WDW at Christmas

[mickey0216]

Maybe I am nuts... For reasons that I can't explain... I just decided that I wanted to go to WDW for Christmas. My "plan" which has not been approved by the lady in charge of my house, is sparse. We (DW, DD, DS and I) would fly in on Dec 23rd and fly out on Dec 27th.

It appears that rooms are available at the resorts that I would consider staying at and airfare is only $236 per person.

I've been to WDW several times, typically at Thanksgiving and once in early June.

I know that WDW will be beautiful... but how crowded will it be?

 

[chewooki]

well, I believe, historically, Christmas day is the "THE DAY" at the world. You associate quotes like "had to close the park before 10am, because it had reached max capacity". Myself, I don't like crowds...that is why we go two weeks before x-mas. All the decor - none of the hastle. I love it, it is the most incredible time of the year. All the decor is worth the trip alone.

If someone actually told me that they would take me on Christmas Day - I would go....once - Just to say I did.

Seriously, I couldn't think of a better place to be on Christmas Day!

Good Luck and Have fun!

 

[disney4us2002]

What an awesome Christmas present! We have a tendency to plan things to death. I can't imagine flying off in a matter of under three weeks, but it sounds exhilerating!

I say go for it!!

Then be sure to come back and tell how crowded it was since we're going next year for Christmas, lol.

 

[Vals]

disney4us2002-i am also thinking of doing the same! but by myself. what resorts did you find were available for that time period? I dont want to spend a lot of $ cause im a DVC owner-but ive used up all of my pts. Was thinking of getting an AP. that way i wouldnt feel too bad, if it was crazy & I only stayed for a few hrs.

 

[ozziewags]

Everyone should go to Disney at Christmas at least once. It is gorgeous. Yes, it is crowded, but if you plan your days, you will be fine. We spent Christmas Day in the Magic Kingdom, knowing that it would be very crowded. In the morning we hit our favorite rides, took our time, used FP and enjoyed every minute. We sat near the Hall of Presidents for the Christmas Parade and when it was over we went to Liberty Tree Tavern (with PS) for dinner. It was the most magical way to spend Christmas day. We will never forget it. Just don't get hung up worrying about the crowds. Just go and soak it all in. Wish it were me.

 

[robinb]

You might want to look into the Dolphin. They have $99 rates for 12/23 and 12/24 and $139 Annual Passholder rates for 12/25 and 12/26. You may also be eligible for one of the nurse/teacher rates which is even less .

If you don't qualify for the special rates on 12/25-12/27 you can book the internet only rate of $147. Remember, there is a $10 per night "resort fee" added to that.

 

[chirsty'smom]

We are going to spend Xmas at WDW, yes it's crowded BUT get there first thing, take a break in the afternoon and back til closing (midnight for MK) - the early mornings and late evenings tend to get cold and less people seem to venture out.

We had a blast 2 yrs ago and I can't wait for Xmas morning (arriving around 10am), we're going to EPCOT on the 25th - and park hop the rest of the 3 days.

I had been curious this yr and have been checking resort availability to see what I'm up against. It was harder to find a resort available to the first 2 wkend in Dec. It fact for 25-28 other than a few limitations at Contemp and nothing at ASMu there were rooms available at EVERY resort.

Have a Disney Christmas!!!!

 

[mickey0216]

Does anyone have experience to compare Christmas Week with Thanksgiving Week?

I have been to WDW on Thanksgiving week a number of times... A typical Thanksgiving week (arriving Sat before and leaving the Saturday after) goes like this. Saturday through Tuesday are a pleasure. The crowds start to build on Wednesday. Thursday (Turkey Day) is swamped.

Is that what I can expect with my "plan" of arriving on the 23rd?

 

[lovmy2girls]

Christmas day is very, very crowded! But if you have been in November and the summer, you know what it is like.

Have a great time!!!!

 

[mickey0216]

Hoping to obtain additional input...

I need to make up my mind on how hard I am going to push for approval from the lady in charge.

 

[PamOKW]

Your comparison to the building crowds of Thanksgiving is apt....although the critical mass that is hit on NYE is nothing compared to Thanksgiving. Christmas Day is also very busy, especially at the MK.

If you come in on the 23rd you will be arriving with the first wave. There are two camps, those who want to be there for Christmas and those who want Christmas at home and then hit the parks starting 12/26 for the rest of the week. The consideration is not just that WDW hotels are full...most of the offsite hotels are also full of folks down for Bowl games, parades, etc. who are also accompanying bands as well as teams. They all visit WDW. The last few years the number of foreign travelers is down so you you'll have slightly fewer folks but it's still a party.

If you are going to hit every ride and/or for a once in a lifetime trip...it's a pretty hairy time to go. If you are open to enjoying all the magic and special Christmas shows, decorations, etc. and not intent on just hitting the rides, you should have a terrific time.

 

[mickey0216]

PamOKW - Thank you for the very insightful response. It is your type of response that makes this board so successful!!!

Please clarify... Are you saying that Christmas day will be less busy than Thanksgiving Day?

My thoughts at this point:
Tuesday - AK and some of EC (Illuminations)
Wednesday - MK (parades and fireworks)
Thursday - finish up MK, do what's possible at MGM (Fantasmic)
Friday - finish EC and MGM

I hadn't considered the crowds associated with the football bowl games. In retrospect that was really dumb...

Having been to WDW a number of times before, we are not in a situation where we have to do everything - no kamazazee.

Do you know if they will have an E-Ride night at MK during my timeframe? Do they still do it?

 

[Bojangles]

mickey, we are there during that time frame every other year...get to the parks at opening. It won't be crowded. If you get there at 11AM, you will have huge lines.

You didn't say where you were staying. If you want to see Illuminations and Fantasmic, stay at one of the Boardwalk resorts even if it is Swan/Dolphin so you can walk back.

 

[Grumpy92]

Xmas day the parks will fill to capacity. MK is the worst and usually closes due to crowds by 10am. The week of xmas & NYs are the historically the busiest of the entire year. So yes more people then Thanksgiving.

Saying all that planning and flexibility are the keys to a trip at this time of year. There are so many extra things going on that you normally wouldnt see any other time of year. Decorated resorts, CP, lighting of xmas trees & ceromonies, it truly is extra magical at this time of year.

So mickey0216 definitely go if you can. WDW will not look or feel like it has on other visits and is a treat to see in all its holiday glory. Realize that you will not be able to accomplish as many attractions as in other visits so pick your top ones then the rest is glory.

Tips: Stay at a Disney resort, with parks busy Disney resort guest get preferential treatment. Tour the resorts each is decorated according to their theme. Book the Candlelight Processional dinner pkg it is worth the $$ and the best show on a bonus. Plus you get the extra xmas stuff. You also might want to check out Disneyquest. Make sure to make all dinner PSs before you arrive. IF you wait your selection is limited and the wait times are long.

 

[mickey0216]

The lady in charge (AKA: DW) has burst my bubble.

While I very much appreciate the info shared by many of you, the Mrs. has indicated that we will not be spending the holidays in WDW. Something about not enough time to prep, and that we were there last year.

drats, darn, crap, argh, !@#$%


I should have bought the 4 airline tickets and made the reservations before I told her... it worked in 1999.

 

[Vals]

Mickey 0216, that is sad news! Its amazing on what you can get done in a short time period! Well, I admire you ! most men, do not get that excited with Disney as us ladies! My goal is to meet & fall in love with a gentleman that loves Disney! My x never got that excited over it. Maybe next year, you will go to Disney @ Xmas time. Ive always wanted to go @ xmas, but was always outvoted.

 

[Mamiamjo]

We will be at WDW over Christmas. We have ps for breakfast at 1900 Park Fare (8:30am) on Chritmas morning. Since we will not be out before 10-10:30 should we go to another park? We will be at MK on Christmas Eve, so maybe take the monorail to Epcot after Christmas Breakfast?

Let me know what you think.
Mike

ps: Bojangles, are you the same one from Cancun.com forum?

 

[Lexxiefern]

So sorry you don't get to go! I decided I wanted to go last minute and thankfully I was successful with my DH (took a lot of work, let me tell you) Better luck to you next year!

 

[mickey0216]

To meet the requirements of the lady in charge of my house, I need to plan. Spur of the moment, spontaneity, etc are not traits that she excels at... We've been married for 20+ years, I should know better.

All this will do is to force me to plan for next years trip well in advance...