Touring plan question during Christmas

[littlbugmom]

With the big crowds during christmas, how much stock do you put into the "most crowded park" lists for each day? We'll be there 12/19-12/28 and I'm kinda feeling like, whatever....they'll all be crowded so why bother worrying about it?

During past trips, I've used them to decide which park to visit each day but during our spring break trip i was convinced that it didn't matter! AK was listed as the best park to visit the day we went but WOWTHECROWDS!! LoL!

 

[Nick6300]

I haven't looked into it... is your research still telling you that it's AK as lowest crowds just because of it's sheer size? Even with Pandora now, it's so much bigger than the rest of the parks for capacity. We've only seen the 1st level of restrictions at MK during Christmas. Was at HS when the parking lot was completely full and they had you parking at other parks... but this was 2015 when Osborne lights, final yr. EP is bigger than MK/HS(but many people's favorite during Christmas with the processional/storytellers).

 

[AuroraSheasMom]

I'm interested as well. I booked today for Dec 16-22 and my mind is spinning. This will be the 3rd trip I've planned, but Christmas is a totally new ball game. I've never been when it was terribly crowded. I used Tour Guide Mike for the other 2 trips but aren't sure where to check for this trip.

 

[disneygolfer1985]

We go mostly over Christmas or thanksgiving and just kind of plan on what we want to do. The best tip is to know that you won't see everything. We mostly focus on seeing the holiday specific festivities. I would definitely avoid MK on Christmas Day. We usually eat dinner on Christmas Day at a resort restaurant. I think patience is the best advice I can give and enjoy the holidays. Honestly, we don't pay attention to any of the crowd levels and just plan on what we want to do and from past experience.

 

[deedubb]

I agree with you. I'm going in with the attitude that it is going to be mayhem, every day, at every park, so I don't really care what the crowd predictors say. In fact, everything I've read states that you should stay away from MK on Christmas day. Guess where we'll be that day? Yup...and I don't care what everyone says. It's going to be great! (Of course, to help matters, I've got 2 TS meals booked so we don't have to fight for a table, and the dessert party so we don't have to camp out 2 hours before the fireworks). So looking forward to it.

 

[Nick6300]

I agree with you. I'm going in with the attitude that it is going to be mayhem, every day, at every park, so I don't really care what the crowd predictors say. In fact, everything I've read states that you should stay away from MK on Christmas day. Guess where we'll be that day? Yup...and I don't care what everyone says. It's going to be great! (Of course, to help matters, I've got 2 TS meals booked so we don't have to fight for a table, and the dessert party so we don't have to camp out 2 hours before the fireworks). So looking forward to it.

We read those reviews too and couldn't resist Christmas Day at MK either. Just got there early and planned to stay there instead of trying to leave and find a parking spot at another park.

 

[sharonabe]

I'm interested as well. I booked today for Dec 16-22 and my mind is spinning. This will be the 3rd trip I've planned, but Christmas is a totally new ball game. I've never been when it was terribly crowded. I used Tour Guide Mike for the other 2 trips but aren't sure where to check for this trip.

Your week probably won't be as bad as you think it will be. The beginning of your trip should still be pretty good with crowds growing daily. There are a lot of school systems that are still in that week. That doesn't mean you shouldn't have a plan, but I do think you're going to be pleasantly surprised, at least for the first few days.

 

[littlbugmom]

I agree with you. I'm going in with the attitude that it is going to be mayhem, every day, at every park, so I don't really care what the crowd predictors say. In fact, everything I've read states that you should stay away from MK on Christmas day. Guess where we'll be that day? Yup...and I don't care what everyone says. It's going to be great! (Of course, to help matters, I've got 2 TS meals booked so we don't have to fight for a table, and the dessert party so we don't have to camp out 2 hours before the fireworks). So looking forward to it.

I like your attitude!


We've talked about christmas day and have decided we want to sleep in and relax. We have an ADR at 1900 Park for dinner and we plan to ride the monorail after to look at decorations.

 

[AuroraSheasMom]

Your week probably won't be as bad as you think it will be. The beginning of your trip should still be pretty good with crowds growing daily. There are a lot of school systems that are still in that week. That doesn't mean you shouldn't have a plan, but I do think you're going to be pleasantly surprised, at least for the first few days.

I'm just so happy to be going back (FINALLY, after 2 cancelled trips) that I'll grin and bear whatever happens. If I can handle my main issue, no 'Ohana reservations open at this point, all my other plans will fall into place.