Will I regret going on my first WDW trip over New Years??

[viatabuna]

Hello lovely DISers!

Like the post title suggests, I’m trying to decide whether going for my VERY FIRST WDW trip the week after Christmas (AKA the week of New Years) is a good idea. I apologize in advance for the length of this post.

Some background, and I’ll try to be brief:
I want to take my daughter (who will be 10 at the time of this trip) for both of our first WDW trip in the next year. She is currently my only child, and I’d love to get this trip in before I have babies/toddlers to also worry about. I split custody 50/50 with her dad and this year I will have her the week after Christmas. Also, my work requires every employee to take 5 consecutive days off every year. Basically, all of these things considered, the week after Christmas is the ONLY week I will have my daughter during one of her breaks. So, it’s the week I want to take off from work. I figure, THIS is the time to finally take this trip!

My plan is to go from Sunday-Saturday with 4 full park days and 1 “rest” day where we maybe do a half day at a park. This is what works for my budget.

I know that New Years (and the entire holiday season) is said to be one of the most—if not THE most—popular times at WDW. I’m not sure if I should heed people’s warnings or if I’m psyching myself out. Will we enjoy our first trip if we go during this time? Should I consider pushing back the trip to another time that works for us? Do I just go for it? (We are Disneyland locals/passholders, so Disney parks and crowds are not foreign to us.)

TL;DR—Essentially, the only time I can travel to WDW is the week of New Years, and I’d like to know if it’s worth it as this is my first trip.

Thanks in advance!

 

[only hope]

Do you mean 12/27-1/2? From a few days before Christmas to a few days after New Years Day is quite literally the busiest week of the year at WDW (and Universal). An insanely crowded visit to WDW is better than no visit but just prepare yourself and your child mentally and go in with realistic expectations.

I would expect the crowds to subside beginning on 1/4. It’ll be a gradual decline. If you can shift the dates back a bit so you have a few days on the 4th or late it’ll be more enjoyable and you’ll still get to see all of the beautiful decorations, seasonal shows, etc.

It will be shoulder to shoulder crowds, long lines for everything including restrooms, it’ll take forever to walk anywhere, and 4th+ fp’s will be hard to get. NYE may see a partial closure at MK.

If there’s a different time you can go, that’s what I recommend but you can still have fun. Just know you won’t be able to do it all and there will be lots of waiting.

 

[viatabuna]

Do you mean 12/27-1/2? From a few days before Christmas to a few days after New Years Day is quite literally the busiest week of the year at WDW (and Universal). An insanely crowded visit to WDW is better than no visit but just prepare yourself and your child mentally and go in with realistic expectations.

I would expect the crowds to subside beginning on 1/4. It’ll be a gradual decline. If you can shift the dates back a bit so you have a few days on the 4th or late it’ll be more enjoyable and you’ll still get to see all of the beautiful decorations, seasonal shows, etc.

It will be shoulder to shoulder crowds, long lines for everything including restrooms, it’ll take forever to walk anywhere, and 4th+ fp’s will be hard to get. NYE may see a partial closure at MK.

If there’s a different time you can go, that’s what I recommend.

Yes, those are the dates I mean. Meant to include those! This is exactly what I was thinking... unfortunately I won’t be able to shift dates (she starts school the Monday after our trip, and I don’t feel comfortable taking her out of school for an entire week for vacation). I appreciate your advice and wish I could follow it! LOL

 

[Heather07438]

Yes, those are the dates I mean. Meant to include those! This is exactly what I was thinking... unfortunately I won’t be able to shift dates (she starts school the Monday after our trip, and I don’t feel comfortable taking her out of school for an entire week for vacation). I appreciate your advice and wish I could follow it! LOL

Some positive aspects are the length of your trip and the much longer park hours that week. Ropedrop and the first couple hours are much less crowded (many holiday visitors don't like waking up early). With a good plan I don't think you'll regret the trip as a first visit. It's such an exciting time of year to visit!

 

[viatabuna]

Some positive aspects are the length of your trip and the much longer park hours that week. Ropedrop and the first couple hours are much less crowded (many holiday visitors don't like waking up early). With a good plan I don't think you'll regret the trip as a first visit. It's such an exciting time of year to visit!

Thank you for this! Rope drop is exactly what I was planning, especially on New Years (I was thinking we’d do Epcot that day). I will keep this in mind!!

 

[viatabuna]

^^Meant to say New Years EVE**

 

[mickeymom629]

Expect it to be crowded and have a good plan! You will have fun if you are flexible. You didn't say whether you are staying on or off property but, years ago, we stayed off-site and needed to be at the park very early to rope drop for the 8 a.m. (or was it 7 a.m.?) openings. We did it! Your daughter is at a great age and, with just the two of you, it should be so much fun to decide alternative changes in itinerary if need be. I think it was slightly warmer and less crowded that year at Christmas/NYE than it was the following spring at Easter week. Have fun planning!

 

[escriven75]

I agree with what a previous person stated that 'a busy trip is still better than no trip to WDW'. When we go during the insanely busy times we just get it in our minds ahead of time that we just won't be able to do everything we want to do. If you can go with that attitude and some patience (and by some, I mean a LOT) then I think you should go. If that is the time that works for you and it fits into your budget then DO IT! Take advantage of your daily fastpasses, eat at irregular times, be ok moving around slowing in what feels like a moving blob of humans, and get there early or stay late to get a few things done before/after crowds explode! The Christmas decorations and festivities really are beautiful. I don't think you will regret it if you go!! We put so much pressure on ourselves to squeeze every ounce out of a Disney trip but my kids don't remember crowds or lines for meals or having to watch fireworks with a tree branch in the way. I think you will have a fabulous time and make awesome memories!!

 

[yulilin3]

Hello lovely DISers!

Like the post title suggests, I’m trying to decide whether going for my VERY FIRST WDW trip the week after Christmas (AKA the week of New Years) is a good idea. I apologize in advance for the length of this post.

Some background, and I’ll try to be brief:
I want to take my daughter (who will be 10 at the time of this trip) for both of our first WDW trip in the next year. She is currently my only child, and I’d love to get this trip in before I have babies/toddlers to also worry about. I split custody 50/50 with her dad and this year I will have her the week after Christmas. Also, my work requires every employee to take 5 consecutive days off every year. Basically, all of these things considered, the week after Christmas is the ONLY week I will have my daughter during one of her breaks. So, it’s the week I want to take off from work. I figure, THIS is the time to finally take this trip!

My plan is to go from Sunday-Saturday with 4 full park days and 1 “rest” day where we maybe do a half day at a park. This is what works for my budget.

I know that New Years (and the entire holiday season) is said to be one of the most—if not THE most—popular times at WDW. I’m not sure if I should heed people’s warnings or if I’m psyching myself out. Will we enjoy our first trip if we go during this time? Should I consider pushing back the trip to another time that works for us? Do I just go for it? (We are Disneyland locals/passholders, so Disney parks and crowds are not foreign to us.)

TL;DR—Essentially, the only time I can travel to WDW is the week of New Years, and I’d like to know if it’s worth it as this is my first trip.

Thanks in advance!

Have a good, flexible, realistic plan, set your expectations right, book your fp at 60 and have fun
The parks are beautiful this time of year, the hours are extended, the weather is nice and cool, most everyone is in a festive mood.
Rope drop as much as you can, I was at MK on Dec 25th at 6am and could've done both tomorrowland and fantasyland attractions before 9am.
Have fun!!

 

[DavidNYC]

It really depends on your expectations. It definitely can be worth it (and I'm sure many would say it's their favorite time to go) but it would be good to read a lot of trip reports as to what it's like to be there during that time. And 100% agree that you need to do your homework about how to effectively plan and what the various reservation deadlines are. It will be crowded. You'll wait in lines. But there are definitely ways to make sure you get as much out of the time there as you can and these boards will be a big help.

 

[viatabuna]

Expect it to be crowded and have a good plan! You will have fun if you are flexible. You didn't say whether you are staying on or off property but, years ago, we stayed off-site and needed to be at the park very early to rope drop for the 8 a.m. (or was it 7 a.m.?) openings. We did it! Your daughter is at a great age and, with just the two of you, it should be so much fun to decide alternative changes in itinerary if need be. I think it was slightly warmer and less crowded that year at Christmas/NYE than it was the following spring at Easter week. Have fun planning!

I agree with what a previous person stated that 'a busy trip is still better than no trip to WDW'. When we go during the insanely busy times we just get it in our minds ahead of time that we just won't be able to do everything we want to do. If you can go with that attitude and some patience (and by some, I mean a LOT) then I think you should go. If that is the time that works for you and it fits into your budget then DO IT! Take advantage of your daily fastpasses, eat at irregular times, be ok moving around slowing in what feels like a moving blob of humans, and get there early or stay late to get a few things done before/after crowds explode! The Christmas decorations and festivities really are beautiful. I don't think you will regret it if you go!! We put so much pressure on ourselves to squeeze every ounce out of a Disney trip but my kids don't remember crowds or lines for meals or having to watch fireworks with a tree branch in the way. I think you will have a fabulous time and make awesome memories!!

Have a good, flexible, realistic plan, set your expectations right, book your fp at 60 and have fun
The parks are beautiful this time of year, the hours are extended, the weather is nice and cool, most everyone is in a festive mood.
Rope drop as much as you can, I was at MK on Dec 25th at 6am and could've done both tomorrowland and fantasyland attractions before 9am.
Have fun!!

Thanks so much, everyone! This makes me feel a lot more confident in my decision. To answer one of your questions—we will be staying on-site (All Star Music for now). I will definitely work on managing my expectations and having lots of patience! (I’ve visited Disneyland in the summer, so I have some experience in this, lol.) I’m a huge planner, so I’m sure that will go into full effect when it’s time for FastPass and ADR reservations.

 

[viatabuna]

It really depends on your expectations. It definitely can be worth it (and I'm sure many would say it's their favorite time to go) but it would be good to read a lot of trip reports as to what it's like to be there during that time. And 100% agree that you need to do your homework about how to effectively plan and what the various reservation deadlines are. It will be crowded. You'll wait in lines. But there are definitely ways to make sure you get as much out of the time there as you can and these boards will be a big help.

Thanks for the recommendation—I’ll look for holiday trip reports!

 

[Remy is Up]

I find the holidays enjoyable. We generally are there Christmas eve/ day. Then back right before Nye-new years. Personally we find getting extra fps easier because most locals are blacked out so the percentage of people who understand fp drops. We pulled 17 fps Christmas day across 3 parks. If you plan and be prepared for crowds, be flexible. You'll be fine

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Granted my view is skewed as an AP holder who goes a few times each year so we don't have a "spend every minute in the park doing everyting" mindset,, but we’ve done the last three years around NYE and I love that time. As others have noted, long park hours put everyone on different schedules, often great weather, festive moods. You can get sooo much rope drop mileage, in my experience.

It's not all candy canes and lollipops - lines for food can be very long, transportation can feel flexed/maxed out, FP lines can sometimes be long.

We take full advantage of mid-day breaks back at the resort.

But all in all, two thumbs up from us.

 

[gharter]

Plan well. Get your ADRs set up at the 180 day mark and FPs when you can.
Be flexible.
Expect it to be busy, plan for that adn you should still have a fun trip even with the crowds.

 

[viatabuna]

I find the holidays enjoyable. We generally are there Christmas eve/ day. Then back right before Nye-new years. Personally we find getting extra fps easier because most locals are blacked out so the percentage of people who understand fp drops. We pulled 17 fps Christmas day across 3 parks. If you plan and be prepared for crowds, be flexible. You'll be fine

Granted my view is skewed as an AP holder who goes a few times each year so we don't have a "spend every minute in the park doing everyting" mindset,, but we’ve done the last three years around NYE and I love that time. As others have noted, long park hours put everyone on different schedules, often great weather, festive moods. You can get sooo much rope drop mileage, in my experience.

It's not all candy canes and lollipops - lines for food can be very long, transportation can feel flexed/maxed out, FP lines can sometimes be long.

We take full advantage of mid-day breaks back at the resort.

But all in all, two thumbs up from us.

This makes me very excited! I’m glad to hear that even when it’s crowded, you still find it enjoyable.

Plan well. Get your ADRs set up at the 180 day mark and FPs when you can.
Be flexible.
Expect it to be busy, plan for that adn you should still have a fun trip even with the crowds.

I will do this! I’ll set reminders on my phone if I have to, so I don’t forget.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

This makes me very excited! I’m glad to hear that even when it’s crowded, you still find it enjoyable.

Everyone is different of course, but I can find enjoyment just being in the parks and seeing all the sights, sounds, people, etc. I don't have to go on rides to have fun. It's a fun time from that perspective.

Earlier you said you were thinking Epcot for NYE. We've rope dropped Epcot on NYE each year and it's such a great experience. It's pretty quiet first thing and excitement starts to build as the day progresses... you see the NYE prep around World Showcase... more people start to arrive, etc. There's a great feeling in the air that day.

In case you didn't know this, MK does their special fireworks at 6:30pm and 11:50pm on both 12/30 and 12/31. Epcot does their special fireworks on 12/31.

 

[CaptainJack4077913]

My advice would be to rope drop the parks and expect to be done earlier. We've travelled during that week and it isn't too bad. That being said, I recommend watching the MK NYE fireworks on the 30th, since the 31st is absolutely insane. This past year the crowds weren't too bad except for NYE.

 

[Remy is Up]

Everyone is different of course, but I can find enjoyment just being in the parks and seeing all the sights, sounds, people, etc. I don't have to go on rides to have fun. It's a fun time from that perspective.

Earlier you said you were thinking Epcot for NYE. We've rope dropped Epcot on NYE each year and it's such a great experience. It's pretty quiet first thing and excitement starts to build as the day progresses... you see the NYE prep around World Showcase... more people start to arrive, etc. There's a great feeling in the air that day.

In case you didn't know this, MK does their special fireworks at 6:30pm and 11:50pm on both 12/30 and 12/31. Epcot does their special fireworks on 12/31.

This is what we do as well. We do Candlelight Christmas Eve, MK RD Christmas Day and then bounce to AK and have a nice dinner. NYE we RD Epcot and Stay all day taking in time to eat sit down and relax. It is a great time of year and we enjoy it. But, Like the GADD Said, we are resident AP holders so the way we go at parks is a lot different from others.

 

[cgattis]

You’ve gotten some great responses here, so I just want to add one thing. I’ve never been those weeks, but I’ve seen pics of the “moving blobs of humans.” Since you’ve both never been, so I’m assuming not familiar with the parks, I recommend you posting a thread asking for specific recommendations on a plan for each park in case you happen to get separated. Not trying to sound all doomsday, and the CMs would eventually get you back together (saw it happen over by LM/SDMT once), but if you have a plan upfront, I think it would be less scary IF it were to happen. Heck, I worry that DH will panic if we lose him! LOL

10 is a great age for the parks...have a great trip!!