Christmas Vacation: Need Advice

[snowdrift7]

I've never been to WDW at Christmas time. I currently have reservations for Dec 12-26. But now I'm second guessing myself and wondering if it's smarter to go in early Dec (2-16) instead. I know that the crowd levels explode Christmas week but are the levels really that much smaller earlier in the Month? And would we miss anything by going earlier? Thanks much for your advice

 

[Clare Voince]

Right now the crowd predictions for Dec 2nd - 16th are in the 2-3 range for the first week and 3-4 for the second week. For Dec 12-26th, it jumps to 7-8 range beginning Dec 17th, and to 9 and 10 a few days later where it stays until after the holidays. So it's a huge difference.

 

[pangyal]

If you want to catch the Christmas parade, fireworks, and castle show for free after the last day of MVMCP, that's all I can think of that you would gain by going later. Not sure where you're staying, but the Pop Warner crew is at the values in early December. We like to split the difference and go around 9-19 inclusive, and on the heavy crowd days, we just go early and leave early and spend the afternoon at the resort.

 

[hakepb]

12-26 is long enough that you can take your time and still, eventually do everything without rushing around. If you are night people, there are later hours near Christmas and if you are an early person, there will probably be 7am EMH.

The early trip would require you to pay more for MVMCP to see the MK Christmas parade and fireworks.
Disney starts running the Christmas Parade and Christmas Wishes during normal park hours a week before Christmas Day...so you don't need the extra ticket.

Otherwise, both trips would still contain full resort and park decorations, and the Candelite Processional in EPCOT.

 

[tstidm1]

You would also save money by going earlier in the month. You can save a $100 a night or more during the 2-16 timeframe easily depending on the level of hotel. Even on a Value, you save $50 plus dollars a night. $700-$1400 can cover a lot of meals and souvenirs at WDW. The crowds are somewhat less that time of year than Peak Christmas. MVMCP will reduce your hours significantly at MK on three nights a week.

 

[Disneylover99]

If you can go earlier in December go then.

 

[cman]

First off if you go the 12-26 get ready for the CROWDS toward the end of you trip. I mean crowds like you've never seen. That being said our trip in 2007 during the same time was not only our best trip to Disney but one of our favorite Christmas's as a family. There were 18 of us that went and I can say I wouldn't have traded it for anything. Just a wonderful time. We planned a lot, paced ourselves and set expectations that fit the crowd levels. I would say go for it!

 

[snowdrift7]

Hi, thanks everyone for all your advice & suggestions! I think we'll probably go early in the month. We normally go early May - just to avoid crowds. You've got us really excited. Thanks again!

 

[GrumpyDad1974]

We have done both times of the month... definitely the first half of the month. Never again on Christmas... yup that bad. You could do the MVMCP to see the parade...

 

[sheila <3 WDW]

If you can go earlier, crowds will be lower. I just went 12/20-12/27 (not in the parks arrival or departure day). Yes it was crowded, especially the 26th, but we had a blast and I would do it again.