Mother, Son, Giraffe, Kilimanjaro Safaris, Animal Kingdom, Savannah
  • On May 10, 2013
    Louis Asked Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.

    Experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    My wife and I along with the grandchild are planning on a visit to WDW from Dec. 28 thru Jan. 5th. How crowded is it at this time of the year. Also, which resort do you prefer: Port Orleans French Quarter or Riverside.

    Hi Louis,

    The good news is that the week of your visit is one of the most festive at Walt Disney World, when the parks and hotels are decked out for the holidays and the weather usually is mild and sunny. The bad news is that the week before and the week after Christmas are among the most crowded of the entire year.

    I would expect the crowds to start thinning a bit by the end of your visit, but the crowd level likely won't dwindle significantly until the last day or two of your visit.

    You can still have a wonderful time. You just may need to do a little more planning in advance to be sure you have a chance to hit your must-do rides, attractions, restaurants and activities.

    I love both the Port Orleans resorts. They are my family's favorite moderate resorts and I think you will be happy with either.  They are adjacent, sister properties, so you can enjoy the amenities of both no matter where you stay. Both feature water taxi service to Downtown Disney.

    The choice really comes down to which amenities appeal most to your family.

    The French Quarter is smaller and more intimate. The sea serpent slide at the main pool there is a hit with kids and adults. There isn't a full-service restaurant, just a food court (which serves fresh, hot beignets. Yum!).

    Riverside is a bit more spread out, but also has a quiet, relaxing feeling. In addition to several pools, it features a fishing hole and a popular playground. Dining options include a food court and Boatwright's, a full-service restaurant with a Louisiana theme. YeHaa Bob's performance on select nights in the River Roost Lounge is a popular attraction. If your grandchild is into Disney royalty, the Royal Rooms at Port Orleans Riverside might be appealing.

    I hope this information is helpful. Please let me know if there's anything else I can do to assist you as you plan your holiday vacation. Enjoy your visit with your family!

    Wilma
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Meet the Panelist: Wilma, Florida

We live 90 miles from Walt Disney World and have visited frequently for 20 years. Disney is the place our family can relax together, try new things (especially interesting food) and have conversations, no matter what park we visit or where we stay.
Learn More About Wilma

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