I know mk is busy in dec 25,26 and 31 but how about the rest of the parks? And when they talk about Disney being crazy busy during that week are they referring to the whole week or just those few days? We are planning to go sat dec 21- sat dec 28 2019. We don't care about going to mk on Christmas Day but hoping it's not out of control the other days. This is the only time we can plan a big family vacation. I'm used to going in nov or dec during slow weeks but have been there during other busy times in the summer and first couple days of food and wine.
If this is the only week (besides spring break in April but I want my parents to experience Christmas there) would you go if you avoided mk in dec 25?
Going our 8th time in 9 years. We started going when I was in college. With my sister being a teacher, me being in college and now working a regular 9-5 job, it's also the only time we can really get away.
We usually go 12/24-1/1, but changed to 12/25-1/1 this year, as Xmas Eve flights were incredibly expensive. Hopefully I can quash any nervousness or hesitation you may have.
First, let's get this out of the way:
- It's crowded. It's very crowded. Is it "OMG this is so crowded I'll never do it again?" Well, that depends. I work in NYC so I'm used to the crowds. Even so, on 12/31 I get a little uneasy with the crowds. Having been so many times and now that we stay at Beach Club, we elect to do a late dinner then watch the fireworks from the boat pier outside YC, rather than brave the crowds at EPCOT.
- It's probably a bit more crowded than the worst Spring Break crowds, but nothing you've never seen before. Pretty much, if you've been during Spring Break, expect a little worse for Christmas.
- You'll need to dedicate a little more time to travel. Buses will take a bit longer as there will be a bit more traffic going into and out of the parks. This is especially evident on NYE. You'll notice on 12/30 that there are some coach buses being contracted for Disney. Travel as little as possible and leave about 1.5-2 hours of travel time on 12/25 and 12/31.
- MK will hit a Phase 2 or 3 closure on 12/25 and most likely 12/27 and/or 12/28. You'll notice people come in waves. Most stay during your dates and leave on 12/28. It'll hit at least a Phase 3 closure on 12/31.
- With that said - despite the crowds and the copious planning we need to do—we wouldn't trade it in for ANYTHING. We absolutely love our Christmas vacation. It's our time together. At home, we'd go back to our normal lives on 12/26. In Disney, we wake up together and enjoy "another day of Christmas." Sure, we have our moments, but nothing beats it.
To Answer your questions:
Magic Kingdom will be very crowded on 12/25, but we do it every year.
- The morning EMH will be from 7am-8am. Get there for rope drop (7am). We go straight to Space Mountain, followed by Buzz Lightyear. Then we get a few photos in front of the castle and/or with Pluto in Town Square. As the park opens to the public, we usually hit Pirates. Then we'll do breakfast—either a sit-down ADR or quick service (BOG). After our breakfast, it'll be like 10am. The park is now starting to fill up. By 10 or 11, Main Street will be difficult to navigate and the area near Small World will be flooded with people. We schedule a FP+ for Thunder Mountain for 10am-11am. We'll go on around 10:30am. After Thunder Mountain, we'll line up in Frontierland for the 12pm parade. After it passes, we'll go to our FP+ for Jungle Cruise (12:30pm-1:30pm). Then we'll have a 7DMT FP+ for 2pm-3pm. After riding 7DMT, we'll leave. It's WAYYY too crowded by then. However, in the time we're at the park, we've done Space Mountain, Buzz, photos on Main Street/with Pluto, Pirates, breakfast, Thunder Mountain, a parade, a castle show, 7DMT and Jungle Cruise. That's a great day, seeing as it's so crowded.
- In past years, DAK was the least crowded park, however, that can change. When the construction started at DHS 2 years ago, we assumed it'd be the least crowded park all week - but with Star Wars coming out around Christmas, it was very crowded. I'd say EPCOT may be your best bet if you're avoiding MK. It's spread out and there's plenty to do with the Holidays Around the World.
You said you've been there during Nov and Dec, so I don't have to tell you to step outside the parks and enjoy the resort decorations. It's breathtaking. Pretty much, you'll be fine so long as you:
- Plan: seriously - look at park maps and plan attractions near one another. Keep in mind that you can walk the entire Main Street through the Emporium—comes in handy during crowded times.
- Find your spot early for fireworks and parades. About 1-1.5 hour early.
- Take breaks. We always go back to the hotel to nap or go in the pool during the afternoon, then return at night. Even if you're not tired, you'll need a break from the crowds.
- Enjoy it. You're in the happiest place on earth during the happiest day and time—remember that!
