Week before Christmas?

[Michele]

We just booked Disney Dec 19th to 23rd. I know it will be busy, can anyone describe it. Are we going to miss any crowds by leaving on the 23rd?

Thanks

 

[Kitty-chan]

We've gone the week before Christmas the past two years, and we're going again this year (counting down, 20 days!). We always have a great time, and get home in plenty of time for Christmas Eve with the rest of the family (DH hates WDW, so DS and I go for a mom-and-son trip).

Yes, you will miss the worst of the Christmas crowds -- the difference between Dec 23 and 25 is staggering. And since you won't be there during a weekend, all the better! All the same, it's pretty crowded. I'd suggest planning carefully, especially with regard to Extra Magic Hours: Either take full advantage of them (if you're staying on-site), or avoid the EMH park like the plague. All the other usual planning suggestions apply: Use Fast Pass, arrive early and take an afternoon break, etc. The standard advice in the Unofficial Guide to WDW and the TourGuideMike web site all apply, fer sure!

 

[luvsdiznee]

We were there last year 12/18 - 12/26. It was crowded but not that bad. Of course it poured all day on Christmas Day. We went to Epcot and there were no crowds! We did our major touring during the beginning of the week and did not have a problem. Go to the parks EARLY!!!! We are going again 12/16 - 12/21. I would like to make it an annual trip this time of the year!

 

[rkmassa]

We just booked Disney Dec 19th to 23rd. I know it will be busy, can anyone describe it. Are we going to miss any crowds by leaving on the 23rd?

Thanks

You will miss the massive crowds. We have been twice during this time. Our last trip we left on the 23rd. We had to use Fast Pass, but we managed to see and do everything we wanted with no hassle at all. We arrived early several days to ride popular rides and grab FP's for others. The massive sea of people will arrive in a wave on the 25th. You really have to see it to believe it. We were shocked to see the crowds pour in. This is why we only stayed until the 23rd last year. Learned our lesson from the previous year. See you there. We arrive the 17th.

 

[Michele]

Thank you all so much for your replies. You have relieved some of my fears that I made a mistake. See you there!!!!