Starting to Plan Christmas 04 trip

[Rneighh]

We have decided to have Christmas at Disney this year. We are planning on arriving on Dec. 19 and staying through Dec. 26. The 19th is the last day of value season. If we check in on the 19th will our rate be at value for the whole stay? I thought I remember reading that Disney had changed their policy and the rate would change with the season.

Thanks Renee

 

[disney4us2002]

Those are the exact dates we're looking to go as well. We book thru an agent and she said we'll keep value rates the whole time. We're planning to stay at the Poly; how about you? We're also hoping that discounted codes or AP rates come out as well.

We hope the week before Christmas isn't quite as busy as the week between Christmas and New Year's. Friends of ours went just this year and reported that it was good to be onsite as the parks closed a lot. They said the lines were ridiculous and fast passes were often gone by 11am. YIKES!!

 

[Teri Zolman]

We are going the exact same time with 18-25 people. We are staying at Pop Century. Boy it is a lot of work with all of these people that have never gone. Oh well it is great fun planning.

 

[Rneighh]

we usually go in Feb. I am not use to lines. Our friends want us to go with them. They have four kids under 9. They want the help of two daughters who will be 12 and 16.

I hate lines and hubby will go nuts. Does anyone else have crowd reports for this time of year? We will stay on-site, either WL or AKL. Our friends are staying in an off-site condo. Maybe I should re-think this trip.

Renee

 

[hannahryan]

We were just there from 12/16-12/24/03 (we received the value rate for the entire stay...$49 AP rate at PC). The 16th-19th were wonderful! No lines & very few people...we were able to see & do everything even though the parks closed early (MK 6pm & 7pm). The masses started arriving on the 20th. It got worse each day. The crowd contrast was so sharp that it was difficult for us. From friends that went 12/25-1/1, they said that the crowds were even worse. MK closed at 9:45 am Christmas Day because it reached capacity. If you are not use to lines, then maybe you should rethink your dates or just plan on using EE and leaving the parks by noon everyday for a break.

 

[zurgswife]

We were there from Dec 20 until Jan 4......and crowds are something you really must consider and mentally deal with before heading out.....the crowds this year were unbelieveable.....but I knew it was going to be 7 to 8am park entries and fastpasses to make the mornings enjoyable....we left the parks everyday by about 12pm...when they were closing the parks....

Next year we decided for the first week of Dec to avoid some of the crowds but get the Christmas spirit....

Good Luck...

 

[darlene9947]

Wow! The last time my family was there for Christmas was in 1983! Only had MK & Epcot so it wasn't that bad. Also, there was a hard freeze with temps in the teens. It was toooo cold for people to be out. When the temps warmed up to the 20's, it seemed like the people were coming out of the woodwork!LOL
We're going this year 12/4 - 13 at SOG. I just can't wait to see the parks all decked out for the holidays.

 

[dmonroe]

Crowds will definitely be heavy at that time of year. I have been in WDW for Christmas twice--then we figured out we could go in early December and avoid the crowds but still enjoy all of the decorations and atmosphere. I would have to think really hard about being there for the actual holiday again. I can deal with some crowds; but Christmas is a little too crowded for me!

 

[TinkOhio]

Hi, ZW-

We're planning on doing the same thing this coming Christmas break, so I was wondering if you ever tried to get back in. If so, did you have problems getting back in?

Thanks for your help!

 

[Rneighh]

Oh you guys are really scaring me. I don't think these dates are flexible with our friends. They have already booked their rooms at the time share condo. What are we going to do the rest of day if the parks are at capacity and we have to leave at noon?

There children have never been to Disney and don't think they will enjoy seeing a Christmas decorations at the resorts each afternoon. Help!!!!

Renee

 

[hannahryan]

If those are your dates...then stick with it and just plan accordingly. If you all know what to expect, it will make it much easier. Just make sure you get to the parks 1/2 hour or so before they open. Have a plan of attack. Have your friends decide which rides are critical for their kids. When you get to the park, start utilizing the fast passes immediately. If you want to watch the parade, prepare to stake out a spot an hour or more ahead of time. If you do all the popular rides in the morning, you can focus on eating, shows and more relaxing things in the park in the afternoon. For example, I would plan on making a ps for the Crystal Palace for lunch...it will be a relaxing break for the adults and a wonderful way for the younger ones to meet some characters & get autographs. My husband absolutely hates crowds, but we did it! You CAN make it work. I would plan well, go and have an awesome time!!!

 

[disney4us2002]

Don't panic Renee! I watched and read very closely from those who went this timeframe and the only park reportedly closed was the MK on Christmas day. I think it also closed on the 29th and 30th. It closes when filled to capacity but there are levels of closing. I don't know those off the top of my head but the onsite guests are allowed in until level 3 or such. Your offsite friends will be the ones who have to worry about going early and then staying there. I specifically asked and was told that the MK did in fact reopen on Christmas day later in the afternoon. When one park is closed, the guests are advised what other park would be an option. I don't believe all four parks have been closed simultaneously.

I am determined to keep an open mind since going during school vacation is the only time we are able to go. I think the idea about going in early December is a wonderful one for parents with young children or those who have more flexible school absence policies. A week missed for vacation in this area is a big no-no and would be considered illegal absences therefore no missed work and/or tests could be made up. We will go with the crowds and make the most of it. I've never not had a great time at Disney!

 

[jaguar9748]

We've been going to Disney for Christmas 5 years now (the past 3 on Christmas Day).

Crowds definitely start arriving 12/23. By 12/27 things are in full swing!

Magic Kingdom closes every year before noon on Christmas Day. If you want to see the 2 PM parade, definitely go early and stay until after the parade.

We arrived in MK at 6 PM this year pm 12/25 for dinner and had no problems getting in. Crowds were evident and ride times were long. However, after the fireworks lots of folks left and the park was open until midnight.

To handle Christmas crowds do the following:
1. All of the parks open early. Take advantage of Surprise Mornings - on Surprise mornings parks were open at 8 AM.
2. Take a break in the afternoon and go back in the evening.
3. Epcot handles crowds well.
4. Downtown Disney is a good place to go when it's crowded.
5. PS's guarantee admission to parks (have your PS # with you).
6. Miniature golf is fun!

There's nothing better than Disney at Christmas, but be prepared for the crowds!

For the poster going 12/19-12/26 - this is probably a good plan. Again, by the afternoon of 12/26-morning of 12/27 it gets packed! Folks celebrate Christmas at home and head to Disney for New Year's.

 

[DemonLlama]

We'll be there Dec. 16-23 and the rate should stay the same through the stay. If you check out of one resort and into another later on, however, you'll be paying different rates since you've technically gotten there after the end of value season.

Don't worry too much about the park closings: go early, use fastpass, and you'll have a good time. Will you get as many rides in as the slower parts of December? No, but you will be at Disney World at Christmas!