Christmas Holidays At Disney?

[Tinkerbelle32]

O.K. Thought I would repost here since I didn't get any responses on the other thread. What's it like spending Christmas at Disney World? We have never been during this time. We usually go during the beg. of Jan. Are the parks crowded? Should mention we also go in the beg. of June. Trying to decide to stick to the Jan. timeframe or try the holidays at Disney. Is it more magical? If we go in Dec. the kids wouldn't miss any school either. Please, I need help!! Give me all your opinions, tips, etc. Thanks, Tink

 

[Wooden Eye]

Tink, the Holidays are a great time to go. The 'pros' far outweigh a few 'cons'. If you're a June veteran, you'll kind of know what to expect as far as the crowds. Keep in mind, the week between Christmas day and New Years day is the busiest week at WDW. But if you get to the parks early and use fast pass, it's manageable. Definitely have your ADRs made - it's pretty much impossible (if at all) to get in a TS restaurant at a decent time without a looong wait during the holidays without an ADR.

On the positive side - yes, it very magical! The decorations around the parks are very festive. Make sure you catch the special events and shows like MVMCP, Osborne lights and the Candlelight Processional. Park hours are REALLY extended during the Christmas - NYD week (with EMH, MK was open until 3 am last year). Tour the resorts, especially the Wilderness Lodge and the Grand Floridian - the decorations are fabulous. Also, the weather is pretty good - compared to June, it doesn't rain that much in December in Florida.

 

[Miandrea]

I was WDW for Christmas Day a couple of times and it was great. Santa even left presents on our door! It was extremely busy. If you have a relaxed attitude you will be fine. However, if you want to go hard-core you will be stressed out.

Decorations and theming are great...it was so excited. I like going to see the decorations during the holidays but it is also nice going in January (less crowded, calm!)

As I teacher, I have no problem with students missing school in January as long as they have fun with their families!

 

[S.Poppins]

That is why I like the week after Thanksgiving or the first couple weeks of June. All the Christmas magic and none of the madness! Worth the kids missing a few days of school. The weather was great too.

 

[MyGoofy26]

The only Christmas I spent was during my College Program, so I was in the parks every day, LOL. The parks are definitely more crowded, and often close to capacity (expecially MK by afternoon) So it'll definitely take careful planning of each day so that you're not spending all your time in 3 hour lines, LOL.

But there is something extra special about Disney that time of year.

 

[theblondebee]

as far as the parks being closed resort guest can still get in right? also what if the parks are closed but you have adrs?

 

[Dan Murphy]

as far as the parks being closed resort guest can still get in right? also what if the parks are closed but you have adrs?

If you are an onsite guest, you are assured entrance to at least one of the parks, not necessarily the one of your choice if it is closed before you get there. MK usually will close on Christmas around 10 AM or so.

 

[princessbride6205]

WDW is in peak season the week between Christmas and New Years. Early December tends to have smaller crowds and still all of that holiday magic.

I have spent Christmas and New Year's in Disneyland and Cali Adventure - while things were crowded, it wasn't unbearable - I would definitely do it again!

 

[Becky521]

GO!!! We had always planned our trips in late Aug to Labor Day but in 04 we had to reschedule at the last min. Well long story short. Our Thanksgiving trip then also had to be reschedualed. We relly weren't sure about Christmas, with the reported crowds and just being away for the holidays. So with more than a little uncertainty we "bit the bullet " and made our reservations. We are sooo glad we did. We found a whole different world at the Holidays! The decorations were unbelievable, all the special shows, the cooler weather, all though it was unseasonably cold that year, Even the little gift from "Santa" we found on our door knob on Christmas morning. They thought of everything! We had such a good time we are planning this years trip for 12/16 - 12/26 and can't wait! A few idaes for the holidays that we did: We bought a small tree from our local dollar store along with this mini decorations and put them in our "extra" suitcase then we put our tree up on the table in our room and decorated it on X-mas eve, our traditional tree day when we are home. We also took any cards we had received in the mail before we left home and put them in our hotel window. This way we were able to have WDW and some of our family Holiday traditiona as weel, the best of two worlds in the world! Sorry this is soo long, I could go on all day about WDW at Christmas!

Pics taken during our 2004 Christmas trip.
Just 118 days till we leave with Karen and Nick!!

 

[DisneyFan06]

I can't wait to spend Christmas at the World!

 

[susie2]

hi, could anyone please tell me if there is a special parade in mgm at christmas, thanks susie2

 

[Lives4Disney]

GO!!! We had always planned our trips in late Aug to Labor Day but in 04 we had to reschedule at the last min. Well long story short. Our Thanksgiving trip then also had to be reschedualed. We relly weren't sure about Christmas, with the reported crowds and just being away for the holidays. So with more than a little uncertainty we "bit the bullet " and made our reservations. We are sooo glad we did. We found a whole different world at the Holidays! The decorations were unbelievable, all the special shows, the cooler weather, all though it was unseasonably cold that year, Even the little gift from "Santa" we found on our door knob on Christmas morning. They thought of everything! We had such a good time we are planning this years trip for 12/16 - 12/26 and can't wait! A few idaes for the holidays that we did: We bought a small tree from our local dollar store along with this mini decorations and put them in our "extra" suitcase then we put our tree up on the table in our room and decorated it on X-mas eve, our traditional tree day when we are home. We also took any cards we had received in the mail before we left home and put them in our hotel window. This way we were able to have WDW and some of our family Holiday traditiona as weel, the best of two worlds in the world! Sorry this is soo long, I could go on all day about WDW at Christmas!

I love your post!! I would love it if you went on and on, LOL! We have our first Xmas trip to WDW booked for 12/19 - 12/27 and it was so nice to hear about your Xmas trip. I am leary of having Christmas away from home -although we have no extended family to miss - but we have our own traditions and have 3 kids ages 5, 9, and 16 that love our own family Christmases. I have Xmas burnout, though, and am looking forward to a break this year form the work (it used to be "fun" but now it's "work" ).

Glad to hear more if you want to add to your post. Thanks!

Lives4Disney