Christmas Surprise??

[Sunshine8]

We have always traveled to Disney World in May. This is the first time we are thinking arriving on December 26th for a week. There will be 8 of us: GM, GD, M, D, 4 kids- 18, 15, 13, 11. This will be a Christmas surprise that they will find out on Christmas day. I am concerned about the crowds, weather, things to do, etc. Normally, we are used to going to the parks early, back to the hotel to swim in the afternoons and back to the park in the evenings. We usually spend two days at the waterparks. I am assuming we will not be swimming in December. If we don't go in December, we will then have to go at the end of June due to scheduling. I hear that is busy so maybe they are both busy times so it doesn't really matter. Maybe, I shouldn't worry so much because we LOVE Disney!!!!

 

[jmcdougall]

We have always traveled to Disney World in May. This is the first time we are thinking arriving on December 26th for a week. There will be 8 of us: GM, GD, M, D, 4 kids- 18, 15, 13, 11. This will be a Christmas surprise that they will find out on Christmas day. I am concerned about the crowds, weather, things to do, etc. Normally, we are used to going to the parks early, back to the hotel to swim in the afternoons and back to the park in the evenings. We usually spend two days at the waterparks. I am assuming we will not be swimming in December. If we don't go in December, we will then have to go at the end of June due to scheduling. I hear that is busy so maybe they are both busy times so it doesn't really matter. Maybe, I shouldn't worry so much because we LOVE Disney!!!!

Our son in law came home from deployment in middle east right before Christmas. We surprised him with a week in disney for Christmas. We stayed at the resort on Christmas day and did stuff with the angels, 8,5,3 years old. Crowds were not bad all week. My husband and I took the grandchildren to the resort pool every night and they had a ball. Pools are heated. Have fun.

 

[jmcdougall]

Weather was great all week. Love disney too.

 

[jmcdougall]

Have gone to disney many many times but never at Christmas. It was a very special magical trip especially with the safe return of our much loved son in law. Beautiful decorations and much more.

 

[C.FERNIE]

We are going in the first week of december and everyone said you can still swim!

 

[harryk]

Have gone that same week a few years ago -- never again. But worth it if it only one of two options you said.
One of the water parks was open, the other under maintenance. Lines are long, crowds are large. But thoroughly enjoyed the week. Left before New Year's Day. Did do ADR's and Delux Dining Plan. Some say not worth it - but found it very much worth it. Avoided MK on week-ends.

 

[lostpro9het]

We've done Christmas week 3 times in the last 4 years and swam each time, twice at PoP and once at AKV. The weather can be brisk in the early morning and late evening but around noon the temp is good for a swim, wore shorts most of the week. YES, it is wicked crowded during this time but certainly not unmanageable nor unpleasant. IMO, make rope drop each day, knock out a bunch of rides and M&Gs, head back to the resort by noon, catch a nap, swim, and relax then return to the park around 5:00 and knock out more rides and such. IMO, 11:30-4:00 each day will be the absolute nastiest time to be at a park.

 

[JillC LI]

We are going in the first week of december and everyone said you can still swim!

These things are always hit or miss. We were there 12/12/12-12/16/12, and we were cold in jeans and light jackets until the last day (and we're from NY!). Can't imagine swimming in that weather (not that we wanted to though - that's not why we go to WDW).

 

[HouCuseChickie]

Agreed with @JillC LI - you could see temps in the 80s or even temps in the 30s. You just never know. In fact, I usually pack for multiple seasons whenever we go during the winter months.

As for timing to choose...I know June can get crowded, but it's not Christmas crowded. You'll also definitely be able to swim in June. That being said, I love the holiday decorations and festivities, so if you brave the crowds- you get all of the holiday goodness