Dec 27-Jan 3rd will be our first visit during the busiest season. What impact (if any) will there be for our table service reservations and FPs? Will it just be longer thru security to get into the park and walking slower as the park is more crowded? Or will there also be longer waits for all transportation all week or something else I can't think of. Obviously waiting in lines without FP will be drastically longer than we are used to.
We’ve been twice during Christmas week- from Dec. 26- 31. If you plan correctly, you will be fine. My best advice is to get there when the parks open for resort guests- which MK is usually 7am daily. Yes, it is still dark when they let you in- but hey- nothing like a sunrise over Fantasyland! lol However, you can ride ride ride for a couple of hours before Main Street is packed at 10am.
Transportation- we get to the parks when they open- leave the hotel about an hour before- so for us getting to the parks is not a problem. and getting home after the fireworks has not been a problem for us- they generally have extra buses running than normal (I think they contract them out because they are not all Disney buses) and they are very efficient. The main transportation issue we’ve run into is park hopping- be very aware that most days, the parks will have closures due to filling to capacity. We’ve never experienced it to the level of closing to resort guests- but we have experienced long waits on the bus for park hopping (however that could be said any time of year I think)
Table Service Reservations- just arrive at least 15-20 minutes before your time. We’ve had both good and bad experiences with this. We waited FOREVER at Rose and Crown one year- like ridiculously long- over an hour and half past our reservation. Also had to wait at Crystal Palace a good while one time during this week- but also got in Crystal Palace immediately during this week as well. So it just depends- be prepared for either way- and remember- it is the busiest week of the year and cast members are really overwhelmed, tired, and most of them trying very hard to make it work.
FP lines- yes, you will probably have to wait a bit longer in those lines than normal. However, still not bad. Utilize the FP system as much as you can- as soon as you use your 3rd, get a 4th. The big attractions may not have any FP left for the day- depending on how early you get done with your 3rd one.
Just know that yes, it will be very crowded. Pack your patience. But with planning and knowing how to work the parks- it can also be the most magical vacation ever! We’ve been all times of the year (except fall) and yes, January with crowd levels of 2 and 3 all week were amazing, there is something about Christmas week that is so magical and can’t be beat!