Week after Christmas? Worth it or not?

[flea1267]

We are thinking of doing the week after Christmas of 2007 because it will be my 40th birthday and our 10 year wedding anniversary (the 27th and the 31st). I am wondering is it worth it w/ the crowds? Any advise, experiences, etc would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks so much!!!

 

[Bob P]

To me, a trip to WDW is always worth it!

But be advised the crowds will be ENORMOUS all week.

 

[EnnEss]

I'm not sure how relevant this will be... but I've been to DisneyLand the week after christmas (my birthday is that week as well!), as well as the first week of December. The week after Christmas was very very very busy there. I personally dont mind the crowds and it actually adds something for me to see the park full, I just adjust my goals for how many attractions I'll be able to ride in a day.

I really enjoyed my time at the beginning of December much more mind you. It was not busy at all and Disney had all the Christmas decorations up on December 1. It was also still value season where as the week after christmas is not. The park being emptier was very cool at Christmas time becuase it kind of let the extra theming they put into it be seen and all the different music be heard. They have carollers and that type of thing that are much easier to enjoy when the park isn't packed.

Like I said above, this was Disneyland not WDW, but I believe there will be similar patterns at WDW.

 

[flea1267]

I'm there w/ you Bob!! Anytime I can go to WDW I'm there I just think it would be neat to turn 40 and have our 10 year anniversary at WDW - I know the crowds would be a little rough but would they be too rough to take away from the Magic and make me regret going that time of year or should we just pick another time to go? But I agree I would never not like being at Disney!

 

[Miandrea]

Hello,

It is extremely busy...huge line ups. It is great to be around the magic but it is packed. When I go, I just do what I want to do without being in panic.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[WDWNicole]

We went after Christmas in 2004. It was crowded but we had a great time (there were 13 of us). We were very organized and used Fast Pass to the max. We were also there for 10 days so we didn't have to rush through any of the parks. I think it also helps because it's not hot - it's much more bearable to wait on a 35 minute line when it is 60 or 70 degrees out than 90.

Would I go back at that time of year? Probably not, but I certainly agree than any trip to the World is a great trip.

 

[Lady SnowElla]

We were at WDW last Christmas. We stayed for a couple days after Christmas. The crowds were huge! However, the weather was so nice & everything was so pretty & festive. We did not plan to do every ride. We made a list of what we had to see on those days & made sure to get Fastpasses & enter the parks early. In the early afternoon we left because the crowds were so great. I think that they were bigger than July 4th. Will we do it again? Absolutely

 

[vsimeone]

I agree with the other posters. We have been MANY times the week between Christmas and New Year's. We happen to love that time of year. I would NEVER recommend to someone to go at that time if it is their first ever trip to WDW but if you have been before - just take the other poster's advice. Go slow. Plan your priorities in advance and have a GREAT time!!!

 

[AStamm]

I completely agree that as long as you use FastPass, you'll be in good shape. Obviously you realize the crowds are going to be huge. Just realize that you can't expect to see and do everything. I found the crowds a great excuse to see some of the more off-beat things at WDW when we were there two years ago.

The only piece of advice I'd give you is still clear of the parade route if you have no interest in seeing the parade. My family got hung up in a mob scene on New Year's Eve Day for almost an hour while trying to cut from the Riverboat over to Tom Sawyer's launch area. What a nightmare with tempers flaring and swear words flying! Not a place I'd like to revisit with my DS6 anytime soon.

That said, I can't wait to spend another Christmas vacation at WDW--we'll be there December 19-31 this year.

 

[miss missy]

best trip I ever went on was Dec 29th! New years great at DTD for FREE! We had 10 days of PERRFECT weather AND we got to see Christmas decor! GREAT time and great deal!

 

[msgrimm23]

i was there this past year and it was so crowded. new years was cool we went to mgm and they have a great show and firework display. even with the crowds we did get on all the rides we wanted to get on and i made dinner reservation way ahead a time. it is do able and the weather can be nice i was swimming in the pool. good luck and if you want a pic of what it looks like durning that time i can put one up

 

[mackeyapp]

We have been there the past two years from Dec. 28-Jan 10 and that way you get a taste of the Xmas spirit and the hustle and bustle and then you finish off with quiet and slow pace. We loved it, just use your fast passes and enjoy every minute.

 

[JANESZAT]

I was visiting my oldest daughter in Orlando after Christmas last year. We decided to get a one-day park hopper and spend the day at Disney. After all, how bad could it be? Well...Fast Pass return times were so long after the pull time that they were useless to us. We waited almost 2 hours for Soarin' (and we got there first thing in the morning), 2 hours for Tower of Terror and 2 hours for Rock-n-Roller Coaster. I have been to Disney many, many times and will continue to visit.....but NEVER, EVER, will I visit when it is that crowded. It was a bummer for us. At 42, I don't have the patience for really big crowds. Just my two cents....

 

[flea1267]

I'd love to see a pic!
Thanks to EVERYONE who has responded, what a huge help!!!

 

[msgrimm23]