Week Before Christmas

[LaughinPlace289]

My wife and I are thinking of planning a last minute trip the week before Christmas 12/19 - 12/23. Thus far I have gotten mixed feedback on what to expect during this week in terms of crowds. I realize crowds will undoubtedly get heavier each day of our trip. My wife is a teacher and the 19th is the absolute earliest day that we could arrive.

Those of you who have been on this week before... how bad can we expect it to be? Are there any good strategies for avoiding crowds?

 

[Disneylover99]

We were there Dec. 20-30 last year.

Expect the crowds. Embrace the crowds. You might have a lot of fun.
We actually preferred Osborne Lights when it was crowded. The crowds made it feel exciting IMO.
Visit the monorail resorts. Soak up the atmosphere in all the parks. Book your 3 fp's and do some less popular rides if there are no lines. If you want to ride rides, you can still do a lot at rope drop. MK will be open until midnight or later when you are there. Stay late if you can.
Oh, and try to eat quick service meals at off hours. Have fun!! We'll be there until the 24th this year.

 

[pmaurer74]

we have done this twice and it was fine. We had a great time but I would expect by the 23rd for it to be heavy but still manageable.

 

[Skywise]

I've done WDW for Christmas twice - Once during Christmas week and one the weekend before (Fri through Sun with Christmas being on Wednesday).

The Friday was near perfect for attendance but things picked up on the Saturday and then Sunday got pretty hectic.

It's not nightmarish levels like NYE but it will be busy. The best thing to do is to have your ADRs planned out (if you do that) and make good use of your FP+ and then go with the flow.

 

[LaughinPlace289]

We are very low maintenance... not ADR people at all. We do like to plan ahead as much as possible but have no problem switching things up if need be to work our way around peak hours. I am hoping that our flexibility and willingness to stick to quick service meals will play to our advantage.

 

[epcotty]

We've often been that week, heavy crowds but usually manageable with FP+ and coming back to attractions at later times if the wait time's too long, and allowing enough time