Looking for Answers...

[permavac]

Hi there - I am hoping some knowledgeable campers can help me out. My DH and I are embarking on 2 firsts this December: 1) Staying at Fort Wilderness in our camper van and 2) Going to DW during the Christmas/New Year's time frame. I have a lot of planning to do and many questions:

1. Does anyone know the size of the picnic tables? We have a Tent/Pop-Up site reserved. We are bringing a 10x10 shelter and want to put it over the picnic table and are hoping there is room for our 2 lounge chairs as well.

2. We're going to be there for quite a while so we'll have some time in January when the parks aren't a madhouse. Do any of you avoid the parks during the Christmas/New Years week even though you are at the campground? If so, what do you do instead? Is there enough going on at the campground to hang for a week without trying to brave the crowds? Or do you go to the parks anyway? We're thinking of skipping the parks for the holidays and going the first week of January.

3. We will be relying on the bus service to get around. We do want to see some of the decorations at the resorts which means taking a bus to a park then taking another bus to the resort. What should we expect? The worst wait times of our lives (like 2 hours each way)? We have numerous trips under our belts but the majority of the time we go when it's slow - we are used to near-empty to moderately crowded parks. I am under no illusions and realize we've never seen the parks like they will be at Christmas - just wondering if bus service is along the same lines?

4. Lastly and probably a dumb question, but when do those Osbourne lights get turned on? Can you see anything during the day or do you have to go at night? We would like to see them but on the other hand, our strategy (if we decide to do a park during the week of madness) would be to go early and leave early. If we had to tough it out the entire day it might put us off Disney forever Also, when do they stop them? Can we still see them the first week of January? If so, that's a no-brainer time to go for us.

Thanks so much anyone and everyone for any help you can provide. I would also love to hear any other tidbits you might offer up for enjoying the World during this time of year. It's just me and the DH - we don't have kids. Really looking forward to this trip!

Terri

 

[2goofycampers]

A 10x10 should work fine

I would /do skip the Dec crowds in the parks. We can find things to do at The Fort forever, a golf cart really helps in this area.

You can take a boat to The CR and hop the monorail for the lake resorts. The others a bus to DTD and a bus to the resort or bus to Epcot/DHS and walk to close by resorts.

Osborne lights,,,,,2010 SEASON:
November 8, 2010 -January 3, 2011

 

[Thumper_ehhhhh]

We have been there for Christmas 2 times. Once a long time ago without kids and last Christmas with our kids. Dec 13 to the 20th was good not long on the line ups and people were in a great mood. From dec 20th to the 26th it was a freeking zoo. Which isnt bad except people in general were too pushy and impatent. Some of the parents were tring to cram 3 weeks of vacation into a few days and were down right miserable. My wife and I felt sorry for there kids but had a chuckle at them. I will not go that week again or between Christmas to Newyears. Early dec is good as you still get christmas without the the mad rush. If you plan on going during the rush be aware its going to be crazy so just relax and enjoy watching all the crazy people lol Osborne light if it is wet odds are it isnt going to be working 100% Thats what we noticed last year.

 

[permavac]

A 10x10 should work fine

...The others a bus to DTD and a bus to the resort or bus to Epcot/DHS and walk to close by resorts...

Already benefiting! I already knew this (we stay at BWV all the time) BUT I completely forgot that we could just walk to Boardwalk/Yacht Club from DHS. That will help on NYE since we have dining reservations at BW.

...Osborne lights,,,,,2010 SEASON:
November 8, 2010 -January 3, 2011

January 3rd it is then!

...From dec 20th to the 26th it was a freeking zoo. Which isnt bad except people in general were too pushy and impatent...

If it's one thing we can't stand it's pushy and impatient people (i.e. why we "usually" go in the "off" seasons), so sounds like 2 votes for no parks so far...

Thanks and please keep 'em coming!

Terri

 

[LarryJ]

Hi there - I am hoping some knowledgeable campers can help me out. My DH and I are embarking on 2 firsts this December: 1) Staying at Fort Wilderness in our camper van and 2) Going to DW during the Christmas/New Year's time frame. I have a lot of planning to do and many questions:

1. Does anyone know the size of the picnic tables? We have a Tent/Pop-Up site reserved. We are bringing a 10x10 shelter and want to put it over the picnic table and are hoping there is room for our 2 lounge chairs as well.

The picnic tables in the non premimum sites are regular sized.

2. We're going to be there for quite a while so we'll have some time in January when the parks aren't a madhouse. Do any of you avoid the parks during the Christmas/New Years week even though you are at the campground? If so, what do you do instead? Is there enough going on at the campground to hang for a week without trying to brave the crowds? Or do you go to the parks anyway? We're thinking of skipping the parks for the holidays and going the first week of January.

Don't bother with MK on Xmas or New Years eve, but go to the fireworks at MK on either the 30th or 31st since they are dual displays both from behind the castle and from an island/barge in Bay Lake.

3. We will be relying on the bus service to get around. We do want to see some of the decorations at the resorts which means taking a bus to a park then taking another bus to the resort. What should we expect? The worst wait times of our lives (like 2 hours each way)? We have numerous trips under our belts but the majority of the time we go when it's slow - we are used to near-empty to moderately crowded parks. I am under no illusions and realize we've never seen the parks like they will be at Christmas - just wondering if bus service is along the same lines?

You can take a boat to the MK and then catch a monorail to visit the 3 Bay Lake Resorts. The GF is great. You can also take a boat to visit the WL which has a fantastic fireplace. If you've never been it's worth going to AS restort during the day to look at the themed statutes.

4. Lastly and probably a dumb question, but when do those Osbourne lights get turned on? Can you see anything during the day or do you have to go at night? We would like to see them but on the other hand, our strategy (if we decide to do a park during the week of madness) would be to go early and leave early. If we had to tough it out the entire day it might put us off Disney forever Also, when do they stop them? Can we still see them the first week of January? If so, that's a no-brainer time to go for us.

Already answered.

Thanks so much anyone and everyone for any help you can provide. I would also love to hear any other tidbits you might offer up for enjoying the World during this time of year. It's just me and the DH - we don't have kids. Really looking forward to this trip!

Terri

Larry

 

[BradyBz12]

Sounds like you already have realistic expectations of Christmas week crowds, but in case it's helpful, here's my standard schpiel...

This past year MK closed 4 days Christmas week - almost always around 11-11:30 a.m. On 3 days it reopened around 3-3:30, the other day was NYE and it reopened at 9:30pm

HS and AK both closed one day each - pretty close to the same times. I didn't read any reports of EP closing.

You're definitely in better shape staying onsite, and this is good info to have...

The turnstile master computer at each park keeps track of both entries and exits. When a park capacity closes (which is done in stages) there has to be a certain number of people exiting, with the total "in park" below a certain number, before they start allowing people in again.

I am low enough on the totem pole that I have no idea what these numbers are.

There are four stages to park closing:

Stage 1 - The parking lot entrance is closed. You can only access the park if you are using Disney Transportation.

Stage 2 - The ticket windows are all closed (and the automated Ticket Vending Machines are turned off). Unless you already have a ticket you cannot get in.

Stage 3 - Only people with Annual Passes or current Resort IDs will be allowed in.

Stage 4 - Nobody is allowed in.

Note - having restaurant reservations in a park, even with written proof, will not override a stage closing for you.

Also, if you are staying at a Disney owned and operated Resort and have a ticket, you are guaranteed entry into A park. Not necessarily the one you want (unless you want to go into AK). And if you have entered and left a park and do not have a hopper you may not get into anything.

Have a wonderful trip!

 

[retired and happy]

Staying at the Fort you have more options for making your own schedule. If you feel like loafing or looping do it. If you feel like a Park, do it. If the crowds are too great, go back at another time. As for Osborne, you can see where lights are strung in the day time, but none of the effect of the lit display. We always go for three weeks at Christmas and New Years. We rarely go to the parks on Christmas, but may take a boat ride or monorail ride just to see how busy things are. And don't forget you can see fireworks and the Water Parade from the beach at the Fort...a popular evening passtime. If you can get reservations, the Hoop Dee Doo Review at Pioneer Hall is an entertaining show with a lot of food available.

 

[permavac]

The "quote" option doesn't seem to be working for me right now so:

Thanks for the picnic table info Larry - when you say "regular" sized do you know the actual measurements? If I can't get the measurements before we go I will bring a tape measure for anyone else who is curious

Thanks BradyBz12 - I can't even IMAGINE the parks being so full of people that they actually have to close. The horror! How does anyone stand it? Can you even walk down the street at that point or does everyone just stand around blocking each other via gridlock?

Thanks retired and happy - so - what do you think of your monorail/boat rides? Did you wait in enormous lines to get on either one?

Thanks all for the follow up help! I am getting a clearer picture and it still sounds like we won't brave the parks - but who knows - maybe we will set aside ONE day that week for the sheer thrill of the terror

Terri

 

[ftwildernessrick]

I just want to add this - If we go into the parks (usually MK) on Christmas Eve/ Christmas Day or New Years Eve / New years Day, it is just to see what is all going on and to eat somewhere we have ressies. We don't even attempt to ride anything, unless, by freak accident, we go by a ride with no line and just hop on it.

 

[BradyBz12]

I am getting a clearer picture and it still sounds like we won't brave the parks - but who knows - maybe we will set aside ONE day that week for the sheer thrill of the terror

Or if you're night owls, it isn't unheard of for MK to be open into the wee hours during busy times - you could pop in after midnight when the crowds are likely to have died down a bit (except NYE of course).

We actually have one day on our upcoming trip where MK closes at midnight AND has EMH which means the park is open until 3am!

We are SO gonna be there just to say we were in the MK at 3am.

 

[permavac]

I just want to add this - If we go into the parks (usually MK) on Christmas Eve/ Christmas Day or New Years Eve / New years Day, it is just to see what is all going on and to eat somewhere we have ressies. We don't even attempt to ride anything, unless, by freak accident, we go by a ride with no line and just hop on it.

Well, now I am leaning towards definitely trying to go to a park twice during that week - maybe one day NOT on a holiday but skedaddling VERY quickly and then maybe Epcot for New Years - go in early and leave early.

Or if you're night owls, it isn't unheard of for MK to be open into the wee hours during busy times - you could pop in after midnight when the crowds are likely to have died down a bit (except NYE of course)...

We are DEFINITE night owls and I think we will be there during a MK 3am closing night. We could head over at midnight to see what we can see... Is that a mad rush at that time or do you find that more people are leaving than going?

So morbid curiosity might win out over common sense yet! Thanks and please keep 'em coming - still interested in hearing about experiences involving the sheer volume of people - any gridlock? And is it worse on the actual holidays (i.e. Xmas & New Years Eve) but slightly better before and after or the same all week? How about wait times for transportation - buses, monorail, boats? As crazy as the parks?

Terri

 

[LarryJ]

Below is what we faced at MK at high noon on 31 Dec 2007 on the bridge between Frontierland and Advertureland

Larry

 

[kaguilbeau]

Below is what we faced at MK at high noon on 31 Dec 2007 on the bridge between Frontierland and Advertureland

Larry

Ugh, that does NOT look like fun to me

 

[kaguilbeau]

I like to read peoples trip reports to get an idea of what it is like during a particular time frame.

You could probably find some on the Trip Report section of this board for people that went over Christmas/New Years of last year.

Funny, though, one person will describe mad and crazy crowds, while the another person will have a different perspective.

 

[BradyBz12]

We are DEFINITE night owls and I think we will be there during a MK 3am closing night. We could head over at midnight to see what we can see... Is that a mad rush at that time or do you find that more people are leaving than going?

No firsthand experience, but I honestly can't believe the place is wall-to-wall that late. For starters, the majority of the little munchkins will have pooped out hours before.

Below is what we faced at MK at high noon on 31 Dec 2007 on the bridge between Frontierland and Advertureland

Larry

That said, I've already told DH that if the world doesn't end in 2012 we're gonna be at WDW for Christmas. Even if it means we walk in, stand on Main Street, shuffle up to the castle, then shuffle back to the exits.

I like to read peoples trip reports to get an idea of what it is like during a particular time frame.

I know there are a few personal accounts kicking around on the Theme Parks board. I have one or 2 bookmarked at home. I'll forward when I get a chance.

But from reading them, I'd say that photo and reports of level 4 closures at 11 am sums things up pretty well.

 

[Thumper_ehhhhh]

Oh we have been there until closing emh and I will tell you its still packed. Alot of park hopper people that goto other parks during the day head there after all the ppl who stay off site get the boot.

 

[retired and happy]

We rarely have a problem getting on a boat and never a problem on the monorail. Of course we are somewhat late-to-the- park/early-back-to-the-Fort people, so we may avoid many of the rush hour problems. Our daughter has gone into MK during extended hours a couple of times with relatively small crowds. Most of our bus problems have come as parks close and we need to get three wheelchairs back to FW. A monorail/ferryboat/launch ride back from EPCOT is a treat for our kids and rarely crowded unless we hit MK at closing.

 

[permavac]

Below is what we faced at MK at high noon on 31 Dec 2007 on the bridge between Frontierland and Advertureland

Larry

Yikes! On the one hand, this is exactly what I expected but, on the other, Yikes!

Thanks for the graphic photo Larry - if anything can knock some sense into us it would be this

Terri

 

[LarryJ]

Yikes! On the one hand, this is exactly what I expected but, on the other, Yikes!

Thanks for the graphic photo Larry - if anything can knock some sense into us it would be this

Terri

The really bad thing was that nothing was moving and it took like 10 to 15 min to get to the head of that gridlock from where the pic was taken. We went into the park and did nothing, but try and get back out and go back to the CG.

Larry

 

[permavac]

...Funny, though, one person will describe mad and crazy crowds, while the another person will have a different perspective.

I know! But, if I'm being honest with myself, even with all the descriptions in the world I'm sure it will seem like "crazy" crowds to us if we go.

...Even if it means we walk in, stand on Main Street, shuffle up to the castle, then shuffle back to the exits.

And here is my general expectation too I guess what I'm doing is preparing myself for this and then the visit won't be so bad. We definitely don't do commando anymore anyway so it's not like I expect 10 rides under our belts in an hour I just wanted to make sure that we're not STUCK - not moving arms or legs for an hour or two - THAT is definitely off the to do list!

But from reading them, I'd say that photo and reports of level 4 closures at 11 am sums things up pretty well.

Exactly!

Oh we have been there until closing emh and I will tell you its still packed. Alot of park hopper people that goto other parks during the day head there after all the ppl who stay off site get the boot.

Yes - we used to do the park hopping late at night and some nights, no one would be around, but others would be crammed full. Guess it depends on the time of year and with THIS time of year I'm guessing it will be pretty bad.

We rarely have a problem getting on a boat and never a problem on the monorail. Of course we are somewhat late-to-the- park/early-back-to-the-Fort people, so we may avoid many of the rush hour problems. Our daughter has gone into MK during extended hours a couple of times with relatively small crowds. Most of our bus problems have come as parks close and we need to get three wheelchairs back to FW. A monorail/ferryboat/launch ride back from EPCOT is a treat for our kids and rarely crowded unless we hit MK at closing.

Good to know! Our strategy will DEFINITELY include skipping park closings at all costs!

Thanks again everyone! The picture is getting clearer. This is going to be one heck of a visit for us - maybe a good trip report title if I ever decide to do one!

Terri