Dec 24-28: crowd levels?

[Best Aunt]

DB and DSIL just decided to book a trip for Dec 24-28. Can anybody give me a hint as to what crowd levels will be like?

 

[Robo]

H
U
G
E

 

[Best Aunt]

That's what I thought, but somebody told DB that December 25 isn't that bad.

I normally won't go near WDW on holidays so I haven't paid attention.

 

[siskaren]

That's what I thought, but somebody told DB that December 25 isn't that bad.

I normally won't go near WDW on holidays so I haven't paid attention.

I gotta wonder what that person was using as a comparison!

 

[mesaboy2]

I gotta wonder what that person was using as a comparison!

Times Square on NYE perhaps.

 

[Dr. Henry Jones Jr.]

Go early to make sure you are able to enter the park in case they hit capacity

 

[MickeyWaffles]

Between Christmas and New Year’s is basically the busiest week of the year.

 

[TwinkleKS]

We love it and go every year during that time period. But yeah, pretty crazy crowds, especially from the 25th on.

 

[Queen of the WDW Scene]

Through the roof.
Xmas to NYE is the busiest time of the year.

 

[Best Aunt]

(A) I think they're nuts, and
(B) They did not invite me to go with them.

I will plan the trip for them, because I am The Best Aunt In The World.

But I'm sure my brother will be complaining the whole time.

 

[siskaren]

Go early to make sure you are able to enter the park in case they hit capacity

It's highly unlikely that any of the parks will reach a 4th stage closure, which is where no one is allowed in.

 

[HopperFan]

 

[AngiTN]

It's highly unlikely that any of the parks will reach a 4th stage closure, which is where no one is allowed in.

Yep. It's been like a decade or something. And that was before NFL opened. Probably nothing to worry about
Now, if you are someone who is walking up to buy a 1 day ticket, don't have an ADR, FP, on site resort stay or any of the other items that bump you up the list then you have to worry. But anyone staying on site, with a FP, ADR, etc, they'll be fine.

 

[Magpie]

I gotta wonder what that person was using as a comparison!

Tokyo subway at rush hour.

 

[mamamelody2]

Hahaha! Yep!

 

[AMusicLifeForMe]

If i were you, I would not go to the Magic Kingdom on Christmas Day.

If you go into your vacation and think that it is going to be busy, you will have a better time. If you are a planner, don't plan as much as you would. If you are ok with 60+ minute wait times for attractions, that is what I would expect. See many of the shows or indoor animatronic shows. Use your 3 fastpasses then book any others after that if they are still available. I would book your 3 fastpasses for as early as possible.

When I went last year, I went to MK on Christmas Eve (better crowds than Christmas Day in that park), EPCOT on Christmas (on the monorail from TTC to EPCOT, the traffic for the Magic Kingdom went far past the monorail turn) and saw the Candlelight Processional that night, AK and DHS on the 26th, and then I did MK or EPCOT on the 27th and 28th. I was there until New Years Day so I was able to spread out things a lot better.

Anyways, have fun! Christmas at a Disney Park is an awesome experience, and my favorite time to visit the parks.

 

[bryanb]

I would only go during that time of year if I had an enormous tolerance for frustration... the kind of cheery disposition that is unshakable in the face of obstacles.

Don't get me wrong. I love Disney parks during the holidays. It's so magically decorated, with carolers, and the music, and just enough chill in the air. As a CM at Disneyland, it was fun figuring out the ways to extend various queues in creative configurations that were almost never used the rest of the year... which was maybe less fun for people who hated waiting in those queues. And all the camaraderie with my co-workers staffed up for the season. And saying, "Merry Christmas" with the biggest smile to people who chose to spend their holidays with us.

On the guest side, I saw the best in people and also the worst in people. The happy among them were just happy to be at the parks soaking up the atmosphere. Singing along, sipping hot cocoa, admiring the scenery as dusk fell and the twinkling lights created an amazing dreamy landscape. And there was the occasional bah humbug, whose children were acting up, whose grandpa was cranky and tired. Whose spouse just couldn't stand yet another line just to use the restroom or to get a cup of water. And then leaving at night, oh man, trying to make their way out through the crowds when everyone was at their crankiest.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

We've done it (in 2015) and will never do it again. I agree with the PP's. Get to the parks as early as possible. Avoid MK on Christmas day (at the very least. If I ever did it again I wouldn't go to MK at all that week). When doing EP, avoid WS during CP show times OR, if you plan on going to CP, get a dining package. Book dessert parties or dining packages (when available) if viewing any nighttime entertainment. Do EP FW during CP shows (it's much less crowded). Don't go to DS. Do things off the beaten path. Go to a park in the morning and go to HDDR, SOA, do a monorail tour, head to the Boardwalk, visit Ft. W and take a sleigh ride etc. at night. Use your resort amenities (pools, pool parties, movies at night, etc.). Book a tour (if they are offered and available). We did Wild Africa Trek and it was perfect that week because it got us out of the AK crowds. Pre-book FP+ (I would probably book them starting around 10 am). When making ADR's, make them in restaurants close to where you will be (ALL transportation will be difficult that week).

We survived the week and managed to have fun, but, I can't emphasize enough how crowded MK will be that entire week.

 

[CarrieR]

Times Square on NYE perhaps.

I've been there, too - Disney during the holidays is more crowded.

 

[KimBean]

DB and DSIL just decided to book a trip for Dec 24-28. Can anybody give me a hint as to what crowd levels will be like?

Insane! My only first hand experience. We went 12/12-12/21 in 2014. The 20th started ramping up. We were only in MK until about 2 on the 21st and it was crazy!! They started the Christmas parade that day and it was wall to wall people in frontier land. Crossing Main Street at 11am was the same as the previous Wednesday for Wishes. Which was really crowded because of all the party nights. Of course that is earlier then you are going but was also the first Saturday with Christmas parade so probably had locals and annual passholders too.