Tell me everything about Christmas week

[DuffyForPresident]

I was just there over Christmas, and even though I loved being there Christmas Day and think everything looks beautiful... the crowds were too much. Some observations:

- There is a serious line for not just the attractions, but everything. Everything! Bathrooms, Joffrey’s, snack carts. Stopping anywhere for anything takes more time than you’re used to it taking.
- Navigating the parks became a nightmare. We knew it should take 5-10 minutes to get from attraction A to attraction B, but it took 15-20. Swarms of people. There are always plenty of people who don’t know where they’re going or how to walk in a crowd on any given day; there are so many more of those guests at Christmas.
- We saw FastPass lines get held up (usually only for a minute or two, but still) on several occasions because guests who didn’t have FP (and / or didn’t know what FP even WAS) were trying to enter the line.
- it didn’t effect us much but we saw some serious bus lines leaving the parks. Getting around takes time, and there’s a lot of traffic on the roads once you’re on the bus.

If you can go another time, I recommend doing that. If you go, pack extra patience and don’t expect to do a whole lot outside of your Fast Passes. There are worse places to be at Christmas!

 

[phoebusII]

The decorations are beautiful this time of year, we really enjoyed our time during Christmas week a few years ago.

That being said, the crowd level is high. Rope drop is your best friend. We were able to get many of the headliner rides done before the heavy crowds started entering the parks around 10-11 a.m. For example, MK opened at 7:00 and we rode 7DMT, PP, Pooh, Small World, Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise, and Pirates, before 9:30. Then started our FP+ for Splash, BTMR, and 7DMT (for a second ride), and had lunch ADR at BOG. The afternoon was spent getting additional FP - Buzz Lightyear for one, I can't remember the rest, but there were FP available for non-roller coaster type rides, and doing attractions that have shorter lines like CoP, LM, Philharmagic, TTA, and watching the parade. A second early morning was spent in Tomorrowland, riding Space and BL multiple times before we moved on. Many people choose to sleep in on vacation, so if you can get to the parks early, you will be able to get many rides in and then take the afternoon at an easier pace.

Another thing to do is to make sure you have ADRs for the restaurants. Counter service places are crazy packed, Pecos Bill was insanely crowded the one time we ate there. Also, table service means you get to relax for a bit and recharge. Dinner packages for the Candlelight Processional, Fantasmic, RoL, and whatever else they offer are extremely useful. You pay a bit more, but you have to eat anyway, and you have guaranteed seating with a much shorter wait.

Some of the resorts have amazing decorations, if you want to spend some time resort hopping. The Grand Floridian has the life sized gingerbread house. Taking the boat between the resorts was lovely and relaxing.

Above all, enjoy yourself. There are many holiday offerings that are not available at other times of the year. It can be a truly magical experience if you plan right.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Be prepared to pay top dollar for everything!


If you are able start your trip a little before Xmas week or after NYD weekend, then you may get lower prices, especially if you can stay a little into the new year.

For a little fun off the beaten path, consider touring the resorts.
It is especially a fun time to spend an evening at Ft. Wilderness. Folks staying there put up their own decor, and it is something to see. Maybe combine with Hoop De Doo for a whole evening of fun.

Consider doing a split stay to save $.
-A good time to consider Universal. While universal is also busy and up-priced, it is a little more manageable than WDW. On NYE, they have a ton of options.
- Another option is to stay offsite at a place like the Marriott World Center, (part of your time?) which has a view of the Epcot fireworks. You don't get onsite perks, but many offsite hotels offer their own holiday treats.

 

[robinb]

I'm sorry, did anyone mention that it was busy?

 

[mickeyluv'r]

I was just there over Christmas, and even though I loved being there Christmas Day and think everything looks beautiful... the crowds were too much. Some observations:

- There is a serious line for not just the attractions, but everything. Everything! Bathrooms, Joffrey’s, snack carts. Stopping anywhere for anything takes more time than you’re used to it taking.
- Navigating the parks became a nightmare. We knew it should take 5-10 minutes to get from attraction A to attraction B, but it took 15-20. Swarms of people. There are always plenty of people who don’t know where they’re going or how to walk in a crowd on any given day; there are so many more of those guests at Christmas.
- We saw FastPass lines get held up (usually only for a minute or two, but still) on several occasions because guests who didn’t have FP (and / or didn’t know what FP even WAS) were trying to enter the line.
- it didn’t effect us much but we saw some serious bus lines leaving the parks. Getting around takes time, and there’s a lot of traffic on the roads once you’re on the bus.

Some of what you say is true year-round or at least many times of the year. Lines for the bathrooms, etc. are worse over holidays, but they can happen pretty much all year in the theme parks.

Folks w/out FP in the FP line is also year-round.

Same thing with lines for buses when leaving the parks. Often worse at holidays, but still year round. I agree that traffic jams on WDW property are worse. We hadn't really thought about other WDW roads getting backed up. ALWAYS anticipate that traffic on I-4, Universal Drive, International Drive, main roads of Tampa, etc can get very backed up especially during rush hour!

Over the holidays, you pay a mint to stay at the deluxe hotels, but being able to walk to a park (or parks) is a big plus!

It is also a good time to say, bring your own breakfast/snacks. Holiday themed treats can be fun, and carrying stuff all day is a pain, but a few granola bar type snacks/fruit can also beneficial time savers. Also consider doing crazy things like having ice cream bars or cake at 11:30am, when the lines are short.

Oh, and winter weather in FL can be all over the place! It might be kind of warm, it might be rather COLD. Often central FL is more long pants/jackets weather over shorts weather. If you want better odds of shorts weather, you have to go to south FL.

the holidays are a great time to go to south FL!

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Another thing to do is to make sure you have ADRs for the restaurants. Counter service places are crazy packed, Pecos Bill was insanely crowded the one time we ate there.

We actually had the reverse experience.

We made one ADR and the wait was insane. We waited over an hour past our ADR to even be SEATED! Then the wait to get our food was way longer than normal.

We did far better eating at QS places, but we always try to go during slightly off-times. As I said above, we tend to have our ice cream dessert before our lunch, or maybe share a snack item to tide us over. Avoid the QS at 12-1pm!

Another way to avoid dodge food lines is to hop over to a place like the Contemporary mid-day. If you are going to take an afternoon break (at your hotel or otherwise), consider eating at your hotel over eating in the parks. Sometimes it doesn't make sense to do this, but sometimes it does. then again, if you have a car, going offsite can also be a good idea.

A quirky, healthy snack we love is chia seeds. They are a compact high-protein energy food! If you don't like plain chia, or can't find plain chia, there are also chia+fruit bars. Chia doesn't spoil or melt, as so many other snacks do. Look for "Chia Shots," which are little packets of high quality chia. The packets are little hard to open, but easy to carry, and quick eating.