WDW at Christmas - should we?

[goofyguy1958]

Thanks everyone for the info both good and not so good about Christmas at WDW - it really helped mix my little brain up even more because, as usual, I want it now. However, I looked at airfares for around Christmas, the weekend before and then 2 weeks before and now created an additional question - how are the crowds around 3 weeks to 10 days before Christmas? The question came out of the drastic - as in way less than half - price difference in air fare.

 

[dcamdad]

Thanks everyone for the info both good and not so good about Christmas at WDW - it really helped mix my little brain up even more because, as usual, I want it now. However, I looked at airfares for around Christmas, the weekend before and then 2 weeks before and now created an additional question - how are the crowds around 3 weeks to 10 days before Christmas? The question came out of the drastic - as in way less than half - price difference in air fare.

Last year we stayed from Dec 18 and left Dec 26, the crowds were very manageable leading up to Christmas. You could definatly tell the influx starting around the 23rd, we totally skipped the parks Christmas day to avoid the huge crowds and delays. All in all we would do the same time frame again at the drop of the hat, as others have already posted pre-planning meals and other activities are a must, but thats half the fun right

 

[goofyguy1958]

Yep, dcamdad. DW is already stating "you are in attack planning mode already" - this is indeed one of my favorite pasttimes.

 

[Desnik]

I would love to be at WDW during X-mas! My MIL, and BIL's family will be there and they want us to join them. I'm still on the fence. How likely is it to get a studio 7 months out?

 

[mikeandkarla]

The only reason I said not to be around MK on Christmas eve or day was on Christmas eve we got stuck trying to leave from frontierland before the fireworks show. We walked right into elbow to elbow gridlock . MainStreet was a literal sea of people that we could not get through to leave. On Christmas day we ate breakfast in the castle, did a lot of fantasyland and left. It worked out much better. We also had a fireworks cruise on Christmas night. I would definitely consult the experts on Tour Guide Mike or TouringPlans for where and when to be to maximize your trip experience.

 

[naf917]

If you are just looking to see the parks are Christmas time you may want to consider going at the beginning of December. The crowds are low and all the Christmas shows and decorations are available

 

[JodyTG]

Christmas is our favorite time to go to WDW. It just seems all the more magical with the decorations and everything. You definitely have to plan our your days, but it is very, VERY doable (is that even a word?).

 

[goofyguy1958]

An update of sorts: looks like we have decided on the 12th through the 16th (due to my limited vacation time at new job - I went from 5 weeks to 3 and it is really starting to bug me) and will be booking at home resort of SSR. I believe the decision was made easier when DD (11) and DS (8) reminded us just how impatient they are when they could not agree on a simple TV show - do not want to be in a crowded place with the sparks flying between them (my sparks are a lot worse and I don't like letting them go). The Christmas trip is still planned but in the future when they are more mature.

Now I have to book the room and get the air fare.

 

[Desnik]

Good for you! You will have cheaper airfare, less crowds, and still be able to enjoy all the Xmas decorations, and shows. Have a great trip!

FYI, for those thinking of booking a Xmas trip at DVC. I just called and there are plenty of rooms available at SSR(studios and 1 bed rooms) for the dates I asked for(12/23-12/26) and a bunch of AKV savannah view studios and 1 bedrooms! I didn't ask about the other resorts because SSR and AKV are my home resorts.

I booked a studio at SSR,(that's all I could book cause I'm out of points!!) but still not sure if we will go.

 

[pilferk]

OK, I realize that asking these question here is kind of redundant but here goes: DW recently stated that she would really like to go to WDW and actually be there at CHRISTMAS but this scares me with the descriptions of how crowded things get at this time. The questions: Any advise on resort (we would most likely stay at our home SSR)? Is it realy as crowded as I have read? Are the parks really crowded say on Christmas eve or before? Any additional info is also appreciated.

The parks are gridlock. Plain and simple.

If you're going to ride the rides and experience the attractions....don't go during Christmas.

If you're a WDW "vet" and aren't worried about commando style or your "rides per hour" number, go for it.

I LOVE the parks around that time......the decorations are great, and all the "stuff" you get at Mickey's Very Mery X-mas party is going on in the parks for FREE. All the shows, the decorations, the parades....to me those are worth the price of admission alone. It WILL be gridlock. You WILL have to stake spots out HOURS in advance for some stuff. But if you go KNOWING that, and don't let yourself get frustrated because you don't feel you're getting your money's worth...you'll be fine.

That being said...if you have very young children who are going to be either devastated because you can't do certain rides or who will NOT stand up well to 60 to 90 minute waits for Dumbo.....I'd say wait. Go in early december when the crowds are thinner and pay for MVMCP.

All JMHO, of course.

 

[goofyguy1958]

Thanks for the info everyone. We have decided to go from 12-Dec to 16-Dec - and cannot wait!!! Next question: can anyone give some insight on MVMCP? Is it worth the extra money? We are all AP holders and not sure we want to put out the extra $200+.

Thanks again.

 

[Muushka]

Thanks for the info everyone. We have decided to go from 12-Dec to 16-Dec - and cannot wait!!! Next question: can anyone give some insight on MVMCP? Is it worth the extra money? We are all AP holders and not sure we want to put out the extra $200+.

Thanks again.

This will be your 'frugal person's' answer to your MVMCP question.

If we have AP's, we think it is not money well spent.

If we don't have them, then it is such a great party and we do it in a heartbeat!

 

[goofyguy1958]

Thansk Muushka. I have never been accused of being frugal (probably exactly the opposite) so that is not my concern. I am more concerned if we -me, DW, DD (12 for this visit) and DS (9 for this visit) - will like the MVMCP as much as we did the MNSSHP last October. Also, is there limited admission for the MVMCP event? The AP thing is no concern either as we will get plenty of use out of ours next June as well (planning another 2 weeks for then).

 

[bobbiwoz]

No one knows how many people, but MVMCP is a limited ticket event. DH and I, empty nester adults with AP's, try to go to one every year. DH loves celebrating Christmas and he goes because he likes the parade very much. I like being with DH but I do have a bit more fun at the MNSSHP! I suppose it's the candy and Hallowishes! I have a harder time associating Disney with Christmas apart from the Candlelight Processional.

Bobbi

 

[Muushka]

Thansk Muushka. I have never been accused of being frugal (probably exactly the opposite) so that is not my concern. I am more concerned if we -me, DW, DD (12 for this visit) and DS (9 for this visit) - will like the MVMCP as much as we did the MNSSHP last October. Also, is there limited admission for the MVMCP event? The AP thing is no concern either as we will get plenty of use out of ours next June as well (planning another 2 weeks for then).

I guess the words "Is it worth the extra money? We are all AP holders and not sure we want to put out the extra $200+. " made me lean towards the financial aspect of your question. OK, off finances now....

We really enjoyed both parties very much but if I had to say which I preferred, I would say MNSSHP, but the weather was perfect for that party and it can be pretty cold for the MVMCP. They do limit the number of people, but they were both pretty crowded.

I think I liked the parade more now that I think about it, but the MNSSHP was more fun.
I hope this helps.
PS be sure to bring mittens, hats and warm gear for that time of year and especially that party. Burrrr Unless, of course, it is warm!

 

[goofyguy1958]

I really hope it is not too cold, we get enough of that here in PA. So are there any more reasons to do the MVMCP?

 

[bobbiwoz]

I really hope it is not too cold, we get enough of that here in PA. So are there any more reasons to do the MVMCP?

Well, they give out cookies, sliced apples and hot chocolate.
The castle is absolutely stunning decked out in the ice lights. You will see that all of the time that's not just for the MVMCP.

Bobbi

 

[goofyguy1958]

Thanks Bobbiwoz! Now that's what I'm looking for. Anyone else have more?

 

[bobbiwoz]

OK, one more thing that I remember. The Tremaine Ladies were hosting a party over by Dumbo. They are the funniest group to watch!
Bobbi

 

[Muushka]

I really hope it is not too cold, we get enough of that here in PA. So are there any more reasons to do the MVMCP?

Sadly, it may get too cold. I mention it because I saw so many families, with very small children, pretending that it was not cold. And not prepared. Hopefully the weather will be nice and warm for your party. It is a fun time.