Need reality check about Christmas (don't spare me!)

[aprilzw]

We have always gone at off-peak times (Sept, Jan), but have decided to try Christmas this year for a multitude of reasons, including wanting to see the decorations and not wanting to pull DS-5 out of school. I KNOW we are spoiled, walking right onto rides. And I KNOW it is going to KILL me to wait in lines - either that, or we just won't do it. But I want to prepare myself for the reality... Can someone give me specifics about crowds, wait times, etc? We are going 12/20-12/26. Also, any advice? We are generally early morning people, so I assumed it would be good to get there early and utilize early entry days. You know, I was suprised at the availability of AP rates for these dates... so either people are staying away or AP holders know better! I think it's the latter...

Also, does anyone have some good ideas for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day? Would like to make them special (as if being there isn't special enough!?!)

THANKS!

 

[snoopy5386]

i have been there twice during xmas-new years, and i really didnt think it was that bad. get there early and utilize fast pass, and you should be fine. lines can be long (1 hour plus), so bring some travel games to play on line, or maybe a gameboy to make it fun. it is a great time at the parks. Just be prepared for the weather, it can get really , really cold

 

[Cmadsen]

After 15 trips in the "off" times (as you've done), we decided to brave the holiday crowds. We've now done it twice and are looking forward to a third time in '04. Yes, it's crowded...I would advise getting up and out early and we always came back to the room for the afternoon and then went out again at night. That being said, we would both tell you that Christmas at Disney is even more magical than we thought it would be. There's so much going on in each park that we sometimes forgot about riding the attractions (and we, too, are huge attraction lovers). I would suggest making all PS's that are important to you as early as possible. We loved the Candlelight Processional (as a matter of fact, I seem to have a hard time getting through it without
tearing up). Perhaps it's the season, but with just a few exceptions, people seem nicer or more connected or something during the holidays and WDW is just a nice place to be IF you mentally prepare yourself for the waits, etc. and plan ahead. I hope whenever you decide to go you have a terrific time!

 

[cathyz]

I've been at Christmas 2X and would do it again in a heartbeat. Yes, it is more crowded! For ex, a 180 min. wait at SMt. at 2 pm. But, if you plan effectively - it's fine! Go early to do the "biggies". Also, it may get really, REALLY COLD! 2 years ago we wore turtlenecks, sweatshirts and a jacket on top - and, then got caught in the RAIN. And, this was Christmas Day. But, let me tell you - it's probably one of the best Christmas memories as well as the best WDW memories that I have!

One neat thing we did was have Christmas dinner at Cindy's Castle. We scheduled it for 6:30 (I Think) so that we could be there for the fireworks. That was a really special time!

Just, relax and ENJOY! Don't let the SCROOGES spoil your fun!

 

[ncgolfer]

I would have to agree about the crowds and especially about the weather. Be prepared for it to possibly get cold. Christmas 2001 we had to wear gloves and toboggan one day because the high was only in the low 40's with rain. It is still my favorite time to travel to WDW so have a great time and be patient with the crowds.

 

[disobsessed]

Actually I think you have pretty good timing - the week before Christmas (the bulk of the time you will be there) is generally not bad as a lot of schools still hbave classes until the 23rd. I know Christmas Day at Magic Kingdom is very, very crowded. But other than that, I don't think you will find it too awful.