Christmas Day

[disneymadhouse]

We've been twice at Christmas and the first time spent Christmas day at MK. We were on Main street by 7.30am and although it was busy we had a great day! Just leave lots of extra time to get places - not just driving, but to get around the parks too as the sheer number of people slows things down!
If you can I would try and make an ADR for your main meals if you are planning to spend the day in a park as even the lines for the CS places are really long.
On Boxing day that year we went to Blizzard beach which was really quiet!
The next time we went at Christmas we spent Christmas on the Disney Dream. We are booked to go again for Christmas 2018, and are debating whether to cruise actually over Christmas or to cruise first and then spend Christmas day in MK again!

[Claireasol]

We went to MK on xmas day many moons ago and it was heaving. The queues were awful. I think we got on 2 rides in 4 hours. 3 years ago we went back for Christmas and stayed in the villa on Xmas day as couldn't face the crowds, however the days we did go to the parks they were all busy. It's just the time of year. As someone said leave plenty of time to get anywhere as the crowds move really slowly because of the sheer volume of people. We did notice more car traffic but it wasn't particularly bad to the point it being frustrating. Disney at Christmas is lovely but it didn't really feel like Christmas.

[dismadbrit]

We spent Xmas day in the MK and it was wonderful.
Lots of wonderful Christmas cheer and atmosphere and people wishing each other Happy Christmas., best place to be. Can't help with the ADR as we were staying on site so it wasn't a problem for us.
We spent Boxing day at HS watching the Maceys parade.

[Scott3686]

I used to go regularly at Christmas. Getting your ADRs etc is no problem as long as you plan well in advance. I've never had an issue getting to eat where I wanted. We always stayed offsite in Kissimmee and like others have said, the traffic can be a nightmare but as long as you leave early enough then it's manageable.

I've done MK on Christmas Day a couple of times. It's relatively busy but if you've ever been at any other busy times then you'll know what to expect. I found going at Christmas much better than going in peak holiday season in the summer. The only thing to be prepared for is if you are planning trips to outlets or malls then it is mayhem, literally! Especially on Boxing Day & NYD.

[Brennanhough]

Thank you to all who have taken the time to respond!

hopefully we can get sorted without too much trouble. You read the things online and it really puts the fear of God into you!

It's not ideal taking a young toddler at the busiest time but we had booked this trip before he can along and I know he will love it. He won't let go of his Donald toy some nights so god knows how he will react when he sees the real thing!

[Jaspercat10]

I went 30 years ago with my parents and they stopped entry into Magic Kingdom as it was so busy. 😎

[Leelsisy]

I was planning on going to Animal Kingdom on Christmas day this year, but had forgotten to take into account the Pandora effect. I will wait for park hours etc. but may consider going to SeaWorld instead :-)

[Brennanhough]

Originally Posted by Leelsisy

I was planning on going to Animal Kingdom on Christmas day this year, but had forgotten to take into account the Pandora effect. I will wait for park hours etc. but may consider going to SeaWorld instead :-)

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I thought AK if not MK as HS will be busy with it being the smallest of the parks but hadn't factored in Pandora!

I'm fancying Seaworld xmas eve before heading to Celebration for the evening..

I'm a seasoned Florida guy but these Christmas trips take some bloody planning don't they!

[Leelsisy]

Originally Posted by Brennanhough

I'm a seasoned Florida guy but these Christmas trips take some bloody planning don't they!

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I haven't been since Christmas 2001(!) so the level of planning required is a bit of a shock. In 2001 we planned a waterpark day for Christmas Day, but it was overcast and a bit chilly so we went to the cinema and Bongos for Christmas dinner!

[Guest]

Originally Posted by Brennanhough

I thought AK if not MK as HS will be busy with it being the smallest of the parks but hadn't factored in Pandora!

I'm fancying Seaworld xmas eve before heading to Celebration for the evening..

I'm a seasoned Florida guy but these Christmas trips take some bloody planning don't they!

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We're in Seaworld for Christmas Eve this year...it really is fantastic over Christmas...don't miss the ice skating show,the Live Nativity or Shamu's Christmas Miracles.The SW decorations and Sea of Trees is second to none.