Help with Xmas time trip

[wild4dis]

As a long time DVC member we frequent Orlando often, but havent been to US in about 15 years. Our family of 5 (me, DW, DS20, DS17, DD 14) are planning a trip to FLA in Dec 2012. Our trip will have us come in from CT on Thurs night Dec 20. we would stay at US until Sun dec 23, when we would head over to Disney for another week. This will leave us 3 days at US to do "everything".
A few questions...

• should we stay outside the park on thurs night at a cheaper hotel and then check in Fri morning?
• How does the front of the line pass work and is it worth it?
• what type of crowds are we expecting at this time? I assume they are crazy
• based on crowds...how much will we be able to get accomplished in 3 days (Fri - sun)? We will want to ride the big rides as well as Harry Potter

Let me know your thoughts......thanks

 

[buckeev]

As a long time DVC member we frequent Orlando often, but havent been to US in about 15 years. Our family of 5 (me, DW, DS20, DS17, DD 14) are planning a trip to FLA in Dec 2012. Our trip will have us come in from CT on Thurs night Dec 20. we would stay at US until Sun dec 23, when we would head over to Disney for another week. This will leave us 3 days at US to do "everything".
A few questions...

• should we stay outside the park on thurs night at a cheaper hotel and then check in Fri morning?
• How does the front of the line pass work and is it worth it?
• what type of crowds are we expecting at this time? I assume they are crazy
• based on crowds...how much will we be able to get accomplished in 3 days (Fri - sun)? We will want to ride the big rides as well as Harry Potter

Let me know your thoughts......thanks

My two pennies...
Go ahead and check into your on-site hotel Thursday night...that way you can take advantage of the early morning at IOA for HP!...BUT...Be aware...they do start lining up very early. (this is assuming things will be the same 15 months from now.)
The crowds are crazy, but it will be even more packed as the holiday period advances.
By taking advantage of as many Express Pass-(very nice to have!)-attractions as you can, you still should be able to do pretty much everything!