So Excited

[Jakesmom1]

We are going to WDW on Dec 16th, Our first Disney Christmas and I am so excited.

Can those of you who have gone before, kind of give me some insight into how crowded it gets? Is it as nuts as it is in the summer?

Anyone else going that weekend?

 

[Tigger2252]

We took our first trip to WDW for Christmas 2 years ago. Magic Kingdom is insane Christmas Day. At one point, we didn't think we would get in because, as we were riding the Monorail over they were announcing that they were closing the park because it was at capacity. As I recall, the rest of the week wasn't bad at all. We did decide that if we ever went down for Christmas again, we would try another park. Christmas anywhere at WDW is really beautiful. The decorations, the parades, the different themed trees are all so amazing that we were just in awe. Have a magical trip!

 

[luvsdiznee]

I am going 12/16 - 12/21! I was there last year from 12/18-12/26. It was not that bad at all. The best advice is to go to the parks early! Last year the parks were very managable. We had a great time and can't wait to go again. Hope to make it a yearly event since my kids' schools get out the week before Christmas. I have never been in the summer so I can't compare crowd levels but I can guarantee you won't have the oppresive heat and humidity on top of the crowds! Last year was chilly - wore hats and gloves a few times! Hoping for warmer weather this year! Have a great trip!

Oh, BTW, we were at Epcot last year on Christmas day. It was not crowded at all - could be due to the torrential downpours that day - it was miserable out!

 

[rkmassa]

We used to be the summer veterans. We have managed the last 2 Christmas' to go, and we are going again this Christmas - 17th to 27th. Last year was a bit more crowded than the year before, but still nothing like summer. Summer crowds are bad, but with the heat it feels worse. We left last year on the 23rd. Crowds were steadily growing each day. The year before we went the 18th to 28th. Crowds after the 24th were absolutely nuts. Worse than anything I had ever seen in the summers. I don't care how magical, how many decorations are hung, blah-blah-blah, I would stay out of the parks after the 25th. That is what we are doing this year. Going to the parks until the 25th. 25th through 27th, we are just planning on relaxing at the resort, kids are booked on the pirate cruise, driving over to the beach, etc.

 

[PrincessCandaceMarie]

WDW is amazing during the holidays~ Be sure to get to the GF and check out the decorations! They're out of this world and take a ton of film!

Be sure to use the EMH when and where, and FP too; see the parades, get in the spirit and have fun!

The decorations in DTD are great too, so bring your camera with you there and take tons of pics too!

Have fun!

 

[domestic goddess]

We have been at Christmas time a couple of times and last year we decided to go to the parks before the 25th and from then to the 31st we did other things outside the parks. Don't use last year as a good guide since it rained and was very cold from the 24th-26th. The parks were all packed on the 27th because not many people had been to the parks, in the rain, for 3 days before that. It is not too bad before the 25th. MK is the busiest park on the 25th and you can hardly do anything. My best suggestion is to pick the 3-4 must do things at the parks that you are going to, use fastpass and EMH, and do those things first. Then, anything else that you get to do is an extra bonus.

Also, if you have time, plan to visit some of the resorts to see the decorations. They are wonderful!! Our favorites are WL, GF and BC/YC. Have a great time and enjoy! There is nothing like WDW at Christmas time!!

 

[exwdwcm]

i worked as a cast member at hollywood and vine (it was a regular buffet back then) in 1996. the early part of december was empty, no crowds. Christmas week was a nightmare! It was so crowded especially on christmas day that I never saw the end of the line going into our restaurant all day long. it was that bad. The 16th probably won't be too terrible yet- but watch out christmas week. I would avoid all parks on christmas day. we were filled to capacity early in the morning and they wouldn't let anyone else in.