DL on Xmas Day?

[kjs1976]

We will be in Palm Springs 12/22-29. Here's the deal: Our daughter turns 15 on Xmas Day. Last year she had the flu really bad right before Xmas. She was well enough to go to my inlaws for Xmas day where, unfortunately, we have to spend every Xmas day, as that's "their" family traditionThen she relapsed into a second virus two days after Xmas that hit her even harder than the horrible flu had. For 15 days she battled both viruses, sicker than a dog. Cut to the chase? She's been asking to go to DL for her bday on Xmas Day, especially since last year's bday/Xmas was awful and the year before that was 2020. We are avid WDW and DL fans and know that the parks can be quite crazy on holidays. We have some extra money set aside and have been slightly considering. It would be one day, DL only, drive there early for rope drop (possibly go the night before) and stay as late as we can handle. I would plan the heck out of it to make the most of our day there, as I love to trip plan. So...

1. Am I nuts to even consider this or if I'm going to do it, go all in and know what I'm getting into?
2. Is Genie+ a must for Xmas Day?
3. What else should I be aware of?

Thanks from a HUGE Disney parks fan!

 

[BrianL]

It WILL be crazy - absolutely nuts and as crowded as possible. BUT, you're a parks fan and it sounds like you know what you're doing - you can still have fun, but manage expectations. Use the tricks, rope drop, knock out the big stuff as early as possible. You may not get to have one of those "did everything twice" kinds of low-crowd days, but it can still be great. Try to mobile order food options early and for less popular times if you can - that can get a little crazy. Good luck!

 

[shosh1530]

I don't think this is nuts at all as long a your family has reasonable expectations for dealing with crowds and the fact that you won't be able to do everything in one day.

You have the budget, staying overnight to make sure you are there for rope drop will help. If you have some extra budget you could price the onsite hotels for just one night (but I'm sure Xmas is extra pricey) to get the early entry.

I think Genie + would be helpful for anyone doing a one-day trip. It will help maximize your time. Plus it comes with the photo pass, so you could use that to get some nice bday pics from different photographers in the park.

Has your daughter identified the top things she wants to do? If it is get on lots of big attractions Genie + will certainly help. If she is focused on Rise of the Resistance (or Radiator Springs in DCA) you could also (or instead) do the Individual Lightning Lanes.

If you think you want to do any sit-down dining, get on the app immediately to see what is available. Reservations for Dec 25 opened up this morning.

 

[mich311e]

We went 12/22-12/26 last year. I didn't notice any difference between any of the days. I also didn't think it was as terrible as everyone says it is but we were able to spread out our trip over multiple days, which makes a difference in trying to get it all done. It also rained a lot, so that might have kept some away.

I would say yes to Genie+. And if you don't do any dining reservations (which would take a lot of time out of your one day) just be sure to get your mobile orders in early for meals and snacks.

Take your patience and holiday spirit! I felt like everyone was in a festive mood during our trip. It was really enjoyable.

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

We went 12/22-12/26 last year. I didn't notice any difference between any of the days. I also didn't think it was as terrible as everyone says it is but we were able to spread out our trip over multiple days, which makes a difference in trying to get it all done. It also rained a lot, so that might have kept some away.

I would say yes to Genie+. And if you don't do any dining reservations (which would take a lot of time out of your one day) just be sure to get your mobile orders in early for meals and snacks.

Take your patience and holiday spirit! I felt like everyone was in a festive mood during our trip. It was really enjoyable.

Last year was still reduced capacity. I think things will be different this year (much busier).

OP, I think if your expectations are in the right place you will have a great time. I wouldn't consider not getting Genie+.

 

[Malcon10t]

Will it be busy? Yes. Need a plan? Of course. But it will be fun, and something your daughter will enjoy. (We are there every year for Christmas thru New Years.

 

[KPeterso]

We went on Christmas Day in 2018 (or maybe it was 2019) just to say that we did. We arrived early and went in with low expectations of what we might accomplish. And we had a great day. We had APs at the time and only went until probably 1ish so a short day since we had our Christmas Benihana reservations for later that afternoon. We got a lot done and had a lot of fun. Early was definitely quieter and it was picking up more and more as we were leaving. Go in with a plan, use Genie+, mobile order or have an ADR for later in the day. And have a lot of fun. Oh and wear something Christmas-y --- you will so fit in then,

 

[ParkHopper1]

Tough to say as we have not really seen the pattern with the reservation system in place to know the trends yet but typically early Christmas day was traditionally pretty mild then gradually became a madhouse by Christmas afternoon/evening.

 

[chezcurrie]

I’m just back from a WDW trip, and an adorable family on the skyliner told me they focus on just 3 things a day, everything else is a bonus. I thought this was excellent advice, its so easy to want to “do it all!” Why do I mention this, because on a potentially crowded day (or any day actually) its all about expectations.

If I was in your shoes I would make this day ALL about your daughter. Ask her her top 3 things and make them happen. Treat everything else as icing on the cake. I also would plan some downtime midday at the Grand Californian. I took my middle on a solo DL day recently and brought his iPad and a book and stashed it in a locker. We only took 90 min or so, but it was enough to recharge and stop the sensory overload. We were then able to go back and conquer!

Have a BLAST!!!