MK full at Xmas

[Jaylie]

I'm concerned about the crowds in MK on Christmas Day and the day after. If we are staying on property, will we be able to go in and out of MK or is there a chance we won't be able to get back in once we leave (if the crowds are huge). Specifically, we have ADRs at Be Our Guest at 8:30 pm on the 27th. We can't go early and stay there all day with our DDs. They are too young to spend the whole day there. I want to know if we should cancel this ADR. Thanks for any help

 

[vhartwell]

MK will be full! Just plan to be there the WHOLE day.

 

[robinb]

I'm concerned about the crowds in MK on Christmas Day and the day after. If we are staying on property, will we be able to go in and out of MK or is there a chance we won't be able to get back in once we leave (if the crowds are huge). Specifically, we have ADRs at Be Our Guest at 8:30 pm on the 27th. We can't go early and stay there all day with our DDs. They are too young to spend the whole day there. I want to know if we should cancel this ADR. Thanks for any help

Here are the different levels of park closures:

http://www.wdwmagic.com/park-closing-phases.htm

According to the same website, the MK closed at Phase 2 at around noon in 2012 and re-opened around 4:00 (after the parade). In 2013, the MK reached Phase 2 around 11 and reopened at about 3:30.

It never made it to Phase 4, or even Phase 3 for that matter.

If you have an ADR and/or you are staying onsite you may enter at Phase 3. You will be fine. DO NOT stay the whole day if you don't want to. It's really not necessary.

 

[PlutoTheDog89]

We have been there the week of Christmas the past few years. We always stay on site and have never had a problem getting into the parks.

As an on-site guests, you are at an advantage. Those staying onsite may enter the park up to a Phase 3 closure.

We're an older family. I'm 25, DS is 30 and my parents are in their 60s. We could probably do the parks all day, but have no desire to. We "bookend" our days at the park. We go early in the morning, stay until the afternoon and then leave around 1pm. We go back to our hotel and relax for a while - I'll maybe go for a jog.. but we usually nap, shower, and then head to our dinner ADR. If our ADR is in a park, we'll stay at that park. If it's at a resort, we'll head to whichever park is open the latest or has the best EMHs.

I really don't see you having any problems. I can't speak for this year, but in years past - we have never been turned away.

Last Christmas we were in the parks and a friend of my sisters texted her. She was staying at her grandma's house in Orlando and decided to go to the park for the day. She was turned away (being an off-site one-day guest.) The park was at a Phase 3.

Keep track of WDWNews (? I believe) they update Phased closures. If it hits "3" at 12pm, the park may reopen by 5 or 6pm.

Check out my book for more info: survivedisxmas.com. I wrote it for free. So many people are turned off by the crowds at Disney and don't bother to travel. I wanted to provide a guide on how to "beat the crowds" and enjoy your vacation.

Hope this helps!

 

[Tammi67]

Here are the different levels of park closures:

http://www.wdwmagic.com/park-closing-phases.htm

According to the same website, the MK closed at Phase 2 at around noon in 2012 and re-opened around 4:00 (after the parade). In 2013, the MK reached Phase 2 around 11 and reopened at about 3:30.

It never made it to Phase 4, or even Phase 3 for that matter.

If you have an ADR and/or you are staying onsite you may enter at Phase 3. You will be fine. DO NOT stay the whole day if you don't want to. It's really not necessary.

Where did you find the times that the park closed and reopened?

ETA: Nevermind, I found it.

 

[Jaylie]

We do have ADRs for that last night of our vacation (staying at BWV), but that will be our checkout day. Are we considered "on property" still? Again, our reservation time is 8:30pm. Thanks.

 

[IceSkatingPrincess]

General rule of thumb on Christmas day is get there early and do not leave. It will hit capacity, it's just a matter of what type of capacity. It'd be very risky on your end to leave.

 

[IvyMom]

What do you do when it's so crowded? It sounds awful

 

[robinb]

General rule of thumb on Christmas day is get there early and do not leave. It will hit capacity, it's just a matter of what type of capacity. It'd be very risky on your end to leave.

No, no, no and ... no. Please do not fear monger. It is not risky to leave and there is no reason to stay all day. The parks do not go to Phase 3 or Phase 4 on Christmas. Even when they go to a Phase 2 you are allowed to re-enter the park or park hop to the park.

 

[Jaylie]

I'm actually talking about the day AFTER Christmas. That's the only day we could get ADRs at Be Our Guest.

 

[canadianmom2three]

We have the same reservation time, same day! Maybe we'll see you there - we will be the party of 9 celebrating my nephews birthday. We have no intention what so ever of staying all day and no worries about getting in to MK. Was there a few years ago on Christmas Day and got in just fine at both noon and then later around 8:30 or 9:00. Don't let it stress you at all- see u on the 27 th lol

 

[1stvisit0909]

I'm actually talking about the day AFTER Christmas. That's the only day we could get ADRs at Be Our Guest.

12/26 will be as good as it gets that week.

 

[IceSkatingPrincess]

No, no, no and ... no. Please do not fear monger. It is not risky to leave and there is no reason to stay all day. The parks do not go to Phase 3 or Phase 4 on Christmas. Even when they go to a Phase 2 you are allowed to re-enter the park or park hop to the park.

Not trying to fear monger, trying to be realistic. There IS a chance they could miss it if they leave, and that could be devastating. Yes, there is also a chance they would be fine, but personally, I'd be far more cautious over the holidays. Especially if it came to a hard to get ADR that could upset the family over missing.

Also as an edit, I just saw she is mentioning the 27th not Christmas day, in which case she's probably in fine shape to take a couple breaks and re enter.

 

[Tam1067]

Not trying to fear monger, trying to be realistic. There IS a chance they could miss it if they leave, and that could be devastating. Yes, there is also a chance they would be fine, but personally, I'd be far more cautious over the holidays. Especially if it came to a hard to get ADR that could upset the family over missing.

Also as an edit, I just saw she is mentioning the 27th not Christmas day, in which case she's probably in fine shape to take a couple breaks and re enter.

There is NO NEED to stay in the parks all day on any day that week. We have been there several years during that week, and we have never had issues. Even if MK does close for a couple of hours, it will open back up by late afternoon or early evening.

Have a great time.