Is it worth it for Christmas?

[flexsmom]

Yes, the points are high, but other than that, is it worth it to haul gifts and Christmas "stuff" down to WDW with small kids? Are the parks super full? All of the attendance charts I see indicate that occupancy is at a year-round high during the holidays. Seems like it would be fun to try once someday with other family, but I'm interested in hearing opinions of people who have been there/done that?

Thanks!
Carol

 

[Merilyn]

The year we went, we were there until the day after Christmas. We were there when things were rather quiet. The week between Christmas and New Years is really busy. We drove down and took a small Christmas tree and presents. Yes, it is worth it. Everything is so pretty and everyone should be there at least once for Chrismtas. We didn't like the warm weather, but most would if they are from a cold climate. We were in BWV and it is just magical at Christmas. I think you would really enjoy it.

 

[PamOKW]

We didn't like the warm weather

That's not necessarily a guarantee at Christmas. My first Christmas the temp Christmas morning was 25 and we had to scrape a thin layer of ice off the windshield. (I was NOT expecting that.) The other Christmas trip we had daytime temps in the 70-high 80 range.

I haven't done it with small children but I do think there is something very special about Christmas Week at WDW --- even though the crowds are outrageous.

 

[WOW]

We always felt the same way---carting all the presents there, decorating a tree there....We solved that problem by going the day or the second day after Christmas and stayed for New Years Eve. That worked good for us.....

 

[lenshanem]

We're leaving the day before Christmas Eve so we can get back in time for Santa! We'll always go during thsi time cause it is good for the school calender, but we'll either go before Christmas Eve or after Christmas Day. The kids right now just enjoy putting out reindeer food in the yard, cookies out for Santa, etc. I think it woudl eb VERY hard to do Santa whiel at WDW. Maybe when they older... Course, how long do they belive anymore?!? If I'm lucky I'll have at least a few more years.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Originally posted by lenshanem
...I think it woudl eb VERY hard to do Santa whiel at WDW. Maybe when they older... Course, how long do they belive anymore?!? If I'm lucky I'll have at least a few more years.

Hey... Just what are you saying here?

All kidding aside, I would love to be there for X-Mas. We will be there for X-Mas as soon as my schedule allows.

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

We're thinking about arriving the day after X-mas, I figured it would give us enough of the X-mas time at WDW and we'd get to spend the actual day with family at home. I LOVE Disney at Christmastime!

 

[colleen costello]

We went 10 years ago at Xmas, while I was pregnant with #1. I wanted to buy Disney baby clothes but didn't know if Erin was a girl yet (she was!)... Anyway, it was wonderful, but I knew it would be my last WDW Xmas for a long time. Christmas is stressful for mommies of small kids -- lots of big expectations -- and hubby and I agreed we won't go til the kids are bigger. When they are teens and just ask for Christmas "cash gifts," we'll go. That said, the decorations alone are worth the trip... I remember the tree at the Grand Floridian was awesome!

 

[zurgswife]

We are doing the whole shabang.....I have a 4ft christmas tree (I purchased at Target for $12 after Christmas), when we put away our oranaments last year we boxed up the non breakable ones we wanted to take this year, and we boxed up lights. I have already begun pre shopping.....DD6 and DS9 are still full fledge santa bellievers and we will be writing letters to santa regarding our temporary residence this year.....

I can't wait!!!!!

I realize it is extremely crowded but we are there for 2 weeks so I'm not too worried...but the decorations, special Christmas programs are soo wonderful I chomping at the bit to get there...

 

[lenshanem]

zurgswife, do ya'll drive? How are you going to keep the presents hidden?

 

[gazeborob]

We are heading down on Christmas Eve morning. Luckly my kids are old enough that we don't have to do the whole santa thing. We will have Christmas before we go, and take the stockings with us for Christmas morning. We have never been at at Christas before, and may never do it again, but we feel it is something to do at least once. We don't care about the crouds since we go quite often. Christmas with millions of friends, what could be better?

Rob

 

[Deb & Bill]

Last year we bought all smaller sized presents and packed them in a suitcase. It worked great. Another year, we only brought the smaller ones and left a note from Santa saying to check under the tree at home when we got home.

 

[chiclet]

This will be our first trip for Christmas and first trip with the kids.

DD6 sent a letter to Santa several months ago asking if this year, instead of toys, he could give her (and her 2yr old brother) a trip to Disney World.

We are leaving on the 23rd so I'll be coming up with some kind of special delivery from the North Pole, or, had considered having Santa give her a special envelope when we go for pictures at the mall.

We'll be staying at BCV ,our first trip home since becoming DVC members in August. I'll probably pack some stockings (Disney ones of course!) to have Santa fill for Christmas. I think it's going to be great, in spite of the crowds!

 

[sanddune]

This Christmas is our third year going. The kids think it's the only place for Christmas!We drive down.The gifts go into the suitecases and the clothes go into garbage bags. My now 9 year old looked in the garbage bags to see if the gifts were in the bag! HA!HA! fooled yah! (by the way I have 3 boys 12,9,5)