Christmas---Need some DVC planning help!

[thesoldtrain]

Okay, guys, I need some advice from you all. We are planning a HUGE Xmas trip this year. Originally, it was going to be a resort stay that ended with a lovely 7-night DCL cruise. Now that we have bought DVC, though, my hubby wants to take a 4-night cruise and try out both SSR (our home resort) and another while we are there....a split stay to the max! This is great with me, as it would be Dec.19-26 at DVC resort #1, cruise Dec. 26-30, then back for round 2 and New Year's at DVC resort #2. We have been planning this trip for a very long time and cannot wait, and this plan sounds good to me, but my concern is this......will we be missing a lot (besides of crowds) if we cruise during that in-between Xmas and New Year's week? We plan to MVMCP and CP the week before Xmas, as well as tour resorts, but are there things we would miss between Xmas and New Year's? Concern #2 would be that we are going to be squeezing too much in....plane tix are bought already, and I don't want to pay exorbitant rates to change them, so we are going with the 19 nights, but I am not sure now if I even want to add the cruise in, but worry about that length at WDW alone. Is there any way any of you would stay that long at WDW in a split DVC stay? I know a lot depends on your family....we use our vacations to reconnect and enjoy each other, but I am wondering if 19 days would be too long at WDW?

Also, any suggestions on resorts...I saw a few threads going already about this....I guess what I am looking for would be advice on which to spend Xmas at and which to do New Year's at....we would like to spend one part at SSR, our new home resort.

Thanks for your time!!

 

[dianeschlicht]

First of all, you may be at the mercy of what's available at this late date. Those are times that are often booked at the 11 month booking window, and you might be limited to all SSR, or you might be able to get in at OKW yet. It will depend a bit on the size accommodations you are looking for, and you might have to be flexible.

As to time...19 days is NOT too long! I love long DVC/WDW trips, because you can just limit your park time to a short time each day, and do lots of different things. I'm not one to ask about the cruise though. I'm not a cruiser, but I can tell you I also don't take kindly to sardine type crowds either. New Year's Eve is traditionally the most crowded day of the year...Crowded but a LOT of fun!!!

 

[bobbiwoz]

I think you have a great vacation planned, WDW, cruising, WDW, wow!

I would have it all set at SSR, and then as the 7 month window opens for the later part, see if anything is available. I would try for one of the Epcot (probably BWV because it's bigger) resorts as your "other" stay, but if it's OKW, that's fine too. You'll have nearly 7 months for any waitlist to come through. I remember last year's waitlist thread and it seems that lots of people did get in where they wanted to go, so Pixie Dust for you!

Bobbi

 

[canwegosoon]

I usually go at Easter...and when we do go we try to do at least 10 days. I think your first part the crowds will be manageable the 19-22 esp. from there the crowds will build. So be sure to get your really must do's done those first 4 days. Then you can spend time exploring the resorts in their holiday finest, and having leisurly meals. Hitting the parks at non peak times and doing things that you haven't had the chance to do. DO the Candlelight Procession, and see the story tellers, and Osborne Lights. Then on to the cruise until the 30th. If possible then I would pick a resort like SSR or OKW and be near DTD. It will be crazy, so you might want to watch the fireworks(I hope they are having them for NYE) from a distance. Then return to the parks after the 1st and do anything else you did not have a chance to do (or re do)crowd free...and the decorations will still be up. This should be a much better time for pictures etc. I have always found that when visiting WDW at busy times you have to know when to leave.

I am joining you at WDW from the 23-29th...I am planning 1/2 days at the parks and 1/2 days at the resorts. I am still torn on Christmas Day, part of me just wants to stay at the resorts...but part of me wants to go in to do the fireworks. I hope you have a great trip.