Disney at christmas

[cher0971]

Where would b the best place to stay for 4 adults and one child(14) around dec26-jan1 that offers free transportation to the parks??

 

[Marionnette]

Where would b the best place to stay for 4 adults and one child(14) around dec26-jan1 that offers free transportation to the parks??

Onsite.

You've picked the busiest time of year to go to Disney. The parks, especially the MK, can close to offsite guests due to capacity constraints. Disney does phased closures and onsite guests are the very last to be turned away.
http://touringplans.com/walt-disney-world/capacity-closures

Not only that, but traffic approaching the parks can be a real nightmare at Christmas time. Disney buses don't have to travel on those outer roads. How much of your precious vacation time do you want to spend sitting on a crowded bus on a highway leading to Disney property?

Typically, Disney does not offer discounts for the dates that you have selected. However, you're probably not going to see discounts for any of the offsite resorts, either. If you can book one, I recommend one of the Family Suites at either ASMu or AoA. It will comfortably sleep up to 6 people and you would have 2 full bathrooms and a small kitchenette. They cost slightly more than the price of 2 single rooms at a Value Resort, but having the kitchenette is worth it when you want to make a quick breakfast before heading out to the parks for the day.

Hint: If you're able to pay the entire amount right now, Orbitz has Disney resorts for 20% off with the promo code DISCOVER. They have Family Suites at both AoA and ASMu available for your dates but the promo code can only be applied for stays through 12/31/14. You would need to book that final night separately if you want to get the discount.

 

[BubMunkeyBles]

I agree. Onsite would probably be best. Two value rooms or a moderate that sleeps 5(but that would be a tight squeeze) would probably be cheapest.

 

[organized mommy]

I have to disagree, We were in Orlando from 12/20/13-12/29/13 and stayed off property and had our own transportation. We never encountered a closing and we rarely were in the parks before 9:30 (We had a 6 month old, so getting up and out was tough) We also usually made our own breakfast and packed lunches. We did find it was very crowded, but as long as you go into it with that mentality, you won't have a problem. I don't have any recommendation of where to stay as we were camping. But I do think off property in Dec is doable.

 

[BubMunkeyBles]

I have to disagree, We were in Orlando from 12/20/13-12/29/13 and stayed off property and had our own transportation. We never encountered a closing and we rarely were in the parks before 9:30 (We had a 6 month old, so getting up and out was tough) We also usually made our own breakfast and packed lunches. We did find it was very crowded, but as long as you go into it with that mentality, you won't have a problem. I don't have any recommendation of where to stay as we were camping. But I do think off property in Dec is doable.

Not surprising for your dates. The 31 and 1st definitely had closures when we were there though. Also with the new FP+ and booking windows at such a high time I'd just be more comfortable on.

I'm sure it's cheaper off property. Maybe a DTD hotel or even Swan and Dolphin.

 

[Marionnette]

I have to disagree, We were in Orlando from 12/20/13-12/29/13 and stayed off property and had our own transportation. We never encountered a closing and we rarely were in the parks before 9:30 (We had a 6 month old, so getting up and out was tough) We also usually made our own breakfast and packed lunches. We did find it was very crowded, but as long as you go into it with that mentality, you won't have a problem. I don't have any recommendation of where to stay as we were camping. But I do think off property in Dec is doable.

The MK reached Phase 2 on 12/25/13, 12/27/13 and 12/31/13. It reached Phase 3 on 12/30/13.
http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/magic-kingdom/news.htm

 

[swilshire]

If you can go early on New Year's Day, you will have the parks to yourself until the people who stayed up late the night before start coming in later.

Sheila

 

[jen19806]

We were at WDW for New Years this year & the best thing we did was have dining reservations for Lunch at Crystal Palace on NYE, otherwise we would have been turned away from MK due to crowd closures. Crowds were insane (we stayed off site)

 

[danygirl]

2 years ago we stayed at the best western in Dtd that week. Free transport to the parks but there were issues with the busses at park close on NYE. Also on NYE the MK did close but we got in early and just stayed. We had the amazing fast past miracle- there was so much chaos around the machined that cast members were just handing out FP. DH brought back FP to. 9 rides (9 sets of 4). It was awesome!

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

And this year with the opening of the mine ride the crowds could be high. So if you are set on staying off site, get there very early.

 

[js]

Where would b the best place to stay for 4 adults and one child(14) around dec26-jan1 that offers free transportation to the parks??

Not sure of your budget, but personally, I would not do a hotel room, especially with 4 adults. I would look into renting DVC points for a 2 bedroom at one of the resorts. I know that BLT still had 2 bedrooms (since I booked my pre-cruise stay there for December 27-29) and possibly you will have availability at OKW or SSR (which would be less points so less money).
You can look on the rental board here or rent from Davids Rentals, which is a sponsor of the dis.

 

[JanaDee]

We were at WDW for New Years this year & the best thing we did was have dining reservations for Lunch at Crystal Palace on NYE, otherwise we would have been turned away from MK due to crowd closures. Crowds were insane (we stayed off site)

You aren't guaranteed entry with an ADR, especially if you are off-site.

 

[Marionnette]

You aren't guaranteed entry with an ADR, especially if you are off-site.

As long as the park has not reached Phase 4, you will be admitted if you have an in-park reservation of some sort, such as an ADR or BBB appointment. It won't matter if you're staying onsite or offsite.

The bigger problem for offsite guests is transportation. They will have a much harder time getting into Disney property and then finding a place to park. The TTC has been filling up before any Phase Closures begin at the MK, lately. Someone with an ADR in the MK, who arrives from offsite in the afternoon would still be admitted to the park even under a Phase 3 Closure, but they are most likely going to have to park at EPCOT and deal with using Disney transportation to get them to the MK.

 

[JanaDee]

As long as the park has not reached Phase 4, you will be admitted if you have an in-park reservation of some sort, such as an ADR or BBB appointment. It won't matter if you're staying onsite or offsite.

The bigger problem for offsite guests is transportation. They will have a much harder time getting into Disney property and then finding a place to park. The TTC has been filling up before any Phase Closures begin at the MK, lately. Someone with an ADR in the MK, who arrives from offsite in the afternoon would still be admitted to the park even under a Phase 3 Closure, but they are most likely going to have to park at EPCOT and deal with using Disney transportation to get them to the MK.

Ahhh, I thought off-site guests were shut out at stage 3, thanks for the correction.

From WDWMagic...

Phase 1 Park Closing

Guests with 'Magic Your Way' base tickets, or a '1-Day 1-Park Ticket', Guests without an admission ticket, and Cast Members using Main Gate & Silver Passes will be turned around at the parking lot booths.

Phase 2 Park Closing

Admission is limited to:

• Disney Resort Guests (including the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin, and guests arriving by bus from the Hotel Plaza Boulevard hotels)
• Annual, Premier and Premium Annual Passholders
• Guests with Hopper tickets coming from another park
• Guests re-entering the park
• Guests with dining reservations
• Magic Kingdom Guests with reservations for Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique or The Pirates League
• Guests using Walt Disney World Resort Transportation will be admitted.
• Guests with pre-purchased 1 day Magic Kingdom tickets

Phase 3 Park Closing

Admission is limited to:

• Disney Resort Guests (including the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin, and guests arriving by bus from the Hotel Plaza Boulevard hotels)
• Annual, Premier and Premium Annual Passholders
• Guests with dining reservations
• Magic Kingdom Guests with reservations for Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique or The Pirates League

Phase 4 Park Closing

Closed to all guests.

 

[jen19806]

As long as the park has not reached Phase 4, you will be admitted if you have an in-park reservation of some sort, such as an ADR or BBB appointment. It won't matter if you're staying onsite or offsite. The bigger problem for offsite guests is transportation. They will have a much harder time getting into Disney property and then finding a place to park. The TTC has been filling up before any Phase Closures begin at the MK, lately. Someone with an ADR in the MK, who arrives from offsite in the afternoon would still be admitted to the park even under a Phase 3 Closure, but they are most likely going to have to park at EPCOT and deal with using Disney transportation to get them to the MK.

We were on what I think of as "Disney roads" before 9am on NYE & it was gridlocked. It took more than 2 hours in traffic to reach the booth to pay for parking & they were turning many people away. We got to park at TTC but it was very full by the time we got there.