Disney at Christmas...is it worth it?

[horner5]

This is absolutely pathetic ! We just got back from Disney last weekend and are talking about our next trip. You just never get everything done down there so you have to come back!

Anyway, we are kicking around the idea of nixing our usual January or February trip and possibly doing Disney from Christmas through New Years. Is it worth it? Spending all day at the parks is not a necessity for us-we all have certain rides and shows we like to see, but other than that, we'd be pretty laid back during that time frame.

Would you consider it being worth the time and $$ to go down during that time frame? Is there "extra" Disney magic that isn't usually there during other time periods?

Just curious!

Thanks in advance!

 

[off2disney]

I didn't go Christmas week (I went Dec 15-21) and found Disney enchanting during that period (and returned home in time to spend Christmas with family). Pop Century was practically empty until the end of my stay. The week before Christmas is still "value" season (if your stay begins any day in the value season, you get that rate for the entire stay). All of the resorts are decked out in their holiday finery, MVMCP was delightful (temperature was about 32 degrees the night I went, it was snowing on Main Street (so what if it was fake snow? It sure seemed real to this southern gal that never gets to see snow!) Hot chocolate and sugar cookies while waiting for the parade.

This was undoubtedly the BEST week to go in relation to the number of people in the parks. I was able to walk on with no waiting just about every ride I wanted to go on. Splash Mountain had empty cars all around us and 5 people on my car. Walked right on TOT three times without a wait -- no need fro FastPasses. I didn't make PS for meals - longest wait I had was 10 minutes for lunch at SciFi Diner - walked in at Chef Mickey's, Coral Reef, Rainforest Cafe at AK and DDT, and Fulton's Crab House. I went on the Breathless for the Illinumnations cruise - enjoyed hot apple cider, brass band concert and storytelling at the Yacht Club before the cruise. All in all, it was a wonderful experience.

 

[capegirl]

If you have never done Disney at Xmas, go for it. Get tickets for MVMCP (Mickey's Very Merry Chrismas Party), held at MK. You will enjoy some great Xmas shows, decorations...and you will see it "snow" on Main St. The MK Xmas parade is spectacular! All of the parks and resorts are beautifully decorated. Epcot has the "Candlelight Processional", santas from around the world...including Mr. & Mrs. Claus in the American pavillion. This past Xmas was our first at Disney, and we were very impressed.

 

[Blueberry]

The Christmas season at WDW is wonderful..however, the Christmas weeks crowds are pretty heavy. If you could swing going earlier in the month, right after Thanksgiving you could have a much more laid back trip. Plenty of time to relax and short lines when you do want to go into the parks....

 

[Whitegloves]

We have made yearly trips to Disney for the last 24 years. This past Christmas was our first ever Christmas trip. (Dec.24-27) It was a short trip but we all agree, it was the most magical yet. We have AP's so we didn't feel like we HAD to do everything in the park. That, along with an upcoming trip in May, seemed to take off the stress of missing something. Although crowded, it didn't seem to bother us. I was perfectly content to just wander around soaking up the atmosphere. I took tons of pics. It was great. I highly recommend a Christmas trip.
Smiles,
Diane

 

[Efastpitch]

Disney at Christmas? Oh Ya!

 

[horner5]

You guys have totally convinced us!

Christmas at Disney this year!!!

I think we're going to drive this time though-probably 20-21 hours from Michigan, however it will save us roughly $750 by driving. Plus-the kids will be out of school and I won't have to pull them out and my middle schooler will appreciate that greatly!

Thanks again!


I'm so glad to have a Disney trip to plan and look forward to again!