Christmas in Disney - Crowds

[Kate Alan]

Officially booked for the post-holiday season! Trip is split between visiting family for the actual holidays and then segueing over to Pop Century for the remainder of the trip. We check in the night of 12/26 and head out late on 12/30.

This makes my third trip to a Disney park this year (went to WDW in February for nine days, in Disneyland next month for a single day trip, and now this!) Super excited.

I've heard a lot of horror reports about the crowds at this time of year. I've gone on numerous trips in the summer (running the gamut from June-August), and am not crowd averse, nor is anyone in my party. Having never gone during the Christmas - New Years season though, I have no idea what to expect. Are we talking the same level as summer? Even higher than that? Obviously I will be doing my FP+ choices and ADRs ASAP, but I want to prepare myself (and my family) for whatever potential onslaught there will be.

Anyone with experience who can speak to how bad it can be, both for general park crowds and lines for rides?

 

[Disnee4Me]

Yep it gets really crowded starting on December 26th. We went three years in a row, arriving on December 20th the first time (it wasn't too bad), but the day after Christmas it was really. Just go to whatever park has early entry and do as much as possible. We are die-hards, stay all day and hop over to another park when one gets too crowded.

 

[Jae99]

Our family is heading to WDW for the holiday season as well. Staying at All Star Music, checking in on the 26th and staying until the 2nd of January. Will be crowded but we are a go with the flow types. Super excited to be able to ring in the new year Disney style.

 

[Gabe1]

Yep, very, very crowded. My advice is to do rope drop, do something else and go back into the parks late at night, then it is very do-able. We get so much done in the first 2 hours and the last 3 hours. I'd also follow Touring Plans for which park is the least crowded each of those days. If we did stay in a park we would hop to the least crowded after the first 2 hours in the busiest park.

 

[rufio]

We went in 2012 during this time. Crowds started picking up by the 21st and we left on the 27th. We didn't even go to the parks on Christmas and pretty much gave up riding after that, though we did get some in. I'd still go if I could, but the crowds are insane, easily above spring break or summer levels, in my opinion.

 

[Jae99]

Yep, very, very crowded. My advice is to do rope drop, do something else and go back into the parks late at night, then it is very do-able. We get so much done in the first 2 hours and the last 3 hours. I'd also follow Touring Plans for which park is the least crowded each of those days. If we did stay in a park we would hop to the least crowded after the first 2 hours in the busiest park.

Is Touring Plans an app or website? I thought I ran across a website by that name that wanted money for different services, but I might be thinking of something completely different. My Disney addled brain is not working properly at times with all the random planning thoughts running through it.

 

[Donald_Quackers]

They're both. They have apps and the website, but I think you still have to subscribe to get the most out of the resources that they provide.

I haven't used them personally, but I keep seeing posts from people who have used them with great success.

Hopefully someone else posts that has actually used them to help you out more.

 

[durangojim]

I would only go to WDW during that time to enjoy the ambience, not the rides. We've been 3 or 4 times during that week and it is extremely busy and expensive as many restaurants and all hotels charge more. We always stay throught New Years though so it's worth it to us for that. Like I said, if you're going for the rides, I'd wait a week or two, if for the atmosphere, have fun!

 

[Jae99]

I would only go to WDW during that time to enjoy the ambience, not the rides. We've been 3 or 4 times during that week and it is extremely busy and expensive as many restaurants and all hotels charge more. We always stay throught New Years though so it's worth it to us for that. Like I said, if you're going for the rides, I'd wait a week or two, if for the atmosphere, have fun!

The ambience is definitely great!

We have purchased the dining plan so food costs won't be too much of a concern and between FP+ and EMH we should be able to do alright ride. Definitely not as great as during a quieter time, but when you add in the excitement of being in the park for New Years it should be awesome.

 

[Gabe1]

Is Touring Plans an app or website? I thought I ran across a website by that name that wanted money for different services, but I might be thinking of something completely different. My Disney addled brain is not working properly at times with all the random planning thoughts running through it.

It is a website that has an app and yes some of the website is free and the other is about $10. My personal opinion is they by far have the most accurate info and I've subscribed to their services for years. Last month during our long trip their wait times were more accurate than Disney's posted times. They also for that fee supply data for crowd levels in each park, suggestions of which park to go to on which day for your particular week. They compile a great deal of data year in and year out. They also speak to which attractions are better at which time of day. We were never rope drop people until I realized I could do a good chunk of the E attractions before anyone was out of bed. This trip we walked down Frontierland to Splash and we were the only ones on the street in Frontierland. A little bit of good advice is a good thing. http://touringplans.com/ If you do decide to subscribe look for an online code, it saved me $2 or $3 dollars.

 

[Jae99]

It is a website that has an app and yes some of the website is free and the other is about $10. My personal opinion is they by far have the most accurate info and I've subscribed to their services for years. Last month during our long trip their wait times were more accurate than Disney's posted times. They also for that fee supply data for crowd levels in each park, suggestions of which park to go to on which day for your particular week. They compile a great deal of data year in and year out. They also speak to which attractions are better at which time of day. We were never rope drop people until I realized I could do a good chunk of the E attractions before anyone was out of bed. This trip we walked down Frontierland to Splash and we were the only ones on the street in Frontierland. A little bit of good advice is a good thing. http://touringplans.com/ If you do decide to subscribe look for an online code, it saved me $2 or $3 dollars.

Thanks so much for the tip! I will definitely check it out.

 

[Kate Alan]

Definitely going to rely on EMH and the FP+ choices. We plan on park hopping as well. I don't expect to get as much done as we typically do during the times we normally visit, but figure it's a decent enough trade off with the Christmas decor and ambience of the parks, like you all say.

Will also be making use of Touring Plans...every little bit helps!

 

[jmcdougall]

Officially booked for the post-holiday season! Trip is split between visiting family for the actual holidays and then segueing over to Pop Century for the remainder of the trip. We check in the night of 12/26 and head out late on 12/30.

This makes my third trip to a Disney park this year (went to WDW in February for nine days, in Disneyland next month for a single day trip, and now this!) Super excited.

I've heard a lot of horror reports about the crowds at this time of year. I've gone on numerous trips in the summer (running the gamut from June-August), and am not crowd averse, nor is anyone in my party. Having never gone during the Christmas - New Years season though, I have no idea what to expect. Are we talking the same level as summer? Even higher than that? Obviously I will be doing my FP+ choices and ADRs ASAP, but I want to prepare myself (and my family) for whatever potential onslaught there will be.

Anyone with experience who can speak to how bad it can be, both for general park crowds and lines for rides?

We went this year from Dec 21-28. had heard lots of horror stories. We were 5 adults and 3 small children and had a wonderful time that will last in memories for years. The crowds were there but not unmanageable. Take breaks and have fun. Our son in law had returned from a year in the middle east and this was a trip we will remember for a long time.

 

[DVC4bestvacations]

We visited for Christmas 13/22-12/30 last year. The crows were light from the 20th to the 24th. From Christmas day on I never seen the parks so crowded. thank god for fastpass + and late closing. A highlight of the trip was Christmas Eve at MK from 11pm to closing (2am?) the park was empty. I was able to take some great pictures. Every ride was a walk on.

Bring your patience and plan your fastpasses. Don't be afraid to say enough is enough and head back to the hotel or another park.

 

[Jae99]

We visited for Christmas 13/22-12/30 last year. The crows were light from the 20th to the 24th. From Christmas day on I never seen the parks so crowded. thank god for fastpass + and late closing. A highlight of the trip was Christmas Eve at MK from 11pm to closing (2am?) the park was empty. I was able to take some great pictures. Every ride was a walk on.

Bring your patience and plan your fastpasses. Don't be afraid to say enough is enough and head back to the hotel or another park.

Patience will be a big part of our trip, since we already figured that the crowds would be crazy. Now that our ADR's have been booked I am in the progress of trying to plan out our days with FP's and what parks to visit and when.

I will be purchasing a subscription to touringplans to help out with the fine tuning.

 

[boilerpicc]

We went a few years ago from Dec 28th-Jan 2nd. When we were there, the crowds started about the same as peak summer time, progressively getting worse leading up to NYE. The crowds on NYE were just insane, so be glad you are leaving before then. They had to put out temporary turnstiles for the monorail, because the line to get on was so long. Soarin had a 4 hour wait. We only went to Epcot on NYE, and I have never seen that many people, and I have been there on the 4th of July.

As long as you do FP+ and get to the parks at rope drop, you should be fine. We got most of our riding done before 10 and did a lot of walking around a looking at decorations/street shows after that.

Also, when we were there, they tested the MK NYE fireworks show on 12/30. Depending on how late you are leaving, you might be able to catch the show. I highly recommend watching from the beach at the Polynesian.

 

[Lord_Vader]

We have spent Christmas week in WDW for the past 11 years, bring your patience (all of it.) Your timing after Christmas Day and before NYE will help with crowd levels some but all parks will be as busy as you have ever seen them, much more than June/July/August or Spring Break.

We do a lot outside the parks during the holidays, visit the Deluxe resort decorations, tours (I know in parks but anyway... less busy) and just plan ahead and go with the flow. Make sure you have any TS meals you want reserved at 180 days which is now past but I would get any in sooner than later. Focus on the fun stuff and not getting from point A to point B fast, if you do you will be very disappointed in my experience.

 

[Tuvalu]

Depending on how late you are leaving, you might be able to catch the show. I highly recommend watching from the beach at the Polynesian.

With the current construction, the Poly beach is not a good option. Security will also be ramped up for both 12/30 and NYE, as what little viewing area is available is for Poly resort guests.

 

[Jae99]

We have spent Christmas week in WDW for the past 11 years, bring your patience (all of it.) Your timing after Christmas Day and before NYE will help with crowd levels some but all parks will be as busy as you have ever seen them, much more than June/July/August or Spring Break.

We do a lot outside the parks during the holidays, visit the Deluxe resort decorations, tours (I know in parks but anyway... less busy) and just plan ahead and go with the flow. Make sure you have any TS meals you want reserved at 180 days which is now past but I would get any in sooner than later. Focus on the fun stuff and not getting from point A to point B fast, if you do you will be very disappointed in my experience.

Thanks for the advice!

I was able to book all my ADR's by phone on my 180 day mark. I was on the phone at 7 AM exactly and was speaking to a cast member by 7:04.

I was able to book Hoop-dee-doo, Mama Melrose (fantasmic), Teppan Edo, Cinderellas Royal Table, The Crystal Palace for breakfast, Wishes dessert party, Hollywood Brown Derby, and a NYE Fantasia dinner buffet at Epcot World Showplace that comes with preferred viewing for the NYE fireworks show.

I am hoping to get our FP's for the afternoon and try to get to the parks at rope drop to take advantage of lighter crowds.

None of us are expecting to be able to do everything. This trip is all about spending time with each other and enjoying the Disney Magic.

 

[Lord_Vader]

Thanks for the advice!

I was able to book all my ADR's by phone on my 180 day mark. I was on the phone at 7 AM exactly and was speaking to a cast member by 7:04.

I was able to book Hoop-dee-doo, Mama Melrose (fantasmic), Teppan Edo, Cinderellas Royal Table, The Crystal Palace for breakfast, Wishes dessert party, Hollywood Brown Derby, and a NYE Fantasia dinner buffet at Epcot World Showplace that comes with preferred viewing for the NYE fireworks show.

I am hoping to get our FP's for the afternoon and try to get to the parks at rope drop to take advantage of lighter crowds.

None of us are expecting to be able to do everything. This trip is all about spending time with each other and enjoying the Disney Magic.

Glad to hear you were able to get your ADRs and have fun this Christmas! You'll be arriving the day we check out this year.