Okay, finally decided - Dec 26- Jan 2 YIKES! - UPDATED!!

[jessiesue]

Are we nuts? What will the crowds be like? We are not staying on site and will not be buying FOTL passes. What are the best strategies for this time of the year?
Thanks.


Updated below

 

[smg1062]

We are arriving Xmas day thru Jan2, but we are staying at HRH. Last year, we went to WDW the same 2 weeks and while the parks were busy, they werent as crowded as everyone scared me into thinking. I assume USO/IOA will be bustling as well but probably not terrible....................HAVE FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Luvmyfam3]

We're arriving at WDW on 12/26 and leaving on 1/1. I'm nervous too!! We're planning on spending two days at US/IOA. I hate to spend the money, but I think we're going to splurge for the FOTL passes. I went with my boyfriend during July 4th and we loved only waiting 15 minutes for 1 1/2 hr. long waits! And I think I'll REALLY appreciate it with 2 adults and 5 kids!!

We're so excited!!

 

[jessiesue]

Update:
Just realized my DH and 3 DS's have power passes so they have those dates blacked out. My DH would have been quite upset with me if we would have drove 12 hours and then find out we can't get in. Well I could have because I have no blackout dates on my pass. LOL. Now we are trying for Jan.2-9 and will have to take 3DS's out of school. I am desperate to see the Christmas decorations and the parade. Can anyone tell me if the parks will be crowded the first week in Jan?

 

[louise1928]

This will be our 2nd visit to Universal during the same week, and the last time we were there (2001) the parks were very busy but we had a great time. It wasn't as busy as we assumed it would be, but then we did go three months after 9/11, so people were not traveling as much. However it was busy. We plans our days, did what was at the top of our list to do, and took it easy after that.

Go for it!!!!!!!!!!! I look at this way, Many people will not have the pleasure of traveling for the holidays, due to illnesses, finances, etc. so if you can do it, and this is how you want to spend your holiday, make the best of it!!!!!!!!!!!!! See you in Florida

 

[wintermom]

We are arriving Dec. 28 and staying for 2 nights at the Portofino.
I figure the crowds will be heavy so we are staying on site.

I keep looking for a Discount at the Loews hotel but so far no
luck. Oh well, not waiting in line is a big big plus.

On the 30th we head to Disney which will be packed and only
have fast pass!

Crowds or not , I can't wait!

Wintermom