Christmas at WDW- specific questions- need help!

[kamgen]

I consider myself a pretty experienced WDW person, but we have yet to visit on Christmas Eve/Day. This year we are taking my parents (there will be 4 adults - no kids) to CP on Christmas Eve at EPCOT and then to MK on Christmas day. I know the crowds are nuts....but we know that
Here are some of my specific questions:
1. Will we need to go to EPCOT on 12/24 early to make sure we get in due to crowd capacity?? we have CP dinner package that night so we cannot miss that!
2. Where should we go on 12/26- AK or MGM? How are the crowds that day usually??
3. Good places to dine on Christmas day???
4. If you leave a park in the middle of the day can you return?? capacity question

And any other info you can send our way is appreciated!!!!
thanks

 

[disney4us2002]

Originally posted by kamgen

Here are some of my specific questions:
1. Will we need to go to EPCOT on 12/24 early to make sure we get in due to crowd capacity?? we have CP dinner package that night so we cannot miss that!
2. Where should we go on 12/26- AK or MGM? How are the crowds that day usually??
3. Good places to dine on Christmas day???
4. If you leave a park in the middle of the day can you return?? capacity question

1. My understanding is that Epcot is big enough to usually not close for capacity. I don't think this will be a problem. That is a popular CP choice so hopefully you already have the package (sounds like it). Plan to get there well before your dinner or show whichever is first.

2.Hmmm, currently, the EMH's are Sat - MGM, Sun - MK; however, I've heard from others that sometimes Disney switches those around on holidays. If Sat/Sun get switched to allow for earlier Christmas in the MK, then I would not plan to go to MGM on Sunday. Typically, Sundays are good for AK since the EMH is Monday.

3. If you plan to stay all day at MK, then either dining in the castle or at Liberty Tree Tavern would be good options. It would also be pretty easy to dine in the MK resorts. I've heard great things about both California Grill in the Cont and Artist Point in WL.

4. We're going this year for the first time over Christmas. We have friends who have gone the last three years over Christmas/NY's and only found MK closed Christmas day thru NY's by 10-11am everyday but reopened later (after 4pm). They didn't have trouble getting into any of the other parks. They also stayed onsite which you don't mention. It might be different if you're not onsite.

 

[ozziewags]

Hopefully, you are staying onsite. Christmas at Disney is a must-do at least once in your life.

We did CP dinner pkg. on Christmas Eve with no problems getting in. You will go to an area that has bracelets to identify your status. Make ressies asap to get your time and where you want.

We also went to MK on Christmas Day, knowing crowds would be bad. We got there early in the morning and did the big rides and took in a special Christmas show that was right near Buzz L. Don't miss it.(if they still have it)
Snacked on some of our favorite things during the day. Got a great spot for the Christmas parade near LTT and had PS' there right after the parade. Worked out perfectly and was one of the most memorable Christmases we have ever spent. Even though it is crowded, everyone is in a holiday mood. Important to go with the flow and enjoy it and take in all the senses of a magical day.

We sort of did the same thing on NYE at MGM. Got there early, stayed all day, had ressies at Brown Derby.

Can't remember where we went on the 26th! I think we may have splept late!

Also, I had shipped a small tree and decorations to my resort ahead of time and we decorated the day we got in, which was Christmas eve, early. Also shipped some presents, already wrapped.

Can't help with your other questions.

 

[kamgen]

Thanks for the info!!
More details from us - we are staying onsite at BWV (DVC members).
We already have our CP package booked for Christmas Eve!
What time should we set up dinner at LTT if we want to go right after the parade??

Any other info is well appreciated!

 

[ozziewags]

I think our ps was around 5. As soon as Dec parade info is released (look now, but I think it is only posted through Nov) make it for 15-30 min later. You will absolutely love disney at Christmas. Wish I was going again.

splept? meant slept! lol

 

[zurgswife]

We did the CP on Christma eve last year....Epcot was crowded but nothing like NYE...We did the first show of CP and got inline about 1 hr early...and got seats in about the 3rd row...it was magnificant.....and we didn't even have Gary Sinise that night...how I wish I had piced Christmas night so we could have heard Gary Sinise...

Any how...from the 25th on MK closed each day by 11:30am...I'm pretty sure it didn't open again to people for a number of hours...

 

[Doug7856]

I do recommend having Priority Seating arrangements for each day if you plan on a meal in the parks. We found it very difficult to get a table for counter service restaurants (particularly on NYE).

 

[kamgen]

Thanks everyone! I really appreciate all the great advice!