Is Christmas trip to WDW worth the crowds?

[go3epcot]

Family and I are headed to WDW for second Christmas time visit. First trip had us dealing with kid's colds and heavy crowds, but I fell in love with the idea of Christmas at Disney. When family holiday plans turn into family obligations, I said the peace and weather of WDW (we live in Western NY- buuurrrrr) was a great way to spend Christmas. Just wondering if others agree, or do you want to talk some sense into me?! :xmas:

 

[Hakunamatata]

Never actually spent Christmas at Disney, but we plan to since one of the two kids are school age now and we bought the extra DVC points. I really could care less, for the most part, about crowds now. Since we get to go fairly regularly, I allways know that I will be back again.

 

[dreamscometrue]

Last year was our first Christmas trip (actually Dec. 28th to Jan. 6th). We enjoyed it so much, especially since we flew out of snow. You know the drill...go to parks early, relax in the afternoon, go back at night and get your FastPasses. We were able to do so very much that way. We loved it so much, we plan to go every year from now on during this time of year.

Go do it!

 

[abug'saunt]

Last year, my family and I went to WDW from Dec. 19th thru the 28th. We even did the last night of MVMCP on the 20th. We had a blast and found the crowds less than they were on our 1st trip in May/June of 2003. We are from Idaho and loved the "warmer" weather. I would absolutely do another Christmas at the world. Our big decision for our next trip was Halloween or Star Wars Weekends. Hubby won and we are going for SWW. But had Christmas been on the table, he may have gotten outvoted.:animwink: I say go for it!

 

[wdwforus]

My wife and I went with our 3 kids, my brother and his wife and 2 kids, our parents and his in laws last Christmas. It was great to expereince Christmas there seeings so WDW has been such a huge part of family. It was worth the crowds to be able to see all the decorations and to the kids loved it but, I probably wouldnt be there again the week after Christmas. We would go the week or 2 before and be able to enjoy it so much more I think. It did get a little crazy the longer we were there.

 

[pixiesteno]

Disney Christmas Magic

We spent the last two Christmas seasons at WDW. However, we went before the busy week and it was well worth pulling our son from school. We had the full enjoyment of all the decorations and Christmas gala without the crowds. Although the school wasn't really happy about it there is a lot to be said for real-life education. One suggestion for the holiday times is to travel to the various resorts with special Christmas displays, which would the be majority of the delux resorts it's worth the time.:xmas:

 

[surfsupdon]

Absolutely worth it.

We always have a night flight on Christmas Day and come home a few days after the New Year. Usually 12/25 through 1/3 or something, whenever thhe school break is. We started this in 2002 and ahve kept the tradition alive (except for this year, booo.)

The merriment, extra special events, extremely extended park hours, and the Christmas and Disney magic really make for a great time.

 

[flowerlady]

:xmas: The holidays at Disney are always done well. The parks are dripping w/ color, holiday cheer and bedecked in all their finery.

However, I have always had my visits in the first week or two of the month of December...it's always been nice and light as far as the crowds...plus its a great place to celebrate your December birthdays as my dh and I do. :king:

 

[MissDiznee66]

Always glad to read threads like this, especially now that we are going during Christmas for the first time this year! :xmas: 50 days! :xmas:

 

[durangojim]

We've gone twice arriving Christmas day afternoon. It is absolutley worth it. The spirit at Disney during this time of year is just plain awesome. And I don't think there's anyplace better to be on New Years eve.
Two years in September ago my mom's mother (my grandmother) died after my mom and dad had taken care of her for years. As a combo birthday and Christmas present, my wife and I took them to WDW 12/25 - 1/2 to try to cheer her up. We went to the Candlelight processional on Christmas, and spent New Years eve at MGM. At the end of the trip my mom said it was one of the best trips she had ever been on and had given her a much needed dose of cheer. Have fun during this wonderful time, but don't try to rush it, take it slow and don't get frustrated at the crowds.

 

[disneyracefan]

I have a hard time having any fun there if i dont go at holiday time its the one visit that afterward every other time of the year seems boring.:xmas:

 

[surfsupdon]

I have a hard time having any fun there if i dont go at holiday time its the one visit that afterward every other time of the year seems boring.:xmas:

I agree. Attractions and theme parks close before dark and there is no real special entertainment above and beyond what is already offered.

 

[Gorjus]

Dissenting opinion here.

I believe you should go sometime during the Christmas season. As mentioned it is beautiful.

But the idea of spending Thanksgiving Day, or Christmas Day, or Easter Sunday at a park depresses the heck out of me. I would come to the end of the day and feel like I missed the whole holiday. I'm of the mind that you spend it with family (not at a park), visiting and having dinner, not running around and standing in absurdly long lines.

If, because of school vacations, that was the only time you could go, Christmas day would be a non-park day. I'd spend it either at the hotel room, depending on your hotel, or the lobby of one of the nicer hotels, and then pick a nice restaurant for dinner. I suppose the ideal place would be the cabins in Fort Wilderness or the Vacation Club. It would be like being home and you could cook if you wanted.

Again, make an effort to be there at Christmas time, but I wouldn't enjoy being there Christmas Day.

In fact, I was going to say you couldn't pay me to be at WDW on Christmas day, but actually they are about to:lol: :lol: .

7 Days till I'm a CM:sohappy: . Just a guess, but I'm thinking I don't get Christmas day off.

Gorjus

 

[swimmom]

Two years ago, we went the week before Christmas, and loved it so much that we had to take a long weekend last year too. We aren't going in December this year and I'm just starting to feel sad that we are going to miss all the decorations and Christmas spirit that we felt everywhere at WDW. On the brighter side, we will be taking a spring break trip which will be warmer weather. With a daughter that's a senior in high school, our options are Christmas, Thanksgiving or spring break. Basically, whatever works for your family is the best. Just be prepared for the crowds if you are going at a time that is very crowded and plan some time out of the parks.

 

[surfsupdon]

But the idea of spending Thanksgiving Day, or Christmas Day, or Easter Sunday at a park depresses the heck out of me. I would come to the end of the day and feel like I missed the whole holiday. I'm of the mind that you spend it with family (not at a park), visiting and having dinner, not running around and standing in absurdly long lines.

Yep, that's what we have to do. Easter Sunday is always spent at the Contemp. church services and then relaxing with family at our Resort's pool.

Christmas is trickier. We spend Christmas Day at home with family. Fortunately, we live about 40 mins from Atlantic City airport where there are generally never lines and you can arrive less than an hour before a flight. With a night time flight on Christmas Day, we don't have to leave home until 5 or 6. It works well for us, yes. Then we can have the best of both, Christmas at home and at Disney World!!

 

[GoofyGuySouthFl]

The last 2 years we have been going the few days right before Christmas. Usually the 21-24. We are only a couple of hours away so we leave Christmas Eve morning and head home for all the family stuff. Its a great way to get us in the spirit. Can't wait for this years trip!!! :xmas:

 

[duck_daddy]

If you decide not to go I will step-up, be leader, fight those crowds and go in your place! Just make the reservations under DUCK(they will know who you mean)

 

[go3epcot]

Our plans call for a NO-PARK Christmas Day; brunch at O'hana, a few hours hitting the resorts on the monorail, relax at our resort (POR), and then dinner at Artist Point (Wilderness Lodge). Have seen the crowds of Christmas day and will sit them out while we still enjoy the special day at the MK resorts.

 

[Dwarful]

This will be our second Disney Christmas...and we can't wait. I think the crowds at Christmas are much friendlier than the crowds in July. maybe its the lack of heat..but we just bring the whole family..aunts uncles cousins and do Christmas at Disney...you'll recognize us this year we will be the gang in the St.Louis Cardinals 2006 World Series Champions tshirts!