going to disney HELP!

[prgirl]

Hi I would like some help here because I'm planning to go in dec 23 to jan 8, and I suppose it will be a little bit crowded. So which park do you recomend first and last; any ideas on where to spend new years eve? Also how is the weather? we'll be going from Puerto Rico and since we always have summer here do not have a clue about it. I will be going with my girlfriend (it will be her first time) and she is not really into characters although I hope she gets in the mood when we get there. We are planning on staying offsite since it is cheaper but we want to be careful with the hotels being clean and nice, so any sugestion would be apreciated! Enjoy your vacations!!!!!!!!!!

 

[solarstar]

I've been at Disney on Christmas Day and Christmas Eve a few times, and am usually surprised by how many people are also there on those days. It will be crowded, but I'd try to do a smaller park on Christmas Day (like Animal Kingdom). I'm not sure of your age, but if I had a choice I'd devote New Years Eve to Pleasure Island. Have fun!

 

[JPN4265]

Hi I would like some help here because I'm planning to go in dec 23 to jan 8, and I suppose it will be a little bit crowded.


A little bit crowded? Sorry about that.

 

[jstehman]

It will be so crowed, they may close some of the parks... The DIS is probably your best source for info, here is another great site:
http://allearsnet.com/

 

[Lynne M]

You'll be there during the most crowded week of the year. The parks will be absolutely packed, and there will be long lines for rides and food. Sorry, I'm not trying to put a damper on your trip, but you need to know that and plan for it.

I really wouldn't advise staying offsite. During that week, the parks may reach capacity and be closed for a period of time. Disney has different 'stages' of closing and I don't remember what they all are, but there's a point where they close to offsite guests but still allow Disney resort guests in. If you're onsite, you can also take advantage of EMH, which will help you to get more rides in.

When you stay offsite, you're depending on the hotel's transportation, which is never as good or as frequent as the on-site transportation. It's important to get there as early as you can during that week, and the hotel shuttle may not run as early as you want it to. Sometimes, the shuttle may only run a couple of times a day. That's something you need to research before you choose a hotel.

Especially since this is your gf's first time at WDW, is there any way you can choose another week?

 

[hockeybabe]

I agree with Lynne, if you can stay onsite, I would. You might save a little bit of money, but maybe not. You will get into the parks after they close them to non-resort guests when they reach capacity. You can use the resort transportation, which may be crowded, but probably better than trying to get parking everywhere. And you can buy the dining plan, and have a Table service meal, counter service meal and snack each day for only $37.99. That will save you alot of money right there, probably enough if not more than enough to make up the difference in price to an offsite resort. And with the parks being as crowded as they will be, especially in the beginning of your trip (they will slow down some after New Years), you may not want to spend 30-45 minutes travel time to and from your offsite resort if you get there too late to get in, which on some of those days could be as early as noon. Also, as onsite resort guests, you could visit other resorts if the parks are too crazy for you; you just hop on a bus or boat and visit another resort. Some people spend days of their vacation just checking out the decorations and eating at other resorts, especially during the Christmas days. Just make sure you check out all of your options...offsite might not be the cheapest way to do your trip.

 

[lpizzuro123]

Yes, it will be crowded through New Years Eve. Since you are staying through the 8th, you might be better hitting the parks after January 1. I would go into the parks earlier in the week, especially to enjoy all the Christmas things, but be prepared that you will not get onto many rides and attractions. When we are in WDW for Christmas we spend New Years Eve in Epcot. As it is such a big park there are always some quiet places to go. Yes, Epcot has closed when we were there and the park was packed but we get there early before 10:00 and spend the day and night. They usually reopen the park later in the day, maybe around 6:00 or 7:00 as some people leave the park. Try to get at least one reservation for a sit down meal. I remember waiting on line in Mexico for at least 45 minutes to get some counter service items. Bring lots of water - we always freeze a bottle and drink it as it melts.

Linda