Christmas at Disney WDW Theme Parks Discuss Christmas at Disney in the Vacation Planning forums; Well, I just got back from the world at Christmas time. This was my first time there on the holidays. What a mistake. Man was it crowded (what recession?) I ...

[garryz]

Well, I just got back from the world at Christmas time. This was my first time there on the holidays. What a mistake. Man was it crowded (what recession?) I needed a fastpass for the bathroom. Never again. Yes the holiday decore is great. But the crowds take the magic awAy.

[zwandel]

i agree we did that four years ago it was the worst experience that we have had

[NICKY MOUSE]

We left wdw on Dec 23. Crowds where just starting on the 23rd to get nuts. Before that 18th-22 was not bad busy but not bad.

[garryz]

Thanks. We usually go in the summer. And the summer was a cake walk compaired to Christmas

[SnwhtNdwrfs]

Last year we went to the world on Dec 25 and the family went home January 1. (One son and I stayed til the 3rd). We didn't really notice the crowds because we always went back to rest in the afternoons. I think this helped us be able to handle everything. We also made sure that we went to a different park after our break. For some reason the kids felt they got to do more. Psychology can be a great things!

[bety]

We always go at the beginning of December so we can experience the Christmas festivities without the crowds. We were there from the 10th-15th this year and it was wonderful! It was practically empty.

[disneymaniac86]

Never been there during Christmas, I was planning on it this year, but it didn't happen. I've heard the crowds were ridiculous. That makes me think of something. One time years ago when we were riding a bus back to our resort after a day at MK, the driver was asking trivia questions. He asked what day was the busiest at WDW, so I answered Christmas Day, and he told me I was wrong, that it was New Year's Day. I really didn't think that was right. Anybody know for sure?

[zippitydoodah]

I'm in teacher's college and my Math prof just went to Disney World over Christmas with his 3 young boys, as well as his parents, brother, and small niece. I was worried that he was going to have a terrible time because of the crowds, since he had never been and this would be his first and only Disney experience) but he loved it! He said it was pretty nuts and he kept bashing into peoples legs with his stroller by accident, but that he would go back in an instant. His exact quote was "They say its the most magical place on earth... thats the biggest understatement EVER!". He then told the whole class about the magic of the utilidors and how they pump out the fake bakery smell on main street, and the osbourne festival of lights... and then did a slide show with all 1000-ish pictures from his trip! (best math class EVER!).
My figuring... is crowded Disney is better than no Disney at all! I don't get to go enough to be able to complain about things like crowds, I'm just thankful when I get to go . As a teacher you don't have many options besides our one week spring break, the summer, or Christmas... all busy times!

[doconeill]

I would NOT go to WDW during the Christmas/New Years week if I wanted to go to experience all the attractions, etc. It's going to be too crowded to do everything.

I WOULD go to WDW during that time for the experience.

BUT - its much less crowded in the weeks before Christmas, and you can still experience pretty much all of the atmosphere...

[zippitydoodah]

Originally Posted by doconeill

I would NOT go to WDW during the Christmas/New Years week if I wanted to go to experience all the attractions, etc. It's going to be too crowded to do everything.

I WOULD go to WDW during that time for the experience.

BUT - its much less crowded in the weeks before Christmas, and you can still experience pretty much all of the atmosphere...

Luckily you CAN go in the weeks before Christmas That will never be an option for me. I would love to see all the Christmas stuff though, just once... it would have to be between Christmas and New Years which I know would be REALLY busy, but beggers can't be choosers.

For all the people saying they would never go then... would you go if it was THE only time you could go? I personally have really only ever been during spring break and its really busy, but its the only time I've ever been so I don't know any different.

[mrklig]

You need to go in the weeks before Christmas. We went Dec 11-14 and got to experience all the holiday decor with little or no waits.

[rock_doctor]

The trick to going over Xmas/new years is to be there at the rope drop and plan to leave by noon...plus hope for snow... We went into the parks on 1/2 and 1/4 and since it was in the 30s we walked on most rides until about noon when the planet descended on the parks. Get there early, make use of the early morning magic hours and move quickly until the crowds arrive, then hit the stores, shows and just relax.