First time at MK on Christmas Day . . .

[lacy1101]

We decided to take the plunge and go to MK on Christmas Day while we are there spending Christmas with out daughter who is in the College Program. She just got her work schedule and she works at Cosmics from 10-4:30 p.m. that day. If I can get everyone up and moving, I'm thinking we will be at MK at rope drop at 7:00 a.m. (saving gifts, stockings etc. for the 26th), and do what we can before she has to report to work at 10:00 a.m. DH, DS and I will probably stay around 'til noon or so, go back to the resort for a little R&R, and then come back around 4:00 p.m. so we can start again when she gets off work. Does this sound like a good plan? I have switched our FP+ to the evening so that's taken care of. I know the park can close at some point that day, so I just don't want to take a chance of not getting back in later that afternoon.

 

[nellypooh1]

This will also be our first Christmas at Magic Kingdom! From what I have read everywhere, plan on the park being to capacity by 11 am! So, we are not going to leave the park at all Christmas Day! There are numerous parades and shows we are going to do all day, but I do not want to chance not getting back in.

 

[hunter1722]

We will be there too! From my past research, the park will hit capacity by 10a-11a but it has reopened in the later afternoon sometime between 4-5pm and that was before the new expansion. It is always a gamble but you should be ok. I am more concerned about your daughter having any time in the am at MK before having to get through traffic/transportation and arrive to Cosmic Rays before 10am. I am thinking she would have to leave MK by 9am. Anybody else?

 

[lacy1101]

This will also be our first Christmas at Magic Kingdom! From what I have read everywhere, plan on the park being to capacity by 11 am! So, we are not going to leave the park at all Christmas Day! There are numerous parades and shows we are going to do all day, but I do not want to chance not getting back in.

You know, I would probably be okay staying all day . . . just don't know if I could talk my guys into it! If they're okay with leaving and me staying, I might just do that! I, too, had planned on taking in alot of the entertainment around the park . . .

 

[PlutoTheDog89]

Hey OP!

Are you staying on-site or off? You mentioned RD at 7am (EMH), so I'd assume this means you're staying on-site.

If you're on-site, this puts you at a huge advantage. Having spent the past few Christmases at MK, I can say that we've never had a problem getting into/back into the park.

Christmas at Magic Kingdom is unlike anything you've ever experienced - in a good and bad way. No doubt, the attractions, shows and decorations specific to Christmas is incredible special. Add to that the fact that you're at the happiest place on Earth during the happiest day on Earth, and you've got a pretty memorable experience. But from reading your signature, you're a Disney vet. You've been there a solid amount of times and are well aware of just how crowded it gets. Well, multiply that.

There's a point on Christmas day where it gets CRAZY crowded. Noticeably crowded. Having traveled there during July, I remember only REALLY noticing the crowds when we'd wait on line for rides and see the wait times. In Magic Kingdom and the parks during Christmas week, there's a point where you really take a step back and say "wow, this is pretty crowded!" In other words, you definitely FEEL and SEE the crowds!

So in short, take the break - and maybe allow your daughter some time to get off her feet! A perfect plan would be to hit RD and have some time with your daughter. Maybe breakfast and go on a ride or two. You can definitely get in a headline ride or two in the AM. It doesn't get bad until ~10am. Have your daughter go off to work and your family can tour until ~noon.

I'd recommend having your daughter come back to your room/her room and relax after work. It's going to be a LONG day and she's gonna WORK. Maybe head back to MK at night (~6 or 7) or just in time for your FP+. By then, many families will be heading to dinner. Also, after the fireworks, many one-day guests will head for the park exits. I BELIEVE the park is open till 1am, so after the 11pm(?) fireworks, you'll see some reduced wait times.

Anyway, best of luck and I hope you enjoy your trip. I have a free guide available at survivedisxmas.com! Hopefully it could help with your trip planning!

 

[lacy1101]

We will be there too! From my past research, the park will hit capacity by 10a-11a but it has reopened in the later afternoon sometime between 4-5pm and that was before the new expansion. It is always a gamble but you should be ok. I am more concerned about your daughter having any time in the am at MK before having to get through traffic/transportation and arrive to Cosmic Rays before 10am. I am thinking she would have to leave MK by 9am. Anybody else?

Oh, Cosmics (Cosmic Rays) is in MK! That's one reason why I decided to go ahead and bite the bullet and plan on spending Christmas Day there. Even after she goes to work, we will still be close by and can pop in and see her.

 

[lacy1101]

Hey OP!

Are you staying on-site or off? You mentioned RD at 7am (EMH), so I'd assume this means you're staying on-site.

If you're on-site, this puts you at a huge advantage. Having spent the past few Christmases at MK, I can say that we've never had a problem getting into/back into the park.

Christmas at Magic Kingdom is unlike anything you've ever experienced - in a good and bad way. No doubt, the attractions, shows and decorations specific to Christmas is incredible special. Add to that the fact that you're at the happiest place on Earth during the happiest day on Earth, and you've got a pretty memorable experience. But from reading your signature, you're a Disney vet. You've been there a solid amount of times and are well aware of just how crowded it gets. Well, multiply that.

There's a point on Christmas day where it gets CRAZY crowded. Noticeably crowded. Having traveled there during July, I remember only REALLY noticing the crowds when we'd wait on line for rides and see the wait times. In Magic Kingdom and the parks during Christmas week, there's a point where you really take a step back and say "wow, this is pretty crowded!" In other words, you definitely FEEL and SEE the crowds!

So in short, take the break - and maybe allow your daughter some time to get off her feet! A perfect plan would be to hit RD and have some time with your daughter. Maybe breakfast and go on a ride or two. You can definitely get in a headline ride or two in the AM. It doesn't get bad until ~10am. Have your daughter go off to work and your family can tour until ~noon.

I'd recommend having your daughter come back to your room/her room and relax after work. It's going to be a LONG day and she's gonna WORK. Maybe head back to MK at night (~6 or 7) or just in time for your FP+. By then, many families will be heading to dinner. Also, after the fireworks, many one-day guests will head for the park exits. I BELIEVE the park is open till 1am, so after the 11pm(?) fireworks, you'll see some reduced wait times.

Anyway, best of luck and I hope you enjoy your trip. I have a free guide available at survivedisxmas.com! Hopefully it could help with your trip planning!

Thanks so much, Pluto! Actually, I have already read some of your other posts and have printed out your guide! And maybe we should consider having some resort time (staying at WL) when she gets off work before going back to MK. I'll talk to the family and see what they think.

 

[DVCkidsMOM]

Similar situation for us but Christmas Eve. I worry, so I'm almost as worried about closures on 24th as 25th; but that's just part of my charm. Anyhow, our strategy is to stay in the park while taking it easy. We plan to see Dapper Dans, other atmosphere, and maybe some sit-down shows; enjoy a lunch ADR as a reserved-for-us-spot with less wait to eat; and ride over to TS Island to relax on a bench somewhere. We are hoping that our strategy will feel (mostly) like an afternoon break without risking a park closure.