Crowds 12/25 -1/1 similiar to Thanksgiving?

[PolyAddict]

We were in Disney Thanksgiving 2003 and were thinking about returning 12/25 - 1/1 2004. The weather was beautiful but the crowds were bad. Would it be about the same or worse for when I'd like to go this year? I'd love to hear of last years experiences!! Thanks in advance!!

 

[kindredspirit]

My family of five were there also this past Thanksgiving but we have gone the previous two years between Christmas and New Years. The crowds were much lighter! It was still crowded but not like Thanksgiving. I thought for sure it would have been less crowded during Thanksgiving but I was wrong. We went in June 2000, Dec/Jan 2002, Dec/Jan 2003, and then Nov 2003 and it was the most crowded in Nov. We were very surprised and a little disappointed but still had a blast !! I can't say how this year will be but we enjoyed our New Years trips much better except for that year it froze!! We had to go to Walmart and buy mittens and caps. New Years 2003 there was a terrible storm that evening but we still had a great time. We went to Animal Kingdom that morning and walked on everything with no wait and then went to 'ohana for dinner and watched the downpour from the restaurant. It worked out great !!

 

[Deb & Bill]

We thought the crowds were worse between Christmas and New Years compared to Thanksgiving. The MK closed several times to everyone during Dec 03/Jan 04.

 

[PolyAddict]

Deb,

Why did the MK close? Was it for the Christmas party?

Thanks

 

[Deb & Bill]

It closed because the park was full. It was in the morning, probably about 10:30 or 11AM. It didn't reopen to new guests until about 3 or so.

 

[Grumpy92]

Historically the week between xmas and NYs is the busiest time for the parks during the entire year. On xmas day and NYE the parks will fill to capacity by around 11am. IF you are staying off property your chances are slim that you wont get in if you come later in the day. You also need to make PS at the 90day mark, if you wait your choices will be limited and wait times long.

It is manageable just dont expect to do as much as you would at other times of the year. The holidays are extra magical with all the festivities though.