Going to WDW 12/16-12/26 next year. How horrible are the crowds?

[anotherdismom]

Just wondering how bad the crowds will be for this week next year.... the unofficial guide shows tolerable crowds (7 or under) up until the Wed. before Christmas and then it goes to 10 until (I guess) New Year's.

If you're there this week - 12/22 & 12/23... is it as bad as it sounds? Is it tolerable in the morning and late in the evening or is it just shoulder to shoulder, hour long wait for everything all day?

We're definitely going, but we need to decide if we can handle the parks at all once they reach a 10. We were there just after the marathon a year or so ago and it was busy (to me). We are DL vets with only one trip to the World under our belts. DD will be 10 and DS will be 7 when we go.

Honest feedback/advice much appreciated!

I think we decided not to do the MVMCP based on it being sold out for the day we would be able to go. Did anyone go on 12/19? How were the waits for rides, hot cocoa, etc.?

TIA!

 

[TeaForTulips]

We went to the Dec. 19th party. We bought our MVMCP back in October. I thought the Halloween party was sooo crowded and I was really disappointed, so when I heard our date sold out I was preparing myself for the worst! BUT! It was not bad at all! I have to say I was quite pleased. We rode a lot of rides, went through the snack lines with ease. (cookies, apples, hot chocolate, and apple juice) I even got pictures with TONS of characters with little to no wait! I was amazed! I found it no more busy than any other Disney day. I think the trick is to not try to rush into it all. We did the characters after the parade and fireworks and it was almost empty in the character lines especially in Toon Town. I even went into the women's bathroom and didn't stand in line! Ha!

I always heard the the weeks before Thanksgiving weren't very crowded and I thought they were packed! I think it depends upon your perspective and what you make of it honestly... I think if you are prepared you won't be disappointed.

Being at WDW during Christmas time is well worth the crowds. It truely makes the magic of Disney even more magical. I thought the crowds were no worse than the summer crowds. Now that I have seen Disney at Christmas time though I am determined to get the reset of my family down here during that time.

I hope it all works out for you!

 

[iluveeyore]

We just got back from our Dec. 14-26th trip and we all agreed never again for Christmas - the week of the 14th we didn't really go to the parks much as we were busy with other things, but when we did go it was more than manageable. Once the 19th hit, it was fastpasses or don't ride (or wait 120 min. or more). The shows were packed and I felt bad for my brother-in-law as it was his first trip - he was much happier enjoying our time at OKW, and would have enjoyed it more had it not been too cold for pool time or outdoor activities. The decorations were amazing as always, as well as the Candlelight Processional and the Osborne lights, and if you save your money for MVMCP, you can enjoy the same parade and Holiday Wishes the week right before Christmas for no extra charge at MK. I think if we want to visit during the holiday season in the future, we'll try and go the first couple weeks of December and stay away from the crush of Christmas week. We did have a wonderful time, were able to cook two turkeys and serve 18 people in our villas at OKW, so we were thankful for our DVC membership to help have a real Christmas dinner with family. We'll be going in the summer or for Halloween next year to use our APs again, and let others deal with the Christmas crowds.
Whatever you decide, Disney is fun and amazing no matter when we go!
Happy New Year!

 

[BridgetBordeaux]

Here is my post from a couple of days ago..............

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2620242

Yes, things got more crowded as we got closer to the 25th, but we would definitely do it again.

Note that we hit the road on the morning of the 23rd. Using touring plans "per park crowd' ratings helped us alot. We zigged while others zagged.

 

[nicki.momof3]

We just returned from 8 nights at POR. We were there 12/18-12/25. The crowds were great. We really enjoyed ourself and are planning on returning next year at the same time.

We usually travel Easter week and we found this trip to be far less crowded.

It was lovely.

There have been alot of posts the last few days reporting lower than expected crowds.

 

[TinkerKim]

Just got home couple of days ago from a 12-19 to 12-28 stay. We have been there 3 times before, all for spring break. This trip was far LESS crowded than the other trips. The busiest day was Christmas day in MK. I know there was a "full" sign posted when we were on the bus headed to epcot. Our max wait was 75 minutes for soarin......our entire trip. Average wait time was 20 minutes or so. Weather was quiet odd, but crowd and wait time was better than spring trips.

 

[Arenita]

We were there Dec 18-23. The crowds were more than what I have experienced in late June and mid-August trips, but we were not shoulder to shoulder at any point. We passed on some rides, ate at off times and left the parks a bit early to avoid the rush on buses at closing. Though I loved every minute, I will likely not go back for Christmas soon...more because I would rather be hot than cold! (My niece swam two days at CR - she is a polar bear!)

 

[anotherdismom]

Thanks for all the feedback. I really appreciate it. We definitely want to go for 4 days, after the first 4, the cost goes down (per day) considerably, so even if we only get a 1/2 day in it is likely still worth our while to go.

I think we decided to beg off on MVMCP b/c there are so many mixed reviews on how busy it is when sold out. The only day we can go was sold out well in advance this year, and does not have an advance purchase discount, so for the 4 of us - the words OUCH apply.... for our budget anyway

Thanks again!

 

[Momof2texasdolls]

I booked our trip for December 17th-23rd of this year. I looked at the numbers and it really looks like it gets worse the week after Christmas. We went in March last year and only had to wait once for 30 minutes and it looks like the crowds average about the same. We're so excited!! My brother and nephew are going for the first time. Now to make this a truly magical experience for them!! So glad to hear of some positive experiences this past December!!