pro and cons wdw @ x-mas

[cmatt]

we have done wdw every year since 1997 but never at x-mas always concerned about crowds/short park hours pools/water parks cold or closed

any help or advice ?? thanks cmatt

 

[swilphil]

The crowds are a big problem. I would highly recommend staying onsite and getting to the parks at EE opening. Use fastpass wisely. I was there at Christmas 2000, and the parks were open very late in the evening. I know on one of the website they post the history of the park hours. One big plus at Christmas is the weather!

 

[cworld]

There is no better time to go to WDW than Christmas. The decorations and all of the extras that go with the holidays make things feel so special. If you can be there prior to the 23rd or so the crowds are not too bad. The weather can be hit or miss, but never too hot.
We went for the first time at Christmas in 2000 and we won't go any other time of year again.
There are so many things to see. The Candlelight Processional, Christmas Storytellers, Osborne Lights, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, all of the decorations at the resorts, Christmas parades, it's just incredible.
You've got to try it at least once.

 

[bytheblood]

We visited December 19 - 26, 2002

Pros:

Weather was great. Chilly in the mornings and when the sun went down, but during the day it was wonderful. We just wore light wind-breakers that we could carry in our bag with no problem.

Crowds were not bad. Only thing that we had an issue with were the lines for Peter Pan's Flight and the Hunny Pots. It was a little crazy on Christmas Day, but still not bad.

Everywhere we looked, there were characters. I think my child had more meet-n-greets than she did ride riding.

People seemed to be really happy and not rude like they usually are.


Cons:

Crowds to special events were crazy. Things like MVMCP and Osbourne lights, the crowds were rediculous.

JMO - Did not feel like Christmas. Christmas is much more to our family than gifts, trees, holly and bows....so not having that spirituality, church and family around took away from the holiday and we did not feel like it was Christmas. Again, that is JMO.

 

[slimplaw]

We have gone 3 times at Christmas, but arrive at WDW around 12-17 and then we're out of there by 12-24 at the latest. Crowds are not bad the first few days. We usually had very little wait time this early. Around the 22nd, crowds begin to build as more people arrive. Good luck in your planning.

 

[cranbiz]

If you go earlier in the month, it's one of the best times to go! This year will be our second year going in the beginning of Dec. LY there were few lines, mostly good weather (Yes it did get cool a day or 2)

Later in the month does get busier. Between Xmas and New Years, it's an absolute zoo. My DD's went with grandma LY at this time and could bairly move in the parks, having over an hour waits for most everything and fast passes were gone early.

 

[OhMickey]

We visited Disney in early December of 2001. We had a wonderful time. As others mentioned, the parks and resorts were decorated beautifully. Epcot has great entertainment - Santas from all over the world. Children loved listening to their stories and we were able to get pictures with all of them. The Osbourne lights were amazing (especially to someone who struggles stringing up one set of lights).


However, the big highlight of this trip was that the crowds were not that bad and my family was selected to participate in parades as well as shows. My little ones were in the MGM parade and got to wear costumes. They also participated in the MGM tree lighting ceremony. In addition, all my children were selected to participate in Belle's Story time.

 

[Toby]

We went to DW a few years ago - 12/26-1/2/ - and vowed "never again". Granted the decorations and themes are absolutely gorgeous, but the crowds are unreal. When It's a Small World ride has 1 1/2 hour wait, then you know the parks are crowded. Even the restrooms had lines - longer than usual. We have been to DW many times before, but this was our first "holiday" trip. Son, 15 and his friend, got frustrated by such long lines, and Fast Passes a lot of times were gone by mid-morning...or had return times 5-6 hours later. Crazy!! Spent many hours at the parks only to do three-four rides!! Husband felt we spent a small fortune to look at Christmas decorations, so he felt cheated..we didn't go home happy campers!! Only my experience.....

 

[pkb24824]

We love WDW at Christmas time. We have gone in 1996, 1998, 1999 (bought into DVC at BWV), 2000, 2001, 2003 and will go again this year. The key is to arrive the week before Christmas and leave the day after....the crowds get really bad once Christmas day has arrived. We love the decorations and the warmer weather (we are from Ohio). We went to WDW last month and felt the crowds were much worse than they were the week before Christmas...and the weather was hotter than we have experienced at Christmas!

We have made Christmas at WDW a tradition in our family!

 

[Disney Spaz]

I spent Christmas 2002 there and spent two weeks with DH, DS 14, DS 12 & DGF. It was one of the best trips we have had. Is it more crowded then other times Yes but you go in expecting it and you will be fine. I really believe how long you are going to be there makes a difference. If you are going for a week or less you probably can't do everything you want but when you stay longer the trip is more relaxed because you don't feel rushed. We did not go last year and regret it so this year we are devoting two weeks there to enjoy everything.