How is christmas holiday

[daisylove]

How is WDW over the christmas holiday. I would love to get away over Christmas and have a truly magical christmas with just my DH and DD5 (no other family) but is it just crazyto go then? I know it will be beautiul with decorations but I can go early december for those. Help?

 

[mom23boys]

Daisylove,

My family (me, DH, 3DS (8,3, and 8 mos) went December 27, 2002-Jan 1, 2003, it was a nightmare. While it was beautiful with the decorations, the lines were enormous and the crowds were huge. It was to cold to swim and I could not make any PS for good times (off times only available ie later in the evening) not good with three little ones.

Also the airports were packed and the fares were very expensive.

IMO I would not do it again, we know go in Oct or early Nov.

My friend went the first week of Dec. right after Thanksgiving 2003 and loved it. The decorations were up and the crowds were light.

The only bright spot was that we bought DVC for a Christmas present to eachother.

 

[robinb]

Christmas is a very busy time. Silly us, we keep on going back! Of course, it's not our only trip so we take things a little differently in December. We do early entry, we stay up late, we nap or swim in the afternoon. The Disney pools are heated and are always warm. We're used to the crowds. As long as you get to the park early and use Fast Pass you should be fine. I also plan far in advance and make my Christmas and NYE reservations at the 90 day mark so I don't have to worry about where I am going to eat. We also have APs, so we don't stress about "wasting" a day by only being in the park for a couple of hours.

 

[swilshire]

I agree with Robin. If this were your only visit to the World, I would avoid the holidays. If you go often, it's a magical time. We bought PAPs beginning 12/28 last year. We were there for the crowds mentioned above (and it was almost scary one day in the gridlock in from of It's a Small World) and will be back there again this year until our passes run out.

One of the things we found most interesting was the process of removing the decorations. Each day when you visit a park, something would be removed that was there the day before. They do is so seamlessly that you'd never know it if you hadn't already been there. This time we'll be there a few days earlier to enjoy everything before it starts coming down.

We particularly enjoy visiting all of the resort hotels to check out their decorations. They are actually nicer than the parks. Our favorite is Wilderness Lodge.

Sheila

 

[bytheblood]

Went for Christmas in 2002, would never do it again. Did not feel like Christmas. The spirituality was missing from my beautiful holiday.

The weather did not bother us much. It was cool in the mornings and chilly when the sun went down in the evening and I remember it being very very cold on December 21st.

The crowds were not too bad, but I think they were worse at the commercialized attractions like Osbourse Lights, MVMCP, etc.

If this is your first trip, take it during another time. At least that's my opinion.

 

[robinb]

Originally posted by swilshire
We bought PAPs beginning 12/28 last year. We were there for the crowds mentioned above (and it was almost scary one day in the gridlock in from of It's a Small World) and will be back there again this year until our passes run out.

This picture was taken on 12/31/03 at 12:00 noon. Notice the gridlock!

 

[sarahsmom73]

We went this past Easter and really buy into the arrive early, leave at lunch time, head to EPCOT most evenings.... It worked like a charm! In fact MGM was DEAD on Easter morning... We had such a great time we are headed back for Christmas 2005!!!!

 

[northern michigan]

We've gone during Thanksgiving twice and Christmas (Y2K yet) once. We're going back this Christmas too! It's best if you can get there a few days before the holiday to hit attractions hard before the crowds pounce on you. Once they are there, the rest is just gravy (relax and enjoy the atmosphere). The mornings will be less crowded.

Your child is young. You may want to go for another time of year while missing school is not a big deal. By all means do hit WDW at Christmas at some point! It is the best!

 

[scrap4kenzie]

My husband & I took our almost 2 year old last xmas & let me tell you - I have NEVER seen so many people in my life - and I grew up in big city. The crowds were insane, many of the people were rude, and they actually closed the gates to MK on xmas day at 11:00am because of the crowds! My daughter refused to ride in her stroller because she kept getting bumped & I think she felt claustrophobic from the crowds (I know I did).

Having said that, the decorations were fantastic, and since we live in a milder climate (NC), it did feel like xmas for us. We are actually going back this year, only this time we're going the 4th-12th. The xmas spirit will be there, but not the people. Seeing the characters in their holiday garb was so much fun & my daughter absolutely loved it.

I would HIGHLY recommend going before the holiday so you can experience the beautiful holiday spirit. If that's not an option, just be prepared to wait in line, fight the crowds, and have the patience of a saint!

 

[#1 Pocahontas]

I have never been for Christmas day so I cant say what its like, but I have been right before Christmas many times.

We LOVE going right before Christmas. The decorations are fabulous! The lines are usually not very long either. For most rides the line is 20 minutes or less. (at least that is what we usually experience at that time). Its also value season. Who can beat that?!?

Anyway, I would sugest going before Christmas if you have worries about going for Christmas.