How is the Magic Kingdom and Disney World during the Christmas Holidays?

More than you could ever imagine. Don't do it.

One year, we flew into Orlando Christmas day and left on New Years Eve.

Never, ever will I do that again.

Busy is not descriptive enough. Miserably packed fits better.

We went to Hollywood Studios one morning - couldn't ride a single ride. Got our hand stamped leaving because the park was so crowded it was closed for new entries starting at 11:00am when the park opened at 9:00am!!!

We went back that evening to see the lights - still didn't get to ride a ride. Toy Story stand by time was north of 300 minutes.

Stay away from Disney during this time of year!!!

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then the week after Thanksgiving and first few weeks of December can be relatively low crowds still with the Christmas decor and atmosphere. Easily one of my favorite times to go.

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I can vouch for this. Arrived on Black Friday and stayed a week. Beautiful weather, lower attendance, and all the Christmas decorations/events make for a great trip. Highly recommend Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party and the candlelight concert at EPCOT.

From what I hear its horrible during the 2 weeks kids are off school.

Now that our kids are in school, we have to start going during their breaks. Christmas & Thanksgiving are too crowded, the summer is too hot, what about Mardi Gras week?

The week after Thanksgiving is by far our favorite time to go. Like others have said, the crowds can get insane Christmas week, but the three weeks after Thanksgiving is magical.

Why would you think that?

Disney can be a nice destination even over Christmas week, but it doesn't present a good return for the cost. YOu will pay the highest rates on your room and although you can have some success in the parks, you can't get much done.

People who can have the most success are those who are AP holders and don't have to buy additional park tickets. DVC owners with points to burn or someone with an abundance of points at a nearby hotel. People who enjoy the Very Merry Christmas Party. People who can hit rope drop every single day. People who enjoy non park activities (spa, golf, resort dining, Disney Springs, etc).

We were there for Thanksgiving a couple of years ago when we had APs and it wasn't bad at all....not Christmas busy by any means but up until about 11 am it really wasnn't too bad.

This was what it was like boarding the monorail every night a few years ago.

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We have been in April, May, October and November. Oct/Nov have been great. I will miss not being able to attend food & wine.

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Don't miss it too much, crowds are getting miserable for it as well. Rides are pretty easy to get on, but Epcot was a shite show to try to get anywhere or try any of the food. We went last year during the week between Colombus Day and Halloween. Never seen Epcot that crowded during summer or New Years. Ride lines didn't reflect it. Magic Kingdom was pretty busy that week too and it has been consistently one of the slowest weeks.