Just how bad is Christmas week?

[TiffanyA]

If you're on the fence, the lightweight umbrella stroller with a back strap is a good compromise. We had a Maclaren triumph like that and it was our most used stroller (including at Disney) because of the convenience factor. We also had a Bumbleride Indie that was great for walks in the park, but we would never try to navigate heavy crowds with it. IMO, I feel better safe than sorry and though I'd talk to my child about walking, I would bring something just in case. I'd probably look into one of those toddler carriers first though. Maybe something like the Boba 4G?

 

[PirateD]

we went last year from Dec 23-Dec 30 and had a great time! We used rope drop, late EMH and fast passes and never waited in a 2-3 hour long line. I went through and based on photos/time stamps, this was our Christmas Day at MK. Other than getting people up and out the hotel door, we were not running or a commando type pace, but we did have a plan mapped out so no standing around wondering what to do. Our youngest was 5, so we were at his pace.

7am left our room and walked to MK from Contemporary
walked up main st, looked at some store window displays, tried to find a photopass photog but didn't
7:55 we were on Buzz Lightyear according to ride photo
8:04 Space Mt (ride photo time stamp)
8:08 we rode Space Mt again! (ride photo time stamp)
8:10 Astro Orbiter So cool Christmas morning in Santa Hats flying high above the MK!
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8:16 we found a photog and got our Castle picture in the bump out on the bridge to Tomorrowland

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Headed across the park, but Pirates was down.
bathroom break Pirates area, love these!
8:37 rode Big Thunder Mt
normally we wouldn't back track the park like this, but we were trying to get everyone's favorites in that day...
9:05 Space Mt fast pass used (8:30-9:30 window)
Bathroom break outside of Space Mt
9:38 Tried Pirates again but the ride went down again at some point while we were in line, so we left the line at 10:00
10:05 checked in at CRT, met Cindy in the lobby at 10:15, seated upstairs at 10:25, Breakfast at 10:40-after 11
bathroom break at CRT before we left
11:40 Raft to Tom Sawyer Island--we'd never been over there before, kids had a blast running around exploring,
we sat and watched the crowds build in Frontierland, heard and saw the tops of the parade floats.
bathroom break on the Island
12:20 headed back on the raft
12:53 BTM had a 115 min posted wait, used our fastpass for the 12:20-1:20 window. according to a selfie time stamp we were seated on the train at 1:03.
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Splash Mt next. We went there after BTM and used our fast pass for the 1:25-2:25 window.
1:38 is the time stamp on our ride photo for Splash Mt.

We liked the strategy of going towards the end of one fast pass window and then the beginning of the next to get two rides in nearly back to back.
got some popcorn in Frontierland, then headed out of the park. Took a photo of the large Christmas tree at the park front at 2 pm. Walked back to Contemp. Yes it was crowded, but the CMs do a good (militant) job of keeping paths open for movement.

Hung out in our room, had a few presents to open, then had dinner at 630 at the Wave. In hindsight I would have preferred room service or bring QS back to the room rather than a buffet.
Watched Wishes from our balcony at 9.

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Didn't once feel ripped off or think about money, just soaked in the magic of Disney and Christmas! Now that being said, this was a likely once in a lifetime trip for 20th Anniversary, and we had "free" dining which we made the most of, especially with 2 kids that are "adults" at Disney and character meals.

I would be happy to share our actual touring accomplishments on the other days as well if it helps people plan.

Thanks for sharing. It's very helpful!

Basically the same for us.

Rope drop those 7 am MK openings. We crush the first 2-3 hours of the day, usually hitting 15+ attractions in that time. We will have a late breakfast or early lunch ADR around 11ish, FPs scheduled for after we eat. Then we can go back to the resort and rest, or stay in the park doing other less crazy things, like shopping, Tom Sawyer island, country bears, etc. We will do a dinner ADR around 6 and then stay as late as we want afterward.

We are planning a similar schedule. I hope it works well for us!

We're planning 14 nights in 45 days! Our general outline is morning rope drop/EMH with either early prior to opening or around 10-11am...fastpasses revolve around lunch which is usually in the same park. We have open time between out lunch/fastpasses and dinnet which is usually at a resort on most days. During this time I expect to be heading back to the room for naps and relaxing...until we head back out for dinner and possible late night park fun if we feel up to it.

We decided to revolve our fast passes at MK so that we ride/see as much as possible rather than fastpassing the same popular rides all the time...as such we never repeat fastpasses. But we figured at least that way we'd ride/see the majority, if not all of, the attractions at least once. One of us has never been before and the rest of us have been a lot.

We also have the deluxe dining plan. And while we love it, we tried to contemplate leaving it at the free regular dining plan but when I thought about wasted time in line with other people all over the place then wandering to find a place to eat, we decided sit down dining was the way to go for maximum enjoyment.

We are upgrading to Annual Passes when we get there too so we can feel free to come and go as much or as little as we feel like.

We are expecting crazy busy but for us this is the best time right now for out family to get as much of a vacation as possible without someone having to miss out on something at home so there was no choice. We have been before Christmas and after New Years before but never over the holidays. So while we love to do it all, we know we might have a much more resort friendly trip than we usually do. We're planning to go with the flow except for our ADRs and FP+ and see what comes of it.

We did the same thing with our FP+ in choosing to schedule many different attractions knowing then that we would get to ride everything we love at least once. We are planning to hit EMH too so hopefully we will be able to ride our favorites 2-3 times by the end of the week.

 

[LuvDaisy&Minnie]

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?

I LOVE Disney, but you could probably not pay me to go back that week. I thought, it can't be that bad, can it? Well it was. We did have a good time, but got to do sooo much less even with longer hours. And we are rope drop people. And we literally were walking on peoples heels....because we had to. Well, I MIGHT go if someone paid me, but that would be the only reason! I would recommend avoiding it if at all possible. We went this year right after school was out at end of May/beginning of June and it was much more pleasant. I mean, it is REALLY crowded between Christmas and New Years...did I say that already? And I love Christmas and have no recollection of the decorations?!? Not even sure I could see them...

 

[Oswin]

I've been for the 4th of July and for the week between Christmas and New Years. I can say that the week between Christmas and New Years felt twice as busy as it did on July 4 (if not even more than that) and July 4 felt pretty busy. I wouldn't recommend that week for first time visitors but if you've been before you can make a reasonable list of must dos and make them your FP+ selections to ensure that you get to do them. Make ADR times so you can get a small break away from wall to wall people. The most important thing is to have a very realistic understanding of what the crowds will be like. The picture someone posted earlier looks like it's in Frontierland, and it's not an exaggeration of how the parks will be. That being said, some of my happiest memories growing up are visiting Disney on the week between Christmas and New Years. It's insanely busy, but it's all worth it on Dec 31 when everyone's gathered together for the fireworks. The atmosphere just can't be beat that night.

 

[marciemi]

So how long does it take to get INTO the park? If we're off the monorail at 8:30, how long will we wait in line to get into the park? Any ideas?

Are you coming from one of the monorail resorts? Or driving in? We came in last year on Christmas Day about 8:30 (driving in - we're local and were coming more for the ambience and lunch at BOG and just to say we did it!). We were backed up on driving in from shortly after where the cars broke off for Epcot on World Drive so it took a LONG time to even get through the tollbooths. After that it really wasn't that bad - made sure we didn't need to go through bag check but monorail lines were reasonable (and they were running buses as well). Once we got to the park I don't remember it taking longer to get in than normally arriving a couple hours after park opening (which is basically what we were doing with a 7am opening). But of course they had every available tapstile open and were doing all they could to make things go smoothly. Would I do it again? Well, I have a 9:30am BOG ADR for our family of 5 on December 25th so I guess so!

 

[Carriemel]

Three words.

Crotch. To. Crack.

 

[kandb]

Three words.

Crotch. To. Crack.

 

[LuvDaisy&Minnie]

If you're able to push a stroller in crowds like this, go for it.

This is no exaggeration! And it was even like this that week at Animal Kingdom!!

 

[kathy884]

Everyone is different in terms of crowd tolerance too. My extended family are Disney diehards and like to go whenever there is the opportunity crowded time or not. My dad was telling me about going to the MK for the millennium, and they didn't get out of the park and back to the condo till 5 a.m. Sure it was crowded, but dad said that it was one of the most incredible experience of his life, and he's so glad he did it. // My immediate family (especially DH) are the kind of family who should skip WDW at Christmas lol.

 

[sbeets]

Are you coming from one of the monorail resorts? Or driving in? We came in last year on Christmas Day about 8:30 (driving in - we're local and were coming more for the ambience and lunch at BOG and just to say we did it!). We were backed up on driving in from shortly after where the cars broke off for Epcot on World Drive so it took a LONG time to even get through the tollbooths. After that it really wasn't that bad - made sure we didn't need to go through bag check but monorail lines were reasonable (and they were running buses as well). Once we got to the park I don't remember it taking longer to get in than normally arriving a couple hours after park opening (which is basically what we were doing with a 7am opening). But of course they had every available tapstile open and were doing all they could to make things go smoothly. Would I do it again? Well, I have a 9:30am BOG ADR for our family of 5 on December 25th so I guess so!

We have the same ADR, and coming from the GF. Glad you're coming in for another year. That reassures me.

 

[txfigment]

The fireworks at MK on NYE are magical and make the trip worth it. Just don't expect to be able to do everything and know there will be a lot of waiting.

 

[parith1114]

By far the busiest I've ever seen. I vowed never again. Poking my eyes out would have been more enjoyable. Seriously, we had an awful trip...
All that said, we are coming back this year the week before Christmas. I expect the crowd levels to be similar, so we are changing things up a bit. We plan on doing the parks early and doing 1st time things later in the day. We have more down time scheduled and my expectations are more reasonable this time. I'm really hoping making these changes will make all the difference. We simply couldn't not see the Osborne lights ONE MORE TIME!

 

[AngiTN]

By far the busiest I've ever seen. I vowed never again. Poking my eyes out would have been more enjoyable. Seriously, we had an awful trip...
All that said, we are coming back this year the week before Christmas. I expect the crowd levels to be similar, so we are changing things up a bit. We plan on doing the parks early and doing 1st time things later in the day. We have more down time scheduled and my expectations are more reasonable this time. I'm really hoping making these changes will make all the difference. We simply couldn't not see the Osborne lights ONE MORE TIME!

That is what got us to brave crowds I would usually avoid. We leave the 22nd so I'm really hoping it's manageable during our stay too. We plan early days and don't have a lot on our agenda. Thankfully we've had 5 trips this year so it's not like we are desperate to do anything special, other than the lights

 

[Jaime4004]

We've been many times that week, but it was before FP+ and we stayed offsite, so that changes things some. But we always had a great time, that's why we kept returning. As a PP said, we'd prefer heavy crowds in cooler weather than almost heavy crowds in super hot weather. We wound arrive by RD and leave after lunch. Sometimes coming back at night. Avoid EMH parks. We would get quite a lot done in the first few hours. But we had been many times and it wasn't a problem to miss some things. If it was a once in a lifetime trip, I would probably avoid that week because it would be much more difficult to see everything. I remember in the MK one day, we were trying to line up for POTC and the line was forming faster than we could get to the end of it. Decided that was a good time to leave for the day
Edited to add that we are half-day park people, not morning til evening commandos, so the crowds wouldn't have changed our trip. If we normally would go all day but had to leave mid day because they crowds were too much to handle, then I would feel ripped off.

 

[pavicich]

We don't plan to go into the park that day until dinner. Then have FP for Wishes, the Parade and 7DMT. Between that and the ambiance it will be more than a perfect end to a great day

 

[mshanson3121]

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

And that's what it would look like all the days,or just the biggies like Christmas Day, New Year's Day? We'd be looking at Dec 28/16 - Jan 4/17 (and that's a huge IF as I'm not sure I can handle the crowds. Otherwise it will be summer 2017)

 

[mshanson3121]

It is insanely busy. DD gets overwhelmed with crowds..she doesn't act out, but withdraws. I would never in a million years take her to wdw over christmas. IIRC you had concerns for your summer trip about sensory issues with one of your children. I would not ever take a child with sensory issues to Disney over Christmas if there were *any* other option. It is a recipe for disaster.

Yes, our son has Sensory Processing Disorder, our daughter has Autism. We used a Disability card which of course really helps out with the concerns on wait times, but our son did find the noise of Disney overwhelming. We used earplugs for him 100% of the time, and then sometimes used headphones on top of that. Crowds don't bother him at least, just the noise. Then again, next time he/we will also have a bit better idea of what to expect and can prepare him better. DD on the other hand can get overwhelmed with crowds. She won't melt down but withdraws into herself. She'll still have fun, but she'll be clingy. That said, she handled the July crowds really well. But yes, definitely something to consider. I'm really not sure we'd consider Christmas at all. Dunno.

 

[mshanson3121]

Finally got caught up and read all replies. I think no way, no how. DH teaches, so our only options are summer and Christmas (he doesn't get a spring break). And I think I'd take the heat over the crowds like that! I can see it just being one big cranky disaster, lol.

 

[PlutoTheDog89]

My family has been going every year since 2009 (except 2011.)

Is it crowded? Yes, it's very crowded.
Is it a terrible cringe-worthy time? Absolutely not. It is what you make of it.

It gets very crowded right around 10 or 11am. The wait times will be astronomical and it'll be hard to navigate the more popular areas of the parks. But to say it's "terrible" or a bad time is wrong. It's one of the most magical, incredibly experiences and I wouldn't trade in that one week for anything.

If you plan correctly, you can have a really enjoyable time. My family uses FP+ and EMH to our advantage and we take a break in the afternoon - when the park is the most crowded.

It's unfortunate that too many people are turned away due to reading negative opinions based on crowds. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but when you really break it down - most are in a warmer climate, away from work, and in the happiest place on earth for the week. For my family, it feels like Christmas goes longer. Most people wake up on 12/26 and return to their normal lives. They go back to work, or part ways with their family and loved ones - my family wakes up and goes to the parks, where it still feels like Christmas. Our Christmas lasts a week long.

 

[PlutoTheDog89]

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.

This is very true. It seems like many people go from ~12/22 or 12/23 through 12/26... then the parks see a lull (comparatively speaking) and it picks up again on 12/27 and 12/28 through NYE.