How bad will it be Christmas week?

[RysMomma]

Hi everyone!

I should preface this by saying that my husband, kids (17 and 15), and myself, are huge Disney fans. We've gone frequently with the kids and we are toying with the idea of going down next year on our breaks. I know that it'll be crowded and I know that it'll be expensive, but we don't celebrate Christmas but we all want to see the parks decorated. It's been a dream of mine for years and now that my kids are older, they want to too. My son will turn 19 while down there and we just think it would be a fun thing to do to celebrate. I told the family not to expect the same type of trip we have had other years. It may be slower paced, not as many big rides that we usually go on, and maybe more resort hopping. But be honest with me, what else can you tell me about Christmas week there? Thanks!

 

[Genie+]

The good news this time of year is these crowds are less inclined to ropedrop than normal. It helps if you can take advantage of that.

 

[MICKIMINI]

It will be crowded, restaurants will be packed, rides with long lines but the decorations are gorgeous. IMO, the most important thing you can do is to get a resort walking or monorail distance to the park you will be at most of the time. Getting up early will give you an edge and plan to go to the back of the park and move forward doing rides until it gets ridiculous. If on the monorail, it might make sense to go to a resort for lunch and a respite from the crowds (this could go either way). It will be expensive but you know that.

I have a hard time with crowds and we don't go during Christmas or New Years now. I think you understand what you are getting into so get in the right mindset and set expectations accordingly. Again, choose your resort wisely!

Good luck!

 

[Marthasor]

I would take a look at your break schedule. If there is any chance you can go and leave on or before Dec. 24, I would do that. Christmas week itself is insanely crowded. We did it once - never again. The week leading up to Christmas Eve is a bit more manageable.

 

[melissa70]

We went last year for 20-27. Until the 25th it wasn’t bad actually. Just do LL and have dining reservations and you’ll be good

 

[DaisyDuck001]

Since your main goal is to see the Christmas decorations, if you can go in early December, you'd accomplish that without the extra crowds of Christmas week. I understand that doesn't coincide with your breaks, but it's just a thought.

 

[ML_LovesDisney]

I think the chaos is fun once in awhile. We have older kids as well and they have a great time. Yes, it will be crowded, but it doesn't ruin our time. I prefer to go during that time as opposed to sweating and less crowds in July/Aug

 

[Disneylover99]

Make sure you book any dining reservations you want as soon as they open up for you. When eating quick service, eat at off hours. It will be much more relaxing.

Go with the flow and enjoy!
It’s my favourite week to visit.

 

[mattburmeister]

Any thoughts on New Years Day and the week following?

 

[Mle8308]

Any thoughts on New Years Day and the week following?

Still busy then it's the marathon that first week of January. Disney had become quite successful in filling in prior slow times with very popular events. Won't be as busy as the week between Christmas and New Years, but it won't be a ghost town, either.

 

[lorimt]

Any thoughts on New Years Day and the week following?

It’s still pretty crazy. We did Jan 1-7 in 2023 and 2025. It gets a little slower every day but the first few days are really busy.