Will the Magic Kingdom reach capacity during Christmas week?

by Vanessa
(San Antonio, Tx)

It's me again! I REALLY want to surprise my son with another trip to Walt Disney World for Christmas (our first was in June)! Two questions: Is it true that the Magic Kingdom reaches capacity the week of Christmas? And is it true that guests staying at a Disney resort are guaranteed admittance (in the event the park does reach capacity)?

Will the Magic Kingdom reach capacity (not like this)

Photo by Jeff_B

Dad's you're not going to like my Answer

Vanessa,

Yes, the week of Christmas the Magic Kingdom will reach capacity. On Christmas day, Disney will close the park to new guests between 10 and 11 in the morning. Yep, that early. When will it open back up? Probably around 3 or 4 in the afternoon.

Dad's Magic Kingdom Crowds page

It's even been known to close a couple more days during the week. From Christmas Day to New Years Day your chances of getting in to the Magic Kingdom are good, but not always.

This is the busiest week of the year, by far at Disney World. If you do attempt to go during that time you will need a good plan. Touringplans.com is the place to go to see the plans, get the crowd predictions, hours and information about events. They have over 140 touring plans to help you get ready for your trip.

Dad's Touringplans.com page

Now, about that guarantee. It's about as good as the guarantee you'd get when you buy a used car. Disney does guarantee that Disney Hotel guests will get priority when the parks are closed. That means that if you stay at a Disney Hotel you could be the last to be spooned into the park or the first to be let in when the park reopens.

 

Disney closes and reopens the parks in stages. When the parks get full, first off-site guests are not allowed to enter, then (about 10 minutes later) Disney hotel guests are not allowed in and the park is closed to everyone. When guests start to leave and more guests are let in, Disney hotel guests are let in first then (about 15 minutes later) everyone is let in.

What does it mean to be in the Magic Kingdom when it's closed to new guests? It means at least a 45 minute line for every ride. An hour line to get a hamburger. It means swarms of people everywhere. If you have the slightest hint of claustrophobia you will be very, very uncomfortable.

Dad's Christmas at Disney World page

Dad's Bottom Line

Vanessa, I hope you have a great time on your surprise trip to Walt Disney World. We've been to the Magic Kingdom on Christmas day (before a plane ride) for about 2 hours and we didn't get on a single ride. Another time we peaked in and left in a hurry. The crowds are just overwhelming.