Disney at Christmas

Never think of this idea again. You will be better for it.

I have gone a lot those two weeks. Mainly because I visit family in Orlando and staying for free with them and not worried about accomplishing much.

If you go there with the attitude that everything is going to be hours of waiting, people will be everywhere, and don't worry about riding much, you will have a good time.


It's going to be a rough time though if you don't get to visit often and really want to do certain things.


There will be certain times where you can do a lot though. Like if you stay until closing, the crowds really empty leading up to and during fireworks til the parks closes and you can ride a lot of shite if you hustle.


If you are staying on property, just try to get your fast passes and dining reservations for the whole time you are there as quick as humanly possible when it is time to register.

It’s not just most crowded but is it not the most expensive also? I can see if you are up north and it’s miserably cold usually.

As said if you are staying off property with relatives or something I can see going, I just don’t see the point in going there during Xmas. I don’t mind people and I enjoy people watching, but Disney gets old waiting in long lines all day. The fun is killed for me.

To answer your OP ive never been at Christmas but I’ve been during other peak times.

The other question is are the resort pools open? Maybe too cold? Because some of the resort pools are amazing and a very fun with kids when it’s hot and busy. Not so much if it’s cold.

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I know the week between Christmas and New Year's Day is the most crowded time of the year but is it actually possible to get anything accomplished during that week?

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I've been that week, twice, both times were over a decade ago though (before my kids were born).

Dec 26 was very crowded.

Dec 27-29 was extremely crowded. 30 min lines for bathrooms, 45 min lines for food, 60 min lines for every attraction not named Carousel of Progress or Hall of Presidents.

Dec 30 was miserable. Huge crowds everywhere, tough to find a spot to sit down or relax, even to eat.

Dec 31, well. MK closed the gates at 930 am, the only way to get in after was if you were hopping from another park. People were sitting on Main Street at 1 pm for the firework show. It was hard to find bottled water. Lines were insane.

And... as someone said earlier, you are paying the absolute peak prices of the year. So you are spending tons and tons of money, and can't do anything but stand in line.

Can you accomplish stuff? Sure, a few rides in each park, some food, etc... but it's all going to take a long time to do.

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The other question is are the resort pools open? Maybe too cold? Because some of the resort pools are amazing and a very fun with kids when it’s hot and busy. Not so much if it’s cold.

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I'm pretty sure that's weather dependent, but not certain. They do close them, but not sure if it is seasonal or weather.

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Usually, if you wait 1 week after thanksgiving week, it is wide open. When we got there, the doorman said, "Y'all are here the best week of the year." It was.

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This time use to be super awesome. They are finding more ways to drag in locals and fill gaps with events like the Christmas parties and adjust staff levels. Still some of the best time to go.

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The other question is are the resort pools open? Maybe too cold? Because some of the resort pools are amazing and a very fun with kids when it’s hot and busy. Not so much if it’s cold.

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The main pools at each resort are generally heated. Now... when you get out the pool, it gets cool, quick!

Follow the crowd calendars. I am doing the 15th-22nd and it looks to be ok. Star Wars and Avatar pull a lot of people away from other rides I am told

I would also recommend the week before thanksgiving. We were there the 16th-21st. All the Christmas stuff is up and the lines are minimal.

We go early to mid January. Kids are back in school and Christmas decorations still up.

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Dec 26 was very crowded.

Dec 27-29 was extremely crowded. 30 min lines for bathrooms, 45 min lines for food, 60 min lines for every attraction not named Carousel of Progress or Hall of Presidents.

Dec 30 was miserable. Huge crowds everywhere, tough to find a spot to sit down or relax, even to eat.

Dec 31, well. MK closed the gates at 930 am, the only way to get in after was if you were hopping from another park. People were sitting on Main Street at 1 pm for the firework show. It was hard to find bottled water. Lines were insane.

And... as someone said earlier, you are paying the absolute peak prices of the year. So you are spending tons and tons of money, and can't do anything but stand in line.

Can you accomplish stuff? Sure, a few rides in each park, some food, etc... but it's all going to take a long time to do.

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We made this mistake once. ONCE.


Everything this guy said was true. We had no idea that it was the busiest time of the year for them. We had gone as part of a trip to the Outback Bowl in 2009. Not only was it crowded, but it was extraordinarily cold for central Florida. Like highs in the mid 40's cold.

We heard they were shutting the MK down at 930PM on NYE so we got there early and stayed all day/night. It was like being at a rock concert. It was shoulder to shoulder and hard to move around. This was exacerbated by my dad being in a wheelchair at the time for a bad knee. MISERABLE doesn't even begin to describe it. It was pretty cool to see Tinkerbell flying down from the castle at night and the fireworks going off.

The following night we went to EPCOT and I got monkey drunk touring the world.


My advice? DON'T DO IT.