Trying to decide if Christmas Party is necessary/worth it

[littlbugmom]

We'll be in Disney 12/19--12/28. First Christmas trip. Experienced crowds during Spring Break and we understand crowds will be even worse during Christmas.

We've done MVMCP and MNSSHP and enjoyed them. We found the crowd level to be lower, especially towards the end of the parties and that was our main reason for attending. But that was during a MUCH less crowded week. Will we still see that benefit if we go 12/20? What can we expect that close to Christmas?

 

[Tiffany_m15]

We'll be in Disney 12/19--12/28. First Christmas trip. Experienced crowds during Spring Break and we understand crowds will be even worse during Christmas.

We've done MVMCP and MNSSHP and enjoyed them. We found the crowd level to be lower, especially towards the end of the parties and that was our main reason for attending. But that was during a MUCH less crowded week. Will we still see that benefit if we go 12/20? What can we expect that close to Christmas?

We went on Dec 19th last year. It was VERY busy. The park was crowded all day long and then it felt like it got worse during the party...but it slowed down by the end of the night and you may be able to get some things done that you can't during the day because of how busy it will be during regular park hours that week.

PS... Not sure if you can but... Extend your trip by 3 days and see the most amazing fireworks you have ever seen in your entire life on New Year's Eve. It was crazy-busy but those fireworks were incredible...so many, so bright, so beautiful, it was like day time!!!!

Enjoy you trip!

 

[Stinky_Pete]

It's been a few years...but I've been the two weeks prior to Christmas. Left Florida on Christmas day. The week before Christmas was busier than the week prior to that, but it was still very manageable.

Whether the Christmas party is "necessary/worth it" depends on what you want from it. If you really want to see the special fireworks, parade and any special characters then it may be "necessary/worth it" for you. For me, those things don't matter too much, so it's not "necessary/worth it" to me. Especially with what it costs these days.

If you're just thinking of shorter ride lines, I think you'll get that early in your trip if you follow a good touring plan. And I believe once you get into Christmas week you still can see the same fireworks and parade, even though it will probably be more crowded than during one of the parties.

 

[loves to dive]

We were there last year the week before Christmas, I think our last day was like the 23rd. It was crowded but non unmanageable and had we actually bothered to make FPs I don't think we would have had any problems riding what we wanted. It was a last minute trip for us, we decided about 2 weeks before that we wanted to go. It was two adults so rides weren't really our main focus, mostly we just wanted to see the place lit up for the holiday.

 

[Stinky_Pete]

We were there last year the week before Christmas, I think our last day was like the 23rd. It was crowded but non unmanageable and had we actually bothered to make FPs I don't think we would have had any problems riding what we wanted. It was a last minute trip for us, we decided about 2 weeks before that we wanted to go. It was two adults so rides weren't really our main focus, mostly we just wanted to see the place lit up for the holiday.

To me that's the best part about going during the holidays. I can go other times if all I want is to go on rides. But the decorations are *magical*

 

[hakepb]

I've heard the last party(s) are more crowded.

Since they typically show the holiday parade and holiday fireworks on regular park days after the last party, it doesn't seem much benefit for the $$.

As much as I loved MVMCP, spending the actual Christmas Day in the parks with family felt a bit more magical.

 

[cutigerlady]

Last year we were there 12/18-12/23. We didn't find it necessary to attend the party and the day after the last party, the parade will be daily at the afternoon parade slot. The crowds get busier as you get closer to Christmas and beyond.

 

[Lothlórien]

With the increase in price, the number of tickets sold has also increased. It is really hard to do everything in one party unless the only reason you are going is rides.

You are basically paying for special fireworks, a special parade and characters.

 

[twoplustwins]

Not worth it for us - paying that much for six people is ridiculous. As long as we plan well, we can accomplish the things the kids want to do.

 

[Guyton dis lover]

My party has 3 adults and we go every year during our Christmas trip. We love it. Already have tickets for this year.

 

[hodad]

I'm also trying to decide for a party of 7 adults and 3 kids. They all say they want to go, and it would either be on Dec 21st or the 22nd. We can see the parade during the day on the 23rd before flying home, and I'm wary of the ability for the 3 kids to make it all the way to the fireworks without crashing. The more I think about it, the more spending over $1000 for the opportunity seems wasteful.