Christmas cruise or MK?

[pxlbarrel]

Thinking ahead of time for my "special" birthday in 2014. My birthday is Christmas Day which means that the dream of going to Magic Kingdom can be considered a nightmare. I've warned my friends that I want to spend my birthday on a cruise or the parks so start saving your money.

So ... Christmas cruise or Magic Kindom? As I see it, both will be terribly expensive but the cruise will have a finite number of people on it. The MK may be a crap shoot if it gets too crowded....

Hmmm.... I may be cruising alone on my birthday.

 

[WaltD4Me]

I was in MK on my 40th birthday and it was awesome...but my birthday is in May. If my birthday was on Christmas Day I wouldn't have braved MK that day. I say go for the cruise.

 

[beachwarmer]

My daughter's birthday is Christmas Day too. We have celebrated every other of her birthdays at WDW. 2,4,6,8 and this Christmas will be 10.

Here are my tips. We have this down to a science. We bought DVC at VWL just for these Christmas trips.

The MK has extra magic hours and usually opens at 7am. Get there for park opening. You have a couple of hours to ride before the crowds start arriving. There are even lower crowds if it is raining or overcast. Use a touring plan and you can get a lot done in the first couple of hours. Grad fast passes and enjoy the other attractions at a slower pace.

Food: We usually eat at CRT as that is birthday girls request. We do lunch. We once did Crystal Palace for lunch and it was a nightmare. Huge lines for the buffet and they had to pull the characters during service because of an added parade at 12:30. We waited forever and never saw Piglet.
We always leave after lunch and go to Epcot in the evening.

The cast members really do a good job of making my DD feel like it is her birthday. It takes planning but is so worth it.

Get there early and book a lunch meal where they bring you food. You will have a great time.

If you have any questions let me know. Christmas Day 2012 will be the 5th one we have celebrated in the MK.

 

[Havana]

MK on Christmas Day is extra magical if you plan.
We go every Christmas!
If you go,don't expect to get on too many attractions, and make sure you get a spot for the parade and fireworks in advance. Also most importantly be sure to make dining reservations early.