Should I take my 3 and 5 yo to Disney over Christmas

[princessmomma]

OK, I am really struggling with this one. This will be our second trip to Disney. We went last year in October, it was perfect, the crowds were low because of 9/11. We are booked into the Polynesian for 6 nights on December 22 and I am thinking of canceling. The kids don't know about the trip yet.

I am really worried about pushing a stroller and the long line-ups in the hoards of people. Will this just be a week of frustration for me?

Please help, any experts who have travelled over Christmas, I would love to hear about your experiences in the parks and in the restaurants. Are the crowds really that bad? Also has anyone been to MK when it has been filled to capacity?

 

[CarolMN]

Since your children are so young, I would definitely try to reschedule the trip for another time. You are planning to be there during the most crowded time of the year. IMHO, you will end up being frustrated and disappointed, especially since your first experience was shortly after 9/11. It's hard to even describe what the Christmas crowds will be like to someone who has only visited when the parks were so empty.

Save the Christmas trip for a time when you children are more self sufficient and do not require strollers. When we traveled to WDW last December (it was early in the month, though), my 5 1/2 year old nephew need a stroller more often than not. There's just too much walking and he was too heavy for his parents to carry. They also had a 16 month old baby along. There were 4 adults to help with the two boys and I cannot even imagine trying to do that trip if the parks were packed! We would have spent most of our time in lines and trying to move from place to place. Doubt the boys would have liked that at all.

If you could move your trip up and depart for home by 12/20 or postpone it to January, you will have a much better experience.

But whatever you decide, have a great time!

 

[Disneydenise]

As a mom of 2 teens 18 & 17 I would advise you enjoy the time at home during Christmas the parks are very crowded and standing in line with a 3 year old is not fun when they are tired. If you can schedule a trip for October or Novemeber after Thanksgiving even the early part of December I would do that. The decorations are up after Thanksgiving and the parks are great. I have heard this from lots of CM who work there that that is the best time to go. My children are now thinking they might want to go for a trip when they are both on winter break form College. I think for us that might be good. The crowds this past weekend were as bad as during the summer and the heat was almost as bad. I was very surprised. Both of my children would like to see the parks for Christmas but aren't willing to put up with the crowds.

 

[sandramaac]

First of all do you have any sort of family thing of traditions that you need to be home for. If not, why not go. Have a relaxing time, realize that you may not get everything in you may normally do. But with kids you need to be flexible. So if you go with that attitude, then it should be fun, And with the other things to to thier at Chritmas---such as the xmas parade, Osbourne Family Lights, the decorations at the resorts, xmas dinner----it should be wonderful.

 

[lisalisa1201]

our children are also 3 and 5. We are going during the first week in November, what seems to be a very busy week with soap weekend and wine festival etc. This may be heresy, but we are only planning to go to the parks one or two days during a one week stay. There is so much to do beyond the parks. We go resort hopping and do things at each resort, rent bikes etc. I also enjoy renting strollers. I find it easy to get around with the kids...I am not looking forward to having to walk around with them. My husband and I both enjoy when both kids fall alseep in the stroller and we can just wander the parks together. Usually try and hit EPCOT at nap time to share some wine. I am always of the opinion that if you have the opportunity and the money to go...take advantage of it. Word to the wise...last year we rented a double stroller, big mistake they fought and touched each other the whole time they were tired. Separate strollers for this vacation!

 

[gepetto]

Originally posted by princessmomma


Are the crowds really that bad? Also has anyone been to MK when it has been filled to capacity?

Yes the crowds are that bad. I would recommend going another time if you can.

 

[MJames41]

I would suggest going earlier - the Christmas decorations are out of this world. But Christmas week itself is the busiest time of year to go. I would love to go then, but not with little kids.

 

[princessmomma]

Thank you for all your replies.

We have decided to take DS5 out of school early and go to Disney. We will now be able to take in MVMCP, so we are pretty pumped about that. We will just take it easy and not get too stressed about things. Our kids are pretty easy going too, so we are looking forward to a great trip!

Thanks again.