disney and other parks during holidays

[samnc]

Hello. Me, wife and 9 year old might see Disney during X-mas. I do not want the trip to be a disaster, and I am very skeptical right now of going during the holidays, but I have a few questions, which I would appreciate any help with:

1. My understanding is that the park is open early for those who stay on the disney properties. Is it open early for anyone else, or only those on the properties?

2. Do you know if the hotels there accept points from hotels.com? We have quite a few points for free stays there, but I have no idea if that will translate into getting realized savings.

3. How crowded will it get? Like, we are talking about so crowded it is not enjoyable?

4. If I stay out of the parks (such as all the hotels located near it) how easy is it to park and get to the disney parks?

5. We will probably be there for five days (excluding travel days). I think we want to see some of Universal Studios. What is a good ratio of how many days to stay in each park and Universal?

6. Is fastpass worth it? I had trouble finding info about it online. How much more is it?

thanks.

 

[Hakunamatata]

1. There are early and late extra magic hours for guests on site. They very.

2. I don't know if Disney Resorts do or not. I doubt it. Neighboring non Disney hotels likely do.

3. Very very crowded. Peak time of the year.

4. They have on site parking for a fee.

5. You won't get in all four Disney parks and two Uni Parks in five days during peak season.

6. Fastpass is worth it. Disney does not charge for it. Uni charges for their version.