Pre or post Christmas

[newmannsmomtoo]

Hi! Just looking to see if anyone has any advice or recommendations as to which is a better time to go to Disney World, pre or post Christmas Day. Like less crowds ( I know it’s going to be packed) thinking of going for like 3 days. We’ve been after Christmas a couple of years ago, but only for a day. Thanks!

 

[Gehrig1B]

It is generally accepted that the week between Christmas Day and NYE is the most crowded week of the year, rivaling and even exceeding Easter. I would think the week before Christmas will be slightly less crowded although we have only been the week after. First week in January would be better if you can swing it, as Christmas decorations will still be up.

 

[Leigh L]

We haven't done WDW during Christmas week itself (before or after), but we arrived on 12/29 in 2018 and took a few monorail trips between then and 12/31 and we were amazed at the level of traffic trying to get into MK. If based on that observation, I'd say before Christmas might be a little better. (We hit the parks starting on January 1st, and did a lot more that week than we did during President's Day week. It was busy, but with a plan we got quite a bit done)

 

[Klayfish]

That depends how far pre and post you're talking about. If you're talking just a few days, then it won't matter a ton. I'd guess technically after Xmas is a bit more crowded, but the week leading into Xmas is very busy too. Early December or January may be a bit less (haven't been then).

 

[cassie58]

DD and I went down a few years ago from 19th-24th and it was busy but manageable - definitely better than the week after!

 

[TwinkleKS]

We normally are there from around the 20th thru January 2nd / 3rd. It gets increasingly busy during that time with a peak on NYE. For us what we notice the most is the traffic between parks getting harder to navigate.

 

[sponica]

I'd also guess it depends when christmas/New years fall. We're in the sweet spot calendar wise for the districts around here. Last day of classes is Friday 12/20 and classes resume Thursday 1/2.

 

[deedubb]

For lower crowds, definitely pre-Christmas, but IMO, there is nothing that compares to being at Disney on Christmas day, as well as 12/30 and 12/31.

 

[Turn the Page]

I'd also guess it depends when christmas/New years fall. We're in the sweet spot calendar wise for the districts around here. Last day of classes is Friday 12/20 and classes resume Thursday 1/2.

My kids have a super long break this year. 12/20 until 1/6 so we are flying down on 12/31 and staying until 1/7. We are hoping crowds die down that week. I am encouraged by your district going back 1/2.

 

[bryanb]

The week leading up to Christmas is very crowded but the week between Christmas and New Years Day is the most extremely crowded that WDW gets. I would basically try to go early in December if you want to enjoy the holiday festivities without the heavy crowds.

If you end up having to go the weeks around Christmas, be patient and manage expectations. The place is no less magical and warmly buzzing with energy, but it will take longer to get places and you’ll encounter crowds. Still, you can have a great time whenever you go!

 

[Gentry2004]

My kids have a super long break this year. 12/20 until 1/6 so we are flying down on 12/31 and staying until 1/7. We are hoping crowds die down that week. I am encouraged by your district going back 1/2.

Sadly all of the districts that have off two weeks (the norm where I am) are off until the 6th.