Christmas 2020 visit. Insanity?

[MyTwoPrincesses]

My brother and his family want to go WDW (Read: I suckered them into agreeing to go to WDW with me). He prefers Christmas or Thanksgiving. I initially was thinking thanksgiving but i see the current bounceback offer doesn’t include any November dates so I think christmas it is.

Is it that bad? I was at Epcot on Christmas Day in 2018 and it was survivable. We rode everything but test track. I haven’t visited any other parks during Christmas (the rest of our trip was a Disney Dream cruise). I am a little scared!

Also, he wants to go deluxe. I am cheap so I was thinking Wilderness Lodge might be the cheapest deluxe option. He wants to stay at the Contemporary but that’s too $$$ for me. Thoughts on WL? we usually go with moderates.

 

[glamdring269]

We visited in Christmas 2017 and thought it was fine in the days leading up to Christmas. It started getting a little crazy on Christmas Day and after though.

Gotta understand though that we are the kind of people who show up an hour before rope drop because we know how big of a difference that can make. Our plan was to hit the parks hard in the morning, escape the madness by lunch time, and then venture back out at night. We also avoided MK as much as possible as that seemed to be where all of the craziness happened.

One cool thing about Christmas is that it's definitely worth visiting some of the resorts simply to see the Christmas decorations. We did a split stay between AKV and BRV so had a chance to knock out two of the best by simply staying there. Grand Floridian was pretty awesome as well.

With all of that said... we won't do Christmas again. It was great to see once but it's also pretty expensive relative to a place that's always expensive.

 

[sharonabe]

I initially was thinking thanksgiving but i see the current bounceback offer doesn’t include any November dates so I think christmas it is.

Are you planning a trip in the next few months so you can take advantage of the bounceback offer?

Also, you are correct that the deluxe resorts will be expensive and even if you do get to do the bounceback, you'll be paying rack rate for those rooms.

 

[Ned Lostmore]

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[DisneyWishes14]

My brother and his family want to go WDW (Read: I suckered them into agreeing to go to WDW with me). He prefers Christmas or Thanksgiving. I initially was thinking thanksgiving but i see the current bounceback offer doesn’t include any November dates so I think christmas it is.

Is it that bad? I was at Epcot on Christmas Day in 2018 and it was survivable. We rode everything but test track. I haven’t visited any other parks during Christmas (the rest of our trip was a Disney Dream cruise). I am a little scared!

Also, he wants to go deluxe. I am cheap so I was thinking Wilderness Lodge might be the cheapest deluxe option. He wants to stay at the Contemporary but that’s too $$$ for me. Thoughts on WL? we usually go with moderates.

If you can go any other week of the year, I would go the other week. Yes, it will be insanely crowded. MK especially. We were in MK on Dec. 26 a few years ago and, there were areas in the park where we could barely move. We got is as close to RD as we could (we were staying at BWV and, with traffic, it took almost 45 minutes to drive there), used our 3 FP+ and we had to leave. It was just far too crowded for us. EP was a little more doable, IMHO.

I would pick a resort that is close to the parks you will visit most. If it's MK, then WL is a great choice, however, it looks like you have 3 kids - will you be a party of 4 or a party of 5? Standard rooms at WL only sleep 4. If you have 5, you could price out a deluxe studio at Boulder Ridge Villas which is right next to the main WL building. If you will go to EP and DHS most, I would definitely look into YC/BC, BWI (or BCV and BWV) and even consider Swan/Dolphin which typically prices out much cheaper than a WDW deluxe. With Swan/Dolphin, however, you would not get DME, so that is an extra-cost consideration.

 

[gharter]

If you have any other options, I would pick another week. If you have no other choices, then just expect it to be crazy busy, plan accordingly. Anything less is a bonus.

 

[SaintsManiac]

It doesn't matter what year. It's the busiest week at Disney.

 

[North of Mouse]

Insanity?? IMO? Yes! Haven't been there at christmas, and will never go, but have seen many pictures, and talked to those who have gone. Especially at MK, but doesn't exclude the other parks, if you enjoy wriggling like a giant worm to get anywhere, and if you enjoy paying big money to do that, then that's your time to go. I really feel for your three children though, that won't understand why they can't do anything - not much fun!

 

[Beachmom0317]

As far as accommodations at WL, if you’re planning Christmas 2020 you could rent DVC points from a DVC member or rental agency. Cooper Creek is the DVC section of the main WL building, Boulder Ridge is the DVC building next to WL. You can do this at 11m out (this January) but your dates need to be firm as you can’t change your dates or cancel. Renting would lower cost for staying deluxe. Could even look at BLT at CR since thats also DVC.

 

[NYCgrrl]

Since it seems WL is the least expensive of the deluxe resort for that time I'd go with it. Beautiful grounds, arguably the best holiday decor, and easy to get to MK. Never stayed there but wouldn't have a problem if we did.

Agreeing with other posters regarding rack rate during free dining. How about book the room separately instead of a package deal, and buy discounted gift cards to pay for meals OOP. Do the math and you might find it less expensive.

As for crowds, we've been there twice for Christmas (2017 and 18). MK was THE most crowded I'd ever saw it on Christmas Day 2018. There was actually a line to enter Swiss Family Treehouse that day, LOL. Got out of there fast and visited HS instead; less people by far. MK had late hours that night so on a whim returned in the evening and rode several roller coasters with FPs we picked up at the park. Most of the youngest children were in bed so it was much calmer. We have booked to return this Christmas and I'll be sure to utilize TP's crowd tracking to figure out what parks to go to on what days.

 

[glamdring269]

If you really want to do MK at Christmas then I would suggest going for the Christmas Party. It's busy but nothing like a regular day in the park. I'd also suggest avoiding MK on Christmas Day. We are gluttons for punishment and intentionally went on Christmas Day just to see how bad it was. Rope drop + 3 fast passes + lots of crowd wading and out by lunch time. Never again but it was great the one time.

 

[MyTwoPrincesses]

Are you planning a trip in the next few months so you can take advantage of the bounceback offer?

Also, you are correct that the deluxe resorts will be expensive and even if you do get to do the bounceback, you'll be paying rack rate for those rooms.

Yes, I am going to WDW in 10 days so I will be able to take advantage of the bounceback offer. My brother’s kids are really small so they are planning on a lot of MK. They are WDW noobs. My brother went when he was 7 and that’s it. He also hates the heat and hates the idea of WDW, but i am dragging them.

 

[MyTwoPrincesses]

If you can go any other week of the year, I would go the other week. Yes, it will be insanely crowded. MK especially. We were in MK on Dec. 26 a few years ago and, there were areas in the park where we could barely move. We got is as close to RD as we could (we were staying at BWV and, with traffic, it took almost 45 minutes to drive there), used our 3 FP+ and we had to leave. It was just far too crowded for us. EP was a little more doable, IMHO.

I would pick a resort that is close to the parks you will visit most. If it's MK, then WL is a great choice, however, it looks like you have 3 kids - will you be a party of 4 or a party of 5? Standard rooms at WL only sleep 4. If you have 5, you could price out a deluxe studio at Boulder Ridge Villas which is right next to the main WL building. If you will go to EP and DHS most, I would definitely look into YC/BC, BWI (or BCV and BWV) and even consider Swan/Dolphin which typically prices out much cheaper than a WDW deluxe. With Swan/Dolphin, however, you would not get DME, so that is an extra-cost consideration.

I am a single mom so we are a party of 4. We stayed at the Swan last year and we liked it and would go back, but I have to accommodate to my brother. He hates the heat and is picky about times. My oldest will be in 10th grade and my middle in 9th, so we are limited as to when we can go. Also my SIL is a professor so she is limited too. I was thinking thanksgiving would be better but I doubt there will be an offer then.

 

[Shellyred8]

Yes, I am going to WDW in 10 days so I will be able to take advantage of the bounceback offer. My brother’s kids are really small so they are planning on a lot of MK. They are WDW noobs. My brother went when he was 7 and that’s it. He also hates the heat and hates the idea of WDW, but i am dragging them.

With this information in mind, I would go for WL. You can take the boat to MK, which will be a big benefit because the traffic can get crazy during that time. WL also has a great splash-pad type of an area for smaller kiddos.

The weather during December can vary greatly. We've been there when it's sunny and 80 degrees, but other times it's been rainy and 50 degrees. So, you shouldn't have to worry about it being as hot as it is in the summer time.

Happy planning!!!

 

[DisneyWishes14]

With this information in mind, I would go for WL. You can take the boat to MK, which will be a big benefit because the traffic can get crazy during that time. WL also has a great splash-pad type of an area for smaller kiddos.

The weather during December can vary greatly. We've been there when it's sunny and 80 degrees, but other times it's been rainy and 50 degrees. So, you shouldn't have to worry about it being as hot as it is in the summer time.

Happy planning!!!

I agree with this. WL is gorgeous at Christmas and the splash pad is a nice bonus for the smaller kids. OP, I would also recommend considering some non-park activities to do while you are there just to get a respite from the parks. We stayed at WL the week before Christmas a few years ago and really enjoyed an evening at Ft. W where we attended the early HDDR show (they add Christmas music during that time frame) and a private sleigh ride afterward to see the RV Christmas decorations. It was a ton of fun and away from the crowds. You may also want to consider a monorail tour of the deluxe resorts - GF, especially, is gorgeous. I would also price out both CR and WL with the bounceback when you are in WDW. IMHO, WL's pricing has escalated quite a bit now that the resort-side inventory has diminished with the addition of CCV. As mentioned before, you may also want to price out options at CCV and BRV. Even if your brother ends up at WL and you end up at CCV or BRV, you will all be at the same resort.

 

[Christine]

They are WDW noobs. My brother went when he was 7 and that’s it. He also hates the heat and hates the idea of WDW, but i am dragging them.

I fear that going to WDW at Christmas is not going to improve his attitude about Disney.

 

[PlutoTheDog89]

We've gone for Christmas the past ten years. We decided to take a break the next few years and I doubt we'll be back for Christmas after my dad's passing.

BUT... it was one of my favorite trips. Yes, it'll be crowded, but Disney is kinda crowded year round now, isn't it?

If you book your FP+ selections, ADRs, and go in with the mindset that you won't see and do everything; and if you push to do things outside the parks (like see the resorts or just enjoy the pool in the middle of December) you'll be fine.

 

[a742246]

We went the week before Christmas last year, left on Christmas day. The week before was not too bad, but Christmas day thru New years (friends stayed behind to tell us) was crazy especially MK, this year add HS to the craziness.

 

[GPC0321]

Following this thread as we've just decided instead of Easter 2021 we're going to go Christmas 2020. We went on a brief pre-Christmas trip in 2017 (17th-20th) and had a wonderful time! We didn't try to ride much and just focused on doing the holiday stuff mainly. 2020 will be our first experience being there on Christmas Eve and Day (planning on 21st-26th), so we'll see! We've been at Easter and during mid-June too, and so we're used to crowds. We're limited to the busy times because I'm a teacher, so we've decided busy and not-too-hot is better than busy and hot-as-heck. December weather when we were there in 2017 was darn near perfect. Could swim and wear shorts and t-shirts during the day, and at night it was comfortable to wear jeans and a long-sleeved t-shirt. However, I think the week prior to our trip there was a cold snap and rain, so one never knows. But I swear after being there this past June during an intense heat wave (110+ heat index every day, no daily rainstorms to cool things down, even cast members and local news was talking about it), I'd rather wear a sweater and raincoat all day every day than deal with that misery, LOL. Our summers are on par with Orlando's for heat and humidity (eastern NC is home), and it was still tough on us.

 

[ofcabbagesandkings]

I’ve also done the week before Xmas, 4 years ago, and going again this year. We did AK on Xmas day and crowds were fine but it was surprisingly hot. I was pregnant and found crowds manageable. We are staying WL with FD this year. Yes rack rates are high but since we have to buy hoppers we just get fewer days and take a break from the parks mid-trip. Going to the pool and enjoying character meets and dining at the resorts. WL is most beautifully decorated but I recommend AKL too they do a huge tree plus the animals in the Savannah. Contemporary is the ugliest of the deluxes in my opinion, rooms feel like Embassy Suites for 5x the price. And it’s always busy and loud.