Crowd Levels at Christmas?

[CharlaA]

Universal newbie here. We have a WDW trip booked 12/28-1/5 but I have since learned that is the BUSIEST week at the park. I'm considering reducing our number of days at WDW and going to a different park for a day or two. How are the crowd levels between Christmas and NYE? We have two 5.5 yr olds in our group. TIA

 

[mesaboy2]

Universal newbie here. We have a WDW trip booked 12/28-1/5 but I have since learned that is the BUSIEST week at the park. I'm considering reducing our number of days at WDW and going to a different park for a day or two. How are the crowd levels between Christmas and NYE? We have two 5.5 yr olds in our group. TIA

The week between Christmas and NYE is the busiest week of the year for both Disney and Universal. Pack your patience anywhere you go.

 

[macraven]

listen to mesaboy.....

the best way to do the darkside is to stay onsite.

the parks will be packed but you will have less of a wait in lines by using the express lines for rides and shows.



as much as i hate snow and sub zero temps, i would rather stay home during that holiday time period than be in a park.

 

[CharlaA]

SIL is a teacher and can only go on a trip when school is out I wish I had done a little research before booking I expected busy, but assumed summer was the busiest season. If they (SIL and family) back out, I will move our dates. Due to the nature of her husbands business, going in the summer will not happen (for them).

 

[BrinkofSunshine]

This past year the week after Christmas was ridiculously busy. There was a day when both Universal parks were so full there was a line not only to get into the parks themselves, but into the parking garage!

 

[RMulieri]

Orlando attractions are crazy busy during Christmas week.universal is no different.It is doable for either park, but you need to know a few things...1) You need to have a PLAN in place.Try and become familiar with the park layouts, make dining arrangements .2) Get to the parks BEFORE opening -You can do alot in the first hour or 2 of opening. 3)Make a list of MUST dos and a list of "would like to do"...Manage your expectations.. You will NOT do it all ,and to try will make you nuts. 4) Pack your patience.It is busy, it is going to be crowded.Lots and lots of people.If you know this going in, you can be better prepared.
It can be done, it just takes alot of pre-planning

 

[JoShan1719]

There were a few days this past Xmas where both parks closed admittance due to capacity a some point. I agree with the pp, stay on-site the days you do Universal. You'll get unlimited Express Pass plus early park admission to the Potter area at Islands of Adventure.

From my understanding, Xmas didn't used to be a busy time for the parks. Until people realized Xmas wasn't a busy time and decided to start going so they would have a magical Mickey Christmas. Good luck!

 

[Metro West]

During Christmas week there is no place to hide!