Experience with week leading up to Christmas?

[christianweecare]

It has been quite a few years ago since we used to leave with our kids for WDW for the week prior to Christmas. We used to leave as soon as kids got out of school for the holidays. Now the kids are grown and grandkids schedules are to consider. So what are your experiences these days with the week leading up to Christmas? DH & I were at WDW for the second week of Dec. this past year. Crowds were up but manageable. How does the week leading up to Christmas compare these days?

 

[dallastxcpa]

We went in 2004 and arrived on Sunday December 19th and left Saturday December 25th. As the week went on the crowds grew and grew. I think it was comparable to summer time by the end of the week.

The main thing is to take it easy. We did lots of fastpasses and enjoyed lots of shows/Christmas extras. We also did the Candle Light Processional dinner package.

In comparison my DH and I have also traveled between Dec 25 and New Years and while that time frame is just nuts. (I would never do a family vacation then, but it is managable as a couple) The week before Christmas is doable if you know that you may not get to ride all the rides you want. Just go early, break in the middle of the day and go back for evening activities.

 

[mackeyapp]

We arrived this year on the 20th of December and it was wonderful. We are used to arriving after Xmas and we were surprised and happy to see the parks weren't nearly as hectic before Xmas. The first week is when we did what we wanted in the parks and after Xmas Day we only went in the parks for early mornings and one EMH late night.

 

[kmintheville]

We were there this year, leaving on the Monday before Christmas, which was Thursday. We found it busier than it has been in the past, but we did almost everything we wanted to by planning and using fast passes. It would definately be easier with a couple. I have read here that all of the DVCers, us included, have discovered that you get the Christmas decorations and activities and stuff in early December, clearing out for the masses Christmas week. But since we ALL have discovered that, we have become our own mass! It sure is a great place to be, though...

 

[Coach81]

We will be enjoying our first Christmas visit this year! We are going to try and keep it a secret from the kids.. not sure how that will work out.