Please help me plan!

[Scootypuffjr]

Hi! DH, DS3, and I go to wdw and DLR a couple times a year. This year we are going to wdw the week after Christmas for the first time ever. My mom and my brother's family will also be joining us and planning for all 9 of us has me completely overwhelmed. We are planning on doing 2 days at wdw and 1 day at US between Dec 29-Jan2. Does anyone have any suggestions on what days we should go where? I know the crowds will be extremely heavy. We were thinking of skipping the parks NYE, but if we do that what should we do instead? If we go to the parks on NYE which ones do you suggest? It is also my birthday on Dec 30 and I was thinking about doing a private fireworks cruise, but if it's better to make that a park day we could also do that. We are a party of 5 adults, 3 teens, and a 5yo. Looking for any help you can give me! TIA!!!

 

[kayemgi]

In only two days at WDW, especially between Christmas and New Year's, you won't be able to do even close to everything (not that you said you wanted to, just pointing that out). Are you planning to park hop? I would decide that first. Then pick two parks if you decide not to park hop. Then pick your top three things you want to do in each park. Anything after those three things are bonus. I can't offer any advice about the time period or which parks on NYE as I've never been there during that time. Hopefully someone else will chime in here.

 

[ConnecticutNonna]

Also, just an fyi, if you want the fireworks cruise you need to book asap. They book at 180 days out and I imagine that they will book really fast that week!

 

[glassslippergirl]

I'd recommend MK on 12/30 because they do the NYE fireworks that night, too. It will be crowded but much less than on NYE itself when MK usually closes to capacity. I'd probably skip a park on NYE. I can't speak for US, DHS, or AK, but MK will be wall-to-wall people, and there's a lot of drinking at Epcot, so not the greatest place for teens and kids. I'd make a dinner reservation asap at a nice restaurant in one of the resorts, at US, or even in Orlando outside any park, and celebrate that way. If you can, get an ADR at a monorail resort and stick around to watch Wishes from there. That may also be a good night for the personal cruise if they're not booked already.

I would not recommend park hopping that time of year. It will be crowded, so don't waste time going from park to park. Choose the two parks you want to do, and do them well. I understand that 1/1 has pretty low crowds in the morning, though it gets crowded as the day progresses. You can do a lot in the morning with minimal waits, so I'd make that a park day. Best US days may be 12/29 or 1/2. Best wishes.

 

[Scootypuffjr]

Also, just an fyi, if you want the fireworks cruise you need to book asap. They book at 180 days out and I imagine that they will book really fast that week!

Booking for the private cruises isn't open yet. They said October/November. I call every couple days to check just in case.

 

[Scootypuffjr]

I'd recommend MK on 12/30 because they do the NYE fireworks that night, too. It will be crowded but much less than on NYE itself when MK usually closes to capacity. I'd probably skip a park on NYE. I can't speak for US, DHS, or AK, but MK will be wall-to-wall people, and there's a lot of drinking at Epcot, so not the greatest place for teens and kids. I'd make a dinner reservation asap at a nice restaurant in one of the resorts, at US, or even in Orlando outside any park, and celebrate that way. If you can, get an ADR at a monorail resort and stick around to watch Wishes from there. That may also be a good night for the personal cruise if they're not booked already.

I would not recommend park hopping that time of year. It will be crowded, so don't waste time going from park to park. Choose the two parks you want to do, and do them well. I understand that 1/1 has pretty low crowds in the morning, though it gets crowded as the day progresses. You can do a lot in the morning with minimal waits, so I'd make that a park day. Best US days may be 12/29 or 1/2. Best wishes.

Thank you for the advice! We were thinking of doing RD in the mornings until it gets unbearable and setting up FP+ For the afternoon at the second park if we hop. We are not the type that need to see everything and there really isn't any "must do" since we go so frequently. Just trying to figure out the best way to navigate the parks/crowds since we typically go during less crowded times of the year. I really do think we will skip NYE in the park and opt for a nice dinner instead. I have no desire to spend any time in a park that has hit capacity.

 

[ConnecticutNonna]

Booking for the private cruises isn't open yet. They said October/November. I call every couple days to check just in case.

That sounds fishy... They book at 180 days and I already have mine booked for December 18th...
Here is the number I used to book:

407-939-5277

No one answers until 7 am, GOOD LUCK!
perhaps this would be something you could do on 1/1.
Also keep checking the IllumiNations cruise share board, someone may have a cruise to share.
If you eat at Cali Grill at any time during the day, you are allowed to return to their viewing area for the fireworks later in the day. So if you have an ADR for 12/30 or 12/31 for lunch or dinner, you are welcome (and encouraged) to return. They do a beautiful brunch on Sundays, that perhaps may also be on New Years Eve or day.
Even though crowds are high, with a good plan you can have a great time!

 

[DisneyWishes14]

We were there from Dec. 25 - Dec. 30 and every park was doable, IMHO, except MK. We went to MK on Dec. 29 and it was so crowded. Truly, not enjoyable at all. We got there at RD and had FP+. Even then, not fun. EP was fine. I would just recommend avoiding WS during Candlelight Processional times as the area around America is super crowded. FW was great in the evening as the crowds seemed to be in WS. AK and DHS were very doable.

 

[Scootypuffjr]

That sounds fishy... They book at 180 days and I already have mine booked for December 18th...
Here is the number I used to book:

407-939-5277

No one answers until 7 am, GOOD LUCK!
perhaps this would be something you could do on 1/1.
Also keep checking the IllumiNations cruise share board, someone may have a cruise to share.
If you eat at Cali Grill at any time during the day, you are allowed to return to their viewing area for the fireworks later in the day. So if you have an ADR for 12/30 or 12/31 for lunch or dinner, you are welcome (and encouraged) to return. They do a beautiful brunch on Sundays, that perhaps may also be on New Years Eve or day.
Even though crowds are high, with a good plan you can have a great time!

Thank you. I will try calling again today. Just to make sure we're on the same page, did you book the one where you reserve the entire boat for up to 10 people?

 

[ConnecticutNonna]

Thank you. I will try calling again today. Just to make sure we're on the same page, did you book the one where you reserve the entire boat for up to 10 people?

Yes, and I booked at my 180 day exactly. It's one of the few things you cannot book at 180 plus 10.
I hope you get one!
Sending pixie dust your way...

 

[amandals2007]

Thank you. I will try calling again today. Just to make sure we're on the same page, did you book the one where you reserve the entire boat for up to 10 people?

those are ones you book 180 days exactly in advance. so chances are there are none left. sorry im not trying to be a debbie downer i really hope you get one, but not likely. MK is very miserable and not fun that time of year. i hope you find something fun to do.

 

[Scootypuffjr]

Yes, and I booked at my 180 day exactly. It's one of the few things you cannot book at 180 plus 10.
I hope you get one!
Sending pixie dust your way...

Thank you! I just called again and they said that the MK cruises for Dec 30/31 have not been released yet and the fireworks schedule has not been released either. She said that the Illuminations cruise departing from YC is the only one that has been released and to keep checking back. I also got the same response from the Chat feature on the website and called back one more time and got the same answer. They are positive they have not been sold out. So confusing.

 

[ConnecticutNonna]

Thank you! I just called again and they said that the MK cruises for Dec 30/31 have not been released yet and the fireworks schedule has not been released either. She said that the Illuminations cruise departing from YC is the only one that has been released and to keep checking back. I also got the same response from the Chat feature on the website and called back one more time and got the same answer. They are positive they have not been sold out. So confusing.

The cruise from Yacht Club IS the cruise I thought you wanted to book. good luck!