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Original poster

Disney/universal at Easter vs Christmas?

4 replies

neverbeenskiing · 27/08/2023 12:08

We would like to go to Florida for 2 weeks, we will stay at a Disney Resort (not sure which one yet) and do the Disney and Universal parks but probably skip the water parks. We will be travelling with two DC who will be 6 and 10 by that time.

We are tied to the School holidays as I work in Education.

We've been in July before and we all found it waaaaay too hot. Last time we went in the Easter holidays and really enjoyed it, but DH still found it a bit too hot, and one of the DC also tends to struggle in the heat, so he likes the idea of going at Christmas when its cooler.

DC are Harry Potter obsessed and would be excited to see Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade all decorated for Christmas, and I have to admit I like the idea of skipping the annual festive guilt-trip from PIL's and my parents over who 'gets' us for Christmas! But I've heard it's the busiest time to go, which puts me off a bit. Are the crowds really that much worse in the Disney and Universal parks at Christmas than at Easter?

Would really appreciate any pros and cons, experiences, or thoughts to help us make up our minds.

OP posts:
maybebalancing · 27/08/2023 13:39

It will be very busy, I would see that as the main issue.
But if you are okay with crowds the temperature should be pleasant although not great for outdoor pools if that is important.

Original poster
neverbeenskiing · 27/08/2023 16:54

The crowds is the only thing putting me off at the moment but DH reckons since we're tied to school hols it'll be busy whenever we go. One of my children is disabled so we have the DAS pass, which does mean we spent less time waiting in lines at least.

OP posts:
Fivemoreminutes1 · 27/08/2023 17:52

Yes, it’s insanely crowded at Disney during Christmas week. By midday, popular ride wait times will be at least two hours—I’ve even seen some rides go as high as 240-270 minutes! It can also get quite chilly in the evenings.
On the flip side, there’s so much more to do at and around Disney during Christmas week. Every Deluxe resort and some of the moderate resorts are all beautifully decorated. The one we were at had a gorgeous gingerbread display. Then there’s all the extra shows and holiday parades and themed food.
My personal tip for visiting the parks during Christmas week is to arrive early, get in as much as possible, leave by 1 or 2pm, and return in the evening.
It also helps to be mentally prepared for the crowds and to stand in lines, and to just roll with it. Don’t plan on going on massive numbers of rides? Instead, make it your priority to enjoy the atmosphere. If there is a band playing, stop and listen. Wander around and look at the decorations.
Plan to pre-order your quick-service meals using the mobile order system, and be prepared to order early. If you want to eat lunch at midday, order at 10 or even earlier. If you wait until you get hungry to start ordering food, your return time could be 2 hours or more later.

Original poster
neverbeenskiing · 28/08/2023 07:33

Fivemoreminutes1 · 27/08/2023 17:52

Yes, it’s insanely crowded at Disney during Christmas week. By midday, popular ride wait times will be at least two hours—I’ve even seen some rides go as high as 240-270 minutes! It can also get quite chilly in the evenings.
On the flip side, there’s so much more to do at and around Disney during Christmas week. Every Deluxe resort and some of the moderate resorts are all beautifully decorated. The one we were at had a gorgeous gingerbread display. Then there’s all the extra shows and holiday parades and themed food.
My personal tip for visiting the parks during Christmas week is to arrive early, get in as much as possible, leave by 1 or 2pm, and return in the evening.
It also helps to be mentally prepared for the crowds and to stand in lines, and to just roll with it. Don’t plan on going on massive numbers of rides? Instead, make it your priority to enjoy the atmosphere. If there is a band playing, stop and listen. Wander around and look at the decorations.
Plan to pre-order your quick-service meals using the mobile order system, and be prepared to order early. If you want to eat lunch at midday, order at 10 or even earlier. If you wait until you get hungry to start ordering food, your return time could be 2 hours or more later.

That's really helpful, thank you.

We have always tended to get to the parks early, leave at 2ish and then go back in for evening anyway when we've been during Easter or summer as that seems to work better for the DC, so we'd be fine with that.

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