Going at Chrismas......Need the DIS Lemonaide Makers!!!

[Cheap-n-Dale]

I hate crowds! I hate crowds! I hate crowds! Did I mention I don’t like crowds?

We recently had some close family move to Orlando. Yeah!!, more frequent and less expensive trips to WDW world. Annual passes are definitely in our future. I just I had hoped it not be this Christmas. All the extended family (16 strong) is gathering in Orlando for the Holidays, and everyone wants to go to WDW. Everyone except me. None of us have ever been during Christmas week and ironically, I am the only one that is even remotely Disney educated as to what the crowds will be like. Mostly because of you good people on this board. We have been the week before Christmas, so we have seen the decorations and such.

I had it all working out just fine. We would skip WDW while the others went. No problem. Everyone in the extended family was mad at me, but my family was “all good” Even had my boys (DS 6 and DS 8) convinced that this WDW would not be the same as other trips, and we would find something else to do. All was good until my SIL pulled and end run on me and talked to my boys about how she was looking forward to riding RNR with them. She knows that they had discovered the ecstasy of roller coasters since our last trip to WDW. Bottom line, we are all going to Disney this Christmas.

I don’t hate my SIL any more then I did. After 13 years I have learned to expect and accept this kind of thing from my DW’s family. However, now I have 7 weeks to change my own “bad” attitude about going during this week.

Here’s is what I got.

1. Hopefully I will get to see COP and/or Timekeeper. I really enjoy the classics, and have never seen either one.

2. Maybe we can ride he new Stitch ride. That should kill a couple of hours.

3. I alled for a CP package and was laughed at. In a good way.


What else? Please help me make Lemonaide!!!

 

[WDSearcher]

Christmas decorations and atmosphere
Holiday storytellers & other special entertainment
After-Christmas sales in all the shops
The Lights of Winter at Epcot
Being said "Merry Christmas" to in several different languages
Hearing the Voices of Liberty do Christmas carols
Seeing characters in holiday costume
Gingerbread, hot chocolate, peppermint ice cream, cookies
Special holiday fireworks

 

[Cheap-n-Dale]

Gingerbread? Did you say Gingerbread? 98% of my holiday weight gain (which is usally the approximate equivelant of a first grader) is from Gingerbread!!!

 

[dis-happy]

BAH HUMBUG!!!! Practice saying that really loudly, then stay in the car reading a book.


I hate crowds too. But, we still went the first week in August (rated 8 in UG) to meet some dear out of state friends. It was crowded and HOT!!! We still had a great time. At least you won't have the hot....

 

[Lucky4me]

Well, after pummeling my SIL, If I had to be in Disney during Christmas week this is what I'd do.
Go to the park that had Early entry the day before at least 30 minutes before opening. Be the first at the ropes. Go straight to the rides and attractions that are most important to me. After that use fastpass and relax. Eat my meals at off peak times. Realize that I'll be coming again many times and I don't have to wait in lines. Family will survive if they don't see something this trip. I think just looking around and soaking up the atmosphere can be as enjoyable as the rides.

Better yet- play sick and let SIL take the kids.
That would teach her.
Good luck!

 

[tjmw2727]

Treat it for what is its - kind of a bonus trip, everything you do is a bonus and don't worry about what you miss. I would either do EE or the park that had EE the prior day, be early and do as much as you can before the real crowds. Take mid day breaks if your on site if not make PS seatings for off times, late breakfast or late lunch are our preferences.

Epcot and MGM seem to hold the crowds better so those are usually our late day evening parks.

We are probably going with family the week between Christmas and New Years in 05 so I have been doing some thinking. If its warm enough we may hit the water parks and just enjoy the resort and being together and not worry so much about commando in the parks.

Have a great trip - you know you will!

Tj

 

[Miss Jasmine]

Forget the rides and take in the holiday festivities at each of the parks. Take a leisurely approach to it (even if is crowded). It will be fine.
MK: Watch the Christmas Parade
Epcot: Even without a CP package you could still try to see the CP. First show is the easiest to wait for. Then head over for the tree lighting ceremony. Also each country has their Santa figure give a history of the holiday in his country.
MGM: The Osborne Lights.
AK: The AK will be changing its parade for the holiday, plus the characters will be in their winter finery in Camp Minnie Mickey.

 

[Jenn]

I would rather be at Disney during rain, crowds, etc. than sitting at my desk any day of the week.....



If you really like Gingerbread, go to the Grand Floridian and check out the full size Gingerbread house they build each year. There are cast members IN the house selling gingerbread (since they won't let you actually eat a piece of the house!!).

Use fastpass.

Accept that you won't do EVERYTHING - and that's okay cause you will be back.

Enjoy some of the lesser viewed attractions, see the sights, eat at new places.

Do some stuff you have never done, go mini-golfing, rent water-mice, ride a surrey bike.

The weather will hopefully be gorgeous (we went the 1st week of December last year and it was blue skies, white puffy clouds, and 75 degrees - sweatshirts in the morning and evening - shorts and t-shirts during the day).

 

[DizBelle]

WDW with massive crowds is better than no WDW at all!

 

[Cheap-n-Dale]

I forgot to mention we will be off-site that will nix early entry.

I know we won't do much in the way of rides. That is what also fires me up a little. All the rest of the family is either older 55+ or have toddlers or younger. So they are all happy with "People Watching", soaking up atmosphere, and shopping. I have an 8 year old that want to ride stuff. Thats a key perspective I need change. My own assumptions that they won't have fun unless they do the things I think they want to do. Everyone will have fun just being there right????



I am going to try to stear us towards EPCOT. We have never given WS its due. Never even seen Illuminations. Less things there that you would stand in line for, thus fewer things that they will miss doing. Is that crazy???

 

[Miss Jasmine]

Give kids credit for understanding the situation. Explain to them up front that this is a very busy time at WDW. Let them make a list of a couple attractions that are must DOs and then just Fastpass them.

Okay since you are staying off site do the anti-EE plan. Go to the park that had EE the day before.

People watching can be a lot of fun.

 

[CamColt]

I think you have taken the first step...you know what to expect. Obviously you know it will be crowded and you wont be able to do everything...but with APs in your future and many more tirps ahead of you, you shouldnt feel the need to do it all. Just plan to go and soak up the holiday atmosphere and anything you get done will be extra.
We went last year over Christmas. We went with that attitude and were able to have a great time. We actually got a lot done and were still able to take it easy some times. Since you wont be able to hit EE which really helped us be sure to get to whatever park you are going to for opening. You should be able to get a few rides in with no waits first thing. And dont forget Fast Pass...get one for a big ride before you even go on your first ride
Good luck and enjoy!

 

[Mortlives]

Never seen Illuminations! Well then, now is the time. Actually, you could try to see if you can find an Illuminations cruise for your family to share, or maybe there's even a cancellation so you can get your own boat. Otherwise, there are many excellent spots around the World Showcase to view it from.

Even if you're not staying on property, you can still ditch a lot of the crowds by doing resort visits. 'Ohana and Boma PS's will give you lots to look at (and eat ), with less stress than jammed theme parks.

Even in the worst crowds imaginable, there's always going to be something fabulous to do. It's Disney, after all.

Kungaloosh!
Morticia.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

I would suggest looking into some of the other fun things to do in Orlando. We are going to be there Dec. 23rd thru Jan. 1st, and only planning spending 3 days in the parks, + 1 day at SW. I have something planned to do every day, and still can't manage to work in everything we'd like to do. I don't know where you're stay, but this is one thing I'd like to do, and unfortunately won't have time. Check this out: http://www.iridetrolley.com/lights.htm Enjoy! There's so many things for your family to do, that you don't have to spend every day wall to wall with other people at WDW.

 

[Laralyn]

You could make this a really special trip by doing things you normally don't do at Disney. Go to a water park, hang out at DTD, go to lots of shows, explore shops, watch entertainment, visit different resorts, go to a movie... It might be a nice change, being there for the holiday celebrations without the pressure of trying to get on the rides!

 

[NMAmy]

We're going for Christmas this year (12/18-12/30) and I hate crowds, too. It just worked out for us this time so we're staying longer and planning on doing different things. It will be easier because we just went in March.

I've explained to dd (13) that it won't be like when we usually go and we'll be doing things like going to the movies on Christmas Day, going to EE and then hanging out at the hotel, checking out Christmas shows and the decorations at the resorts. It will be a different kind of trip for us but our first time during Christmas.

Hope you have a great time!

 

[Hieatt]

This will be our third year in a row going to WDW between Christmas and New Years. Crowds are no fun, but on the other hand the festive atmosphere is unbeatable.

Just make lots of priority seatings, book reservable things in advance (candlelight processional package, Fantasmic package, etc.), get to the parks at opening (and don't go on early entry days), take mid-day breaks, and otherwise use FastPass and soak it up.

If you know what to expect and prepare, I actually think it is one of the best times to be there - especially NYE - very exciting.