So how busy is Christmas

[btab]

Ok, I need some help everyone

I have only visited Disney Parks in April and October before, and need some advice on how bad the crowds really are -

We intend to visit (Me, my wife and two teenage daughters) from 18th Dec - 31st Dec, staying off site in a villa. My questions are -

Are there any days in this period where parks will be manageable (ie less than 1 hour queues for attractions)

Are opening hours extended into the evenings during this time

For Christmas Day / Boxing Day - are these days just a no go area,

Are the other parks (universal and sea world) as bad as Disney Parks - is it just worth visiting those if it going to be quieter ?

Thanks for your help

Barrie

 

[The_Banking_Scot]

Hi,

I think the general comment is that the earlier period is quieter, NYE at the MK can get full ( ie they close the park ) so if you do not get to the MK early you may not be allowed in

I do not know about Christmas and Boxing day but have not read reports about them being too bad.

Have a Wonderful time!

Regards

TBS

 

[wayneg]

You could be OK for the 1st week but no experience myself as we can't fly until Xmas day or Boxing day. Xmas day gets mega busy, we arrived mid afternoon Xmas day 2008 so decided to drop the bags at the hotel, quick shower and into MK, crazy but fun.
All the parks are busy Xmas thru New year. If you want to goto a park(I advise Epcot) for NYE then get there for opening and stay til the fireworks, otherwise being an offsite guest you might struggle to get. We once arrived about 9:30am, and it was closed to offsite guests, luckily we were onsite.
Done all our Disney NYE's in Epcot, great place to be but line are crazy see pics below.
I would advise getting in parks for opening and using fastpass system as much as poss, don't expect to get as much done as you would like and enjoy the theming. Look beyond the rides and parks for example visit and enjoy the resorts, many have great trees and decs, GF has a gingerbread house, Yacht club a gingerbread carousel. Xmas pics 08 in this folder http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y236/wayneg1/Xmas 08/?start=all

 

[T16GEM]

I'm with Wayne on this, it's very very busy but good fun still. We have been twice at Christmas and I think that as long as you are realistic about what you plan on doing through out the day you won't be dissappointed.
Christmas is a magical time to be there so enjoy!

Gems

 

[All Star Paul]

Just to add a few bits; We were there from about the 17th till NY day. Up till the 24th it was not busy at all, but it will vary a little each year depending when the US schools break up. My advice is do Disney and do the big stuff in those early days (SOARIN etc).

Between Xmas and NY the Disney Parks are very busy but we did Universal and it was really quiet. This year maybe a bit different due to Harry Potter.

We got to the MK early on Xmas morning and it was fine for the first couple of hours but by lunchtime it was heaving and we left, which was fine we just wanted to be there for the atmosphere. We went to DHS in the evening and walked around the Osborne Xmas lights and that was great, it was busy but managable and we did not really try to do any of the big rides, again we just enjoyed the atmosphere. Remember the water Parks, you need to be flexible as the weather is unprdictable but if you get a good day they can be a good option for the busy week. Also you can do other things out side the Parks. We drove up to Crystal River and the Manatees go there in winter due to warmer water of the springs, it is a small park and parking is an issue but you can hire a canoe and the manatees will come right up to you.

Hope you have a great time.

 

[Chilly]

We flew out on Christmas Day last year. Between Christmas & New Year at least 2 of the parks were full each day and no new guests were allowed in. From Jan 1st though the parks were empty.

 

[btab]

Hi there,

Thanks for your replies. We have booked flights, arriving 18th December going home 31st December. It sounds like the thing to do is to do as many attractions as possible in the first week, then soak up the atmosphere in the 2nd week.

Another question regarding temperatures - how warm is it likely to be - maybe high 60's if we're lucky and low 50's if we're not ?

 

[wayneg]

Temps, no-one can tell you what its going to be like. The 1st time we went we had to de-ice the car every morning it was so cold we went totally unprepared had to buy hats gloves scarves long trousers etc, other trips shorts and Tshirts almost all holiday.
It can change from just above freezing on a morning to 80 in the afternoon, it really does vary so much. Take every type of clothing from winter woolies to summer clothes.

 

[Chilly]

Last year we were in wooly hats, scarfs, and gloves everyday

 

[Camac]

We have done two Christmas's and NYEs and found an early start on Boxing Day was really very quiet in the parks but it began to get busy at lunchtime.

 

[skelfbsfb]

I heard that one year they had to stop people entering MK because there were too many people in the park. Cannot remember where I read this.

 

[crabbie1]

we went 8th -24th 2008 and was fine up till the last 2 days. Went to MK on our last day-never again. I cannot stand walking around shoulder to shoulder.No fun for me Im afraid. The weather however was beautiful that year .They said it was very unususal.Temps in the 80's some days but a lot coolerat night.Prefer to go earlier in december but with schools and dd getting older will have to be holidays soon,at least when she hits high school.
Hope you have a lovely time .Christmas is a magical time to go.