pros and cons about doing wdw @ x-ma

[cmatt]

looking for advice on doing wdw at x-mas never have because of crowds/park times/ water parks/pools cool or closed

we have went every year since 1997 / but never at x-mas please advise thanks cmatt

 

[CdnDisneyer]

If you really, really want to go at Christmas, be prepared! We were there last Christmas (arrived 27th and departed the 2nd) and I have never seen so many people all in one spot at once. Thankfully, our past experience at WDW helped us get around the packs, fast passing, etc. but I felt sorry for any one who picked that time of year to go as their first time. If you can, I would highly recommend going the week or two before Christmas (have been at this time and it's absolutely wonderful) - you will enjoy the beautiful decorations and ambiance without the crowds. The upside - it's not hot and humid. You'd have to make sure the hotel you stay at has a heated pool as it can be jacket weather. The parks were open pretty late and had two sets of fireworks each night, one around 8:30 and one later (11:00 ish), if I remember correctly. New years eve was fun - kind of like being at one giant party. But again, can't stress enough about how helpful it is to know your way around and use effective time management. Would we go again at that time? Probably not, but on the other hand, don't regret the trip at all.

 

[DISUNC]

Originally posted by cmatt
looking for advice on doing wdw at x-mas never have because of crowds/park times/ water parks/pools cool or closed

we have went every year since 1997 / but never at x-mas please advise thanks cmatt

The absolute BEST time to go is right after Thanksgiving! WDW is even more magical then. The weather is 60's-70's, no lines..and Mickey Christmas party is great.

Very good Freinds of mine went down Christmas day & week. They were so miserable...they swore they wouldn't and never did go back. That was 7 years ago.

 

[kilee]

I really want to head down on Christmas Day myself for a week. Just don't know that it's really worth it w/ those crowds!! Ugh---- This past year the gates closed plenty of times during that week I remember from the boards.

 

[disneyjunkie]

My son and I are going down for Christmas this year. Since I won't pull him out of school for a trip to Disney, we're stuck dealing with the crowds.

I plan to take advantage of EE and use FP as much as possible. I'll have all of our PS in place before we leave home.

I'm looking forward to the CP,Osborne Lights, and the Sleigh ride from WL.

After fighting the Easter crowds back in April, I think we're ready to deal with anything.

 

[Tuffcookie]

Hi Disneyjunkie!

I'm going with the attitude, we're not going to do as many rides, and we're mainly there to see the holiday decorations. I think it helps that we've been there so many times before.
I didn't know about the sleigh ride over at FL! Thanks for that information!!!

TC

 

[Ozymoe]

Originally posted by Tuffcookie
Hi Disneyjunkie!

...I didn't know about the sleigh ride over at FL! Thanks for that information!!!

TC

??? WHAT sleighride? And where is FL?

 

[Ozymoe]

Originally posted by Ozymoe
??? WHAT sleighride? And where is FL?

...sorry, I found the info...I thought the WL only had heighrides!

 

[ugadog99]

Christmas is our favorite time to go to WDW! We will be arriving Dec 17 and leaving on the 27. I know we won't get EVERYTHING done because of crowds, but we'll be back. The weather is wonderful and the Christmas feeling is just spectacular. We get to do MVMCP, CP, Osborne Lights, and see all the decorations. We stay at Ft. Wilderness and that is relaxing just in itself. We LOVE Christmas at the World!

 

[EsmeraldaX]

If you want to go at Christmas, go in early December. The first and second week are actually far less crowded, and the same decorations are up and MVMCP happens.

Going during actual Christmas is a nightmare. My cousin did it last year and said it was her worst trip ever. Her 11 yo DD was mad because there were hardly ever fastpasses left and she did not even get on 1/2 the big rides.

 

[goofy4mickey48]

dh and i went for our first Christmas trip last year, and we Loved It!!!!! We knew what to expect with the crowds but we were sooo happy to be there at christmas time,so much better than being in freezing cleveland ohio!!! We just used fast pass, made all our ps's diid'nt worry if we did it "all",we had a fantasitic time!!
Due to my job as a school bus driver i can only take the week of christmas as well, but it was so great -we're going again this year, I think alot of it is in your attitude You will make your vacation magical or miserable! well that's my two cents, have a great day!.....goof

 

[Gottalovedisney]

ugadog99,

You'll be there the same dates as us!! We went Christmas 2002 and love that time of year!!! As long as you have the right attitude, it can be a wonderful time to be in the World!!!

We'll be doing the MVMCP on the 17th, which will be a first for us!

I can't believe I'm wishing the summer away

 

[elismom]

last Christmas from the 18 to 26 and yes it was very,very busy.
The last time I took DS was in Aug and it was also very busy
The difference was the weather,we didnt need to carry around a zillion water bottles in Dec because most of the days were like nice fall days to me.
WE saw a lot and went on tons of rides
I had the best christmas I have ever had in my life there! And as you can see we are going again.
The thing I love about Disney is that because we never get to do and see everything I have a good excuce for going again.
And ever time I look at the pix of DS and I sitting on the sidewalk on main street wearing our holiday hats,watching the snow fall ,sipping hot choclate and waiting for the parade.I get that Disney feeling and start planning again!

 

[lentesta]

Hi cmatt,

During the week between Christmas and New Years, women may find waits as long as 20 minutes at the restrooms (we measured this in Tomorrowland in 2002). We've also measured waits of more than 30 minutes to order and get food at Pecos Bill's (again, '02). The crowd levels in Fantasyland are just unbelievable; you have to walk in lockstep with the group, and you're always touching someone else. Imagine trying to fit four average-sized adults in the back of a Toyota Camry, and that's how you'll walk through Fantasyland.

On the plus side, the decorations are fabulous, the live entertainment is top-notch, and the parks are open really long hours. If you put seeing attractions as a secondary consideration, and just soaking up the holiday atmosphere as number one, you'll have a great time.

Hope this helps.

Len

 

[dgaston]

We were at WDW with my brother's family for Christmas 2003. I used TourguideMike, planned PSs and we tried to get to the parks at opening (8AM) It made a big difference. On one non-early day we waited over two hours (standby sign said 65 minutes) for Mission Space. On another day we waited only 15 minutes because we got there early. Staying offsite wasn't a problem--we didn't plan MK for Christmas or NYE. We did special things too--CRT for breakfast, an IllumiNations cruise and Candlelight Processional with dinner at LeCellier. It did take good planning, but I think we all had a good time.