Have I lost My Mind?

[lesos69]

We were able to book December 15 through the 23rd with free dining.

Am I crazy? Will crowds be overwhelming?

We usually go in May or October...

What do you all think?

 

[Robo]

We were able to book December 15 through the 23rd with free dining.

Am I crazy? Will crowds be overwhelming?

We usually go in May or October...

What do you all think?

Yes, the crowds will be heavy.

No, the crowds will be light.

(I'm answering this way because no matter WHAT is posted about crowds,
someone will always come in and refute it.)

 

[richmo]

The closer you get to Christmas, the crowds will pick up, but the first part of your trip should be fine.

No, you're not crazy.

Have fun!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I think it will be fine to go then. As stated , busier the closer you get to Christmas.

(I think May and October can be busy due to extra offerings at WDW like Star Wars Weekend and Food and Wine.)

 

[marciemi]

Agree you should be fine for most of the trip. We're local and had our college kids home over Christmas so I was at the parks somewhat regularly that week and it was certainly nothing like the week between Christmas and NY.

 

[lesos69]

Yes, the crowds will be heavy.

No, the crowds will be light.

(I'm answering this way because no matter WHAT is posted about crowds,
someone will always come in and refute it.)

I like your answer! Made me laugh!

 

[lesos69]

Thanks all...whatever it is it is...We will just deal with it.

 

[Moms]

The above posts are correct ... the early part of your trip will be fine but things will get busier as you get closer to the holiday ... and the school breaks! That said, WDW at Christmas is really something to see! We had our first Christmas week trip just two years ago and had a wonderful time. It was really busy (we went between Christmas and NY) but it was one of our favorite trips ... EVER! You will likely not encounter the level of crowds we did so I imagine your trip will really be "magical"!

 

[ZephyrHawk]

I'll be there during roughly the same time, and I've been during that season before. Starting that Friday (the 18th), things are going to really start picking up, and by the end of your trip, things will be pretty crazy. But, crowds should be manageable for the first few days of your trip. Pay attention to crowd calendars and you should be fine.

 

[lovndisney12]

Been during the same time twice now (and last time was even through the 26th) and just booked for 12-21 through 12-27. (So, if can't be that bad if this will be our third time! - And this was after several trips during the low season of October and January.)

Tips from our past two experiences - yes, crowds will start to swell towards the end of your trip BUT knowing that and preparing accordingly will make for a very enjoyable and magical trip. Look at the crowd calendar and pick the parks that are suggested for that day. Then utilize EMH and rope drop - of course that might contradict what parks are suggested but if you are on Free Dining plan you probably have park hopper. So, you could do AM EMH in one park and have your fast passes at another park for later (the one that the crowd calendar says is the best). We do AM EMH so no experience with the PM EMH.

Holiday Favorites: Make sure to see the Holiday parade at MK as that is a favorite (and I'm not a big parade person) - it is the same as the one for the Christmas party but will replace the regular parade during your trip (or at least towards the end of your trip). A good break from the parks is to go resort hopping and see the different decorations. Osborne Lights at HS is a must too. When you take into all the special holiday decorations and activities - you'll be happy you did - and not crazy!

 

[Bullseye]

Yes, the crowds will be heavy.

No, the crowds will be light.

(I'm answering this way because no matter WHAT is posted about crowds,
someone will always come in and refute it.)

I have to disagree, I think the crowds will be....medium

 

[captain america 2003]

We were able to book December 15 through the 23rd with free dining.

Am I crazy? Will crowds be overwhelming?

We usually go in May or October...

What do you all think?

My family and I have gone this same time of year almost every year the free dining plan has been offered and we're going back again this year (Dec. 15 - 22) ! Do not worry....the crowds will not be too bad until the latter part of your trip and then they will still be very manageable with good planning . My advice would be to use EMH both mornings and evenings as much as possible and to also consider getting to the parks just after opening on non EMH days . Park hours for December should be coming out in a couple of weeks (although they almost certainly will add hours to the initial schedule , probably sometime in early to mid November) . If you go to easywdw.com you can view last years info calendar for December and get an idea of what crowds will be like for your dates . Have a great trip !

 

[lesos69]

Thanks guys! This is why I love these boards!

 

[captain america 2003]

Keep in mind the touringplans.com site as well... which will give anticipated crowd sizes for each individual park (free) starting approx. 30 days before your day in that park . (to clarify, today if you went to their site and clicked on the view crowd calendar link you would see anticipated park crowd levels for 4/29 - 5/28 ....every little bit of info helps right ? lol...Happy planning !

 

[goofyernmost]

If you haven't lost your mind now, you will before you leave.

 

[MmmSuite]

This thread makes me feel hopeful. I went in September and I'm going Labor Day week this year. I was thinking I'd be spoiled by the lack of crowds and never attempt Christmas. I saw pics of Christmas to New Year's from my friends on FB and was terrified! But I desperately want to see Disney at Christmas! I'll keep just before Christmas in mind!

 

[Figmentmommy]

We went last December 13-20. While it was definitely more crowded than December ever was for us (last Dec trip was 2006!) it was still more than manageable....and we had such great time! Crowds picked up as we were leaving on the 20th. So if you can do a lot of park time before then and maybe save your repeats and resort time for later in your trip I think you'll be fine. No matter what you'll have a blast - you'll be in Disney World at Christmastime!
Have a great trip!

 

[lesos69]

I have been at Christmastime before. Much earlier in December. I was with a friend. This time it will be Me, my DH, and 2 DD plus my Mom and Dad.

So, it adds a layer. They are all excited to see the World during the holidays. So, whatever it is it is...we will Keep Calm and Carry On!

I am an obsessive Dis planner, so that is never an issue!

Thanks all for the replies.