Christmas week crowds

[bonnielynn]

I am thinking of returning to Disney in December... I was thinking the week after Christmas.. can anyone give me any insight to how crowded it really is and if it is worth the trip.

I have been to Disney in the beginning of December and would love to go back with all the lights and stuff... my kids are off that week (as the rest of the world).

If not Disney Where?????

 

[Vavasmon]

We were there from Dec. 22 - 29th in 2005 and Dec 25 - 31 in 2001.

The parks were busy until the 25th (crowds increasing each day) but packed from the 25th on. We were happy that we had seen most of the parks etc before Christmas - I planned mainly shows, decoration touring, best ofs after Christmas.

 

[Darth Sidious]

I would say that before Christmas it is not as crowded as it is after. I would describe the crowds as heavy. Just take full advantage of the fastpass system and get to any shows at least 20 minutes prior to show time? Yeah, thats what I would do. With the exception of Lights, Motor, Action. Get there about an hour before the show starts as it tends to fill up quickly.

 

[sjpvac]

I would say that before Christmas it is not as crowded as it is after. I would describe the crowds as heavy. Just take full advantage of the fastpass system and get to any shows at least 20 minutes prior to show time? Yeah, thats what I would do. With the exception of Lights, Motor, Action. Get there about an hour before the show starts as it tends to fill up quickly.

Used to be very true that the weeks before Christmas were the best, as well as the first few weeks of January. Visited from 12/3 to 12/9 and just got back last week from another 4 day stay and found that the parks are PACKED. The "E" rides have their fast pass machines shut down early (purportedly because "...all fast passes have been distributed," even though it was mid-afternoon) Without the fast passes, lines of 50-70 minutes were common for space mountain, rock n roller coaster, etc. The only avenue left is to get to the park early. I wound up spending more days at Universal where there were no lines.

 

[3dog2kidmom]

We were there 12/25-29 last year and found the crowds manageable. Go early, utilize fast pass, and plan plenty of ADRs so you have a place to eat and enjoy the holiday magic! It was our family's first trip and I would go back at Christmas in a heartbeat.

 

[Danauk]

We were there Christmas week this year and it was no where near as bad as what I thought it would be. We got to the parks early and went back to our resort in the afternoon as the crowds really did pick up by then, but it didn't bother us as we had already done what we wanted to.

I would recommend though researching what parks are best to go to on which days. We did this and it really paid off. I also really recommend the afternoon break.
Here's a few pictures taken in the MK between 9am and midday on December 24th

http://karenmorgan.myphotoalbum.com/view_photo.php?set_albumName=album02&id=IMG_0097_JPG

http://karenmorgan.myphotoalbum.com/view_photo.php?set_albumName=album02&id=IMG_0100_JPG

http://karenmorgan.myphotoalbum.com/view_photo.php?set_albumName=album02&id=IMG_0106_JPG

http://karenmorgan.myphotoalbum.com/view_photo.php?set_albumName=album02&id=IMG_0107_JPG

We went to MGM on New Years Eve which was great. Epcot and MK closed but MGM did not. Although it was busy a lot of rides (except ToT and RnRC) were walk on. We saw the 10:30 Fantasmic which was great .

Like others have said make ADR's. We had them made for evening meals, although some lunches we decided to eat out (Chef de France and COncourse Steakhouse) and we were seated straight away.

Also like others have said, I would go there again in a heart beat.