Disney x-mas 2016

[CT Dad]

I might do this and buy tickets now!!!!

The only thing I am concerned with really is the late night parades. The parks are packed. Is there any way to buy reserved seating for the electric parade at Disney world or any of the special festivities at the other parks in Orlando?

I am doing this in lieu of my original plan of a late April trip (2016). Seams as though pricing in late April is not that much better and it seams to be busy thanks to the north east 2016 (New England) April vacations schedules for K-12.

Since the cost seems to be an extra $500 I'll just pay it. BUT, the parks are very busy so I'd be more than willing to pay a premium for reservations to see some of the special things so long as I am not paying for "bad seats" and getting some premiums "seats". I'm happy with say $50/seat. The Electric Parade is the one thing that i think I want to reserve seating for. Also, is this possible via the Disney site?

This is it for now. Discussion to expand I'm sure. I think I am lucky since I doubt anyone is thinking about doing xmas 2016 right now ;-) Most people are planning summer 2016.

 

[Alesia]

Late April won't be that busy. Most spring breaks fall during the two weeks surrounding Easter (which will be in late March.) Christmas week will be so much busier than late April - almost unbelievably so.

You can't pay for premium seating.

 

[courtneybeth]

We take annual December vacations and have been during peak and non-peak December weeks. I'd recommend the week we're going this year - the second week of December. There's still many holiday activities to partake in and there's a lull in the crowds (well, as much of a lull as you can get) because Thanksgiving is over and it's not quite Christmas just yet.

If you do go for Christmas, make sure to effectively leverage your time at the parks and FP+. You can use a FP+ reservation for the Electrical Parade and have a great view. Rope drop is great to hit as many attractions as possible and then you can use your FP+ for later peak times. You can make reservations starting at your 60 day window if you stay on property.

Christmas crowds aren't too bad until Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Parks will reach capacity in early morning - so maybe make Animal Kingdom a Christmas Day activity and maybe EPCOT Christmas Eve. Magic Kingdom is literally shoulder-to-shoulder crowds in ALL areas of the park on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Not magical at all!

 

[bradisgoofy]

We live just north on the Magic Kingdom and this year there was almost no lull between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Right now, the first week after the new year, it has finally slowed down. It will pick up again for Martin Luther King holiday and then slow down again. If you don't mine missing out on the Christmas decorations, go with very late April or the first week of May (that is when we came down before we moved here). The crowds will be more manageable, but not empty by any means, than Christmas time. Good Luck.

A crowded vacation at Disney is better than ANY day at work.

 

[DoingDisney]

We were there November 13 - 20, the weekend of the 14, 15 were busy, but Mon - Friday were awesomely not busy.

 

[Robo]

- the second week of December. There's still many holiday activities to partake in and there's a lull in the crowds...

Just to be clear, after Thanksgiving... ALL of the holiday events are in operation.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I've been during spring break and I've been over Christmas. If you want to do and see more rides and attractions, go in April. If you want Christmas decor, go at Christmas. But please believe me, it will be crowded beyond belief. Phased closure crowded. There is no paid premium seating for the parades. You can get FP+ for a viewing area or hire a VIP guide to get you reserved seating. The VIP guide will cost about $2400 for 6 hours during Christmas week.