need Christmas week advice

[Joyfulsnuff]

My son's high school band will be performing at WDW, Universal and the Citrus parade during the week between Christmas and New Years, so we will be there the 27th through the 1rst and I desperately need advice from those of you who visit during that time. I know that the parks stay open late and I'm wondering if they remain just as crowded once it starts to get late or if the crowds thin out a little, our kids are older and I thought we could hit some parks late at night if it is less crowded. I am also wondering if all the parks have a tendency to close due to capacity or is it usually just MK, once one closes is it likely it will remain closed the rest of the day or will it reopen? My concern is that if we arrive late in the morning on the 27th will we be unable to get into MK late in the day or evening? Does Epcot usually close late in the day on New Years Eve? Also, does anyone have a particular routine that they follow in the parks (when it is that busy) that they could share or do you go with the flow? Would you avoid Early Entry or take advantage of it? Sorry for so many questions but I know so many of you have such great advice. We have taken many trips to WDW but always during the off season, so this will be a totally new experience for us.

 

[Joyfulsnuff]

Bumping

 

[Joyfulsnuff]

Bumping, desperately need advice. Thanks

 

[AUTUMN SUN]

Bumping, desperately need advice. Thanks

I wish I had answers. I have some of the same questions myself!

 

[beachwarmer]

I am not an expert but have been twice during the Christmas/New Years week. I will try to give you an idea of what it was like for us.

New Years Eve at MK was scary. There were so many people there at midnight you did not have to move the crowd just took you with the flow. I just grabbed my husband to stay with him. I would never go again to MK for New Years Eve.

If you can do Early Entry that is the way to go. We got so much more done before 10 when most people were coming into the MK. We would then head over to Epcot where it was less crowded for the afternoon. It also worked well at the other parks. We got most of the big attractions done in a couple of hours. That was when there was a park open every morning though.

The MK did close a few days around 10 a.m. , but it did open back up again in the afternoon after the parade. I don't ever remember Epcot closing.

We always make sure we have ADR's for lunch and dinner on the really busy days. This gives us a break from the crowds and we do not have to stand in the long lines at the counter service restaurants, and we do not spend tons of time trying to find a table to eat at.

I once followed the Unofficial Guides MK touring plan on Dec 27 and it worked really well.(First trip) We were all adults but ended up seeing all the plan by the end of the day. We did have long lines but the park had closed around 10 a.m. so it was very busy.

Hope these answer some of your questions and provided a jumping off point for more experts to add their info.

 

[lovewdwdvc]

beachwarmer is correct in much of her assessment. We were at WDW last CHristmas. It was for 2 weeks though so we hung out a the resorts for much of Christmas week.

If I were going to MK, I would only go druing the first 2-3hours in the morning. After that the lines will be long long long. Remember to always have a FP in you hand, so you go and get the next one before you use the present one. I wouldhaead back to the resort almostevery after noon to swim rent do resort activities etc. Then I would haedback about4:00 or 5:00. I would be sure to get ADR's for every meal every day.

We were at AKL between Christmas and New Years (part of the time) and thoroughly enjoyed the resort activities. jThe resorts are amazing. If you are on property, I would look at enjoying the pools,and resort amenities.

 

[Joyfulsnuff]

Thank you so much for your advice! Its all most scary when you know the crowds will be overwhelming and your not sure how to plan your trip to get the most out of it. Thanks again!

 

[lovewdwdvc]

Christmas can be absolutely wonderful. There is so much to do and see.Just make sure that you pace yourself and if the crowds are overwhelming, just takea break and alter your plans. The extra things on the streets and in the resorts are great too.

The Christmas parade at MK is wonderful but it it Christmas Day and you will have to get there really early and camp out to get a good seat but it will be worth it.

Remember FP in your hands all the time and make ADR's. Be at the parks about 1/2 hour to 45 minutes before the park opens and enjoy.

I would get one of the guide books too and see what t hey have to offer.

 

[lovewdwdvc]

We are from IOwa too. PM me with your location if you want.

Our band did WDW a while ago . The kids had lots of fun and returned exhausted.

 

[gydell]

My understanding is if you are staying at a WDW resort then they let you in the park. We asked when we were there for Christmas and New year a couple of years ago.

 

[IwasatWDWforamonth]

Call me crazy but I love going Christmas week, Just seems more exciting with more people,
my favorite park for new year's eve is epcot,
Im not postive but I think between 11pm and 12pm was when we were able to have little wait for rides.
New years eve the parks will stay packed till 1am.
You also get to see some of the shows they have during mvmcp.
Hope you have an awesome time, maybe we will see you there

 

[UrsulasShadow]

I know this post is a month old, but hours are out now for the parks. I just saw on TouringPlans.com that MGM will be open on NYE until 4am! How crazy is that??? MK and Epcot will both be open until 1am that eve.

You may have found out by now, but most guide books advise avoiding EMH parks during the holiday seasons. I know I will, for the most part, but some of the evening EMHs sound too inviting, and I may give one or two of them a try.