lesser of two evils crowd wise--Christmas break week?

[Mousefan mom]

We are only able to visit over Christmas break week for a possible Disney trip next year. We've done Spring breaks and summers before, so we are not new to Disney or Disney crowds--but can someone give advice on how bad it would be during Christmas-New Years (note this will be 2019-2020 so plenty of time to do ADR and FP, and we will stay with Disney for perks). We have a bit of flexibility between December 26-January 6th. If staying a week, would the earlier or later part be less crowded?

NYE with family--this will be post-Star Wars land opening, so I anticipate Hollywood might be the "place to be" that year, and we might be better suited for Epcot?

I'd plan 3 FP and probably just do 2 ADR a day, later breakfast/early lunch and later dinner?

Level with me though....how bad is it?

 

[Klayfish]

The week between Xmas and NYE is the busiest week of the year. We've done it twice, including last year. Never done first week of January. I've heard it's busy also, but not quite as busy as the prior week.

I know you probably were being tongue in cheek, but I'd say if you go in with the mindset of "lesser of two evils", you may not enjoy it. The key to enjoying it is just accepting it for what it is. It's busy...very busy. Especially MK. But it's the holidays, it's Disney. We had a blast, and I can't wait to go back and do it again.

 

[Moliphino]

It's the worst crowds of the year. Early January should be a little better than late December, I think. The week between Christmas and New Years is the absolute worst.

I've only ever been as late as December 23 and it was already getting unbearably crowded for me. I won't go past the second week of December anymore.

 

[HopperFan]

Our calendar isn't out yet but imagine it will be about the same. We return this year 2019 the 7th, next year 2020 anticipate the 6th. We did this week for years until the crowds became unacceptable. VERY large school system and all those around us are about the same ... and we are short driving distance to Disney. It is great weather, holiday has passed and kids are out of school. But I do think the first week of January will be better than the Christmas week .......... but I anticipate it will still be bad and will be worse than a spring break (which I have done last two years).

 

[Alesia]

You say that you're not new to Disney crowds, but you need to understand that spring break and summer crowds are nothing like Christmas crowds. It's not even close. Expect long lines for everything, including the bathrooms.

Personally, I wouldn't do 2 ts meals per day. Everything is going to take longer than you realize, so I wouldn't want to spend 4 hours per day in restaurants on top of that.

 

[nkereina]

I agree with PPs in that I would go later in the time frame mentioned. I also agree that I would NOT do 2 TS meals per day. I might only do 1 or 2 TS meals during the whole trip. Since everything will take longer, including the meals themselves, you won't want to waste valuable time doing 2 TS meals per day, which often isn't even advisable during less busy times. I would book maybe 1 or 2 character meals with must-see characters to avoid waiting in character meet lines, but that would probably be it.

Given that Christmas crowds are next level in terms of craziness, you might want to familiarize yourself with past years' reports. See about what time parks starter closing for capacity and what stage they were at. You'll likely need to adjust your strategy to accommodate this, even if it differs from how you'd normally tour the parks.

 

[Mousefan mom]

The week between Xmas and NYE is the busiest week of the year. We've done it twice, including last year. Never done first week of January. I've heard it's busy also, but not quite as busy as the prior week.

I know you probably were being tongue in cheek, but I'd say if you go in with the mindset of "lesser of two evils", you may not enjoy it. The key to enjoying it is just accepting it for what it is. It's busy...very busy. Especially MK. But it's the holidays, it's Disney. We had a blast, and I can't wait to go back and do it again.

I know what you are seeing about mindset. Don't get me wrong, I was being tongue in cheek. Every single time I've seen someone ask for advice for this week, the comments that follow are generally so negative "you must be nuts" I was trying to get rid of some of that, lol. I'm looking for real advice and perspective from people who have actually experienced it during this time of the year, as we do not have flexibility on time frame (not everyone can go during the school year, lol!).

Can someone who has done both give me a crowd wise perspective between Christmas/NY and Spring break Easter week? From what I understand the typical park capacity has happened more often during spring break than Christmas?

 

[Mousefan mom]

You say that you're not new to Disney crowds, but you need to understand that spring break and summer crowds are nothing like Christmas crowds. It's not even close. Expect long lines for everything, including the bathrooms.

Personally, I wouldn't do 2 ts meals per day. Everything is going to take longer than you realize, so I wouldn't want to spend 4 hours per day in restaurants on top of that.

My thinking was we would be able to dine without long lines like one would get at Counter service--and guaranteed a seat. You think it might be worse though? Good perspective.

 

[HopperFan]

I know what you are seeing about mindset. Don't get me wrong, I was being tongue in cheek. Every single time I've seen someone ask for advice for this week, the comments that follow are generally so negative "you must be nuts" I was trying to get rid of some of that, lol. I'm looking for real advice and perspective from people who have actually experienced it during this time of the year, as we do not have flexibility on time frame (not everyone can go during the school year, lol!).

Can someone who has done both give me a crowd wise perspective between Christmas/NY and Spring break Easter week? From what I understand the typical park capacity has happened more often during spring break than Christmas?

We have done both. It will be more crowded the Christmas/NYE week. In spring the breaks are somewhat scattered not all concentrated in one week. Also Christmas brings internationals who have long winter breaks.

My thinking was we would be able to dine without long lines like one would get at Counter service--and guaranteed a seat. You think it might be worse though? Good perspective.

My thought is all the attractions will have longer lines, FP+ day of will be harder so I wouldn’t want to waste the extra hours on a second TS. Personally I would book TS lunch to re-energize and break from crowds. Dinner QS, if you avoid peak, would be doable. I like flexibility at night to FP+ something extra or park hop ESPECIALLY busy times when a different park might have shorter wait times. And not be tied to 2nd FP+.

 

[nkereina]

My thinking was we would be able to dine without long lines like one would get at Counter service--and guaranteed a seat. You think it might be worse though? Good perspective.

I'm not the poster you quoted, but I agree with them. The TS meals may take slightly longer than normal just due to the volume, but even if it took the same amount of time, thats 60-90+ minutes twice a day you'll be sitting down dining. Given that standby wait times will by much higher than other times of year, likely bathroom waits, bus waits, store waits, etc., you'll want to maximize your time and TS meals are not conducive to that no matter the time of year. For any QS meals, you should at least be able to do mobile ordering which might help cut down on the wait time.

 

[Alesia]

I know what you are seeing about mindset. Don't get me wrong, I was being tongue in cheek. Every single time I've seen someone ask for advice for this week, the comments that follow are generally so negative "you must be nuts" I was trying to get rid of some of that, lol. I'm looking for real advice and perspective from people who have actually experienced it during this time of the year, as we do not have flexibility on time frame (not everyone can go during the school year, lol!).

Can someone who has done both give me a crowd wise perspective between Christmas/NY and Spring break Easter week? From what I understand the typical park capacity has happened more often during spring break than Christmas?

The last time a park hit maximum capacity was nearly a decade ago, so staged closures aren't a good way of comparing crowds. Disney doesn't release actual numbers, but Christmas crowds are noticably heavier than spring break crowds. Do a Google image search for "disney world christmas crowds" for an idea. I'm not trying to freak you out, but I think you should know what to expect.

 

[hakepb]

If possible, stay in an Epcot-area resort if you do NYE at Epcot. Walking back to your resort is sooooo much easier than anything else. A monorail Resort would be 2nd best. Of course, we don’t know what the gondola resorts will be like, yet.

I highly reccomend NYE at Epcot (did it this year) it’s a massive party consisting of party’s. (DJ’s or bands setup in different countries all blasting away), unlike any other Disney experiences. And, yes, Epcot’s NYE fireworks are really the best ones anytime of the year.
(It’s also crowded unlike anything else, with most restrooms having extended outdoor queues)


(I also reccomend MK on the 30th, same fireworks as NYE and it’s a smaller party with “only” 3 different DJ’s, but it’s fun walking around and also a exceptionaly great fireworks show)

The days after NYE should be less crowded, as wait times look lower.

The days from Christmas Eve to New Year’s Eve either need to be done as rope drop, or know you won’t do every ride, so be happy with your FP+ and a few others. (I do every major ride, but you don’t do a lot of repeats, etc.). I concentrate on having fun with family and not some check-of list of rides.

 

[nighttowll]

I haven’t been the week of Christmas, but I’ve been when crowds were very high before. I know it isn’t the same, but I just wanted to throw out a different perspective on the TS meals. The more crowded the parks are forecasted to be the more TS meals we like to do.

We aren’t wait in line people. Basically, when a line gets over 30 minutes long, we're not getting in it, so we really only ride if we can get a FP. If we go when we know it will be extra crowded, we try to plan to do non-waiting activities and try to plan as many ways as possible to get off the street and out of the crowds. Table service meals are one of those ways. We’d much prefer to sit inside and enjoy a long meal, then to be in a long line or fighting our way through the crowds on the sidewalk. It is a much more enjoyable use of our time to us. During less crowded times, we do less TS meals because we know we can actually fit a number of rides in, but when it’s crowded, I’d rather hide in a restaurant. I know I wouldn’t use the time to wait in a line anyway. I’m going to do whatever I can rope drop, my 3 FP, and then enjoy any other non waiting activities. I don’t really need to save time, I’m looking for ways to use it up. Doing 2 TS meals a day works for us when it’s crowded.

Everyone tours differently and has different priorities, so you just have to know what you are wanting to get out of the trip.

 

[JCMCM]

As someone who is also tied to the the school calendar, let me just chime in and say that I feel your pain! We almost always travel to WDW during the “worst” crowd times including Spring Break and Christmas. As far as a comparison, we found Christmas to be more crowded/hectic/crazy than Spring Break/Easter, noticeably so as NYE approaches. Your experience will vary based on your personal tolerances and expectations, but we’ve still had wonderful trips during those times!!

For what it’s worth, there are a couple things that make ultra high crowd times work for us (none of which are earth shattering) ...

Rope drop ... We typically hit the parks at the crack of dawn and are on our way out by the time crowds are becoming truly insane. After an early morning, we often schedule a table service meal in park or at a nearby resort around 11:00 or 11:30 and then head back to our resort for some downtime. I also sprinkle in some non RD days because my 13 year old can only take so much early rising.

Avoiding overload ... This will make commandos cringe, but we rarely spend more than 4 to 5 hours in a park at a stretch. Over the years we’ve discovered that’s about our personal limit for being around the crowds and, frankly, we’re no longer having fun past that point.

Non park fun ... Especially at Christmas, there’s TONS to do outside the parks that will “feel” less crowded and hectic. Think resort hopping to check out amazing Christmas decor, carriage rides at Ft. Wilderness to see the campsites all decked out, riding surrey bikes around the boardwalk, playing mini golf, etc. Some of our favorite memories are of times outside the parks.

Eat early ... To avoid delays at restaurants and have a quieter experience, we eat lunch around 11:00 and dinner around 5:30. Eating really late would probably work just as well, but I get hangry. LOL

Splurging ... To me, during high crowd times we totally get the value out of extras like dessert parties, swanky meals and tours. Free tours like the one at WL are also great.

Hope y’all have an amazing time!

 

[Gehrig1B]

OK, we do all of the above... In the last 3 years we have done Spring Break (not Easter), days before NYE but after Christmas Day and days after NYE.

I really do wonder how many of the negative comments come from people who have experienced these times and have first hand knowledge of what it is like. And pictures can be very deceiving because if you take a snapshot in time of Main Street mid-day or after fireworks of course it is going to look ridiculously crowded. Here is my take having recent experience with all of the mentioned times.

1) Most crowded will be week after Christmas through NYE. Only experienced one stage 2 closure during 3 visits. Nothing to worry about as you are on property. New Years' Day is not crowded by the way...
2) Least crowded and least enjoyable (heat and humidity) is Spring Break

Managing the crowds is the key for us. We never get in a stand by line of over 20 minutes. We always get 8-10 FP+ reservations per day and many more usually at MK. Use the MDE app to your advantage.

We have not found significant differences in wait times and dining times for ADRs. We have one per day, usually dinner. We now use mobile ordering for quick service so no standing in line for that either.

Our plans are of two types:

1) Morning EMH a park, FP+ rides 10-1:00, leave park for our resort or to see Christmas decor at other resorts, park hop for evening dinner continuing to use the app for rolling FPs.

2) Arrive in time for 1st FP, usually about 10:00, modify and ride as many as we can until park gets crowded (maybe 2:00), return to resort or resort hop, hit evening park with ADR and late EMH.

Generally speaking we usually leave the parks during the crowded times and try to make use of rope drop and EMH. We also stay at Wilderness Lodge and many nights will cap off the evening there before taking the short boat ride back to the hotel. You can get a lot done at MK while everyone else is waiting for and then enjoying Happily Ever After.

We have done NYE at all three parks. Epcot handles crowds best but don't even try to leave any of the parks immediately after the show. Wait an hour or more unless you can walk to your resort! Getting on the buses and monorail can be insane! Boats are a bit easier. We only do NYE at MK with a fireworks dessert party. You can see MK NYE fireworks on the 30th as well. They are amazing while riding BTMRR by the way! So this year we plan to do MK fireworks on the 30th and stick around for EMH and Epcot on the 31st with a late evening ADR. We do not nor do we find it necessary to camp out for hours holding a spot at Epcot...it just is not needed. It is a beautiful time at Disney and this year the crowds should be less as marathon weekend is the following week, unlike last couple years.

 

[Mome Rath]

I want to start by saying that I think everyone (that can easily afford it and knows they will be back to WDW at some point) should visit WDW at Christmas and/or NYE at least once in their life. It is nuts; you're not nuts for going then, but make no mistake the crowds are nuts... it's not crowded, it's packed. My lame old joke is that you can pick up your feet and still be moving around! lol The other thing; it is loud. Take NYE at EPCOT; loud, very very loud, music blaring, noise makers, people yelling to each other to be heard, etc...

You just have to plan more, and make sure you have an escape plan to take a break from crowds. You have to plan for odd weather (shorts one day perhaps, and the next day layers, sweaters, and maybe coats). You can't get as much done as you are used to in the same mount of time, it all just takes longer because of all the people. But it is fun, it's beautiful then, and I have memories from those particular trips that I'll never forget and I'm glad to have gone then. Would I say it's my favorite time to go and I'll go over and over at that time; no way. It is a unique experience, but wow, I get sick of packs of people. Some people thrive on the energy and love it, only going during that time of year! So, I think you have to experience it for you, but go into it excited, and with good planning but at the same time let yourself go with the flow.