Disney at Christmas Time??

[LaceyB_1386]

Hello!
We are thinking of planning our next Disney World trip for either the week of Christmas (18th - 24th ) or the week after (26th - 3rd). I have always wanted to go at Christmas time and see all the decorations and such that go along with the season, but I know this is the worst time of the year for crowds. Unfortunately, because of schedules we aren't able to go in Novemeber or early December when the crowds are lighter. What I am wondering is if the crowd situation and lines are really that bad? Is it crowded enough that it really takes away from the experience? I have read some posts that say that it ruined their experience and they would absolutely not go at this time. Is it manageable as long as you utilize your magic hours, fast passes, and plan well. That's what we've done in the past and never had a problem. Of course I expect the crowds and don't mind them, like I said just wondering if it truly was that drastic.

 

[Disneylover99]

It's crowded, but if you get there at rope drop you can get a ton done. Then leave the parks early afternoon if the crowds are too much and head back in the evening for fireworks/shows. It's awesome! We've done it for the past two years and I would love to do it again some time.

 

[carmelhp]

The 18th to the 24th would be the better option. Christmas Day until New Year Day the crowds shoot way up.

 

[Guyton dis lover]

The 18th to the 24th would be the better option. Christmas Day until New Year Day the crowds shoot way up.

X2x2^^^

 

[LaceyB_1386]

Thanks for the responses!

 

[LaceyB_1386]

The 18th to the 24th would be the better option. Christmas Day until New Year Day the crowds shoot way up.

Yes, that's def the week we were leaning more towards.

 

[LaceyB_1386]

It's crowded, but if you get there at rope drop you can get a ton done. Then leave the parks early afternoon if the crowds are too much and head back in the evening for fireworks/shows. It's awesome! We've done it for the past two years and I would love to do it again some time.

That's is kind of what I was thinking. Get there early and go later in the evening for the fireworks and stay after! I love their fireworks/shows. Def a must do! Super excited to see it all at Christmas time!

 

[Disneylover99]

That's is kind of what I was thinking. Get there early and go later in the evening for the fireworks and stay after! I love their fireworks/shows. Def a must do! Super excited to see it all at Christmas time!

If you're eating counter service meals at lunch, eat there as soon as they open (10:30-11:00am). Those lines are crazy at noon and you won't find a seat. You've got to try to stay ahead of the crowds for maximum enjoyment.

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

We went this Christmas just past. We actually went on the 14th and had a cruise booked on The Dream for 4 nights over main Christmas week thinking it would get us out of the crazy of the parks. But I was hospitalised before and could not do the cruise but we stayed at the resort instead. We had nothing planned for this time. Well I am delighted to say it was amazing! We managed to do parks in the morning, some early evenings, score some ADRs, do a Christmas party, get FP+. I found several good ADRs on the day like a BOG! Also FP+ for mine train! The weather was divine. The resorts holy moly this was even more of a highlight than the parks. The decorations at BC! Plus we meet characters like Santa at BC , Minnie and Mickey without the long wait of the crowd. See if you can get a Beaches and Cream early dinner they do nice burgers etc and then ice cream then meet some characters then check out EPCOT. The gingerbread house at GF, the tree at WL, AK was neat too.

The crowds were nowhere near as bad as I expected. Apart from the Oaborne lights oh my I was actually knocked out of my wheelchair by a crazy guy.

 

[jv3cv1]

We went this past Christmas First Trip at Christmas not first to Disney. Not sure it would be a good idea to go if you have never been. We loved the Christmas trip going back 2017. Yes there are crowds but if you know that and plan you will enjoy it.

 

[smbarr]

We've been thinking about this too. We went in early December last year and loved it, but I think it would be so magical to be there for Christmas.