The week before Christmas?

[Davey Jones II]

So I just got off the phone with Disney, and the only block of time they could offer us with free dining was Dec. 16-25. They gave us a good price, but I'm concerned about crowds. I know the week after Christmas is insanely busy in the parks, but what about the week before? What is your experience, or that of people you know? I would greatly appreciate any feedback. Thanks!

 

[Klayfish]

It's very busy and gets busier the closer you get to Xmas. We were there last year starting around Dec 18th and stayed to Jan 1st. How crazy it is will depend on your perspective on crowds. It's definitely busier than in the summer, but it wasn't horrible IMO. The week after was much busier. If you use FP+, have some patience and holiday spirit, you'll have a blast. The really crazy crowds are where and when you'd expect...MK fireworks, parades, etc...

 

[dkrauss]

Curious if you've looked at the math regarding the room discount as opposed to the free dining offer. Unless you have a large group to feed you might have more options with that.

Doug

 

[Davey Jones II]

It's very busy and gets busier the closer you get to Xmas. We were there last year starting around Dec 18th and stayed to Jan 1st. How crazy it is will depend on your perspective on crowds. It's definitely busier than in the summer, but it wasn't horrible IMO. The week after was much busier. If you use FP+, have some patience and holiday spirit, you'll have a blast. The really crazy crowds are where and when you'd expect...MK fireworks, parades, etc...

We've been there in October, and that's pretty busy. How would that compare to the week before Christmas?
One thing I don't understand: if it will be busy that week, how come this was the very best deal they could offer us?

Curious if you've looked at the math regarding the room discount as opposed to the free dining offer. Unless you have a large group to feed you might have more options with that.

Doug

They didn't have any discounted hotel offers when I called. The price we got is $2975 for nine nights at All Star Sports, eight day park hopper for two and quick service dining plan. That's not a good deal?

 

[shanew21]

It's busy but with enough planning even the worst crowds can be manageable.

 

[Beachmom0317]

Room discount for December won’t come out until summer so you could always keep this reservation and switch to a room discount if you like that better

 

[DisneyWishes14]

Compared to Christmas week, the week before is manageable. Expect the crowds to pick up considerably the Friday evening before Christmas. We've gone the week before Christmas the last two years and are going again this year. Yes, it's crowded, but it's beautiful and there are so many extra things to do (storytellers in EP, Jingle Bell Jingle Jam in DHS, touring the resorts to see the decorations). I love it! Just expect it to be more crowded than what you are used to.

If your dates are flexible, I would, however, re-price for a different time period.

 

[Davey Jones II]

Thanks to everyone for the responses. What's Jingle Bell Jingle Bam?

 

[DisneyWishes14]

Thanks to everyone for the responses. What's Jingle Bell Jingle Bam?

It's a special holiday show at DHS!

 

[Klayfish]

We've been there in October, and that's pretty busy. How would that compare to the week before Christmas?
One thing I don't understand: if it will be busy that week, how come this was the very best deal they could offer us?

I've only been to WDW on October once, and that was nearly 10 years ago, so it may not have relevance. From my understanding, October isn't too bad. The week before Christmas, you should expect it to be quite crowded, but like I said it's still a wonderful time.

Jingle Bell Jingle Bam (JBJB) is the nighttime show at HS, in front of the Chinese Theatre during the holidays. There are projections on the theatre, along with a story (Prep and Landing) and fireworks. Pretty cool.

 

[dkrauss]

They didn't have any discounted hotel offers when I called. The price we got is $2975 for nine nights at All Star Sports, eight day park hopper for two and quick service dining plan. That's not a good deal?

No that price looks good...........saving about $850 from what I can tell..........all on dining. You are correct there are no room discounts right now for that time frame. Hey $850 savings is nothing to laugh at..........a deal is a deal. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas at WDW.

Doug

 

[Davey Jones II]

Thanks for the responses.