Disney after Christmas/New Years

[OhThePain]

If you go into the trip understanding that it is going to be packed and what that brings with it (long lines, can be hard to get around, all the problems guests have with other guests brought to a whole new level, etc), it really isn't so bad. The parks are usually open longer (my wife and I, no kids, pulled a 20 hour non-stop day at MK, 7AM-3AM) to make up for the crowds. WDW that time of year is not like a WDW trip any other time of year. Pack with you a lot of patience and your people watching skills and take the experience in as a whole and don't let the crowd overwhelm and get the best of you.

 

[Angel59920]

If you go into the trip understanding that it is going to be packed and what that brings with it (long lines, can be hard to get around, all the problems guests have with other guests brought to a whole new level, etc), it really isn't so bad. The parks are usually open longer (my wife and I, no kids, pulled a 20 hour non-stop day at MK, 7AM-3AM) to make up for the crowds. WDW that time of year is not like a WDW trip any other time of year. Pack with you a lot of patience and your people watching skills and take the experience in as a whole and don't let the crowd overwhelm and get the best of you.

Last time we were in Disney we went during the summer in June and it was hot and very crowded. I'm hoping the crowds during Christmas would be about the same as summer. We are planning an all day New Years Eve at MK.

 

[KingofJapan]

I'm planning a trip from Dec 27-Jan 2. I know this is the busiest week all year and some might think we are crazy. But I really want to see Disney at Christmas and this is the only time we can with everybody's schedule. What I'm really looking for is some information about what not to miss, what to avoid and what did you wish you would have known before going. With the parks being very crowded what is the best way to get the most out of your day?

Wow, you are brave. It's nuts that week. We went that week this past December. It was just too crowded. We left and relaxed at the resort instead.

 

[dvcHammer]

We tried that once, (Xmas to NYE) and though it was doable, you have to adjust your expectations to match the crowd levels. parks will close for capacity by mid-day, don't leave or you might not get back in.
Buses to the parks were good but don't even think bout the bus at closing, you might wait an hour or more, Consider a Taxi as money well spent.
If you can cope with thousands of people being shoulder to shoulder and long wait time for everything from rides to food to bathroms it's fun time. The fireworks made me happy we went.

 

[DisneyMim]

We've been going during this time for a number of years now, 8 or 9, I have lost count. I will say up front that we are DVC members since 1991 go very often and do not feel the need to go on rides. We also have APS so we park hop and/or stay in a park for just a little while. All that being said, I would not recommend this for someone who only goes every so often. It is very crowded. Although I have to say that last year I felt that it wasn't as crowded as past years. We love the atmosphere and the Christmas decorations. We do Epcot of NYE and make both lunch and dinner ressies. This gives us a chance to sit down and relax. We like to spend time at our resort. We are and never have been rope drop people, but if the rides are important to you, you should get there really early. Obviously the worse day is NYE as many locals go that day. We always rent a car and drive to the parks. Watching people leaving on NYE is always amazing. For us it is very doable, but we know what we're doing. As long as you go with a good attitude and don't expect to go on everything you want you should be fine. Remember to make any dining ressies well in advance. Yes there are long lines to the bathrooms, but if you are in Epcot they have additional bathrooms opened. Good thing because of all the drinking!! LOL!!

We love Disney at Christmas, but it's not for everyone. My family is all adults. I would not do it with small children. Too crowded. I would just stay at the resort on NYE. Whatever you decide have a wonderful vacation and...

Enjoy The Magic!!

 

[Angel59920]

Thanks so much everybody, I am so looking forward to going and couldn't be more excited. We have all of our restaurants picked out along with times we are going to try and get when our 180 days is up. We also have a plan for fast passes for each park. We have a plan to see the fireworks from MK at a couple of different places during our stay. One night from California Grill, then another night from Narcoossess's and of course NYE. That is if we can get the dining hours we are hoping for. Our only big plan for Epcot is to drink our way around the world....or at least try a couple of different drinks. That will be our relax day, there is only a couple of things we really want to ride again from there.

 

[Kaarup]

We did the fireworks at Epcot on NYE last year. We stood in the vicinity of Germany and looked north, toward the ball. And we could also see the midnight fireworks over at the MK! Agree with earlier poster, that staying at Epcot resorts or MK resorts certainly helps with the transportation home. We stayed at the Dolphin. It was a nice walk home! Epcot has several stages set up and most countries have a bar out on the walkway. You can purchase 2 drinks at a time, and then go stand in line at the next bar and you can finish your drinks while you wait And as mentioned above, be sure you have dinner reservations for NYE at which ever park you're at.