Next Christmas...

[TigerlilyAJ]

Try to find out the Orange County school schedule. We went Jan 1-8, 2020, (so pre-Covid and pre-park reservations) and it was packed, particularly with locals, a different feel from our other trips, more like being at DLR. The schools don't go back until a Tuesday, so either Jan 3 or 10, 2023. So we didn't get relief on the Monday like we had hoped, and only had our last three days without crushing crowds, esp at DHS/Batuu.
Having locals meant it was people who were really focused on the newest stuff or anything holiday, so all the most exciting things had the most insane lines. Locals also weren't there for TS dining, so our QS meals had long lines and no seating (Woody's was the worst), in part because CMs did nothing to enforce the rule to not sit and save a table, only sit once you had your food.
The holiday decorations did make it beautiful in the parks at hotels, and the weather was good.
I would try to go in the latter portion of your vacation as much as possible.

 

[tgropp]

I was thinking of doing World Showcase on Christmas and just grabbing food from the carts. Is that a bad idea?

Another option would be to do a Candlelight Processional Package. You can pick from a variety of restaurants and it is a very moving way to spend Christmas evening

 

[Minniemoo15]

We also have until Jan 9th off so are taking advantage of the break+ flight credits to head down Dec 31-Jan 8. We are doing a couple nights at Vero Beach, our first Disney Cruise, and then one night at WDW somewhere post cruise. Im hoping to get AKL at the 7 month mark for that night but it is marathon weekend so may not be possible. It will be my DDs Christmas present if I can keep it a surprise for that long !

 

[ElCray]

We're headed down as well - from Dec 15 to Jan 5.

We got our flights through Aeroplan for a fairly low redemption rate - around 110,000 points + $400 in fees.

We've got Dec 16-21 booked at the Dolphin with 190,000 Marriott points.

Dec 22-23 we're at the Royal Pacific at Universal for $330 US.

Car rental with Air Canada Vacations for $1,185.

That's the extent of the planning so far!