Need Advice... stay until Dec. 25th?

[dipastor]

Hello All. I need some advice. We have been to WDW different times throughout the year (March, June, Oct/Nov and Dec). Now that my kids are in middle school, I always choose week before Christmas (18th thru 24th). This year they are getting out of school a little later for winter break. My plan, stay 19th through 25th (check out that morning). Usually we check out right before Xmas. I know the week between Xmas and New Years is crazy. Is Dec. 24th a crazy day?

We are early risers and are usually at the park for rope drop... leaving when the crowds get crazy (after lunch and FP+ are done.. usually around 2) We always drive to another resort in Florida for the remainder of our break.

Thoughts? Will we be okay staying Dec. 24th? Maybe hit a slower park that morning and FP+ another park later in the day?
thanks... sorry for long winded post.
Di

 

[sharonabe]

It will be crazy crowded at all the parks. Christmas being on a Sunday will increase the crowded days. I would expect all of your days to be level 10s. Make a good plan and have a great time!

 

[Disneylover99]

We've never found the 24th to be any busier then the 22nd or 23rd. If you rope drop and avoid midday crowds like you normally do, it should be fine.

 

[sharonabe]

We've never found the 24th to be any busier then the 22nd or 23rd. If you rope drop and avoid midday crowds like you normally do, it should be fine.

But this year, the 24th is a Saturday. There are people who have to work, and only go on the weekends. I would expect full capacity closures at MK on the 24th this year.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

We were in WDW from Dec. 25 - 30 this year, Friday through Wednesday. No matter how you slice it, it will be crowded, crowded, crowded.

We tour like you do - early morning, FP*, stay through lunch and out by 2 pm. We usually go back to EP in the evenings.

My advice, whether you stay until Dec. 24 or 25, get MK done earlier in your trip. We went on Dec. 29 and it was just super crowded and really not enjoyable. I would plan on doing AK later in the week. We were there on Dec. 26 and it was quite doable. When doing EP, tour WS when it opens and tour FW in the evening when the Candlelight Processional shows start. WS becomes incredibly crowded during Processional Show times. We did DHS in an afternoon (Dec. 28) with FP+ and it was fine.

I would say, stay to Dec. 24 or 25! It really can be enjoyable. If you've ever wanted to do a tour or do something non-park (mini golf etc), that's the time to do it as well. We did Wild Afruca Trek on our AK day which meant built in crowd control as there were only about 15 in our group.

I would just really avoid MK as you get later into the week.

 

[Disneylover99]

But this year, the 24th is a Saturday. There are people who have to work, and only go on the weekends. I would expect full capacity closures at MK on the 24th this year.

The phase one closing days have felt the same as the days that are rated as a "10" a few days before Christmas. If the op is going at rope drop, and avoiding the afternoon crowds, it's not really going to make a difference.

I don't even think she needs to avoid MK if she will be there well before the 7am rope drop Christmas Eve. You can get a ton done in three hours, before the crowds arrive.

 

[dipastor]

Thanks for all your responses!!! I think we will do it!.. book til 25th and maybe do AK that last day with FP+ at night for Epcot. We will be outta there by 25th. Appreciate the feedback. Love Christmas time in Disney.