Capacity on Christmas Day

[Gatchaman]

Greetings! We have breakfast (8:20 AM) and lunch (1:20 PM) reservations at the Magic Kingdom, and then dinner (5:15 PM) with the Candlelight Processional (8:15 PM) at Epcot. Since I have made these reservations, I've been worried that Epcot may be filled to capacity not let us in. Is that possible? We're staying on property.

Thank you!

[faline]

It's possible but, typically, I don't think I've heard of Epcot filling to capacity. The Magic Kingdom definitely does fill to capacity on Christmas day.

[Jeff]

I agree with Linda; we have never had trouble getting into Epcot on Christmas Day!
The Processional on Christmas is a great experience!

[buzznwoodysmom]

On our one and only Christmas Day experience only MK closed to capacity. It did reopen to guests before 5pm(we checked at around 5 and they were allowing guests into the park again at that time so not sure how much earlier it was open). I wouldn't be worried about getting into Epcot at the time you need to for your reservation.

[Speedy1998]

Epcot has closed for capacity before on Christmas day. It did when I was there in 2012. I do not know if that was for all guest though. As buzznwoodysmom said though, usually the parks reopen to guest later in the day.

Generally, with maybe the exception of New Years eve, the crowd in the parks starts to decrease around 3:30 - 4 pm.

[DizneyRox]

I believe the new rules allow for park entry regardless, when you have a dining reservation. I was surprised when I heard it, but it was probably done to avoid having to refund money for missed reservations. So, it's not Disney's fault if you miss it.

[joonyer]

If you are having lunch at MK the hardest part of your day will be getting OUT of the Magic Kingdom during midday. It will be PACKED to the gills, with rivers of people ion the streets. You'll have to work to find the stream going out, cause if you try to go against the flow, it's nearly impossible. Cast members will help you find a way out, Main Street might be difficult to get through. But you should be fine once you get to Epcot. The Candlelight Processional in the very best, the absolute highlight of our Disney Christmas vacation!

[brad192]

[QUOTE=joonyer;2494566]If you are having lunch at MK the hardest part of your day will be getting OUT of the Magic Kingdom during midday. It will be PACKED to the gills, with rivers of people ion the streets. You'll have to work to find the stream going out, cause if you try to go against the flow, it's nearly impossible....

Veteran's Tip:

Don't exit thru Main Street proper. Worm your way through the shops. It's a bit quicker, as people are busy shopping rather than moving.

[Terra]

[QUOTE=joonyer;2494566]If you are having lunch at MK the hardest part of your day will be getting OUT of the Magic Kingdom during midday. It will be PACKED to the gills, with rivers of people ion the streets. You'll have to work to find the stream going out, cause if you try to go against the flow, it's nearly impossible....

Veteran's Tip:

Don't exit thru Main Street proper. Worm your way through the shops. It's a bit quicker, as people are busy shopping rather than moving.

Yes to this! Start at Casey's Corner and work your way up and out of the beginning of the Emporium.

[DisneyFan1979]

There is a back passageway from the Tomorrowland side of Main Street to the entrance that they open during busy times. When I've been there it's just been during parades, but I'd suspect it might be open all day on Christmas Day.

I agree with the other posters that you should not have a problem getting into Epcot. Disney follows a gradual park closure plan--first they close to guests in cars--I'd doubt Epcot would get beyond that stage. I've been there Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at varying times with no problems whatsoever (MK is a different story!).

Have a wonderful time! Was supposed to go for Christmas this year, but had to delay until January!