The week before Christmas???

[Kimberly8182]

We, me, my husband, and 4 kids (6, 5, 4, & 1) originally were planning our first Disney trip for the week of Christmas 2012. After doing some research, I think the crowds may be too much for kids being so small. Our possible trip days are very limited and it seems Christmas is the only time we can make it happen. So, my question is, how is the week before Christmas? Are crowds less than the week after? We could make the trip before and come home on Christmas day if this would be a better choice. Any help is appreciated! Thanks!

 

[Swissdog2010]

We, me, my husband, and 4 kids (6, 5, 4, & 1) originally were planning our first Disney trip for the week of Christmas 2012. After doing some research, I think the crowds may be too much for kids being so small. Our possible trip days are very limited and it seems Christmas is the only time we can make it happen. So, my question is, how is the week before Christmas? Are crowds less than the week after? We could make the trip before and come home on Christmas day if this would be a better choice. Any help is appreciated! Thanks!

We did this trip a few years ago. Christmas was a saturday and we got their the tuesday before and left the wednesday after and yes the week before is less crowded but still pretty hectic. We did Magic Kingdom our first day and it was reasonable, but we were also there Christmas day and it was CRAZY. They closed the park for a while. So if that is your only time frame, shoot for before, but be prepared for lots of people.

 

[lnh'smom]

We have always done WDW in either may or September. In 2010, we decided to take a quick trip down to see the Christmas decorations when they offered free dining. We were there dec 16-21. We picked those dates according to crowd calendar. Wow! More crowded then we had ever seen. We were ok, we knew what we were doing. Felt bad for a few first timers we met at our resort who were completely flustered. Have a plan, do your research,
and you should be fine! My best advice for that time of year, rope drop! Then later in the day when it's more crowded, take the time to resort hop and see the decorations. They are incredible!

 

[Art 1]

Packed.

 

[DisGirl1971]

We, me, my husband, and 4 kids (6, 5, 4, & 1) originally were planning our first Disney trip for the week of Christmas 2012. After doing some research, I think the crowds may be too much for kids being so small. Our possible trip days are very limited and it seems Christmas is the only time we can make it happen. So, my question is, how is the week before Christmas? Are crowds less than the week after? We could make the trip before and come home on Christmas day if this would be a better choice. Any help is appreciated! Thanks!

The 3rd week of December is generally low crowds, usually lower than the first week that has been blacked out for discounts the last couple of years. December 10 - 18 is a great time to go. The crowds are lower, the resort rates are lower and there is usually a free dining discount. The CRAZY Christmas crowds will start rolling in after about the 19th. Christmas/New Year's week is the single most busy and expensive week of the entire year, I don't recommend that week for anyone, especially people who are new to touring Disney. You definitely need to get out of the parks before the 20th to avoid the craziness.

Here is a link to booking a free dining offer and all past free dining dates:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2771101&page=11

 

[littlekidagain]

We went in 08' from around the 6 to the 12 and it was great! We went back in 2011 (about the same dates), I will not go back for Christmas again. The crowds were horrible!!