WWYD? I'm on the fence

[disneywalkers]

We bought AP's for the whole family in January 2014 because we go every September but I also turned "20 twice" in January and we went for my birthday.

So, we have got a lot of use out of our AP's this year between those two trips and then made a last minute, and I mean it was a Friday and we decided to leave on Sunday, to go to WDW for Thanksgiving.

We had family coming for the holiday but they canceled due to some things coming up.

Anyway, so we went. Hubby works from home so he had to work the first part of the week there, but had Thanksgiving off and the day after and that weekend. We would go to the parks and stay late on the days he worked and then spend all day park hopping the other days.
I was able to score some last minute ressies. While there I was even able to get BOG and O'hana. We had the BEST Thanksgiving ever.

We rode 7DMT twice and only waited about 30 minutes each time since we couldn't score FP for that. The only thing we didn't get to do was TSMM. But no biggie, there's next time.

So, here's the deal. We're considering going for New Years. We could arrive on December 27th and go back home on January 4th.

Our AP's expire on January 4th.

I have managed to book a cheap offsite room and have BOG and some other ressies.

We are getting a bonus on Christmas Eve and have considered using it to stay on-site if rooms are still available at a Value like they are today.

But if not I have the off-site room.

Anyway, hubby would have to work 2 days again while there but would have 5 off. So we could do evenings at the parks or a resort ressie for dinner.

So our funds out are lodging, food and gas.

But I'm still on the fence because of the crowds.

We go every September (and yes I've already booked September 2015, LOL We stay off sit and it's so much cheaper, so I've booked the vacation house we always stay at already) and have been twice in January and now once at Thanksgiving. S

o we're spoiled to low low low crowds of September. Thanksgiving was crowded but had a great time and took advantage of the park being open until 1AM often. Saw Wishes several times and just had a great time. I was one the fence about going then as well.

But still..... I know the crowds will be worse for the week of New Years.

So what would you do?
Would you go? Would you skip it?

I keep thinking 4 trips on the AP's, awesome.

Our goal is to renew them but until we know the bonus for December and January we're not sure yet when. We may have to wait until February 1st right around our 30 day grace.

So what do you think? And if you would go, do you have any advice other than what I've already been told "Go at open and stay till close".

Just so you know, we're a family of 8. Hubby and I have 6 kids together and they are amazing. They have no problem with staying up late and are on the go. Not a fuss bucket among them (seriously not sure how I got so lucky but they have all gone many times even at age 2 or younger from rope drop to closing). So I'm not worried about that part at all.

My friends think I'm crazy. Only other Disney Addicts will get it

 

[Disneylover99]

I would do it! It sounds like you really want to go, so you should.

 

[emilyindisney]

I'd probably do it just for the experience of going that time of year! It sounds like you know it'll be crowded ahead of time and are expecting it which can be half the battle. If you're prepared and want to make the best out of a busy time (and do your research about crowd flows/best parks to visit/etc) you might as well squeeze out another trip on your APs, IMO.

 

[Poohsmommi]

I'm local, and have been more times than I can count ... except for Christmas and NYE. You couldn't pay me to go then!!

 

[disneywalkers]

I'm local, and have been more times than I can count ... except for Christmas and NYE. You couldn't pay me to go then!!

I'm getting both sides on the boards. Some say best NY's they have ever had and then some say the same you've said. Oddly the wouldn't go is coming from the ones who haven't been lol

Would love to hear specifically from those who have been

Hubby says you can't know until you go lol
I guess I have a few more days to decide.

 

[SleepyatDVC]

A trip during the BUSIEST week of the year is worth doing at least once.

I would do it when you just went 3 times and aren't afraid of missing a favorite ride. Just expect to do a lot of people watching and non-ride activities, if necessary.

We did it last year as a third trip of the year and had a blast. We never waited long on the lines. We either went early to the parks or skipped those lines. I doubt we would go that week again for a long while but I don't regret going.

Good luck.

 

[DisneyKidds]

We went after Christmas last year. Dec 26 to Dec 31. We hit up Epcot from opening on Dec 31 until about 3:00, when we had to head out for our flight. Epcot was getting to be a mad house even at 3:00, with people staking out spots around the lagoon for the early Illuminations. We thought at the time it was fascinating to see the park that crowded, and the excitement was palpable.....but it was NUTS! We thought.....glad we got a taste, but we'd never do THAT again!

Notice I keep saying we THOUGHT. Well, THIS YEAR we arrive Dec 27 and leave Jan 2. Yes, it was so interesting that we were drawn back, and we are going full Monty this year.

Do it, you won't regret it. Yes, it will be crazy. Yes, it will be crowded. Yes, it will be one heck of a NYE in a place you love. Do MK on the 30th, when they dry run the full NYE celebration. Dance parties, fireworks, countdown to New Years and all. Hit up Epcot on NYE.

 

[laceyinwonderland]

If I had APs I would GO in a skinny miniute!!! Now, Ive never been during New Years, but I wanted to go for my 20 + 10 bday (lol) which falls in June, and I was also afraid of the summer crowds. I decided to go for it, and it was the best time ever!!!! Yes, it was not the fall crowds that I was used to, but I am so glad we went!! GO GO GO!!!

 

[1stvisit0909]

We went Christmas Eve to New Years Eve 2012. HAD A BLAST - and loved it so much we are leaving this Friday for another trip

 

[disneywalkers]

I am loving all your input. Thank you!

 

[clutter]

We went a few years back for about the same days.

I'd only do it if I could stay on-site. We stayed at All-Stars, and it was great. They send one bus for each resort and we had the fastest bus service of any of the resorts. NYE we watched the fireworks at DHS and were in bed by 1am. (We saw the MK fireworks on the 30th.)

The parks open at 7am, so go at that time. Then we ate lunch by around 11-11:30. We missed most of the crowds that way. The crowds are insane. But it is pretty cool being there then.

 

[ghtx]

Definitely do it, no question.

 

[robinb]

Make sure that you go to the MK on 12/30 to see the "new year's eve" fireworks at midnight and then catch Epcot's fireworks the next night.

Here is a description of park closures:
http://www.wdwmagic.com/park-closing-phases.htm

The MK *will* get to Phase 3 on the 30th but it should open back up in the afternoon or early evening so you don't have to spend the whole day there. We stayed off-site over Christmas week a couple of years ago and I was surprised how easy it was. One piece of advise when going to the MK for off-site rope drop (there is morning EMH every day at the MK that week) is that you queue up all the way to the left toward the ferry. They do not run the monorail in the morning and the first ferry fills quickly.

 

[NYDisneyKid]

We bought AP's for the whole family in January 2014 because we go every September but I also turned "20 twice" in January and we went for my birthday.

How in the world does someone turn any age twice in one month? I missed out the last 62 years

 

[pooch]

How in the world does someone turn any age twice in one month? I missed out the last 62 years

they turned "twice 20" not thay they turned 20 twice. I like it. So I can turn twice 30 or maybe thrice 20 this year!!

And to the OP, I'd totally go for it!!

 

[JanaDee]

We bought AP's for the whole family in January 2014 because we go every September but I also turned "20 twice" in January and we went for my birthday.

So, we have got a lot of use out of our AP's this year between those two trips and then made a last minute, and I mean it was a Friday and we decided to leave on Sunday, to go to WDW for Thanksgiving.

We had family coming for the holiday but they canceled due to some things coming up.

Anyway, so we went. Hubby works from home so he had to work the first part of the week there, but had Thanksgiving off and the day after and that weekend. We would go to the parks and stay late on the days he worked and then spend all day park hopping the other days.
I was able to score some last minute ressies. While there I was even able to get BOG and O'hana. We had the BEST Thanksgiving ever.

We rode 7DMT twice and only waited about 30 minutes each time since we couldn't score FP for that. The only thing we didn't get to do was TSMM. But no biggie, there's next time.

So, here's the deal. We're considering going for New Years. We could arrive on December 27th and go back home on January 4th.

Our AP's expire on January 4th.

I have managed to book a cheap offsite room and have BOG and some other ressies.

We are getting a bonus on Christmas Eve and have considered using it to stay on-site if rooms are still available at a Value like they are today.

But if not I have the off-site room.

Anyway, hubby would have to work 2 days again while there but would have 5 off. So we could do evenings at the parks or a resort ressie for dinner.

So our funds out are lodging, food and gas.

But I'm still on the fence because of the crowds.

We go every September (and yes I've already booked September 2015, LOL We stay off sit and it's so much cheaper, so I've booked the vacation house we always stay at already) and have been twice in January and now once at Thanksgiving. S

o we're spoiled to low low low crowds of September. Thanksgiving was crowded but had a great time and took advantage of the park being open until 1AM often. Saw Wishes several times and just had a great time. I was one the fence about going then as well.

But still..... I know the crowds will be worse for the week of New Years.

So what would you do?
Would you go? Would you skip it?

I keep thinking 4 trips on the AP's, awesome.

Our goal is to renew them but until we know the bonus for December and January we're not sure yet when. We may have to wait until February 1st right around our 30 day grace.

So what do you think? And if you would go, do you have any advice other than what I've already been told "Go at open and stay till close".

Just so you know, we're a family of 8. Hubby and I have 6 kids together and they are amazing. They have no problem with staying up late and are on the go. Not a fuss bucket among them (seriously not sure how I got so lucky but they have all gone many times even at age 2 or younger from rope drop to closing). So I'm not worried about that part at all.

My friends think I'm crazy. Only other Disney Addicts will get it

Nope, no way. The busiest, most crowded week of the entire year? No thanks.

 

[JanaDee]

How in the world does someone turn any age twice in one month? I missed out the last 62 years

I am assuming she means she turned 40, which to some can't be admitted anymore.

 

[NYDisneyKid]

they turned "twice 20" not thay they turned 20 twice. I like it. So I can turn twice 30 or maybe thrice 20 this year!!

no op said turned 20 twice.

 

[pooch]

no op said turned 20 twice.

but I think her point was that she turned 40, not that she celebrated 2 birthdays. Hey OP - embrace it!!!

 

[MommyMK]

Do it!!!! We've done it twice staying offsite both times and had a blast. Can't wait till my kids are old enough to do it again. It's magical despite the crowds.