PREPARE THE DIS VET FOR DECEMBER

[THEJOEL]

We have been to DW several times and we are even AP holders but we have never been around Christmas during predicted level 10 crowds.
I actually got all of the FP+ I wanted in the 30 day window even 7DMT, A&E and TSMM. The only one that has me worried is TSMM on 12-20 because it's at 6:25PM.
Our dates are 12/18-22 and frankly we are mainly there to see the Osborne lights and the other Christmas stuff so just walking around and soaking it in is the main priority.
We are the types that hit RD, tour hard in the AM, take a midday break and come back at night. It's always worked well for us.
Do we need to modify our style or should that strategy that always worked for us still serve us well?

 

[minnie mum]

I don't think you need to change a thing. You'll probably notice the crowds getting worse as the week progresses, but as long as you can temper your expectations, you should be o k. Best of luck.

 

[AngiTN]

We have been to DW several times and we are even AP holders but we have never been around Christmas during predicted level 10 crowds.
I actually got all of the FP+ I wanted in the 30 day window even 7DMT, A&E and TSMM. The only one that has me worried is TSMM on 12-20 because it's at 6:25PM.
Our dates are 12/18-22 and frankly we are mainly there to see the Osborne lights and the other Christmas stuff so just walking around and soaking it in is the main priority.
We are the types that hit RD, tour hard in the AM, take a midday break and come back at night. It's always worked well for us.
Do we need to modify our style or should that strategy that always worked for us still serve us well?

If you have the FP I'm not sure what you are worried about. Just the crowd getting there?
If it's the crowd, just plan more time to get from point A to point B.
Otherwise, your touring style fits well for high crowd days

 

[ArwenMarie]

I haven't gone that week, but one tip I read was to make sure you take regular bathroom breaks before anyone is bursting to go in case there are lines. Probably more important if you are traveling with little kids

 

[THEJOEL]

If you have the FP I'm not sure what you are worried about. Just the crowd getting there?
If it's the crowd, just plan more time to get from point A to point B.
Otherwise, your touring style fits well for high crowd days

Main worry is we won't be able to get back to actually use it. We always leave around lunch and come back and IDK if I can survive without my daily nap.

 

[ChristaDeVil]

I am so glad you asked this, OP. We are in the exact same scenario and I'm glad to hear that we are in good shape!

 

[AngiTN]

Main worry is we won't be able to get back to actually use it. We always leave around lunch and come back and IDK if I can survive without my daily nap.

I think you may want to return an hour earlier than you would normally. To give yourself extra time to get through bag check (if you carry a bag) and walk through crowds to TSMM. Or time it to get there at the start of your FP window, giving yourself an hour to get to the ride.

 

[PlutoTheDog89]

You're actually there at the perfect time (you know, outside of going early December.) The MVMCP will be ending/over and you're getting there right before the Christmas crowds file in. You will be there during free dining, however, so you may see an uptick in the crowds (especially being that it's a weekend.

Christmas week is an interesting animal. There's waves of crowds that file in at different times.

Typically, the crowds see a lull (comparatively speaking) between the MVMCP ending and Christmas. It'll end 12/18 or 12/19 and you'll see a decrease in crowds. It'll still be crowded, but nothing like Christmas week.

Your family sounds a lot like my family. We wake up early, hit Rope Drop or morning EMH most mornings, take a break in the afternoon, and then go hard at night.

As far as what to hit Rope Drop:
MK: Space Mountain will be ~20-minute wait during morning EMH and RD. You can jump right over to Buzz Lightyear after riding Space Mountain. That's always our go-to's. Then we have FP+'s for Jingle Cruise, Thunder Mountain & 7 Dwarfs. Leave the family-esque rides for the nighttime and late-night EMHs. The younger families (the main demographic for rides like Peter Pan, etc.) and one-day guests normally file out after the first parade and/or fireworks showing. During the day, Peter Pan will be a 60-minute wait. Late at night it's basically a walk on.

DHS, EPCOT and AK are all about the FP+. You either have a FP+ for one of the rides or you wait. Just follow your instincts with these parks and you'll be fine.

You're fortunate to be a Disney vet. My family is in the same boat. Because we've seen and done basically everything at Disney, we have the freedom to skip attractions. We have our list of must-dos, of course, but it's nice to see a huge wait and say "oh well, we did it three times last year!"

Take some time to explore the resorts. If you're at MK, take a break and take the monorail around to the Contemporary, Poly and GF. The decorations are incredible. If you're at DHS or EPCOT, go to Boardwalk, Yacht & Beach Club. The Wilderness Lodge is probably my favorite resort during Christmas and the campers at Fort Wilderness go all out with decorations. They offer a horse-drawn carriage ride for $80 (I believe) around the resort. It's a really cool experience.

Overall - ENJOY. You're in Disney during Christmas. Don't sweat the crowds or the planning. If something goes awry, just grin and bear it. Good luck!

Check out my blog and free ebook for more Christmas tips! survivedisxmas.com