Thinking about a Christmas trip a few questions

[Gaynor]

We're thinking of going to Florida for christmas

21st - 31st Dec (can only do these dates due to work) when does it get busy?

Will 10 days be enough considering how busy it may be?

I've found some flights which I consider a bargain, indirect with Continental via Newark with layover of 1hours 25 mins, 3hours 40 mins or 6 hours (if we chose the latter would we be able to leave the airport once we'd checked in for mco flight)?

How are Continental?

That's it for now but I'm sure I'll think of loads more questions.

Thanks

 

[mackay_j]

Hi, which parks are you going to do. We have been at this rtime quite a lot and the crowds are not usually a problem for us, but we do not do the parks on 25th and 31st. On the 25th we either chill out in a villa, opening the pressies and having Xmas diner. On one occassion we flew in on 24th so had to eat out on Xmas day. we went Gaylordpalms for diner and also went to the ICE display and outdoor icerink. They also had a rock Xmas concert on so was a bril way to spend Xmas (you would have to book diner inadvance). On NYE we have done Dicovery cove as its limited in numbers, we have also used this as a rest day then gone into the poly in wdw to watch the fireworks which can on be decribed as an amzing highlight to the holiday.

From the 21st- 23rd the parks are usually not to bad. On 24-26th you will need to get to the parks very early (if you are not satying on site) to ensure you get in. 31st the same but worse. The 1st is usually quiter if you go in early. I have never had a problem with the crowds we plan the day and make the best use of the fast pass system in WDW. In universal its never been to much of a problem in the past but I beleive they have got rid of the past pass system so next year I may purchase the extra fast passes you can buy if we find it is to slow they are available on the universal web site. Again this is not an issue if you stay on site asyou can fast pass rides all day.


The atmosphere is brill over Xmas 10 days is enough to do either WDW or the orlando flex parks (US, IOA, SW, AQ, WW, &BG on a plus ticket) but you would struggle to do both lots you may fit in WDW parks and SW OR IOA &US

I think it is better to do less and realy enjoy it than try and do to much and not feal like you have had a holiday.

One word of warning is it can be very very cold in florida over winter. And I mean near ZERO all day. These cold spell tend to only last a few days at a time except 2000-2001 Christmas when on 27th temp droped to zero and rose very slowly over 6 days. As long as you have the correct clothing this can be a bonus as the locals do not stay out long when its that cold. We did disney 27th-3rd jan and we got to stay on and re-ride lot of the rides as the parks were dead quite as soon as the sun went down and the temps headed towords zero. But not good to do Discovery cove as it was freezing and my kids were crying to go home!!

 

[wayneg]

We went 25th Dec ~ 3rd Jan this last Xmas.
It was manic the whole holiday, 5th Xmas there and never seen crowds like it, so bad we have said we won't return for a few years at Xmas, 45 mins to get a burger, popular rides 2 hours + or NYE upto 6 hours for Soarin.
Its a fantastic time to visit but try think less parks and more away from them like visiting the resorts to see all the decs. If you are purely going for parks and rides I would not go at Xmas.

Been with Continental twice, no problems at all but its a few years ago now so can't remember much about them. Not sure about leaving the airport, is there anything to see near Newark Airport? Don't think I woudl risk going far. even 3hr 40 is a long time for a stop, I accept anything 2hrs+ Once did 6 hours and never again, its too long.

 

[tartangirl]

Hi,

We flew Continental in 2007 fat Xmas from Edinburgh to Orlando through Newark. They were fine and wouldn't hesitate to use them again. I love Florida at that time of year, far better than being in cold Scotland - we only got 1 cold day in the 2 weeks we were there although I believe it was unusually warm.

Newark airport is very busy and the Qs at immigration were huge. 1hr 25mins to get through immigration and get to the next flight will be extremely tight and if the inbound flight is in the slightest delayed you'll have no chance - I would go with the 3hr 40mins for peace of mind.

 

[Lizzybear]

Considering the layover, I don't think there's much to do in Newark/nearby that's near enough the airport to consider leaving.. It's in quite an industralised area. Christmas is likely to be a bit crazy at the airports so a generous connection may be a good idea I would go for at least the 3hr40min one, 1hr25min would be cutting it extremely fine.

 

[Gaynor]

Hi
not sure which parks we'll be doing, but going for the atmosphere and the experience mainly. Rides will not be a priority but would like to see christmas parades and fireworks.
Thanks
Gaynor

 

[Goofyish]

Make sure you spend some time touring the resorts too. They all have their own special Christmas decorations, trees, and often specail events or displays (like the giant gingerbread house in GF).

 

[tink too]

I love WDW at Christmastime. I think as long as you are prepared for the parks to be very busy, you'll be fine. The good thing about that time of year is that the park hours are extended, so if you go somewhere and find that the crowds get too bad, you can always leave for a few hours then go back later to see if it's calmed down any.

I have never gone through Newark airport, but wouldn't recommend the 1hr 25min layover as you would have to go through Customs/Immigration there because it'll be your first point of entry to the US. I think the 3hr 40mins would be a much more realistic choice - that's certainly the one I'd go for personally.