Past Xmas travelers...what's too short of a visit?

[FINFAN]

Yep, we are staring at the week before, 12/18-12/25, or possibly changing to 12/17 and then the latest flight on 12/25....Our main strtegy is to do MK early in the trip, but the 17th it closes early for MVMCP, and the 18 is an EE, which we tend to avoid, ESPECIALLY since an early closing the night before.Are we arriving too late to avoid any holiday crowds based on your past experiences?

 

[Bete]

just as school gets out. This is a crowded time. Go to your favorites the first two days and especially consider being there for the 17th. If you want to do CP at Epcot I would consider the dinner package.

I think if you can afford it I would definitely do MVMCP. At this time of the year, it's the best to be at MK. Get prepared it will be crowded for the 17th. If you decide to do it make sure you buy your tics ahead because this date usually sells out. The best strategy here is to go to park closing. After 10 pm the park is wonderful.

Ways to help at this time is to have advance ressies for whatever you want to do. Get early starts every day. EE entry can be a good stategy if you go very early to the designated park and then park hop by 11am or so. Use all the park hours available between the parks like going to AK for the day time and park hop to Epcot for the night.

You're going at the most crowded time; so, you need to plan, plan, and plan your stragedy.

Personally, if you are close to the holiday time or right in it I like to stay for at least 10 days for this time of year. Anytime is good at WDW; so, whatever the amount of days you are there just go to your favorite places first.

 

[FINFAN]

That's what we are afraid of....that it won't be enough time.

 

[Praise2Him]

We've done the exact same thing twice - 2001 & 2002, except we leave on the 24th so as to be home for Christmas. We did go to MVMCP the last night it was done and it wasn't too bad to us. I'd definitely try for the 17th if you can, but if not they have the Christmas shows and parade at the MK during the day after that, so you can still see them. The crowds seem to build gradually during that time, but not getting really bad until about the 23rd or so. We make other trips during the year, so during December we focus only on the Christmas activities...MVMCP, Osborne Lights, Candlelight Processional, Christmas Tree Lightings, Holidays Around the World at EPCOT, etc. I think you'll love it.
Oh yes, we're doing the same thing this year, except we're actually going a day earlier - the 16th!

 

[FINFAN]

Well our airfare that we were looking to change to has gone up, and with the penalty, extra night in room, MVMCP, etc., it will run $650 or more to add the time (1 1/2 days) I would LOVE to stay longer, but that is getting pretty pricey for that short of an extension. We could switch to a value for the first night, but with time being so important that week I don't want to waste any switching hotels. (we are currently booked @ the Dolphin...the only thing DH insisted on, and the location will be great for those crowds)SO, I guess we'd better brace ourselves for commando style touring...tho we absolutely hate it. MK is our main concern, since the day we arrive is an EE/Saturday so we will just need to go there Sunday and in the mornings 'till the crowds are too unbearable. MVMCP would've been really nice, but we did an E-night last August 8th and it was nuts! SO crowded, and we have a 2 kids who love the rides, so they will not want to spend MVMCP for shows alone. The 17th sounds too risky to me. Now if for some reason the airline changes our flight etc., I willl definitely reschedule if I can do it w/out any penalty!

 

[Serenity]

I am sure someone will correct me if I am wrong, but I think MK EE day in Sunday and Thursday - not 12/18 Saturay. That is MGM's EE day.

If that is right, then you should be able to do MK on 12/18 - non EE and then go for EE on Sunday 12/19 then hop to another park when it starts to get crowded.

We will be there 12/17 to 12/22 and that is what we are planning to do.

Good luck planning.

 

[javaj]

Yes, this is correct, MK EMH is currently on Sundays. However, I've heard that weekends are always busier at MK. I don't know whether MK on Saturday or Sunday the week before Christmas might be better than the weekdays before Christmas or not.

Also, who knows whether the evening EMH tested last May might be implemented?! That would change our planning, but I'd definitely prefer that!

We're going 12/15 to 12/25, we have MVMCP tickets for the 17th and 18th, so I'm hoping to get a lot of MK in from the 15th to the 17th before it gets really crowded.

Good luck, have a great time, maybe we'll see you there!

Originally posted by Serenity
I am sure someone will correct me if I am wrong, but I think MK EE day in Sunday and Thursday - not 12/18 Saturay. That is MGM's EE day.

 

[FINFAN]

Where is my head!?! You all are correct about EE at MK, and I thought that the 17th was the last MVMCP...there is one on the 18th too? I just booked WL for 2 nights in case we change and switch to the 17th...got the WL woods view for 40 less a night than the Dolphin, so planning a split stay, MAYBE! I am slipping..better re-adjust my research antennae!
Still a lot tho to add a small amount of time....

Pam