Disney in the winter

[kdavis823]

My husband and I were talking about taking the kids to Disney next Christmas. We went in August of this year. I have only gone in the summer months so I'm not sure how the winter months would be. If we do go is it better to go the actual week of Christmas? The week before? The week after? Obviously there will be lines no matter when you go but are they worse during Christmas? Or should we just wait and go next summer?

 

[720L]

If you went in the heat of August you are going to LOVE Christmas time! We went last year over Christmas and it was wonderful. The lines are probably the worst Christmas week, but nothing unmanageable. Being able to tour the park not sweating to death is great. Much more relaxing. The parks are decorated so pretty!

 

[Sheilby]

My husband and I were talking about taking the kids to Disney next Christmas. We went in August of this year. I have only gone in the summer months so I'm not sure how the winter months would be. If we do go is it better to go the actual week of Christmas? The week before? The week after? Obviously there will be lines no matter when you go but are they worse during Christmas? Or should we just wait and go next summer?

The week of Christmas and the week after are the busiest time of the entire year. If you don't handle crowds and long lines well then this is not the time for you. If you are laid back and crowds and lines don't bother you and you manage your expectations I'm sure you could have an amazing time. If you can go the week before Christmas week then you can enjoy the Christmas atmosphere without the crushing crowds.

 

[formytinkerbelle]

We went two years ago during Christmas. It was awesome!!! Christmas day we ate lunch at Cinderella's Royal Table which was my kids' big present and then we hopped to Epcot and ate Christmas dinner in Germany where they had the kids go down front and they did a little Christmas story and sang Silent Night with the guitar which was so beautiful. My daughter was dressed up first as Cinderella and then changed into her Christmas dress which made the day feel more Christmasy.

It was super busy but I've never been to Disney when it wasn't busy. My biggest tip if you go during this week is to wake up early and get to the parks at rope drop. We were able to do every single thing we wanted to do with the kids including meeting all the princesses and fairies within the first half of the day. We had no lines for the meet and greets because of how early we got there and we knew where they were located. We were not interested in big rides so I can't speak to that as that might be more difficult when it's that busy.

The weather was also perfect. We started and ended our days wearing a sweater (one day had to get some gloves) but my husband wore shorts all week. We even went swimming because the pool was heated. I wasn't expecting to enjoy that as much as we did. It was frigid out of the water but in the water was great.

Everything is just more magical with all the decorations. The castle with the lights is breathtaking. I would do Disney in Christmas again in a heartbeat. In fact, we are going in January and my husband said he was a little disappointed that it wasn't going to be during Christmas.

 

[TobiasFunke]

We usually go in December. We are going in 4 weeks actually. It is typically either 55-65 in the day, around 45 at night.

We have been where it is 35 during the day but that only lasted one day. It is a beautiful time of year and the Christmas decorations are awesome.

 

[maxiesmom]

If you go the week of Christmas and the week after, the parks will be crazy busy. So you would need to be able to accept that you won't be going from ride to ride to attraction. Everything will take a bit of a wait, including getting food and using the restroom.

I'm going on my 3rd December trip next month, and I have to say, it seems a little odd to be at WDW and not have it hot and sunny. I'd rather go when I can be in shorts and tee shirts the whole time, but Christmas time at the parks is beautiful and something everyone should see at least once.

 

[DISNEYNV]

We actually went to Disney two years ago in December and it was soooo cold! The wind was horrible and there was even frost and ice. BUT that was just very odd weather pattern. So we were told. We were not expecting it either so didnt come prepared. We had hoodies and the kids had hats and gloves, but thats because it was cold in PA before we left. I also think the week of Christmas would be VERY crazy crowded. Christmas day is so crazy they could even turn guests away for capacity reasons. I would try two weeks before the holidays or wait until after, but then you might not have that Chrismassy feeling in the parks. I would try two weeks before. When we went the beginning of December it was not that crowded yet, and the lights and decor were up and ready. HAve fun whatever you choose to do.

 

[Sweettears]

I've never worried about the crowds that time of year. Always manageable and if crowded some decent planning helps out. However be cautioned that the weather can be hit or miss. I've had great weather but also have experienced cold (20s) with 30 mph winds. Daytime highs around 40. The humidity doesn't help. Makes it feel 10 degrees colder and this is from someone from Chicago.