Epcot on Christmas Eve?

[nhdisnut]

We are visiting WDW Christmas week for the first time. One of our potential plans is to go to Epcot on Christmas Eve - just for Illuminations. Does anyone have experience with crowds there that night? We won't be going on any rides or trying to experience any other attractions....Illuminations will be it.

We are going to Epcot for another day later in the week, but I want to experience the special holiday Illuminations at least twice.

Can we survive the crowds that evening?

 

[safetymom]

There is plenty of places to watch it from so you should be OK.

 

[nhdisnut]

There is plenty of places to watch it from so you should be OK.

Have you been to Epcot on Christmas Eve?

(By the way, I have loved your picture updates....I check them out frequently!)

 

[safetymom]

Yes I have.

 

[vsimeone]

We will be there with you! We have CP dinner package at Le Cellier and 8:15 CP. Two years ago we did the same CP time (only we at at Marrekash) and as soon as CP was done, we went right around the corner to "Italian dock area" and watched Illuminations from there. It wasn't completely unobstructed but we'll probably do similar this year as we also have an Illuminations Cruise for 12/30. We'll probably get our fill of Illuminations - not that I can EVER see it too many times!

Wave if you see us and Merry Christmas!

 

[domestic goddess]

We have been at EPCOT twice on Christmas Eve and it has been great! We have usually set down near the American Pavilion and listened to CP and then toward the end found a good place to watch Illuminations. The Holiday ending is fabulous! Then we take our time leaving and let the bulk of the crowd leave before us.

We were also there this past 4th of July and the special ending that day was great as well.

Enjoy your Christmas Eve!! There is nothing like Christmas at WDW!!

 

[Swimnoid]

We were there last year on Christmas Eve for Illuminations and it was great. No problem at all.

 

[nhdisnut]

Thanks everyone! Can't wait!!

 

[Connears]

We'll be there also. CP pkge for 6:45 show eating at Teppanyaki. I love CP and think that and illuminations will really set the holiday.
Connears

 

[canwegosoon]

I will be there all day!!! I think the CP is very very popular, but you have to also imagine that many people have many different plans.

 

[maleficent_man]

I'll be there too. Have a 5pm ressie at Alfredo's and then onto the 8.15 showing of CP.

 

[eeyoreiscool]

We were there a couple of years ago and it wasn't too bad. The crowds do start picking up by then but it wasn't miserable for us.

 

[petrymom]

We will be there with you! We have CP dinner package at Le Cellier and 8:15 CP. Two years ago we did the same CP time (only we at at Marrekash) and as soon as CP was done, we went right around the corner to "Italian dock area" and watched Illuminations from there. It wasn't completely unobstructed but we'll probably do similar this year as we also have an Illuminations Cruise for 12/30. We'll probably get our fill of Illuminations - not that I can EVER see it too many times!

Wave if you see us and Merry Christmas!

We are also doing the CP one Christmas eve. Where do you have the dinner package for???? We are eating at Le Cellier.

To the original poster: Thanks, this thread is great for information.

 

[AStamm]

Two years ago we arrived at WDW on Christmas Eve, checked into CSR, and then sprinted over to Epcot so we could activate our annual passes instead of having to deal with doing it on Christmas Day among the crowds. We got to the park about 30 minutes before it closed, activated the passes in a few minutes, and decided to hit a ride or two. We ended up being able to do both TT and ride on Figgy in that half hour the crowds were so light. I'm not sure if everyone was over waiting for Illuminations or not, but they certainly weren't on the rides.

We're headed to Epcot during the day on the 24th, but booked ADRs at Chef Michey's for dinner so won't be able to enjoy the light crowds that night.

 

[nhdisnut]

To the original poster: Thanks, this thread is great for information.

Sure is! I was worried the crowds might be a bit too much (my biggest fear for the trip), but these answers have made me feel better! (Not to mention the fact that in just 7 days we will be flying to WDW!!!!)