Going Dec 26-31. Hows the crowds???

[eswill]

We are going to Disney December 26-31 and would like some input on what the parks will be like....Crowds? Weather? Any Tips for that time of year?
Whatever advice you have would be greatly appreciated.

We are kinda scared of going during the holiday season. Will it be worth fighting the crowds to go for Christmas?

 

[spereira]

I used to go every year at that time for NYE and the crowds are CRAZY!!!!!! Would I do it again....in a minute. The crowds are nuts but the atmosphere is wonderful. You just need patience during this time of year and you will have a magical time.

 

[Metro West]

Personally, I would suggest going before Christmas as the crowds aren't very bad at all and the decorations are up. The week between Christmas and New Year's is completely insane! I would avoid that week like the plague if I didn't live here.

 

[princess aurora]

Been there done that. Didn't know when we went one time Dec 26 - Jan 1 was the busiest time. It's insane busy! They will have the parks closed down buy late morning or afternoon due to capacity. That said there is a great atmoshere.
You asked is it worth it? Well that depends can you go at another time? I would lean towards another time if you possibley can but if not then you make the best of it by buying a guide book or doing lots of research on the net. You'll need to go early to the parks (like right when they open)and take advantage of those parks with EMH mornings, head straight to any of the "big" attractions like SM, Stitch, BLY, SM, BTR then to a different park in the afternoon. Prepare yourself to stand in lines and just know there will be a lot of people and try not to be worried about a fast trek around the park. You also need to be content that you won't see everything so relax and enjoy your trip. It's a wonderful magical Christmas experience. I got all weepy eyed going under the train station for the first time and then seeing main street and the super tall christmas tree.

 

[princess aurora]

More tips...eat off hours. Either eat early like 11:00 or 2:00 for lunch. You are likely to miss the biggest crowds. Also you can take advantage of smaller lines when the parade is on. Try taking the line to your left...in general people gravitate to the right so often (not always) the left line is shorter.

Are you travelling with kids? We found that when our daughter slept in the stroller we used that time to get lunch or look in shops or take in the atmoshere.

Also weather is completely unpredictable in Dec in Florida. It could be 80 one day and 40 the next. It happened to us so bring some light mitts and sweatshirts at least, along with the shorts.