Thanksgiving/Christmas

[kristinradico]

How crowded is it really Thanksgiving and Christmas week? I know its really crowded, but I mean how bad is it?

 

[Robo]

How crowded is it really Thanksgiving and Christmas week? I know its really crowded, but I mean how bad is it?

The week between Christmas and New Year's Day is THE busiest time of year at WDW.

Some report "gridlock" (not being able to choose which direction to move) at some parks (MK and DHS) at some parts of certain days.

Expect MK (and likely DHS) to go into Stage 3 and/or 4 closure for certain hours during that week.

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From Cheshire Figment, WDW CM.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=43584709#post43584709

There are five stages to Park Closings, based on number of people in a Park. The turnstile master computer at each park keeps track of both entries and exits. When a park capacity closes (which is done in stages) there has to be a certain number of people exiting, with the total "in park" below a certain number, before they start allowing people in again.

I am low enough on the totem pole that I have no idea what these numbers are.*

Stage Zero - Due to limited available parking, Guests may be directed to alternate parking areas where they will use Resort transportation to travel to the park of their choice.

Stage 1 - At this stage each Guest in a vehicle must have a valid multi-day ticket. Also Guests with a Park Hopper or re-entering the Park, by showing a currently dated Parking Receipt, will be allowed in. Also, any Guests using Disney transportation are allowed.

Stage 2 - At this stage, Theme Park admission is limited to Disney Resort Guests*, Annual and Premium Annual Passholders, Guests with Park Hopper tickets crossing over from another Park, Guests re-entering this Park today. Guests with written confirmation of reservations for Dining or Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique or The Pirates League within one hour are also admitted. Guests using Walt Disney World Resort Transportation will be admitted. Guests not meeting the above criteria are told the Theme Park has reached capacity.

Stage 3 - At this stage, Theme Park admission is limited to Disney Resort Guests*, Annual and Premium Annual Passholders. Guests with written confirmation of reservations for Dining or Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique or The Pirates League within one hour are also admitted.*

Stage 4 - Nobody is allowed in.

Also, if you are staying at a Disney owned and operated Resort and have a ticket, you are guaranteed entry into A park. Not necessarily the one you want (unless you want to go into AK). And if you have entered and left a park and do not have a hopper you may not get into anything.

*Guests of WDW Swan and Dolphin Hotels and Shades of Green at the Walt Disney World Resort are considered part of this group for Stages 2 and 3. In addition, Guests from Hotel Plaza Boulevard hotels arriving by bus are included.

 

[Robo]

How crowded is it really Thanksgiving and Christmas week? I know its really crowded, but I mean how bad is it?

Thanksgiving weekend can be quite busy, too, but it does not rate the same "awe" as Christmas Week.