Disney at Christmas

[SpecialTimeForUs]

We have 2 teenagers that want to go to Disney World at Christmas this year. We were going to try to go this summer, but our son, terminally ill, got very ill and we were unable to go.

Can anyone tell me what Disney World is like at Christmas? As crowded as the summer? What's the best place to stay (Resort) with teenagers?

Any special tips for staying there at Christmas? Special things we should sign up for?

Thanks everyone. Every day is special, but the holidays are more.

 

[melissa6631]

We went 2 years ago at Christmas and we're going back agian this year as well. We havve 5 children of our own and go with another family with 3.. so our kids will be 6, 8, 10, 11, 11, 12, 13 and 14

Some of the things we did was-- eat at the resort. Or go to somewhere before the park.

We packed sweatshirts and stuff and rented lockers. You have to get there early because the park will reach capacity and they WILL turn you away.

If your child is terminally ill you can go to guest relations depending on their illness and get a handicap pass. that way your family won't have to wait in all of the lines. We did this with my autistic daughter and it was a life saver! Some lines were over 90 minutes long and we'd just walk right up and on. With her being autistic? She'd have never made it!

I have also been there on the 4th of July. I believe it's just as crowded at Christmas, however, you don't deal with the hot hot hot heat.

 

[Bob P]

Hi and welcome to the DIS!

Just to add to what Melissa said above: Christmas week is the most crowded week of the year. It is more crowded than July 4. In fact, in 2006 parks and parking lots were closed a few times during Christmas week due to the crowds. See this link for details:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1490464

 

[WDWCastMember]

And don't forget about the Mickey's Christmas Party (hard ticket event) at the MK; look into that, that is incredible if you are able to do it. And do look into the handicapped pass, it will help you out. And be sure to go to the Grand Floridian to see the gingerbread house too!

 

[Perditamarie]

If you can go in the weeks prior to Christmas the crowds are not bad at all - we went Dec 8-18 2006 and it wasn't crowded, alsthough it definately picked up at the end of the week. The decorations and atmosphere are still wonderfully, beautifully Christmas.

Here is a list from intercot.com of some special Christmas festivities (the only one that is an additional admission is Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party):

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights
Disney-MGM Studios
November 12, 2007 - January 6, 2008
Welcome back this popular tradition as millions of lights add their brilliance to the backlot cityscape.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
Magic Kingdom
December 2,4,6,7,9,11,13,14,16,18, 20 & 21
Join the celebration and make your holiday the merriest with this festive party - the best gift that you can't fit under your tree.

Holidays Around The World & Candlelight Processional
Epcot
November 23 - December 30, 2007
Throughout World Showcase, many holiday legends come to life to share the customs of their countries. Don't miss the Candlelight Processional, an inspiring musical retelling of the Christmas story.

There is also a daily tree-lighting ceremony at Epcot. You can also get preferred seating at the Candlelight Processional with a meal package at an Epcot restaurant - which is excellent if you are planning on trying an Epcot restaurant anyway.

As for choosing a resort, they are all great! I recommend staying onsite and choosing a resort that is close to your favorite park (all the monorail resorts are very convenient to Magic Kingdom and Epcot and easy to get to, to change or rest. The value resorts are a ton of fun and have great bus service. The mods have a great relaxing feel. There are also Old Key West, Saratoga Springs and Animal Kingdom Lodge as well as Wilderness Lodge and a campground. The Wilderness Lodge is supposed to be spectacular at Christmas. Researching them can be a lot of fun and Disney makes doing a split stay easy if you can't make up your mind! Christmas seems to be becoming a more popular time, so determine your plans and check on availability.

 

[Taqwus]

I was there after Katrina from teh 22 - 28 and before Christmass is was not bad, after it was terrible