Experience needed about Christmas in Orlando

[Sillyminny40]

We have been to Orlando 4 times but never at Christmas. Our teens cannot miss school and get far behind again. What is your experience at Christmas and if you did go what is the best strategy?
Sorry if this is posted elsewhere!

 

[MSSANDRA]

Going to bump you because this is the first year we can no longer take DS out of school (highschool) and are going to have to find a new time to go too. (we love January).

I do not like the heat or the crowds SO....... We have been early December and loved all the Chirstmas activities but not not sure about spending Christmas away from family and freinds OR fighting the crowds.

 

[disneymomof1]

We have been during the week between christmas and new years. It was very crowded, posted wait times for major attractions were at the minimum 1-2 hours. Table service dining had increased prices, but it did not matter because we couldn't get a reservation for anywhere, and I planned ahead. The buses were crowded all the time, long wait at every park. We stayed at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, it was crowded there as well, but the way it is laid out we were able to find some quiet nooks for some relaxation. The weather was great, but the crowds were unbearable. Needless to say, we will never do Christmas at Disney again. We enjoy the beginning of December, all the benefits of Christmas without the crowds. We have also visited in February, October and November, without to many crowds. Good Luck.

 

[Disney Brat]

I grew up going to Disney at Christmas time. We have no family in here, and it was too much to fly 'home' to Wales, so we went to Disney...lol Like pp said it is BUSY!! You cannot really understand it until you see/witness it. But the magic that surrounds it is amazing. You get all the Disney magic rolled up with the excitment of Christmas. I haven't been to Disney at Christmas for about 12 years though. I have been in the first few weeks of December, and that is great, low crowds and mild weather. I know that isn't an options for you with your kids needing to vacation during their school breaks..

Just get a plan, and be flexable. We made use of the parade/fireworks showtimes to do rides. Remember to be patient, even though you are at the 'Happiest Place on Earth', not many people act like it!!

 

[Sillyminny40]

Egads! I think we will go to Mexico instead!
We were afraid of this. We have always gone in Jan/Feb and no waits etc at all. A real pleasure. Thanks for taking time to post. Very important.

My dh was pretty sure we could just go for gate opening start at back of park and work our way forward. But it still doesn't sound possible does it?

 

[DVCJEN]

No, it will be unlike anything you have experience before. If you normally are a January go-er I would take a different trip.