Crowd levels December 18

[skiingwife]

Hi everyone, I'm planning a WDW trip with a one night stay at HRH on December 18. We'll be spending the 18th and 19th at US and IOA. We'll be checking out of our Disney resort and going to HRH just to have the advantage of express pass. I'm assuming that at that time of year, express pass will be a necessity, otherwise we could be waiting in long lines. Do you agree that it's worth switching hotels to not have to wait in lines?

Also, I can get the AAA rate of $183 at HRH for 2 queens or $239 for 2 queens deluxe, or an even lower rate of $159 at RPR. Which would you choose? (We are a family of 5; kids are 13, 11, and 8).

Thanks for the advice. This is our first time at Universal.

 

[mslclark]

We'll be in Orlando around the same time, so I'm also curious as to the crowd levels that time of year. Hopefully some folks will share their experiences with crowds at the parks the week before Christmas.

As far as which resort to choose, both HRH and RPR have equally nice rooms. HRH may be a bit larger. I don't think you would go wrong with either. HRH is a little closer to the parks, and the theming may be more attractive to your teens. I have kids a little older than yours, and while they liked both resorts, they like the pool at the HRH the best.

We also had 3 kids, and we brought a small air mattress. You can request a rollaway, but it would be a tight fit. If your budget allows, the queen deluxe would give you the most room. Hope that helps!

 

[Pammy jo]

Have never been to US before but we usually hit DW at this time. Crowds are still pretty low until all the schools are out for break. I'm hoping it isn't too busy for our first time. We'll be at HRH the 16-22.

 

[Metro West]

The crowd levels are generally low until Christmas Day. It doesn't get insanely busy until the week between Christmas and New Year's.

Hope you have a great time!