Help!

[ToddfromCanada]

My family, (myself, my wife and our 4 yr. old girl and 6 yr. old boy) are thinking of coming down around the 29th of Dec. until the second or third of Jan. Could people please provide feedback about whether the crowds are unbearable, and whether or not the holiday extras make it worthwhile. Also, we are hoping to stay in one of the mid range resorts on site. Any advice about which one we should choose? Thanks in advance.
todd

 

[MissMorrow]

It will be extremely crowded. To my knowledge, that is the single most crowded time at WDW. As for if it's worth it, I think it depends on what going coming for. The holiday decorations and activities? Or to be at WDW on New Years Eve? If it's just to visit during the holiday season, go earlier in the month. If it's important for you to be at WDW on New Years Eve, or more specifically the Magic Kingdom, be sure to get there as early as possible and be prepared for the crowds. Hope that helps.

ETA: And my favorite moderate resort is Port Orleans Riverside. It's the prettiest IMO.

 

[scbb11Sketch]

The only time I've ever gone to Disney World has been during the Christmas to New Year's stretch. Is it crowded? Oh sure. Is it unbearable? No. It is what you make of it. If you just go with the flow of things, plan out how to use fastpasses efficiently, and remember that it's your vacation, you will have a great time. The holiday season at Disney World is awesome, and it's too special of a thing to ruin by being upset that there are other people around trying to do the same thing as you. Booking rooms and restaurants around now is probably a good idea, though we've waited until the week before to do it sometimes and have still been in luck. Have fun!

 

[LizC]

Go to touringplans.com, they have lots of crowd info. I'm sure it will be very crowded at that time but if you go in with that knowledge it will be easier to deal with. Plus you will get to see WDW decked out with all the holiday decorations, I think everyone should see WDW in all its holiday glory.

I hope you enjoy your trip!

 

[StupidJudy]

Go right after Thanksgiving, you'll get all the Christmas decorations and much less crowds

 

[ShookieJones]

Well as others have said..that is just about the most busy time of the year (if not the busiest)!! As others have suggested - check Touring plans and that will give you a numerical (1-10) indication right away as to what you're dealing with crowd wise. If you've ever been to WDW when it's busy -- I think you can plan on that times a thousand....yeah unbearable.

As far as moderate resorts -- You can search threads around here for many opinions and in depth ins and outs or go to allears.net for resort reviews and ratings, but I can tell you that either of the Port Orleans resorts will get high praise on a consistent basis.

 

[cowanfamily]

A great time to be there, but horrible crowds. If you frequent WDW and it doesn't bother you to miss alot of attractions, then go. The atmosphere alone is worth it.

 

[ToddfromCanada]

Thanks all for the feedback. My wife and I are teachers so we are limited to when we can travel. So dinner reservations now eh? wow. I dont even know what I want for supper tommorow let alone in December.

 

[tare]

Earlier in December is great!!!

 

[bethymouse]

Thanks all for the feedback. My wife and I are teachers so we are limited to when we can travel. So dinner reservations now eh? wow. I dont even know what I want for supper tommorow let alone in December.

I'm a teacher too, and I did a bad thing. I'm going Sept 23-29, and taking the boys out of school. I will leave lesson plans for the week, but boss will not be too happy! I have 45 plus days of leave, and it's our 15th wedding anniversary! I've never done this before, and I feel horribly guilty. But, you only have your 15th anniversary once- LOL and it's a true milestone these days I believe! The boys will have an educational plan based on the current "standards of learning"- that's VERY easy to do for a trip to WDW .!
Maybe try to work around your schedule, and take 2 or 3 days off if possible instead of a whole week! Really look around at the websites and check out the restaurants. Call ASAP to get where you'd like- especially if going at Christmas/New Year time.Check out allears.net for menus and such! Good luck, and have a magical time planning your trip!

 

[LizC]

Have you checked the swan or dolphin?

 

[LizC]

As of yesterday, rates on swananddolphin.com were $299/night, plus tax & resort fee.

Wow! I guess the time of year makes a huge difference there as well. I had no idea. I suppose I should do a little more reasearch before I make suggestions.