Disney World in December

[Minniemagie]

Hi All,
Can anyone tell me about the crowds in the parks? I was thinking of taking my family Dec. 20 through the 27 and have started reading info that worries me about the crowds. Thanks!

 

[mickeynut1]

We've never been over Christmas, but I think Christmas week is the busiest time of year at Disney . The day I made our ressie for 12/13-12/20, the CM mentioned that we were coming at a good time, not only because there's so much to see and do around the holidays, but also that we will be checking out as alot of people will be checking in that weekend to be there over Christmas . So I would expect crowds . Plus I have heard in the past that MK is usually closed within the first few hours on Christmas Day due to reaching capacity . I say go expecting it to be very busy but have fun because, afterall, you'll be at Disney for Christmas .

 

[Disneydonnam]

We went one yr that week and it was so CROWDED. The line wait on some attractions were like 90 min.

 

[*KeepMovingForward*]

The crowds are pretty wicked during that time. We will be there over Christmas this year. As you approach Christmas Day...the crowds worsen. We approach Christmas at Disney differently than at any other time of year-we don't go with the commando mind set. We go knowing we are there to soak in the atmosphere and the rides/attractions that we get to experience are a bonus. If you go thinking you will be able to see and do everything, you will be disappointed.

 

[njdisneyfreak]

We went last year and will be doing it again this year. Yes, the crowd levels are high, but there are ways to navigate it all with the least headache. For example, take advantage of the EMH if you're staying on property. They completely helped us. We sometimes got in some rides before we even had breakfast on some days. On Christmas Day, we did the MK in the morning through lunch and then left. It's easier that way. The crowds were just crazy after lunch, and we plan to do use that method again this year. We subscribed last year to TGM to learn about which parks are most crowded on which days and times of day, and it worked extremely well. Also, make sure you get Fastpasses during the mornings of EMH or rope drop, for the must go on rides. If you go into it, doing a lot of the rides during the earlier and later parts of the day, with shopping, shows and parades in the middle, it's not so bad. We also took breaks mid-day, every day. Sometimes, we returned to our resort for the pool or a nap. Other times, we used the time to go to DTD or to view the holiday happenings and decorations at the other parks. Going during Christmas is truly a magical experience. Enjoy!

 

[Puget Peach]

My brother and his wife, my adult niece and I did MGM (now Disney Hollywood Studios) on New Years Eve a few years back, driving in from Ormond Beach for the day. Yes, it was packed, but the crowd was very festive with alot of "extras" going on like street performers, extra band stages, etc. We still were able to get on all the headline attractions (my brother still has not forgiven me for TOT ) and see the Osbourn lights. I believe they closed the park at 11 AM that day, so make the most of the earliest hours for the "must do" rides and just chat neighborly-like with your fellow guests in lines. If you try to make everyone else's day magical, yours becomes magical, too!

 

[njdisneyfreak]

My brother and his wife, my adult niece and I did MGM (now Disney Hollywood Studios) on New Years Eve a few years back, driving in from Ormond Beach for the day. Yes, it was packed, but the crowd was very festive with alot of "extras" going on like street performers, extra band stages, etc. We still were able to get on all the headline attractions (my brother still has not forgiven me for TOT ) and see the Osbourn lights. I believe they closed the park at 11 AM that day, so make the most of the earliest hours for the "must do" rides and just chat neighborly-like with your fellow guests in lines. If you try to make everyone else's day magical, yours becomes magical, too!

My DH and I wnet there for NYE last year, too. We're going there again this year. It seems like the best place. Puget Peach mentioned all they offer. When we were there last year the rides were available the whole time. The best was just before the countdown. We went outside the park, right by the lake, where quite a few others had gone to, as well. They piped everything out there, so we could hear everything that was heard within the park. Standing by the lake, you could see fireworks from two other locations, plus we saw the ones they did at the Studios. It was amazing!

 

[HopeCatherine]

We've never been during that time of year, but they say it is the most crowded time of the year. I guess there is pros and cons, though. The decorations are beautiful and the parade looks fun, too. I'm sure it will be an extra magical time to visit, but I think you will have to Fastpass A LOT.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

high crowds, highest prices of the year.

If you go during Thanksgiving, the crowds will aslo be fairly heavy, but not AS BAD, and the decor will all be up, esp. right after Thanksgiving is nice.

Otherwise early Dec has low crowds, and low prices.

If you really want to go that time of year, if you can move it up a few days that will help. To give you an example on Dec 18 CSR is $149 per night. On the 20th it's $205 for a standard room. (On Jan 1 it goes down to $149.) At BC, it goes from $325 to $490 for a Standard room. on Jan 1,the rate goes back down to $335.

 

[Christmas-in-Disney]

We will be there for Christmas and New Years. It may be a bit C*R*A*Z*Y, yep! BUT -- it will be fun!!! We are going into it knowing what to expect and make the best of it! We have 10 full days so no reason to be rushed on any one day. It's just going to be so awesome to wake up Christmas morning...what better Christmas day then spent in Disney -AND- to ring in the New Year! I can't wait! 135 days 20 hours 27 minutesa and 3 seconds until we leave!!! (I have a countdown clock on my desktop!)