Christmas week at Disney?

[mscastel]

Hi there everyone,
I need some feedback about crowds at Christmas time?
I have read some horror stories...
parks reaching full capacity by 10 a.m., etc.
I just need some personal accounts from some of you who have braved the holidays at Disney World.
I am planning Dec. 17-23. Am I crazy?
PLEASE HELP!!!!
I need to book my tickets to MVMCP too.... so I need to decide soon.

Thanks.....

 

[mscastel]

I am sorry, I obviously am new to this and posted under the wrong category.
Is there anyway to forward it to the right place?

 

[tlbwriter]

I'm going the same time you're planning to go. According to the Unofficial Guide people, it shouldn't be bad at all. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are extremely busy, but you should miss the worst of the crowds. And it's such a beautiful time to be there... you'll love it.

 

[Pennsy22]

We were there last year the week before and the week after. The week before wasn't very crowded at all. The week after was packed!

 

[kendzee94]

We were there from 12/16-12/25 in 2004. The crowds were not bad until 12/23. However, I would not suggest waiting until the last night to do the MVMCP. We did it (it was the last night and a Friday night) and it was sold out! The crowds/lines was worse for that then the parks during the day!!! If I had it to do again: I would not wait in line for Santa or wait to watch the Christmas parade as they are both available during the day that week of Christmas. The one thing that you have to be concerned about is the weather. Make sure you are prepared for hot or cold. It was in the 80's the week before and after we were there but in the 50's (with some 60's) the week we were there. And being from New York State, we were crazy enough to go swimming in the heated pool on a 60 ish day!!! Good luck and I hope this was semi-helpful.

 

[mscastel]

Thanks for all of your input!
I do appreciate your replies....

I am very excited!
I think that I am convinced to go ahead and book!

My only other choice would have been to take kids out of school the week after Thanksgiving. I was a little worried that it was too early though.

 

[tubachick]

That is a great time to go, the decorations are super great and the crowds are super light(mostly). Its chirstmas eve and after that all of the crowds arrive. Enjoy your trip.

 

[mscastel]

I am so glad that everyone seems to agree that the week of Dec. 17-23 is O.K.... That was my first choice, only I was confused with all of the suggestions from books and websites.
They all say that the least crowded time was after Thanksgiving until the week before Christmas. With Christmas on a weekend I was worried that everyone would plan that week.. However, I guess that it seems everyone likes to be there on Christmas and through New Year's?

 

[DashsMom]

We are going the same time for my DS 5th birthday. I have been wondering if we are crazy to go at that time too. I can't wait. It will be his first time to go to WDW.

 

[disney4us2002]

That's the same timeframe we were there in 2004 although we remained until the 26th. Part of the reason the crowds were low (in our opinions anyway) is that the weather stunk. No locals would have chosen to visit as it was cold and very rainy. Christmas day rained so hard that the Magic Kingdom which always closes to capacity on Christmas day, remained open all day. We had fun but please prepare for extreme temps. It was 40's at night and only one day did it warm up to 72.

 

[mscastel]

O.K. so I may be crazy then...

But I guess that I am not the only one then....

Thank you, I do feel a little more comfortable with everyones help and suggestions.
This website is an "priceless" tool and you all make it what it is worth!

Hope to see you all there! Somewhere amongst the CROWDS!