I love answering threads on holidays because it makes me anxious for my next Christmas trip. As you may have read in a few other threads, my family goes every Christmas. We used to be summer people but have since transitioned to every Christmas.
Anyway, our first Christmas we were unprepared. We went into it thinking "if we could survive July we'll be able to deal with some crowds. We thought "we dealt with the camps and tour groups, how bad could it be?"
Well, it was crowded. It was more crowded than we have ever seen in our life at Disney. It was still enjoyable, but without a plan it was LESS enjoyable.
The next year we made a plan and it was more enjoyable. The year after we tailored that plan and it was more enjoyable than the year before. In 2011-2012, we had mastered a plan and by this past year, we were experts.
Now, I'm not saying it will take you four years to grasp a solid concept of mastering and managing the crowds -- that's why I'm here to help. Had there been someone to help my family and prepare us back in 2009 (I think?) we would have had a far more enjoyable time (and, had the weather been better it would have been 10x better!)
Anyway, here goes - Disney is the most crowded during Christmas and 4th of July. During that time, some parks experience closures. This past Christmas vacation, we witnessed Magic Kingdom at a Stage 3 closure twice - Christmas day and the day before NYE.
They say Easter is very crowded, but I doubt it is anywhere close to Christmas. Even if it is, you should be okay at DHS or EPCOT. They are much larger than MK. As a result, MK is much more prone to close than the EPCOT, DHS or Animal Kingdom.
As for tackling DHS --
If you haven't made your FP+ selections yet, do so NOW(!!!) Seriously, stop reading (don't x-out, just minus out the window) and make your selections. If you are not staying on site, you should be able to select the FP+ choices the day of (I believe - could someone confirm?)
Now, like I tell everyone, get to the park as close to rope drop (when the park opens) as possible. I understand that not everyone is from the East coast, so this could be difficult. Well, it looks like DHS is open at 9am this year for Easter. That's 6am on the west coast. If you really want to enjoy the day, I would say to make the sacrifice (no pun intended) and get to the parks.
There are two rides in all of Walt Disney World (once the Mine roller coaster opens there will be three) that if you do not get in line at Rope Drop (or secure a FP+) you will wait at least two hours for during peak crowd times. Toy Story Mania and Soarin'.
Once you get into the park, head directly to the back of the park and go to Toy Story Mania. It will be a foot race, as everyone has the same idea, but either you get the FP+ for the ride or you have no choice but to make this your very first priority. If you can wait on standby for under an hour (or even an hour and 20 minutes) you have succeeded. If it is anything like Christmas, it will be at 200 minutes by 11am.
If you or any family members go on Tower of Terror or Rock n Roller Coaster, make that your next priority. I'd estimate that ToT will see a max of 110 to 120-minute wait by noon, and RnR will max out around 140 minutes (worst-case scenario.)
If you are not staying on property and must make FP+ selections the morning of your day in the park, do so as early as possible. Use the App - MyDisneyExperience. You could be waiting on line for Toy Story Mania and make reservations for ToT and RnR. Keep in mind, however, that you are not only battling other one-day park guests, but those who are staying on site have the luxury of booking 60 days in advance. You want to book it ASAP.
If you have no interest in parades, I would recommend staying away from Hollywood Blvd, Starring Rolls and Brown Derby during the parades. It will be CRAZY packed.
If there are two showings of Fantasmic, go to the earlier show. The later show will most likely go in at park closing or 30 minutes before the park closes. This may give you time to go on a ride.
Time Fantasmic perfectly. Some people like to be up front for the show. Well, the view is the same every where (IMO.) Get there late enough to sit at the back, but early enough to not be shut out of the show. The stadium will fill up quick - try to sit toward the back. That way, when the show ends, you can get out of there fast.
Once the boat with all the characters comes around in Fantasmic, head toward the exits. The show is over and within a few minutes, everyone will be pushing and shoving their way out of there.
Study the map of the park. Knowing your way around will come in handy when avoiding crowds.
DHS actually has some really good shows - I love Muppet Vision. It's also a great opportunity to get out of the sun if it's a hot day.
and last...
Show the Great Movie Ride some love. It's not what it used to be, but it has a special place in my heart!
Feel free to PM me with any questions!
to the DISboards, Bryce!
