Advice needed regarding Christmas in WDW

[mousefan1972]

Ok, so normally I try to give advice here and there, when the topic is something I might know a little about.... which isn't often. :lol: I've read past threads on how busy WDW gets around Christmas. Specifically, the week of and the week after. I've gone many times, but never during this time of year. I've purposefully avoided it due to the huge crowds I have heard so much about. Having said that, DH and I are strongly considering starting a family tradition (kids are 4 and 2) where we spend Christmas in Disney. To keep a very long story short, we both have unbearable, manipulative families (my MIL and SIL and my mother) who pretty much ruin Christmas for us. Or try very hard to. 2006 was the worst. We're getting stressed already thinking about this year. (and yes, it's ony September!) So if we go to WDW to avoid the family drama, will we survive? Will we regret it? We love Disney so much that I think just being there will be amazing. I think if we go knowing that the crowds will be awful and that we may not get to do/see everything we might normally want to, we won't be too disappointed. We're planning to do 5 or 6 nights, staying at SOG, arriving a few days before XMas and leaving a few days after. (before New Year's) So.. can those of you who have travelled during this time let me know how it was? Brutal honesty much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[Chezman1399]

If you're not in a rush all week I would think you would be fine. Take your time enjoy your surroundings don't let other people bother you. I've been down there for New years twice. One time I stayed the week before, the other time I stayed the week after. The crowds weren't the problem. The fact that I was pushing people to be up early and be out late wore on everyone. So my best suggestion is don't be in a hurry, experience the special things all around the park, and don't be mad if you don't get on all the most popular attractions everyday you are there.

 

[Vernonpush]

If you decide to go during that time, make sure you have ADRs booked as soon as possible (especially at Epcot).

 

[figmentmom]

Ok, so normally I try to give advice here and there, when the topic is something I might know a little about.... which isn't often. :lol: I've read past threads on how busy WDW gets around Christmas. Specifically, the week of and the week after. I've gone many times, but never during this time of year. I've purposefully avoided it due to the huge crowds I have heard so much about. Having said that, DH and I are strongly considering starting a family tradition (kids are 4 and 2) where we spend Christmas in Disney. To keep a very long story short, we both have unbearable, manipulative families (my MIL and SIL and my mother) who pretty much ruin Christmas for us. Or try very hard to. 2006 was the worst. We're getting stressed already thinking about this year. (and yes, it's ony September!) So if we go to WDW to avoid the family drama, will we survive? Will we regret it? We love Disney so much that I think just being there will be amazing I think if we go knowing that the crowds will be awful and that we may not get to do/see everything we might normally want to, we won't be too disappointed. We're planning to do 5 or 6 nights, staying at SOG, arriving a few days before XMas and leaving a few days after. (before New Year's) So.. can those of you who have travelled during this time let me know how it was? Brutal honesty much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Sounds like you guys need a Christmas at Disney, crowded or not! Go - be prepared for big crowds, use the fastpasses, arrive early - you know the drill. Disney is so magical at Christmas that you'd be hard-pressed to NOT have a good time!

 

[nibblesandbits]

I've never been during Christmas however, it is extremely EXTREMELY crowded on Christmas day. At the this is NUTS! level. Wait times have exceeded hours for the big rides and even rides that hardly ever have waits have them.

So, my advice, if you do want to go during the holidays...don't plan on doing a lot of rides. Maybe go to mostly soak up the atmosphere. Ride a few of the things you maybe don't get to a lot. They'll be your better bets to get on. And if you can, I've heard that Epcot is the park to go to on Christmas b/c it holds all the people so much better.

Also, if you do go to the parks that day, make sure to get there early. A lot of the times, especially on Christmas day, the parks will close to some guests. And if you get there early, don't plan on leaving early either. Otherwise you might not get back in.

Hope this helps, from somebody who hasn't lived it, but has heard an awful lot about it. :wave:

 

[RiversideBunny]

If you can, for planning the trip, take Christmas Day, December 25th, and back up a week.
Go then.

In other words, go to WDW for Christmas and come home the day after Christmas.
Make Christmas Day your last day of the trip.
Also, usually if you check in by Dec. 19th, you get the lower rates.
(That is subject to change in 2008)

That has worked for us for a couple of trips.
You can enjoy the Christmas season and then come home as soon as the crowds get large and unmanageable.
We have done it with family and essentially had Christmas, including gifts, at WDW that year.

Good luck.
:xmas: :xmas: :xmas: :xmas:

 

[Uponastar]

We went last year the week before Christmas. The crowds then were not bad at all, but I know the following two weeks are probably a different story. Having said that, I think you all should go. I think that your little family can have a special family holiday together, no matter what the crowd situation is. If you go with the attitude of just making it a happy, uncomplicated holiday, you'll have a wonderful time. Don't try to do it all. . .just enjoy Disney at it's finest. It is a very special time there. Go, relax and have a happy Christmas!

 

[Peaches Magee]

Me and my family (about 15 of us) spent Christmas at Disney almost 4 years ago. We had SOOO much fun! My mom had just passed away and we definately wanted something different, as it was always something my mom actually wanted to do also. We booked 2 cabins at Fort Wilderness and it was lovely! Everyone decorated their cabins as though they were their own homes, full lights outside and in, decked out trees and garland inside as well, and Disney inflatables on the lawn. (we showed up with 2 measly strands of lights, but eh, better than nothing huh? hehe)

We got up there the day before Christmas Eve, and relaxed went all over the grounds, the petting zoo and made an easy dinner in the cabins. The Christmas Eve night we had ADRs at Ohana, that was the best! As it was my brother-in-laws birthday and they brought all the b-day guests up on stage to dance, then invited all the kids on stage to sing and dance as well.

We bought food to make a big breakfast Christmas morning and opened presents there and then all went to MGM, and though it was crowded, we had ADRs at Mama Melrose and used the fast passes wisely and it was truly a magical Christmas! The next day we did Downtown Disney and the boys went and played golf and then left he next day.
You will have a great time. Just like said before... plan ahead, and get ADRs ASAP!! I dont know how it is in the other resorts, I am sure they are great but Fort Wilderness was like being in your own little neighborhood, more so than being in a hotel room. Wish you a great time!
:sohappy:

(sorry to ramble, but that trip is truly close to my heart and I cherish the memories of it and hope to do it again some Christmas)
:xmas:

 

[mousefan1972]

Thank you guys so much for the great responses thus far!! I forgot to add in my OP that we can't start the new tradition until '08 . But, we'll have that much longer to look forward to it!!!

 

[Eyekimore]

We go to WDW every year from 12/26 through New Year's. We love it! BTW- through Disney you can even order a Christmas tree and stockings in your room.

We know it's crazy busy and we don't always get to hit the big rides- but we're at WDW at Christmas. All the special shows, parades, lights, music, and entertainment make it worth it.

Weather-wise it's hit/miss. We've had years where we were in the pool in 80+ degree weather. We've also been in winter coats in the park.

Sounds like even a busy day at WDW is better than your last holiday experience...........................

 

[EdandAmy]

We go to WDW every year from 12/26 through New Year's. We love it! BTW- through Disney you can even order a Christmas tree and stockings in your room.

...........................

A few questions on the tree. How do you order a tree? What is the cost and do you get to keep it? Does it have ornaments or just a tree & lights?

 

[mousefan1972]

We go to WDW every year from 12/26 through New Year's. We love it! BTW- through Disney you can even order a Christmas tree and stockings in your room.

We know it's crazy busy and we don't always get to hit the big rides- but we're at WDW at Christmas. All the special shows, parades, lights, music, and entertainment make it worth it.

Weather-wise it's hit/miss. We've had years where we were in the pool in 80+ degree weather. We've also been in winter coats in the park.

Sounds like even a busy day at WDW is better than your last holiday experience...........................[/quote]

You can say that again..... :xmas:

 

[Vernonpush]

A few questions on the tree. How do you order a tree? What is the cost and do you get to keep it? Does it have ornaments or just a tree & lights?

I would like more info. on this, too!

 

[MichWolv]

I'll spit out some random advice regarding Xmas trips, having made about 7 of them.

1. If you want to ride everything, you will be stressed and unhappy, because crowds are large. However, if you show up at park opening, grab fastpasses for one popular ride, immediately ride another, and then grab a second set of fastpasses as soon as you can, that'll give you at least three big rides per day with virtually no wait. Hopefully, that'll make you feel better about waiting 30 minutes for the carousel, etc.

2. The Xmas decorations and added entertainment are truly special. And you can have a very relaxed and entertaining time just looking at the decorations in the hotels and elsewhere on property.

3. Don't go to the Magic Kingdom Christmas Day or the day the parade is being recorded. On the bright side, the other parks are slightly less crowded that day.

4. You can order the tree from the Disney Florist. Go www.disneyflorist.com (almost too easy, isn't it?). On the Backstage Magic tour last summer, we visted the florist and I was amazed at all of the things you can order to your room.

5. In regards to travelling, flying on Christmas Eve (late), Christmas Day, and New Year's Day will save money if that's important.

 

[scole3388]

We've gone during that time period before and will be there when you may be this year. And I would do it every year if I could. As others have said, you just have to go in with the right attitude. And if you're avoiding the Grinches, that may be enjoyment enough!:xmas:

 

[wdwever1]

WE HAVE SPENT CHRISTMAS AT DISNEY AND AS SOME OTHERS HAVE POSTED..ENJOY THE ATMOSPHERE..DON'T LET THE CROWDS BOTHER YOU AND DON'T PLAN ON RIDING WITHOUT A FASTPASS. WE DIDN'T PLAN ON RIDING ANYTHING THAT DAY..WE JUST WENT TO ALL 4 PARKS
AND TOOK IN ALL THE SITES, SOUNDS, AND PEOPLE. IF YOU'VE NOT BEEN THERE THAT TIME OF YEAR YOU OWE IT TO YOURSELF TO TRY IT.
ENJOY!:xmas:

 

[tracyandalex]

I would definately recommed going during that time. just be prepared as everyone else has said. the atmosphere is so amazing. we went last year and tried to focus on seeing the special holiday attractions since we had seen most of the other attractions during previous visits. with any luck this time next year we will have a little one to start the same family tradition with.

as far as the trees go, when i looked into them last year they were $125.00.
http://www.disneyflorist.com/