Crowds week before Christmas 2015?

[alvernon90]

We are thinking of doing a quick trip out on December 19-22, the Saturday through Tuesday before Christmas. This is right after all schools are let out, and this year there will be the Seasons of the Force promotion (which is why we are considering going even though we just got back from an epic WDW trip).

In previous years the Christmas school break was always crowded, but the week before Christmas was more moderate compared to the insanity of the week between Christmas and New Year's Day. Can we expect that to hold? If we want to see Seasons of the Force and also the Christmas decorations, is it workable to go on that weekend (and beginning of the week) or will the crowds be so bad that the trip will be ruined before it starts?

 

[ArchOwl]

Well, as someone who goes during very busy times frequently, I don't think a trip is ruined just because it is busy. I know it can be overwhelming if you are used to lower crowds, but honestly it seems as though this year in particular is a very busy year. I am not sure there has been a slow time since the 60th began.

I don't anticipate your dates to be slow. I imagine it will be busier than you have known in the past. The Seasons of the Force will be up, the 60th is also going strong, the kids are out of school, and the holiday celebration is going full force. It will be busy.

That being said, it is still possible to have a good time. But you may have to adjust expectations and tweak the way you do things. But only you know if that is something you want to do or not. Or perhaps there are people in your party that are not good with crowds. If this is the case, it may not be the best time to visit.

Good luck!

 

[alvernon90]

We have been during Columbus Day weekend before, and saw some pretty bad crowds then, including an extended queue for POTC down by the waterfront that I had never seen before. It was manageable, if not entirely wonderful. As long as it is not one of those shoulder-to-shoulder "panic attack" kinds of crowds I'm sure we will enjoy it. But perhaps I'm too optimistic?

 

[ArchOwl]

Ah yes, the wonderful extended queue of POC that wanders all around NOS! I know exactly what you are talking about. I never wait in that line, but it interferes with my clam chowder bowl line at Royal Verandah.

I would imagine that you are looking at similar crowd levels to Columbus Day, if not even busier. Kids out of school and even more exciting things happening at the parks means holiday level crowds. Columbus Day this year was pretty busy from what I hear. I can only imagine that even more folks will turn out for the Seasons of the Force and the holiday events once the kids are out of school. Anecdotally, I know a fair number of APers who are making the most of their Premium passes this year as they plan on not renewing. But I have no evidence for that last bit.

 

[alvernon90]

I think the key will be to just expect long lines and big crowds as a trade off for what will probably be the last truly nice time at DL until Star Wars land opens. Ride around the river one last time, ride the train, watch Aladdin one last time, etc. But mostly just wait in line to ride Hyperspace Mountain repeatedly.

 

[Lucysmom2]

The week before Christmas is when we go. I love it!! Try to stay on site and take advantage of EMH. then around lunch head back to the hotel for an afternoon break. Save dinner and shows for the evening. Works for us!

 

[calilou]

I think it depends on what you want from your trip. It will be very busy then, but that won't stop you from having a good time especially considering that it's holiday time. There are amazing decorations and all sorts of special things to enjoy. You may not to get to all of the rides you want and lines may be long, but it sounds like you do Disney regularly so I'm sure you'll be back. That's the mindset we have when we go during busy times.

 

[alvernon90]

Yes, the we will be back mindset will help. And I am just prepared to deal with the lines necessary to enjoy the Star Wars stuff. We will stay onsite and take advantage of early entry, and we are doing this as a daddy-daughter trip again so we will be able to move pretty efficiently and be flexible to take advantage of low lines when we can. I'm also hoping that the maximal blockout of APs will help keep the crowds down, but I understand all bets are off this year. No matter what we are going to have a great time.