[karliebug]

Okay, I snagged a great rate for Christmas 2007 but I am a liitle nervous about going then. I went at Christmas about 10 years ago and it was cold but I don't really remember it being too crowded (maybe because it was so cold, about 30 degrees). Anyhoo, I have friends that went this past Christmas and they said the parks were actually closed for 2 days during the time they were there because they were at capacity. I am looking forward to all the holiday whoohaw but am afraid of all the crowds. Who went this past year and how bad was it??

[diisneygeek]

It may seem really bad because the parks are said to be completely packed, but once you're there, it isn't the end of the world. I mean, you're going to be at Disney!!! Sure, the lines may be a little longer than one can imagine, but being there for the decorations and festivities really makes it all worth it. I haven't been there recently (2004), but the crowds were big, NOT huge. I'm sure you'll be fine.

[leslieh]

I'm glad I saw this thread- we go every year for Christmas week. Is it crowded? Yes, but the days leading up to Christmas day aren't as bad. The best plan would be to be at the parks before rope drop. I can honestly say that this is the key to enjoying your vacation.. Also- be sure to make ADRs well in advance. It makes a big difference!

[Mr. Incredible]

I don't know about WDW, but DLR is PACKED around the holidays. However, what the crowds take away from the magic, the holiday ambiance will make up for it. The holidays are a truly magical time at Disney!

[Jen]

My nephews spent Christmas week at WDW this past holiday and on the their MK day, the only attaction they were able to get on was BTMRR. Fastpasses were out before noon for the major attactions.

They were also not admitted to the park on 2 days because they were not resort guests.


That being said...if you are going more for the festivities and decorations and not so much for the attactions (as I can totally see spending an entire day at MK and MGM not doing a single ride but enjoying everything else....) then I don't see the big crowds as a major drawback.

I would love to do WDW durning Xmas, but not with the kids. I'll wait ten years till Stu and I can enjoy it by ourselves. I really thing it would be too busy for our large family.

[dznygrl]

Originally Posted by Mr. Incredible

I don't know about WDW, but DLR is PACKED around the holidays. However, what the crowds take away from the magic, the holiday ambiance will make up for it. The holidays are a truly magical time at Disney!

Took the words right out of my mouth.

The crowds will be big, but the magic of the holiday season is going to be worth it if you ask me!

[iluvwdw]

I have never been there on Christmas Day, but I HAVE been there in December and it is the most MAGICAL time EVER!!!!!!!!! I am going to miss it so much this year.

BTW, we were there this year 12/3-12/11 and it seemed the parks were PACKED!!!!!!!!!

[daisyd]

YAY!!! I'm so happy you have a trip in the works karliebug

[Franco54]

We have been the last two years at
Christmas time and loved it, yes the
parks are busy, but there is lots of
other things to be doing. Go! Enjoy!

[mouseof4]

Well your not to crazy to be going then! I am going then as well and so are probably 70k other people!;)

I think its a matter of being patient and planning your meals really.
I am going to plan some ADRs in the park and also plan them for out of the park a hour or so apart so if I should not be able to get back in I still have a meal someplace and that place will be close to what ever park I am at so I am not having to travel on 2 busses and a boat to get there.

Not sure when your going but we are going from 12/18-12/26 . I hope to get a flight out on the 18th so I am already there and can get full day of the park on the 19th and not be sitting in a airport. We live in WI so you never know what snow may come our way.
just plan your meals , I called WDW dining and she told me --- if your have a ADR in ANYPARK and you leave and can not get back in your out of luck. they WILL NOT let you in for your ADR. So keep that in mind. when I asked she told me WOW thats a great ? guess not many folks think of that or else she is new to this

[wickedwitchware]

i went this past christmas dec 22nd - 28th the crowds were great but by the 26th it was wall to wall, but we all still had a magical time. luckily for us we had anticipated the crowds so hit the major attractions in the first few days. and yes it was freezing and im from the northeast so i know cold..lol.but christmastime was beautiful so i say go and enjoy!!

[live4mickey]

We have been to WDW the first week of December on several occasions and one time from Christmas Day to New Years. The Christmas decorations and festivities were just as wonderful during the first week of December as they were during Christmas week.

The biggest difference as you probably can guess, were the crowds. During the first week of December, we were able to ride Pirates of the Caribbean three times in a row, no waiting in lines. During the week of Christmas, Magic Kingdom closed every day by 10 a.m. as they had already reached maximum capacity.

For me, I will NEVER go again during the week of Christmas.

[crystalnjones]

I say go for it You only live once.

[Dana]

I think you should go regardless of the crowds. You just have to tell yourself that this is a different kind of WDW trip. Concentrate on getting to the parks at opening and taking advantage of the morning EMH to ensure you hit your favorites at each park. Spend the rest of the day resort hopping or just doing shows or something. You can have a good time no matter when you go...you just have to tell yourself ahead of time to expect the crowds and change up your normal routine. Concentrate on the little things and not getting on everything. WDW at christmas has to be SO magical.

[LynnA]

Our only visit to WDW was Christmas 05, I remember that I wished I could have gone at an off time because of the crowds, but since it is the only time of the year we are able to go, we are planning a trip this year as well. I had been planning our first trip for at least a decade and thought may be expectations were too high. Nope, it was absoultely amazing. We went to the Candlelight Processional and then Illuminations began. It was incredible, I had tears in my eyes. Obvioulsy, I didn't think the crowds were so bad, we are going again. One thing though, I attended Church service at the Contemporary on Christmas Day. Exiting was awful, I was in a line for the monorail forever. Aside from that wait, we really didn't have to wait long for anything else. When we entered a park my husband sprinted to get a fastpass while we started walking, it worked for us. Have a great trip.