Just Booked My Vacation!

[Thalia16]

Hi friends!

I just booked a trip to WDW for the end of 2018. This was kind of a surprise trip, considering I wasn't planning on going back to WDW until 2021.

Trip Details:
Dec. 26, 2018- Jan. 1, 2019
All-Star Music Resort
6 day 1 Park/per day tickets
Quick Service Dining Plan
Memory Maker

I've got a few questions that I'd like to use to help us plan.

I've been twice before- once in March, during Spring Break, and the second time was in mid-July. I know that I'm going to run into Christmas crowds, but this was the best time for my family. Is there a large difference between the sizes of the crowds? Does the cooler weather bring out more people?

We will be there for New Year's. It looks like MK, Epcot, and DHS are open until at least midnight for New Year's this year. What is the best park to be in to ring in the New Year?

If anyone has any tips they'd be willing to offer for navigating WDW over the holiday's, I'd love to hear it!

Thank you!

 

[Aflyingbuttress]

I Have not been there during Christmas week but my understanding is it's the busiest week of the year. So yes, it will bring out larger crowds. I believe New Years is THE busiest day. Crowd levels will be a 10 out of 10. Just plan well and accept the fact that it's crowded and it'll probably be fine. Disney is fun no matter what.

 

[siskaren]

I've been twice before- once in March, during Spring Break, and the second time was in mid-July. I know that I'm going to run into Christmas crowds, but this was the best time for my family. Is there a large difference between the sizes of the crowds? Does the cooler weather bring out more people?

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the week between Christmas and New Year's is the busiest week of the year. It's not the cooler weather, it's that, like for you, it's the best time for a lot of people, especially those with school-aged kids who don't want to take them out of school.

 

[Queen of the WDW Scene]

As stated its the busiest time of the year.
Take Spring Break and add 4th of July and then you have Xmas/NYE crowds.
It is total insanity.
3+ hour waits for certain rides.
Its wall to wall people.
They have tape on the ground in the middle of the walk ways and CM's directing traffic with light wands asking everyone to "stay to your right please stay to your right".
Bathrooms have to completely close down in order to be cleaned.
I have only been to MK on NYE and the 360 fireworks were pretty dang amazing.
It was a great trip still but I would only choose that time of year again if it was necessary.

 

[Oswin]

Take Spring Break and add 4th of July and then you have Xmas/NYE crowds.

I was trying to describe Christmas week crowds and couldn't think of a good descriptor. This is a perfect way to put it!

 

[BriLovesDisney]

The majority of people I've spoken to have said Christmas crowds are busy but not unmanageable. Book FastPasses for your must do rides and get to the parks early.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[JessicaW1234]

The majority of people I've spoken to have said Christmas crowds are busy but not unmanageable. Book FastPasses for your must do rides and get to the parks early.

Enjoy your trip!

Agree with this. You probably want to try to rope drop if you can to get your must do rides in!
We went at that time and the Christmas decorations are just beautiful! If you have time, ride the monorail over to the Grand Floridian and see the life sized gingerbread house.