Christmas at WDW magical or insane

[disneydel]

I have always wanted to spend Christmas at Disney World and this year we are staying at the Animal Kingdom Lodge arriving on 12/22/03 and leaving 12/26/03. We decided on these dates because the kids were on vacation from school and it fit into our schedule. In the past, I have been to Disney in May, July, August and October so I have experienced light and heavy periods. From some of the other posts, I have learned that during Christmas it is the busiest time of all. Can anyone share with me their experiences during that time and what parks they went to on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day as well as and any other tips or suggestions that might help. I have a feeling we'll need them. Thanks! Hopefully, our trip will still be magical.

 

[mmausse]

I went last December for a month - so I was there during the same time period that you'll be going. I'm glad I went then, but....I won't do it again.

It IS the busiest time of the year - especially the days you've chosen. That said, it was still a wonderful trip. It was made even more special for being there on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
They have VERY special surprises for you on and only on Christmas Eve and different ones on Christmas Day in MK. I don't want to spoil the surprise but they are memorable.

Visiting the different countries at EPCOT was also special and enlightening. Especially the different Santa's in the different countries and the story-telling he would do.

It does snow there as well - they have real snow making machines for MGM and MK (not sure about EPCOT).

The hotels are decked out in different Christmas decorations and have their own celebrations going on.

You and your family are going to have a magical and wonderful time! People are even nicer and more patient (or at least they seemed so).

And may I say: Merry Christmas, Frohliche Weinachten, Feliz Navidad, Shalom, to you all and to all a Good Night!

 

[nativetxn]

I've never toured during those dates. I understand it is very crowded but I imagine that if you plan very carefully and make use of fast pass you should do alright.

I'll just bump this back to page one for you so that some of our Disney veterans can share their expertise and advice with you.

Katholyn

 

[profdsny]

Hi, I'd say both. It is neat to be there then, on the other hand, you realize that it's Christmas day and you are in a theme park. Now, if you have your family along, that might be cool. The down side to us is we don't have much of a family, other than our kids. We sort of missed our home. Saying that, we are leaving Christmas morning to head down to WDW, where we will stay past NY. This is the 2nd year in a row for us to do that, and may be a new tradition.

 

[pixiechick]

We went during the same period in 2001. We had a great time. Use all the same touring techniques you'd use for any other busy time-getting to the parks early (esp. MK), use fastpasses wisely, etc. You know the parks and have the info. needed to "tour well." We avoided the parks on the 25th and just hung out at the resort.

We found that the crowds increased greatly after Christmas. By the 28th, it was crazy mobbed! A CM told us that many people want to be home for the actual holiday and then come down afterwards.

I would do it again in a second! I can honestly say that attending the Candlelight Processional on Christmas Eve made it my favorite holiday in memory!

 

[swilphil]

I'd say that the parks are very magical at Christmas although obviously very crowded. We went Christmas 2000 and made the big mistake of staying off-site (our first trip to WDW). We fought tons of traffic and couldn't get into MK on two days of our trip. If you stay on-site, you will be fine. Go to the parks EARLY, use EMH and park hop at noon, use fast pass, plan well but be flexible.

I would not go to MK on Christmas Day because it is super crowded. I think Christmas Eve at MK would be ideal if they still have it "snow" there. We were at Epcot and MGM on Christmas Day and both were wonderful.

 

[mmausse]

I just remembered something

Last Christmas EVe and Day, MK stopped admitting people by 11am - it had reached capacity levels and they wouldn't let anyone else in. Now, I know WDW promises that residents at the WDW hotels are guaranteed admission to the parks (which I quoted to the CM on that day at 1pm), but they said the fine print gives them an out. This also happened on NYE at the MK. So if you want to go to MK, go early in the morning.

 

[mrssalvaggio]

MAGICALLY INSANE

For many years we went right after Christmas and brought in the New Year at EPCOT (the most energetic place we've ever been to bring in the New Year). Crowds are awful and if you get stressed out because you can't do/see all, it won't be fun. If you can relax and decide to enjoy the atmosphere and just do what you can with no worries, then I think it can be wonderful. We were there three years ago on Christmas day and went to MK. It was great, but I agree with another poster that we probably won't do it again. We have also been during Thanksgiving week which is fun, but still crowded. We are going for our first early December trip (6-14) and our first MVMCP this year and are so excited at the idea of all the atmosphere with the lower crowds. It just depends what you want to get out of your trip, but I'd say Christmas day is definitely something to experience at least once if you can. Have fun!

 

[disneydel]

Thanks to all of you who replyed to my post!!


I feel much better about being in Disney during such a crazy time. I am expecting crowds and will compensate by enjoying the christmas lights, decorations and atmosphere. I'm sure it will still be magical.

Disneydel

 

[dvc guy]

You have gotten great advice. Take it slow enjoy all the WDW has to see over the holiday period and don't expect see everything.

VERY IMPORTANT Make your Ps's right away. We will be at WDW 12/28 to 1/2 and I have called everyday to make our dinner PS's and still did not get the exact times I wanted. Don't expect to walk into any of the sitdown places and have a meal without a PS'.

Last Christmas we were at San Angel Inn watitng to check in for dinner. The woman in front of me asked for a table for 2 the CM said nothing available, she said fine they would come back, The CM told her again no tables for the rest of the night.

Have a great time.......

 

[momsmall]

As others have mentioned it is magical but it is also busier than anyone who has yet to experience it can ever imagine. We took a 3 year old in 1996 by lunch time the Magic Kingdom was not permitting anyone else in as the park was filled to capacity on New Years Eve day. We were able to go to Epcot and ride the monorail to the Magic Kingdom but those coming into the parking lot were not permitted to go into MK. We were in the MK for the fireworks on New Years Eve they were over at around I am guessing 12:30 - 12:45, I can't remember exactly, but we did not get out of MK until 2:45 am. We watched the fireworks in front of the castle and there were so many people trying to get out of the park afterwards that if you moved you were taking your life in your own hands. We have returned to the world several times since but we will never again go during the Christmas break. We now go during so called off times, Jan, Feb, Oct, to avoid crowds and they have been more than enjoyable. I am sure you will have a lot of fun but make sure you have a touring plan and your PS made to lesson any stress there may be. We are glad we are able to say we were there for all the Christmas decor.but be aware that it will be very busy.

 

[candeewrapz]

This is really cool. we are arriving on December 22 and leaving the 26th and staying at the AKL. Definately a little nervous about the experience of staying at disney at christmas. We have always stayed at the slowest times. Hoping my little ones love AKL with the animals.

 

[sm4987]

Glad for the responses. I want to go next year for Christmas, and it will be worth it just to be there even if we don't do the parks.

 

[PamOKW]

Originally posted by mmausse
I just remembered something

Now, I know WDW promises that residents at the WDW hotels are guaranteed admission to the parks (which I quoted to the CM on that day at 1pm), but they said the fine print gives them an out. This also happened on NYE at the MK.

That's right. On very busy days like Christmas and NYE, if the park fills there isn't much they can do about it. The pledge to people staying at the WDW hotels is that you can get into "a' park, not necessarily the park of your choosing. It's best to use WDW transportation on these days since folks coming in on the buses, monorail, etc. continue to be let in when the parking lots have closed.

Magically insane is a great description. I loved it and I think everyone should give it a try at least once.

 

[mnmom22]

We were there last year for Christmas. It was wonderful!!!! It was also very COLD!!!!! I turned 50 on 12/24 and my 21yo dd made reservations for us at Victoria and Alberts. I've never had such a wonderful meal!!! We had no trouble getting my 8yo ds into one of the childcare facilities ---he loved it. Christmas day, we did avoid the MK. We went to EPCOT --I don't remember thinking it was horridly busy. We did the Candlelight processional on Christmas evening. It was the most beautiful way to celebrate Christmas. The resorts are so gorgeous. There's a lot to enjoy if you want to avoid the crowds. Have a wonderful trip!!!!

 

[swilphil]

I think it will be magical for you for two reasons: 1) You're staying onsite. 2) You'll be there before Christmas and not after.

We stayed off site Dec. 24-30, 2000, and that was a huge mistake. It was our first trip and with extended family that made the hotel ressies. We spent so much time in the car, it ruined the trip, well almost. The week after Christmas is much worse than the week before.

Helpful hints: GO EARLY, especially on Christmas and Christmas Eve. Because of fire codes they HAVE to close the parks when they get to capacity. Use EE at MK and MGM, but I'd avoid MK on Christmas Day.

 

[pigtail]

Magical, magical, magical. Its our tradition for the past 5 years. I would not want to be anywhere else.

 

[lentesta]

Hi Disneydel,

As swilphil notes, the week before Christmas isn't as bad as the week after. The decorations and live entertainment will more than make up for the increased crowds. You'll have a great time.

One thing I'd suggestion: avoid Fantasyland in the afternoon. Tha backs of my ankles have only recently healed from being run into by strollers last year. The emotional scars, of course, will take longer to heal.

Len

 

[cathyz]

Christmas, just as any other time at WDW, is what you make it! Christmas doesn't need Disney to be special; Disney doesn't need Christmas to be special. BUT...the two together is an incredibly awesome experience for those who "get it". For those who don't "get ot", this time of year will probably be a nightmare.

Since you've been to Disney before, you definitely have an advantage. You won't be able to do everything. Just plan effectively - use fast pass, early entry and make PS's! Don't try to go into MK at 12 noon on Christmas Day and try to have lunch at LTT! As long as you are willing to plan ahead and be flexible (sounds strange, I know) you will be fine.

We actually spent Christmas Day at MK in 2000. It was wonderful! Crowded, yes, but I would do it again in a heartbeat!

Good luck and enjoy!!!

 

[DemonLlama]

We were at the Magic Kingdom on Christmas Day this past year.

It was AWESOME. Christmas morning the hub was filled with characters. Peter Pan and Wendy together was our first stop. Plenty of pixue dust to go around.

We were there before the gates opened (7:30 a.m.), and headed straight back to Fantasyland and Toon Town, after a few pictures and autographs. We had been at WDW since Dec. 18, and I think this made it much easier for us to just head straight for our favorites and not feel like we should "do" the park.

My kids rode their favorite, Goofy's Barnstormer, 7 times before getting off, since there was never a line. But at the front of the park, things were getting crazy. By the time we had our fill of the back areas, we headed to the Castle for breakfast and nearly couldn't get from the Carousel to the entrance of Cinderella's because it was PACKED with people. They had unwisely set up about four characters (including some hard to find ones like Uncle Scrooge McDuck) there and things were insane. That said, we still got a pic and autograph with Uncle Scrooge and made it into the restaurant relatively unscathed, and just a little wrinkled.

NOTE: we left at 11:00, after our late breakfast, to avoid more sardine situations, but the magic definitely lasted all day long!