How bad is Christmas and New Years in WDW?

[PLibster]

Just wanting to know how bad the holidays are in WDW? We were there last Dec. 6-12, and it was not crowded at all. I know it will be busy, but how bad could it be? Please tell me any of your past holiday experiences. Also, what you did on Christmas Day and things like that. TIA!!!

 

[candleonwater]

We usually go during slow times, but this past year we checked in on Christmas Eve... We decided to take it easy on Christmas Day and went to EPCOT for a little while before heading over to the Poly for the Luau... thought it would be something different for a Christmas Dinner.

I found the parks to be VERY crowded, but what we took advantage of the early openings of the parks, and we would be heading out of MK as the majority of the crowds were coming in. Try heading DOWN Main Street against the flow of traffic! We then would just head over to EPCOT or MGM. They were crowded but manageable.

 

[safetymom]

We have gone many times at Christmas. Christmas at Disney is wonderful. You do have to move at a slower pace with more people in the parks but I wouldn't hesitate about going.

They also have activities at the resorts on Christmas Eve. On Christmas Day we went to the parks. I have never had a bad time at Christmas. Just be prepared for crowds.

 

[ozziewags]

Everyone should experience Disney at Christmas at least once. It is so beautiful. If you go knowing there will be crowds and plan ahead, you will be fine. We have been twice during Christmas(once the day after, and last year during). On Christmas Eve we did the Candlelight Processional dinner package. Ate at LeCellier and then did CP. Christmas day we went to the Magic Kingdom, knowing it would be crowded. We just went with the flow and did some major rides in the morning, watched the Christmas parade and then went to the Liberty Tree Tavern for dinner. It was a magical day. Be sure to get PS's in advance. The rest of the week was busy, but manageable. We have been enough that we know what we like to do and plan around those activities, including golf and pool time, when it is warm enough. We try to enjoy our resort as well as the parks. It makes the whole vacation more relaxed.

 

[DemonLlama]

Our first trip was during a slower in December, so we were really stressed at the prospect of going through Christmas on this past trip.

It was wonderful and we are doing it again in 2004!

If you are willing to get up and be at the gates before opening (and use the EE!) you will still get to do everything you want to do.

We were at the MK Christmas morning, and although there were people everywhere, my kids still rode Goofy's Barnstormer 7 times without waiting! And the characters out that day! They were everywhere. We ate at Cinderella's for breakfast and just had a magical time. That said, we left the MK at noon and hopped over to Epcot where the crowds have a bit more room.

Just give yourself extra time to stake out spots for parades and fireworks. Soak up the Christmas spirit all around and ENJOY! I sure wish we were going again this year!!

 

[DisneyBoy2000]

Well at Christmas day, Magic Kingdom can be very crowded, its a little slow to walk. But its great. During New Year's Eve its very crowded, it can be a little disorganize. I recomend that you stay inside Walt Disney World Resort (at a Disney Resort), so you can use the Disney Transportation. Because if you don't stay inside Disney, when the times comes to close the parks there's always traffic to get out property. When you stay inside, the Disney transportation has priority.

Hope this help.

 

[FloridaCat]

At MK & MGM allow more time to do things as the crows move slower. The reason is there is so much to see in the way of Christmas decoratios. And a sight to behold, we go to one park every year.

 

[PLibster]

Thanks for all the great info. With all this being said, should I just take the kids out of school and go the first week of Dec again, or should I be there during Christmas? I guess I am wondering if it makes a difference as far as the "MAGIC?" You know, like when we were there last year the MVMCP was great, and it really put us in the Christmas mood. Will the "feel" be even more magical during the Christmas week or is it about the same anytime in December? Our family loves WDW!! So, I thought that if we went to the Poly and had a Christmas tree and actually woke up Christmas morning in WDW it would be such a wonderful gift for all of us. What I am afraid of is the "magic" being ruined because of long waits at the rides and the pool packed because of the resort being packed and so forth. I know I am probably worrying too much, but Christmas is very important to us and so is Disney. If anyone understands any of this, PLEASE HELP!! TIA!

 

[safetymom]

That is a choice that you will have to make for yourself. We have done many Christmases at Disney since my husband passed away 8 years ago. The kids and I have many wonderful memories of our time at WDW for Christmas.

We started new traditions at WDW for Christmas and I haven't been dissapointed yet by the crowds or anything else.

It is what you make of it and the attitude you have when you hit the parks. If you want small crowds at MK it won't happen but if you want to pick and choose your rides, hang out at the resort pool or Blizzard Beach and go with the flow you will have a great time spending Christmas at Disney. Just don't set yourself up for dissapointment by planning to do too many things in the parks.

 

[ozziewags]

Well put, Safetymom! My exact thoughts. Christmas at Disney is magical, unless you set yourself up for disappointment!

 

[PLibster]

Thanks Safetymom, I guess I just need to calm down and not worry so much about the things I have no control over. Like you said, its what I make of it.
By the way, are there AP rates for Christmas week?

 

[safetymom]

I doubt there are AP rates for Christmas. Why not check out

http://www.mousesavers.com

and check the historical data for discount codes?

 

[johnnyr]

Christmas in WDW is extrordinary! We have gone for the past three years. It is very crowded, but don't let that discourage you from going. You will have a great time. It is espescially magical at night. We have always gone between the week of Chistmas and New Years. Never been there on Christmas day. We like to spend that day at home with our family. I only whish I could go again this year.

 

[diznee25]

I doubt there are AP rates for Christmas.

While there aren't AP discounts Christmas week, there are usually AP discounts if you check in by Dec. 19th. You get the AP rate for your entire length of stay as long as you check in by the 19th.

Diznee25