Pre Park Opening ADRS...the week before Christmas

[glohoffman]

Ok, so my typical plan of strategy is a lot of Pre Park Opening ADRs so we can get a jump on the crowds...but this is when we have went in May and Sept. This year we have planned a trip from Dec 15-23. We are avoiding parks the last two days...so our park days will really be Dec 16-21. I am nervous to book any pre park opening ADRs for these days because I hear Disney often extends the hours and opens early to accommodate crowds. So my question is this...do I bother with 8am ressies at all?! Or should I just plan to be at the gates an hour or so early to just rope drop with the rest of them? WWYD? Help!!!

 

[kaymil]

We were there the 18-22nd last year and Magic Kingdom opened at 8 am every morning, so I wouldn't bother with 8 am ressies. We arrived shortly after 8 on our MK morning on the 21st and it was lovely. The park was VERY low crowds from 8 to about 10 (my picture to the left is from that morning, and I was walking around going, "look how much space there is! There's barely anyone here!") Most people aren't committed enough to leave their hotel room before 8. After 10 am, though, things got insane. So definitely arrive early, but I personally don't think an hour early is necessary. We waited about 20 minutes for 7DMT at about 8:30. Just try to get there right before opening and ride as many things as possible that you don't have FP's for later in the day.

 

[glohoffman]

We were there the 18-22nd last year and Magic Kingdom opened at 8 am every morning, so I wouldn't bother with 8 am ressies. We arrived shortly after 8 on our MK morning on the 21st and it was lovely. The park was VERY low crowds from 8 to about 10 (my picture to the left is from that morning, and I was walking around going, "look how much space there is! There's barely anyone here!") Most people aren't committed enough to leave their hotel room before 8. After 10 am, though, things got insane. So definitely arrive early, but I personally don't think an hour early is necessary. We waited about 20 minutes for 7DMT at about 8:30. Just try to get there right before opening and ride as many things as possible that you don't have FP's for later in the day.

Oh wow! Your posts are exactly the kind I love to read!! We are early birds, even on vacation, so we love morning EMH and going in at 8am! So when things got insane, what was your plan? if you dont mind me asking! From about 11 on, we just plan on using Fastpasses, hoping to do BBB and shopping!

 

[kaymil]

Oh wow! Your posts are exactly the kind I love to read!! We are early birds, even on vacation, so we love morning EMH and going in at 8am! So when things got insane, what was your plan? if you dont mind me asking! From about 11 on, we just plan on using Fastpasses, hoping to do BBB and shopping!

Glad to help! When things got insane, we spent a bit aimlessly marveling at just how crowded it was, particularly because the days before were more like the July crowds we were used to (busy, definitely, but not "WHOLLY COW THIS IS INSANE" busy). But on the 21st, it was absolutely mind-boggling. We rode quite a few things from 8-10 so we felt good about that, and then we used our fastpasses after that (I think they were Space, Peter Pan, and Pirates). We spent some time shopping, watched the parade just because it happened to be going by and there was some open space near the base of the castle, happened upon a FP for Winnie the Pooh, and called it a day.

For your dates, I think just keep in mind that probably starting the 19th, the crowds will be pretty crazy. Just rope-drop, plan your fastpasses for late morning/early afternoon, and don't stress too much about it. You'll have a great time and find fun things to do regardless. I just remember on the 21st being so blown away by how busy it got in comparison to the days before that I was a little discouraged and distracted by that, when we had a great time anyways. (side-note, if you've never seen the parade, definitely try to catch it! The song is so catchy ).

 

[glohoffman]

Glad to help! When things got insane, we spent a bit aimlessly marveling at just how crowded it was, particularly because the days before were more like the July crowds we were used to (busy, definitely, but not "WHOLLY COW THIS IS INSANE" busy). But on the 21st, it was absolutely mind-boggling. We rode quite a few things from 8-10 so we felt good about that, and then we used our fastpasses after that (I think they were Space, Peter Pan, and Pirates). We spent some time shopping, watched the parade just because it happened to be going by and there was some open space near the base of the castle, happened upon a FP for Winnie the Pooh, and called it a day.

For your dates, I think just keep in mind that probably starting the 19th, the crowds will be pretty crazy. Just rope-drop, plan your fastpasses for late morning/early afternoon, and don't stress too much about it. You'll have a great time and find fun things to do regardless. I just remember on the 21st being so blown away by how busy it got in comparison to the days before that I was a little discouraged and distracted by that, when we had a great time anyways. (side-note, if you've never seen the parade, definitely try to catch it! The song is so catchy ).

We are planning on doing MVMCP on the 18th, so we will catch the parade there, then avoid that crowd at all costs the rest of the time! The 21st we will be at Hollywood studios, so not as many rides to try to catch! Hopefully it will be a nice slow paced day, watching the shows and doing our fastpasses! It is our least favorite park anyway lol.