Christmas trip advice needed!

[pditullio]

Hello, wise and merciful friends of the DIS boards! Hoping to lean on you a bit for help planning a trip this December as I am feeling a little overwhelmed.

Some backstory: Travel party is: myself, husband and our 19yo son, and my parents, aged 78 and 82. We’ve been DVC members since 1992 and we have all been to Disney many, many, many times, but never at Christmas. This is sort of a “bucket list” trip for my mom, who has always wanted to do Disney for the holidays. We will be at OKW from the 18th to the 25th and while expectations are low (and we are okay with that!), I also don’t want to just wing it because a metered approach is best for my mom, the fewer variables the better. While she’s in good health, her stamina is not what it was and these trips are getting tougher for her – not sure how many we have left. We rent a wheelchair more days than not.

In recent years we tend to go into parks early and do a few things, then head back to room to rest, then back into a park for the evening (or to a dinner location, etc). OR just go in for lunch, see a few things and call it a day. But same premise: a few hours max at a time is key. I don't think we will do the Candlelight Processional or MVMCP. I just don’t think those are a good fit for us this time. That said, I’m looking for advice on how to make best use of our time there. I know crowds can’t be avoided, but maybe some advice on strategies for when to hit which park, etc.?

I have heard that MK is less crowded during the daytime hours on the days when the party starts at 6pm. What happens at MK on non-party nights? Are the shows different?

Would also love advice on what to do Christmas Eve (which is also our last night) – would it be better to go to MK or EP that night?

We usually do a monorail pub crawl once per trip anyway, so I am thinking of doing that so we can see all those resorts in their holiday finery. Suggestions for a restaurant that might be particularly nice to have dinner during that evening would be welcomed.

Not particularly concerned with Star Wars for this trip – we will wait a year or so and really plan our next trip to include it more thoroughly once the kinks are worked out.

Anyway, thanks for any and all suggestions! I want this to be as stress-free as possible for her, while still getting a taste of as much as we can.

 

[ErinsMommy]

I think the key word you have in your plans is "get to the park early". I would stick with that plan and stay as long as you can tolerate the crowds, and then bail back to the resort and enjoy a dinner maybe at Disney Springs or even a resort. I personally anticipate there wont be any "less crowded" times especially now that ROTR announced its opening on 12/2/19 which will only increase the amount of people already in the parks for those seeking SWGE, and those in other parks seeking to get away from SWGE.

We're arriving 12/20 and leaving Christmas evening ourselves and that's what our game plan is going to be.

 

[KayaWildfire]

We went at this time last time last year and are going again this year. Get to the parks as early as possible and leave when you get tired. This seems to work the best.

 

[TwinkleKS]

The worst part for crowds is normally Christmas Day on through NYE. Relatively speaking, you shouldn't have it too terribly bad the 18th, 19th, and 20th, then it will get progressively busier. Personally, we do the Candlelight Processional every Christmas Eve. If you get a dining package and go to the first show, it may work for you.

If you like the structure, it is good to go ahead and get your ADRs now. You can always move things around as you get closer to time if there is something different available. Our normal speed is to get to the parks between 10 & 11 then stay as long as we feel like it. Traffic does get progressively worse with the rest of the crowds and we have always felt we waste too much time traveling back and forth. Our plans normally include a late breakfast / brunch / early lunch then park time followed by an evening meal in one of the resorts.

I should note, I we have done multi generational Christmas trips, including the year my dad needed a scooter. You can also look at more "restful" attractions that might be located near something your son wants to do. For example, BTMR and have your parents go to the Hall of Presidents, then meet afterwards to do HM. Or Space Mountain and the PeopleMover or CoP.

 

[pditullio]

I should note, I we have done multi generational Christmas trips, including the year my dad needed a scooter. You can also look at more "restful" attractions that might be located near something your son wants to do. For example, BTMR and have your parents go to the Hall of Presidents, then meet afterwards to do HM. Or Space Mountain and the PeopleMover or CoP.

The 19yo doesn’t really care so much about ticking off specific rides, as we’ve done everything so many times before. I mean, yes, we will make some FPs but honestly for this trip it’s all about being with grandparents, seeing the holiday decor, etc. Anything else is just gravy.

We’re not really into the Candlelight Processional, so do you have a sense whether EP or MK would be the better bet for Christmas Eve?

 

[jolynne28]

We did this trip two years ago, but left on the 23rd, so I can’t help you with Christmas Eve. I agree with PP’s, go early and leave when your parents get tired. And I don’t recommend going to MK at all on a non MVMCP day, at least during the part or you’re trip when they are still going on. We made that mistake and it was insanely crowded. We couldn’t push our stroller at certain points and just had to stand there and wait it out.
Also, I think someone else mentioned this, but eating at the different resorts would be much less crowded and a great way to see holiday decor.

 

[PollyannaMom]

We visited Disney at Christmastime last year. - Same as you, we'd been often, but wanted to experience the decorations and holiday atmosphere:

Short Trip Report

I think you've already got the key to happiness in that you expect to see a lot, but not do too much!

We did book some FPs, but we also spent a lot more time people-watching than we do most trips.

We chose MK on the 24th because I wanted to see the fireworks on Christmas Eve, but it was insanely crowded. Getting out after, we started one way, then were sent via another - kind of "backstage" - exit.

We didn't do a resort tour (DH and DS weren't as interested as me) but I think that would actually be really fun if the rest of your group would go for it!

 

[TwinkleKS]

Epcot will seem less crowded on Christmas Eve (or any busy time) compared to MK, if you are looking for a less crowded option. I always find there is more of a "Christmasy" feel at Epcot due to the Christmas around the world storytellers, etc. If that is what you are looking for on Christmas Eve.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

MK gets crowded!!! to the point they stop allowing guest into the park by 10:00 a.m. so go early if you plan to be there for Christmas. We know of some one who went last year and the line up to go through the tool booth for MK was at least 50 cars long. So pack patience when go then,

 

[pditullio]

We visited Disney at Christmastime last year. - Same as you, we'd been often, but wanted to experience the decorations and holiday atmosphere:

Short Trip Report

I think you've already got the key to happiness in that you expect to see a lot, but not do too much!

We did book some FPs, but we also spent a lot more time people-watching than we do most trips.

We chose MK on the 24th because I wanted to see the fireworks on Christmas Eve, but it was insanely crowded. Getting out after, we started one way, then were sent via another - kind of "backstage" - exit.

We didn't do a resort tour (DH and DS weren't as interested as me) but I think that would actually be really fun if the rest of your group would go for it!

Loved your trip report! Thanks so much!

The more I see holiday pictures of all the resorts the more I am thinking we might cut a park day or two off our tickets. Would you say that it’s worth it to head over to Animal Kingdom Lodge for a lunch or dinner and see holiday decorations there?

 

[PollyannaMom]

Would you say that it’s worth it to head over to Animal Kingdom Lodge for a lunch or dinner and see holiday decorations there?

Absolutely! That lobby tree was amazing!! (The really big one is at Jambo house.) Sanaa is at Kidani village, but there is a walking path or a quick shuttle between the two.

Of course, I love the animals too!!