Need help deciding for 2005

[TammiMcMan]

Because of school, we usually take our family vacations in the summertime. DH and I just took a parent's only trip to Disney for the week after New Years and found it to be a great time to go. Now that the kids are getting older, I'm thinking about a Christmas trip for 2005. I understand that the parks are crazy at this time of year, so here is what I was thinking.

1. Arrive at Universal Studios on 12/22 and checkout on 12/24
2. Rent a house for the week of 12/24-12/31 in Orlando (we have family in the area and could celebrate Christmas with them for a change)
3. Arrive at the Grand Floridian on 12/31 and checkout on 1/4

Either that or:

1. Arrive at the GF on 12/17 and checkout on 12/22
2. Arrive at Universal Studios on 12/22 and checkout on 12/24
3. Rent a house for the week of 12/24-12/31

Disney was pretty quiet the week after New Years, but I was wondering how it would be before Christmas. I'm guessing that with Christmas being on a Sunday in 2005, that many would arrive on the Friday and we'd be over at Universal by then. I'm kind of leaning toward my second option because I'd love to be able to do MVMCP and the Candlelight Processional, but I would give that up if crowds were going to be unmanageable.

Any thoughts, advice or past experiences would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Tammi

 

[WDSearcher]

Regardless of when Christmas falls, the week between Christmas and New Year's is the absolute #1 busiest time at WDW! School is out that week pretty much nationwide, and EVERYONE seems to take their vacation then. MK (and possibly other parks) will close at capacity regularly during this week, and crowds will be large.

If you intend to "do the parks" just during the times you have listed as being at GF, then you're really fine with either of these options.