December Trip?

[Tom]

I need some good, honest opinions and info

My brother and I have always wanted to go during Xmas Time but school has always screwed that up. His final exam schedule at college will allow us to go the week before Christmas this year (Dec 19 - Dec 24). However, Jan 2 thru 8 is also open.

I hear that the week BEFORE Xmas, which is when we'd like to go, is the lightest in attendance all year. And after New Years, attendance falls off again! Are these true?

Can you give me PROS and CONS of going to the World those weeks? We'll be staying at Port Orleans Riverside, as usual!!!!


Thanks!

-Tom

 

[Ergens2]

That is a great time to go! My husband and I will be going Dec. 11-19. The parks are almost empty except for weekends when locals come to take advantage of Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. The cons to this time of the year are park hours are cut to about 8 hrs a day. During the regular or peak season the are 12+
hrs for certain parks. The resort transp. seems to be a little slower too. This could be because with less attendance they need less man power. The powers that be at WDW have also cut the Disney bus fleet, so even slower times of the year are feeling the pinch. PO is one of my favorite resorts! Enjoy your stay and try to make it around to the other resorts. The Christmas decorations are fantastic!!!

shell

P.S. you may want to repost this in the WDW resort and trip planning board. you will get more replys that way:wave:

 

[DisneyPhD]

Since Christmas is on Saturday, the week of the 19th will be packed. The week before (12th-18th) will be fairly light. After New Years Day will be your best bet for lighter crowds although it may take a few days for the crowds to thin out.

 

[Tom]

Originally posted by Ergens2
That is a great time to go! My husband and I will be going Dec. 11-19. The parks are almost empty except for weekends when locals come to take advantage of Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. The cons to this time of the year are park hours are cut to about 8 hrs a day. During the regular or peak season the are 12+
hrs for certain parks. The resort transp. seems to be a little slower too. This could be because with less attendance they need less man power. The powers that be at WDW have also cut the Disney bus fleet, so even slower times of the year are feeling the pinch. PO is one of my favorite resorts! Enjoy your stay and try to make it around to the other resorts. The Christmas decorations are fantastic!!!

shell

P.S. you may want to repost this in the WDW resort and trip planning board. you will get more replys that way:wave:

Thank you, and thanks to PhD, for the info. I think we've decided the week starting with New Years (Jan 2 - Jan 8). Its our only other option with his finals and school starting up.

I've toured the Christmas Warehouse and CAN'T WAIT to see the resorts. How are the deals, discounts, and such during that week? Can I afford a Deluxe Resort or what? HAHA.

I realize the park hours are cut back, but we've been so many times, we can see everything in the condensed time.

Thanks again, and can you tell me how to move the post? HAHA.

 

[Calamar]

Originally posted by edwardtc
I hear that the week BEFORE Xmas, which is when we'd like to go, is the lightest in attendance all year. And after New Years, attendance falls off again! Are these true?

You heard correctly, sir! Well, to be honest, I've been to Walt Disney world on Christmas day once and the week after Christmas on a few occasions. Around Christmas, it is quite crowded, but it's consistently empty during the week after Christmas. Personally, I prefer Florida during the warmer months, although the combined effect of Disney and Christmas is also nice, heh. Even if you visit WDW the week after Christmas, it is as though you can re-experience the holiday once again; most of the decorations haven't yet been dismantled. If you haven't seen them already, I would recommend a visit to the Christmas trees at the Grand Floridian and the Wilderness Lodge. Quite impressive.

 

[Tom]

Re: Re: December Trip?

Originally posted by Calamar
You heard correctly, sir! Well, to be honest, I've been to Walt Disney world on Christmas day once and the week after Christmas on a few occasions. Around Christmas, it is quite crowded, but it's consistently empty during the week after Christmas. Personally, I prefer Florida during the warmer months, although the combined effect of Disney and Christmas is also nice, heh. Even if you visit WDW the week after Christmas, it is as though you can re-experience the holiday once again; most of the decorations haven't yet been dismantled. If you haven't seen them already, I would recommend a visit to the Christmas trees at the Grand Floridian and the Wilderness Lodge. Quite impressive.

Well, after re-visiting the calendar, I think we really need to go on Jan 2 - 8. I've been told by a lot of people that the week between Xmas and New Year is the worst, and now you say its ok - I guess it varies, haha.

So, is Xmas over with by Jan. 2? Do they tear down the decorations that fast? That's why we really want to go.

 

[Calamar]

Re: Re: Re: December Trip?

Originally posted by edwardtc
Well, after re-visiting the calendar, I think we really need to go on Jan 2 - 8. I've been told by a lot of people that the week between Xmas and New Year is the worst, and now you say its ok - I guess it varies, haha.

Er, I meant to say that I went to Disney on New Year's Day a couple of times, to be precise. I have a terrible memory, but I believe the lines were reasonable.

So, is Xmas over with by Jan. 2? Do they tear down the decorations that fast? That's why we really want to go.

A cast member here could probably tell you the exact date, but I remember that, during one of our vacations, the decorations were up when we arrived, and removed by the time we departed.

 

[DisneyPhD]

We were there Jan 1 - 6 2004. We didn't even try the parks on New Years Day. We heard from other guests that MK was near gridlock with people on New Years Eve and only slightly better on NY Day. We couldn't tell if any decorations had been taken down at our resort, WL. Even on our last day, they were still playing Christmas music at the resort. We were a little sick of it by then (having started listening to it since late November). Some of the Parks had their decorations removed by the end of our trip.

 

[Tom]

Originally posted by DisneyPhD
We were there Jan 1 - 6 2004. We didn't even try the parks on New Years Day. We heard from other guests that MK was near gridlock with people on New Years Eve and only slightly better on NY Day. We couldn't tell if any decorations had been taken down at our resort, WL. Even on our last day, they were still playing Christmas music at the resort. We were a little sick of it by then (having started listening to it since late November). Some of the Parks had their decorations removed by the end of our trip.

I guess we'll just take all the pictures we want on the first coupld of days!

 

[surfsupdon]

I've stayed as late as Jan 4th and I can assure you that the Christmas decorations and music were still up by that date. The nightly snowfalls and CandleLight Processional had ceased, and that was the last night for the Osborne Lights at MGM.

The decorations stay up in phases, tho. You should get some nice pictures with great festive scenery early on.

I'm pushing for a trip 12/26--1/3 this year as well. Just love it that time.

 

[Tom]

Originally posted by surfsupdon
I've stayed as late as Jan 4th and I can assure you that the Christmas decorations and music were still up by that date. The nightly snowfalls and CandleLight Processional had ceased, and that was the last night for the Osborne Lights at MGM.

The decorations stay up in phases, tho. You should get some nice pictures with great festive scenery early on.

I'm pushing for a trip 12/26--1/3 this year as well. Just love it that time.

Cool - sounds great! As long as I get to see WDW in all its Xmas glory. The best thing is that the crowds are supposedly WAY down.....right?

 

[surfsupdon]

Originally posted by edwardtc
Cool - sounds great! As long as I get to see WDW in all its Xmas glory. The best thing is that the crowds are supposedly WAY down.....right?

Yes. Whatever day New Years day is on, usually round to the next Monday after the initial weekend and the crowds are super way down. Jan 1-2 are generally quite crowded, 3 is noticebly less, and 4 is quite empty.

How I'd love to visit WDW during slow Christmas time in lieu of hectic time as we usually do. Maybe one day...You have yourself a great time though!!

 

[Tom]

Originally posted by surfsupdon
Yes. Whatever day New Years day is on, usually round to the next Monday after the initial weekend and the crowds are super way down. Jan 1-2 are generally quite crowded, 3 is noticebly less, and 4 is quite empty.

How I'd love to visit WDW during slow Christmas time in lieu of hectic time as we usually do. Maybe one day...You have yourself a great time though!!

Thanks! Really appreciate the input and wishes! With New Years Day being on a Saturday this year, I predict that some people will still be around on Sunday (2nd) but I also predict that many will head home on Sunday, and then Monday and that week will be deads-ville! Well, I can hope can't I?

Tom

 

[dae_woods]

The only thing I am concerned is whether or not the temperature during that time would allow us to still wear the usual Disney attire...shorts and a t-shirt. I'm sure that long pants would most likely be more appropriat though.

Can anyone tell me for sure?

 

[surfsupdon]

No, youre right. For the typical HS, i know in the NJ area at least, this upcoming Christmas break is a short one. Most/all will leave that Sat/Sun to be back in time for school on that Monday or Tuesday. Bummer.

And b/c it is a short vacation, its a great possibility that our family will be flying to maximize time spent at WDW, and I'm scared, but that's a whole other thread for a whole other time.

 

[doctor tigger]

Hey Edwardtc,

We were there right after Christmas 2000. The parks were crowded (especially MK) in the afternoons. However, we managed to do lots by getting there early and doing the "must do" things first. We met some people in line for Pooh who told us that the crowds had been around 1/2 of what we saw for the week right "before" Christmas.
As to weather, it really varied. The first two days were beautiful---T-shirt and jeans weather. On day three, it got incredibly cold---we're talkin' coat, gloves, pooh earmuffs, the whole ball of wax. My advice would be to be prepared for cold spells, if possible.
Whatever you decide, enjoy your trip---WDW is beautiful during the holiday season!

 

[Ergens2]

As far as weather edward, You can expect Anything!! I have been during a heat wave when in Jan we were wearing shorts and tank tops...and were still hot! (I want to say that was back in the early 90's) Then about 2-3 years ago it was in the 40's during the day and the 20's at night!! Holy Cow!!! We live in VA and we have a fairly cold winter, but for it to be warmer at home then it was in FL was unreal. BUt the good news is you just bundle up and keep warm with the help of a little fairy dust excitement and your fellow travelers. Most people are still on that Christmas high so everyone is in a great mood! Have loads of fun!!!

shell :wave:

 

[Tom]

Originally posted by Ergens2
As far as weather edward, You can expect Anything!! I have been during a heat wave when in Jan we were wearing shorts and tank tops...and were still hot! (I want to say that was back in the early 90's) Then about 2-3 years ago it was in the 40's during the day and the 20's at night!! Holy Cow!!! We live in VA and we have a fairly cold winter, but for it to be warmer at home then it was in FL was unreal. BUt the good news is you just bundle up and keep warm with the help of a little fairy dust excitement and your fellow travelers. Most people are still on that Christmas high so everyone is in a great mood! Have loads of fun!!!

shell :wave:

That would be incredibly weird to be in WDW and have to bundle up! I've been down there over 10 times since I was 6, and we've ALWAYS gone in the summer, when school was out. It would just be completely freaky.

Thanks all, for the input. I think, come June, I'll book us for Jan 2-8, 2005 and take whatever WDW and Florida can dish out to us. I can tolerate any weather, as we live in Indiana (brrrrrrr) - I'm just hoping we get to experience the XMas Decor, since that's our #1 reason for going then.

 

[Tom]

NIGHT TIME ENTERTAINMENT -- Is there any?

Does the parade run at all between Jan. 2 and 8 typically? How about Illuminations? How about Fantasmic?

I know the parks close early, but do they close earlier than sunset?

 

[dae_woods]

Another question would be, what about the bowl games? I know that a lot of college bowls are held in Florida, specifically central FL and can bring quite a crowd with them during that time.

The bowls end Jan 1st and since we are going the 2nd - 8th, we might pick up the bowl stragglers, possibly a lot of they all go to WDW after the games. Does anyone know for sure?