Christmas- Yay or nay?

[Courthouse25]

My sister and I are looking to get out of dodge for the Christmas holidays. We're both mid-20s and looking for an adventure, so, naturally, Disney got brought up. I've heard lots of mixed things about Christmastime at WDW. While we both love the rides, we'd just be happy to BE in the parks when lines get nonsense-levels of long. Is it still a fun time to go, or just a disaster? Anyone have strong feelings either way?

 

[CAPTAIN HOOK]

Anyone have strong feelings either way?

We HAD to experience Christmas at WDW at some point in our lives so we went 2008, arriving Christmas Day and leaving January 3rd.
We stayed on property (AKL and GF) - we figured that if there were to be park closures then Resort guests are guaranteed entry until total lock down.
With plenty of planning (and not expecting to do much ride wise) we went and had the best time ever.
Yes it was busy - we have previously gone at Easter and during the summer - so we knew what crowd levels to expect (plus a few more thrown in).
Yes, we would go back at this time of year, given the opportunity.

Plan it like you've never planned before.
Don't expect to do many rides (inc FP) unless you are prepared to arrive really early or stand in line (TT on NYE was an hours wait for FP). Book ADRs and everything else as soon as the booking window opens.
Expect chaos (anything else is a bonus)
Enjoy

 

[JIMINYCR]

The couple of weeks before are better crowd wise, but even then they are more crowded than they ever used to be. The actual week of Christmas is heavily crowd filled. Christmas time is very beautiful with the decorations, music, displays, events....everyone is in the Christmas mood/ spirits. If you dont mind the crowds and want to bask in the holiday mood, Disney is the place to be. You can still have a great time enjoying it all, youll just have to cope with having less time on doing the rides.

 

[Master Yoda]

We HAD to experience Christmas at WDW at some point in our lives so we went 2008, arriving Christmas Day and leaving January 3rd.
We stayed on property (AKL and GF) - we figured that if there were to be park closures then Resort guests are guaranteed entry until total lock down.
With plenty of planning (and not expecting to do much ride wise) we went and had the best time ever.
Yes it was busy - we have previously gone at Easter and during the summer - so we knew what crowd levels to expect (plus a few more thrown in).
Yes, we would go back at this time of year, given the opportunity.

Plan it like you've never planned before.
Don't expect to do many rides (inc FP) unless you are prepared to arrive really early or stand in line (TT on NYE was an hours wait for FP). Book ADRs and everything else as soon as the booking window opens.
Expect chaos (anything else is a bonus)
Enjoy

This^^^

We have been there for the Christmas Holidays and it is fun as long as you know what you are getting into an plan for it. It also helps that you will not be dragging young kids through the madness.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

I'd be miserable. It's one thing to go around Christmastime, like the week before or a couple of weeks after, but I absolutely wouldn't go for the week of Christmas itself. Yes, you CAN have a good time, but you're paying a ridiculous price premium to do so.

 

[DisDadWoz]

Yay! Nuff said.

 

[Cowboy Steve]

The couple of weeks before are better crowd wise, but even then they are more crowded than they ever used to be. The actual week of Christmas is heavily crowd filled. Christmas time is very beautiful with the decorations, music, displays, events....everyone is in the Christmas mood/ spirits. If you dont mind the crowds and want to bask in the holiday mood, Disney is the place to be. You can still have a great time enjoying it all, youll just have to cope with having less time on doing the rides.

I would have to agree with Jiminycr! We are returning this year the week after Thanksgiving for the 4th time in 6 years. The crowds are manageable (for Disney), and the entire property is just stunning! If you do visit during this time I would recommend Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party! Regardless of when you chose to go, make any table service restaurant reservations as early as possible. Tables at the popular restaurants fill up quick. One of our December trips we didn't schedule until August... and that limited our table service dining options in the parks.

 

[tractor tipper]

Go for it. Would love to be mid 20 in WDW during Christmas week.

 

[R W B]

My fiancé and I have been in the beginning and mid parts of December on 3 trips and its great. We do want to actually be there for Christmas Day one year but not sure when. I do know going in not expecting to ride rides and knowing the crowd level should help you. I imagine even with the Internet and everything people still get blindsided with the crowds.

 

[ScarletBegonias]

If I were child free and mid 20's, I'd totally do it! I wouldn't mind crowds if I didn't have a toddler!

 

[coachwnh]

My sister and I are looking to get out of dodge for the Christmas holidays. We're both mid-20s and looking for an adventure, so, naturally, Disney got brought up. I've heard lots of mixed things about Christmastime at WDW. While we both love the rides, we'd just be happy to BE in the parks when lines get nonsense-levels of long. Is it still a fun time to go, or just a disaster? Anyone have strong feelings either way?

The greatest experience we've ever had at Disney was waking up Christmas morning at the YC resort. We did it two years in a row, and they were both amazing trips. We would arrive a few days before and leave before New Years. The crowds ars big, but manageable. We used FP and entered the park early. We didnt let the crowds get to us. I'd say if you can do it, then go for it! Have a great time.

 

[YozhikRoth]

Between Thanksgiving and the week before Christmas, definitely yes. From the week before Christmas to New Year's, definitely no. The crowds that week are beyond description, unless you've been to Mardi Grad or Times Square on NYE. Christmas Eve and Christmas day is basically impossible to tour on, unless you are content to take in the atmosphere and festivities. When I was last there on Christmas, we arrived at the MK at 7am, and there were already notices that the TTC lots were full.

The prior trip was the week after Thanksgiving, and while the parks closed early, with the exception of a Saturday in the MK, the parks were blissfully easy to tour, and the Christmas themes were already going strong.

 

[WDWFanatic]

We usually go in November the week right before thanksgiving and get the whole christmas experience and do the christmas party. Its great to see all the decorations up. We have been several times during that time. Always great.

 

[TXDisney]

As people in your mid 20s and I'd assume without kids bc you didn't mention them, I wouldn't go for that 10 day or so period a little before Christmas through New Years. It's crazy crowded then. We love going during Christmas but we between thanksgiving and Christmas most the time. You get all the great decorations and shows from Christmas but the Paris aren't as crowded.

 

[FrostyNaples]

My sister and I are looking to get out of dodge for the Christmas holidays. We're both mid-20s and looking for an adventure, so, naturally, Disney got brought up. I've heard lots of mixed things about Christmastime at WDW. While we both love the rides, we'd just be happy to BE in the parks when lines get nonsense-levels of long. Is it still a fun time to go, or just a disaster? Anyone have strong feelings either way?

Be there only during the first two weeks of Dec. After that, stay as far away as possible

 

[Matt_Black]

2012, we did Christmas for a week, 12/22-12/29. Lots of fun. Plan, but be flexible. Make good use of EMH and Park Hopper options.

 

[Courtney6682]

I'm still trying to figure out how to do Christmas at Disney before my 16 yr old goes off to college...I'd be ok with the crowds, it's the cost that scares me. I would LOVE to have a lil tree in our room, have Christmas Eve dinner at LLT and ship a few small presents for the kids to open on Christmas Day. Then start the day at MK and end it with a dinner at 'Ohana or Chef Mickey's...ughhhh I want it sooooooooooooo badddd!!!! That being said...do it!!

 

[wdwhoneymooner]

As stated above, Christmas is a great time to visit if you are prepared to handle the crowds. It's not considered the highest peak time in regards to visitors for nothin'. We visit during Christmas week every other year and I must warn you that MK on Christmas day it is kinda nuts. Ditto for new year's eve and new years day. We visit EPCOT on Christmas, and while still busy, much easier to manage than MK. The few day's leading up to Christmas is not too bad...we take this time to take everything in when visiting the parks. But after Christmas, all the parks spike heavily. Since we drive, we always bring our little Peanut's tree to set up in our room along with decorations for the window and door. Love it there during this time. Just sad that Osbourne Lights are gone.......happy we caught it last year.

 

[BobsMom]

Go, go, go. Nothing more beautiful than Disney at Christmas. Explore the resorts. The decorations are amazing. Be prepared for long lines. Also, a park might close for maximum capacity so be flexible (as flexible as you can with ADR's and FP+). We have gone many times leaving Chicago 12/26 and staying until 12/31.

 

[Disney Stine]

Go! Christmas at Disney World is my absolute favorite time to go (but I may be biased because my birthday is during Christmas week...)! It's crowded, but if you've been to the World many times and have experienced most to offer, you'll love just being in the parks and picking certain must do's during your trip. Just take it easy and (try to) relax instead of getting everything in at once (because you most likely won't be able to).
NYE in the Magic Kingdom is a must for my family - you need to be in the park early due to closures. The firework display lights up the entire main street and surrounds you with fireworks. If you don't want to stay during that time, from the past I remember Disney doing a preshow of the fireworks the night before (30th) which we watched at CR -not while guests were in the park (could not give you the time for this unfortunately, besides the fact that it's probably not always a definite). But I stress the experience of being on Main Street for this show...