Planning for Xmas 2014

[Angie_Ohio]

We are a family of 5. Been to WDW many times but never during the Xmas/New Year season. I am a teacher so will be tied to our school vacation which has not been released yet. DH wants to stay at BW I am content with Swan/Dolphin for price. We prefer the Epcot area. I need any words of wisdom about travel during this busy time.

 

[wendybeth75]

Use one of the crowd calendars to plan your days and avoid the busiest park of the day. I think touring plans and easywdw info are the two most popular. I would maximize by hitting rope drop each morning and taking advantage of EMH. You can always resort hop to tour all the Christmas decorations during the busiest time of the day. Swan and Dolphin offer a teacher discount I think. Just beware, when I priced it I saw a $149 rate that seemed great but ended up being $209 by the time taxes, resort fee, and parking fee were added. Have a magical trip!

 

[Angie_Ohio]

Magic bands and FastPass + are new to us. Any links here with more details?
I have teens. Is Christmas or New Years better in terms of celebrations within the parks for teen boys? Trying to determine which part of the holiday week to shoot when booking our trip.
Thanks!

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Word of advise. Arrive at the parks as soon as the open because usually by10:30 a.m it will be at capacity and that is when they stop allowing offsite guest in so you know it VERY crowded. Especially Christmas 2014 with the opening of the new mine ride at MK you can expect large crowds there.

Pack you patience. This past Christmas there was a 5 hour wait to ride Soarin!


If you are serious about going you have been within the next few days because that is when the booking window for BC DVC owners opens for them to book a Christmas trip and it fills up fast.

 

[Angie_Ohio]

I am a teacher so I will most likely have off the few days before christmas and a few days after new year's. I am leaning toward New Year's since I have teens. However, before christmas sounds a little less crowded by the "capacity reached" standard. Tough choice.