The week before Christmas

[Romulan248]

I've seen a lot of threads about how Disney is crazy starting Christmas day until New Year's Day, but what is it like the week before? I've been to Disney World way too many times to count, but never during this time. We're going to be there from the 18th-24th with park hoppers for all days, and we're staying at the Port Orleans- Riverside..So, any tips for whats going on during this time? Thanks so much!

 

[msmith07101]

I'll be there too...from the 18th to 21st, staying at CBR...then going over to US & IOA for 3 days. I too, hope that the crowds are manageable...I have hoppers too, and with only a couple days hope that I can do everything that I want to. I hear that the week before is supposed to be less busy than the week after, but who knows...anything goes with the discounts they have been offering.

 

[DisneyCP08]

I went the week before christmas in 2007 and it was wonderful. We barely had to weight in lines. The crowds did get a little bigger when it got closer to 25th, but nothing unmanagable. I was also there this summer during peak season and it wasnt bad either. SO, my guess is you wont have to deal with too big of a crowd since you are leaving before christmas. Hope you guys have a great time. I wish I could go again the decorations and lights during christmas time are wonderful.

Happy Holidays

 

[BiggFam8]

We are also going the 11-20th. We went in 2003 around the same time and 15 minutes was the longest wait we had. I agree that the closer to Christmas, the busier! We left the Sunday before Christmas in 2003. Thursday of that week was fine, Friday a little busier (especuially that evening) and Saturday afterrnoon was wall to wall people! Sunday at DD was even crowded when we shopped! I am excited!!!!!!!!!!

 

[jamescorey]

My wife and I go every year at this time, this time the 18-23 at Grand Floridian. The last two years, I have noticed that it seems to be getting a little more crowded. Take full advantage of Extra Magic Hours!! I know that on 12/20, MK is open until 2am!!! Last year they did this on 12/21, and it was so cold that day, the park was EMPTY from about 9:30pm on. When I say EMPTY, I mean EMPTY!!! I have several pictures of my wife and I with not a single person around in the hub in front of the castle!

 

[dmartin69]

I agree with the other posters.... The closer to Christmas Day the crazier it gets... One way to avoid the mayhem is to bypass the early parades and hit attractions while everyone is watching them... But it is a busy time at the parks...

 

[Robbinsgirls3]

We are headed over for the day for Christmas light displays and to play Kim Possible in EPCOT. We were just there over Thanksgiving weekend and even though I heard that is supposedly the busiest time of the year it was never bad. Every time we've been this year it has not been bad, gets sticky around parade time, Castle lighting and Fireworks, but that is any time of the year. You should not wait standby more than 45 minutes if I can compare it to Thanksgiving. That was the longest wait we had anywhere. Good luck!