

You might want to subscribe to TourGuideMike.com. He offers solutions for dealing with the crowds, making the most of your trip, avoiding waits in lines. I thought it was very helpful.

Absolutely subscribe -it's about 20.00. We wouldn't go to WDW w/out Mike.
Even if you don't like to ride,he has awesome tips.
You can bring food into the parks.You can even bring a small ice chest but it can't have wheels and it has to be able to fit into a locker 17" high x 12"wide x 22" deep.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Okay, here's my two cents. I do hear where you are coming from. When it comes to most other amusement parks, I don't really care to go on rides either. I'm not a big fan of roller coasters, but that is why I love Disney so much. There are so many rides at WDW - like Spaceship Earth - that are more about observing details and learning -than thrill. True WDW has some thrill rides, but SO many of them are not. Second, you speak of spending precious time with your family. Going on rides with family members is about sharing a common experience, not just what you get out of it individually. It's about watching the reactions of your family members, as much as it is about doing he thing yourself. Of course if you really don't want to go on any rides, that's your perogitive, but if you consider it as time spent with your family, then maybe you'll enjoy it more. Focus on the tame rides - Snow White, Haunted Mansion, CB Jamboree, Spaceship Earth, Mexico's ride, Norway's ride, W Pooh, etc., and some of the awesome shows. One thing about AK, is that it has a number of excellent shows. I think you'll also enjoy the animal attractions - the two walk through animal attractions and the safari ride.

I don't think 5am is needed, but taking advantage of early park hours (being at the gate near park opening times)- and late park hours will be helpful. It is probably also wise for you to avoid the EMH park each day (Esp the evening EMH hours). Yes, you can bring your own food, and I highly suggest bringing bottled water in with you. Get a locker if you don't want to carry it around all day.
As for reservations, you'll need them for the sit down places, but there are lots of quick service options too. If you eat at slightly off times (lunch at 11:30 as opposed to 12 - 12:30), you'll also do better as far as crowds go.

I also suggest that you take time to visit the resorts - especially the Deluxe resorts - to take in the holiday atmosphere. You might really enjoy the Boardwalk at night, the Grand Floridian, Wilderness Lodge, Fort Wilderness, POR, Animal Kingdom Lodge. If you plan a few meals at some of the resorts, then you will most likely get your family to join you. Even some of the quick service restaurants at the resorts can be fun to visit for a break. Often during the afternoon, the resort eateries are relatively quiet.

Another option to consider are some of the non-park activities - Fort Wilderness has several, POR has carriage rides in the evening, the monorail resorts (WL,GF, Poly, Cont.) are all connected by free boat rides and monorail. You'll want to dress warmly for the boats, but an evening boat ride can be very nice - a great break from the noise and crowds - just be certain to go well before park closing. At AKL, you can walk around the resort, sit in the comfy lobby, sip cocktails by the pool, obcerve the animals, and enjoy the vivid decor.
You might just want to get the Hidden Mickey Guide Book. Searching the park for hidden Mickey's seems like something that would help you get in the park mood. The kids will get into it too, and it might even help you develop interest in some of the rides... You could also consider taking one of the many tours that's offered. There are several garden tours offered, where you can learn about the various gardens and how the WDW staff cares for them.
I think you'll also enjoy the Osbourne lights at MGM. Even if you don't spend an entire day in that park, hopping there one evening is a real treat.

 

[rkmassa]

You might want to subscribe to TourGuideMike.com. He offers solutions for dealing with the crowds, making the most of your trip, avoiding waits in lines. I thought it was very helpful.

Might...I would absolutely subscribe for Christmas. He will tell you which park to be in for each day. We found his advice to be invaluable when we went at Christmas. Every day we followed his advice, we had no trouble. When we decided to go to a different park then he advised, we regretted it. I don't know how the guy knows, but he does. It is worth the money. Of course if you find otherwise, he will refund your money no questions asked.