Just how bad is Christmas week?

[mshanson3121]

The week between Christmas and New Years? Really, truly - how bad is it? How does it compare to say the week before 4th of July?

 

[AngiTN]

It's as bad as it gets at Disney
There is no week more crowded

 

[Disneylover99]

I've never been the week before July 4th, but I was there last year between Christmas and New Years.

If you go to any park for rope drop, you'll get lots done in the first few hours. If you show up later, you will have your 3 fp's to use and that's about it, unless you don't mind waiting in long lines.

 

[Alesia]

It is way, way busier than the 4th of July.

 

[csjordan]

The week between Christmas and New Years? Really, truly - how bad is it? How does it compare to say the week before 4th of July?

We were there this week last year and if you don't mind massive crowds, you will be fine. We hit rope drop every morning and took advantage of low crowds until late morning when the masses starting rolling in. On 12/30 we went TO Mk and were there at 6:45am. It really didn't get terribly crowded until 10:30-11. We ate lunch at The Plaza and then staked out a spot for the Christmas parade. After that, we went back to the hotel for a nap, and returned around 6:30, after dinner for both the fireworks that evening. We actually did get a lot done, given the crowds. On NYE at Epcot, we arrived just after opening and stayed the entire day until midnight fireworks. There were massive waits at closing for taxis and buses. Just pack patience. I would go back that week in heart beat. We are going the week OF Christmas this year. Take advantage of early mornings, eat early lunch, use FP's in the afternoon when it's most crowded. You'll be fine.

 

[MasterGracey84]

As Tiger would say, its Terribibble lol. Yet, I have gone the week before the week of Christmas and it is waaaaaay more manageable. Good luck

 

[steves100]

Was there last year. Because of fast pass things arent THAT bad. On Christmas day we had 4:30 reservations at Be Our Guest. Because we were done with fast pass, and because the park was closed due to crowds, we were afraid that if we left we couldnt get back in.

So.... we waited on line for The Jungle Cruise. 2 hour wait!

Just an FYI

 

[mickeyluv'r]

I have not been actually that week, but have survived a good number of holiday week visits (many Easters and Pres day weeks. Pres day week is pretty busy because it is ALSO usually the Daytona 500.)

It pays to use peripheral hours- everyone talks about early mornings, but we find LATE nights even more useful, except probably NYE.

Bear in mind, a majority of folks pick MK on the actual DAY of the holiday (MK or maybe Epcot). If sentiment = being in those two parks on Christmas and NYE, then keep in mind- you'll be following the worst of the crowds ALL WEEK. People generally rotate through the parks: MK, Epcot, HS, then (maybe) AK - then back to MK. (or in the case to that week - MK again on NYE.) MK will be bust all week, but you will do slightly bettter if you go to AK on Christmas, and MK the day after.

Alternately, if you must g to MK on Christmas, then you will do go out of pattern the rest of the week - and ALSO go to MK the day after Xmas, and plan AK on (or hopping on NYE).

But the real clincher of THAT week - Is super jacked up prices on EVERYTHING! You pay extra for food, double for a rental car, double for your hotel, etc. Price out a trip the second week of Jan, and you'll be floored! If at all possible, you would do well to bridge Xmas/NYE week and stay past Jan 4th when prices plummet. (maybe fly into MCO on December 27, 28 or 29.)

 

[Indio]

This......

 

[MickeyWaffles]

It is SO busy but our trip between Christmas and New Years was one of our favorites ever.

We have been to WDW many times so we didn't kill ourselves to get on every single ride. We took in the holiday sights and sounds, and for us, there was something festive about the crowds. Now we usually go for NYE or the week after NYE but we really did have a good time when we went right after Christmas. I would do it again sometime.

We did it pre-baby with all adults so I don't really want to deal with the stroller etc, and I'm more interested in efficiently riding rides with the kiddo. You just have to manage your expectations. I think with kids it would have been more challenging.

I also like Christmas shopping on Black Friday so crowds don't kill me

 

[cman]

I've seen a ton of these threads over the years. Look, it's as crazy busy as you could ever imagine. ..... but we had an unbelievable, magical time!
Set expectations, be flexible and soak it all in.

 

[lovndisney12]

I've seen a ton of these threads over the years. Look, it's as crazy busy as you could ever imagine. ..... but we had an unbelievable, magical time!
Set expectations, be flexible and soak it all in.

Ditto!

 

[kathy884]

Insane crowds. When there is a parade, you can't even figure out how to get through the crowds to another area of the park. The first two hours after rope drop are heavenly and then the madness starts. // Resorts are fine even if sold out, as everyone is at the parks. Sometimes you need to wait 30 minutes or more to be seated for your ADR. If offsite except for morning only drive somewhere when you need to. And pick breakfast places like Perkins if you don't want a long wait for dinner. // I only recommend this time of year for true Disney diehards. It's way too much for DH, and although I've been down five different Christmas weeks over the year, I doubt we'll do it again. // Seems the older I get the less I like the crazy crowds like this too.

 

[Alesia]

This......

That's Disneyland, but it's the same idea.

 

[mgentry210]

Never recommend for a first trip, but if you've experienced most rides, then this is a great trip. Just go in expecting to ride your fastpasses and seeing the holiday events. And yes the crowds are not like anything you have ever seen. Done christmas, thanksgiving, spring break, June. It's wall to wall people.

 

[aprincessatlast]

This......

meh It was like that for us on an October visit to DL!

// I only recommend this time of year for true Disney diehards. .

I often wonder if many diehard wdw fans (or diehard "disboard" fans) go during this time or if it is mostly newbies. Outside the generic blogs you really have to dig on sites like this one to find info on how to strategize on going during this time. I think most "disboard" fans just steer clear of going around this time as they know it will be insane and base that off reputation and price. Perhaps experience too. lol There is plenty of info on this site for going during free dining though.

 

[kandb]

This......

e

I wouldn't go for free with crowds like that!

 

[kandb]

I NEVER understand that people who have been that week say they had a great time. Is it just the ambiance? Obviously, it's not fun for getting to ride a lot of rides. Is it the parade and fireworks that are so great? I just don't get how people could be happy paying top dollar to enter the park when it is wall to wall people and only get to do 3 fp+ rides and if they want more rides they have to wait 2+ hours. What's so great about going and waiting hours to ride a ride or wait on line for lunch for an hour? I never understand how people could say it's "great" and really enjoyed it. Disney tickets are not cheap, how do you feel not ripped off when you can barely ride anything because the wait is 2-3 hours long? Someone explain.

 

[sbeets]

I'm going to MK on Christmas Day. I have 2 ADRs, FP for parade plus 2 other rides. I'm not expecting to get many rides done, I just want to enjoy the day.

 

[McKelly]

We've gone Xmas week a couple times. It feels like it gets busier closer to NYE. The days around Xmas 23-27 weren't too bad. Here's the thing - if I'm going to go during a busy time of year, I would rather it be a cooler time of year, like Xmas. July heat AND crowds=brutal. I would definitely go back that time of year. Love the 7am openings and Xmas atmosphere.