Dec 26 week - which is it?? 1st timers in need of advice!

[princessmurdough]

Hey all you holiday travelers out there -
We're taking our SIL and family (8 in all, 4 kidlets) for our first big family trip to the World during the holiday season. We're a little scared. We keep getting advice like - "Cancel your trip! Do it now!" (which we can't do - flights are non-refundable) and others that say "Oh it's magical, our kids loved it, despite the crowds". I see the December board is packed with many many repeat visitors, so there have to be some good points, right?
Please give me some good things I can share with her that will show that this will be a worthwhile experience for us all, and allay her fears.
I really hope there are good things....

 

[Micca]

WDW is good at any time Many people try to avoid the peak season crowds just because you can do so much with less waiting in lines and meandering through hoardes of people. Resorts are also a peak prices during these times.

The good things about that week? Parks open extended hours, lots of special holiday events and decorations, and many of us prefer the cool weather of central Florida's winter rather than the grueling heat of other times of year.

Are you staying on site? That will help if you wish to take advantage of EMH, take a midday break, then return to the parks later(when, ostensibly, the crowds will have let up a bit).

Be sure you have some PSs booked...it will be less of a line to wait in while you're there

 

[RebeccaLovesDisney]

Yes you can have a worthwhile and magical trip during Christmas week .... It all depends on your outlook and expectations.

First, you must be realistic about what you can accomplish. This will be a very crowded week. You will probably not get to ride every ride and see every attraction. But with some careful planning, you should be able to do quite a bit. If you are staying onsite, take advantage of EMH and see the most popular attractions during that time. Use Fastpass!

Next, plan to focus on enjoying the atmosphere, the decorations and the special Christmas feel of WDW. Make PS's now for some character meals. Try to visit some resorts to see the decorations and soak in the atmosphere. This is not the week to have a commando approach to WDW. Doing so will only lead to frustration and disappointment.

I'm sure others can share some of their traditions and favorites while visiting during Christmas week. Go and have a magical time!

 

[northern michigan]

Just be prepared to be greeted by people everywhere! If you know what to expect, you'll be fine. Be sure to make PS ASAP. Decide what's important and do that first thing in the morning with EE. Then relax and do what you can do in the afternoon. Many families go back to their resorts mid-day. Our family just can't seem to get enough so we go early, stay all day, and stay til close. When we're home, we need a vacation to recover from our vacation! Best tip if you've never been, is research. By some WDW books and figure out a plan realizing that there will be a lot of improvising along the way. It'll be great. I think going to WDW at a time other than the holidays would be a let down for our family. It's all we know...Thanksgiving or X-mas!

 

[princessmurdough]

Well, the good news is that we'll have a week to recover on the cruise my FIL is taking us on afterwards. This was sort of an add-on. But we do want to make the most of our time there, - so what is a realistic number of attractions that we might fit in in a given day? Based on board info and EE days, we'll probably save the MK for last, unless we can get a CRT breakfast by some miracle.

 

[sugermouse]

We will be in WDW at the same time. All of the previous posters are correct. It is more a state of mind then anything else. We go during the holidays to experience the magic of disney that only disney can offer. We have been in previous years at xmas. I can promise you that it will be a truly magical experience that you and your family will never forget.

Some people go to WDW as if it is a contest to see how many attractions they ride during their stay. There is so much more to WDW then the attractions. Have a magical holiday in WDW!