Those with December Experience

[Mary2816]

We've never been to WDW in December. We are soooo looking forward to it. My question is the crowds...light or heavy? We will be there from the 3rd thru the 10th. For those of you with experience from this time of year, please give me an idea of what to expect. Are there any days/times to avoid or see certain attractions/parades...etc. Thanks so much for any ideas/advice. :wave:

[JimFitz]

Tagging along.

[sorcerermick]

Tagging along here too...going to be there same week for the first time :earsboy:

[bobbiwoz]

We go a bit later because I'm in school, but we were very happy with the crowd size last year from the 18th to the 21st. It got heavier as we went along, but managable. We didn't go to any parks on the 22nd, we went around to look at all of the resorts. It was very chilly/cold in the evenings!
We did use the Fantasmic package so we didn't have to wait for that, and the Osborne lights really didn't have terrible crowds. We also did a Candlelight Processional dinner package, and had good seats, even though we were so surprised at the length of the line for CP even on "our" side, we were seated, towards the left as you face the stage, but not in a bad position. I would bring blankets for your legs, just in case you have the sort of weather we had. We will bring them next year for sure.

Bobbi

[JudithM]

A few thoughts come to mind -

Weather can be iffy - some days it can be warm with temps in the 70s & 80s, & you can go swimming. Other days have been cold, & we wore winter clothes.

Check the times schedule for parades, fireworks, etc. For example most Decembers we have been at the MK, Spectromagic only ran on two nights. If iit is a must see for you, then plan accordingly.

If you get a chance, & if you enjoy the Christmas holiday decorations, then try to resort hop & see how the different resorts decorate for Christmas.

[CarolMN]

Crowds are light - we never wait more than 5 - 10 minutes for anything. If the line is longer when we arrive at an attraction, we just do it later when there isn't a line, LOL! The parades and nighttime shows are crowded, though. Don't mind that.

We enjoy:

MVMCP (MK) - especially the shows and the Christmas parade.
Osborne Lights (MGM)
Candlelight Processional (EPCOT)
Holidays around the World (EPCOT)
Tree Lighting Ceremonies (all the parks & DTD, but especially at EPCOT, which has the Lights of Winter)
Resort decorations - at all the deluxe resorts, incl Swan/Dolphin
Holiday Tag after IllumiNations (Disney did this for the first time last year and it was simply awesome! Hope it becomes a tradition)!!!
Yuletide Fantasy Tour (OK, I think we'll enjoy it, we're doing it for the first time this year)

You are going to fall in love with this time of the year at WDW and see for yourself why reservations are so hard to get at the DVC resorts in early December. I first went at this time in 1998. Have been back every year since and so far, I just cannot bring myself to skip a year!

Best wishes -

[carol1231]

Holiday Tag after IllumiNations (Disney did this for the first time last year and it was simply awesome! Hope it becomes a tradition)!!!
-
What is this event? This will be our first December trip too, and I haven't heard of this. More info please.... :love:

[dianeschlicht]

We too love this time at WDW! Crowds at the parks are low for the most part, but you might want to stay away from MK and MGM on the weekends, as that's when the locals hit those. Epcot seems to be large enough that it doesn't matter on weekends.

We love the slower pace at this time as well as the decorations and special shows etc. Sure the parks close early, but we compensate for that by doing Epcot later in the day each day after the other parks close. Candle light processional is our favorite, and I love to watch the lights of winter. I could sit and watch that for hours if need be! ;) Sure, the weather can be iffy, but never so bad as it is at home, so we don't mind that part. The advantage this time has over early January (another time when there are no lines), is that most things will be open and operating because of the holiday themes. In January, you can run into quite a few rehabs that might be closed.

[vettechick99]

I went the weekend before Xmas several years ago (it was like Dec 15-17 or something). The crowds were really, really manageable, but we could tell when we checked out that things were picking up.

I think the week you picked will be great but as far as weather, FL isn't so easy to predict. It's usually on the chilly side...I wear layers so that I can shed easily as it heats up. I do remember going in late December several years ago and it was so cold it had to be about 30 degrees (it was the year a cold front came in - it was awful!).

So in a nutshell, crowds will be manageable, decorations fantastic, and the weather good! Have fun!

[go cowboys]

You have chosen the best time to see WDW.

We go every year after Thanksgiving/first week of December. The resorts are great the decor is unbelievable and the crowds are manageable. Try to get the dates for Mickeys Christmas Party and buy tickets. It gives you extra time in MK without all the crowds and great parades. It even snow on main street. The parades are super! Pay attention to every sense you have as even the gingerbread cookies smell like gingerbread!

The candlelight processional is nice too. It is a neat way to hear the Christmas story, hear great carols and get in the Christmas spirit. If you buy ahead of time we gat priority seating at an Epcot restaurant and reserved seats so we did not have to get there early. Check the dates and see which celebrity will be narrarating. We had Gary Sinese our first year and Lavar Burton the next. We skipped it all last year.

Weather is hit and miss. One year we were buying wool at Norway and the next we would swim in the afternoon. Pack for both.

PM if you need any more specifics.

:earsboy: :earsgirl: princess: pirate: princess: princess:


2005 WL
2004 GF concierege
2004 GF
2003 Gf
2003 GF, WL, DL
2002 DL
2001 Off site Peabody
2000 WL

[CarolMN]

What is this event? This will be our first December trip too, and I haven't heard of this. More info please.... :love:The Holiday Tag was a special fireworks show that occurred right after IllumiNations. We were staying at the BWV and could actually feel the explosions in our room. The dispaly was so amazing - best I've seen at WDW to date - well best I've seen in person anywhere!!

Best wishes -

[twotoohappy]

We've never been to WDW in December. We are soooo looking forward to it. My question is the crowds...light or heavy? We will be there from the 3rd thru the 10th. For those of you with experience from this time of year, please give me an idea of what to expect. Are there any days/times to avoid or see certain attractions/parades...etc. Thanks so much for any ideas/advice. :wave:

It's a great time to meet other DVC'ers. This first week is sometimes tricky to get, but you'll have no problems at 11months out. Check out all the resorts, the decorations are great (esp. BC/WL)
This week can get a little busy in the parks because it's Pop Warner week. (boys football championships and girls cheerleading competition - do a search for more info). If one place gets too crazy with teenagers we just go to a different park. Usually MGM will close early that Fri. for a Pop Warner party.
MK closes early for MVMCP nights.
Definately do MVMCP. Tickets are on sale now. You can get your PS now too when you book your tickets. We eat at LTT because the characters dress up in "Christmas " clothes.
It's a beautiful time of year! (bring a sweatshirt/pants because some nights are very cold) Lots of resorts have Christmas activities going on too.

[Mike_in_FL]

Mary,
As others have said - you have picked a great time to go, and my favorite. We go in the first weekend of December almost every year (this year we will be going later to accomodate schedules of other family members). The Thanksgiving crowds have gone and the Christmas/New Year crowds have not yet arrived. The weather can be cool/cold, but for me that adds to the atmosphere. You may even get to see them taping the Christmas parade in MK for ABC.
Mike

[Pinmaniac]

We have gone the week after Thanksgiving for the last two years. The first year was awesome - virtually no crowds. Last year was still great but the crowds were much higher than expected. That being said I have to agree with everyone else. This is the perfect time to visit. Weather is hit or miss (short sleeves last year, freezing the year before). The decorations are terrific. As new DVC'ers we are really looking forward to our VWL stay this Dec.

[Doug7856]

We have been during December about 5 times. The most recent was December 1 - 5, 2004. We found it to be more crowded than previous visits -- especially on the weekend and at MVMCP. The weather this past year was O.K. The Weather Channel forcast was for high 60's and low 70's, but it felt a lot colder on some of the days. We still enjoyed it and the cool was much better than 90's in the summer!

We loved all of the parks but Magic Kingdom and Epcot are our favorites at Christmas!

[ColoradoBelle1]

I went for the first time last year, 2nd week of December. The days I spent pre-Disney in Tampa were warm enough to sun bathe BUT the weekend at the parks was pretty cold at night...So packing for warm and cold weather is a must and then just HOPE.
All of the above were great fun. The only crowds were Osbourne Lights..but it was just 'walking' through, so it really didn't matter so much. And we did it after Fantasmic when everyone was doing it...so if you have time, do it DURING Fantasmic and then see Fantasmic another night!

The decorations are always so pretty and get you into the Xmas mood for when you go home! Stayed at the AKL for 2 nights and it was sold out for the weekend (Dec 11 and 12) but I really didn't feel that it, or the parks, were crowded.

[lllovell]

I get giddy like a little girl when I go during this time of year...so much that hubby says "SLOW DOWN" because I find myself wanting to run from ride to ride since there are minimal lines, etc. Its beautiful and you will love it!

The must do list was great. I really really liked the MVMCP, but we went the Sunday after Thanksgiving and it was very crowded, so I would try to go to a weeknight party if possible for the crowds to be more managable!

[CRSNDSNY]

I get giddy like a little girl when I go during this time of year...

Oh, I TOTALLY agree! I absolutely LOVE the Christmas decorations and festivities. EB (DH) has never been to Disney during this time of year and I am so incredibly anxious to experience this with him...and of course our little princess! I'm already planning on where we'll get her picture taken!

I really do not mind the chilly nights...you just have to be prepared for them. :flower:

[ti2xgrr]

we were there the first week in December last year and had a great time. The only thing was that the pee wee superbowl and a cheerleading competition were that week so there were alot of kids (we don't have any so we notice). Make sure to go to Mickey's christmas party it was well worth the price. We usually go in January when it is really slow so it was somewhat busier than we are used to, but we enjoyed ourselves and all the Christmas decorations. Be sure to go see the decorations and the other hotels.

[CharlesTD]

We go the first 2 weeks of Dec and the crowds are very light we have never had anything longer than a 5 minute wait for any attraction or for a bus or boat and they are not ever very crowded. We love Dec it is so great all the decorations and the weather tends to be perfect whenever we have been there. You will love it have a great time.

[DebbieB]

We decided to go in early December 1998 after seeing an advertisement for a holiday package. It had carolers in front of the United Kingdom store. So I called and did a 5 night trip for 2 for under $1,000 incl air (stayed at CBR). We had annual passes that we bought the previous October that we planned to use in October 1999 (a week earlier). It was a "just once" thing. Famous last words.....we've been there every year since! It's a wonderful time to go!!!!

[mrslur]

This thread is getting me excited all over again about our Nov. 27 - Dec. 3rd trip. It seems sooo far away at this point but I have sooo much to look forward to. Thanks!

[gjw007]

Holiday Tag after IllumiNations (Disney did this for the first time last year and it was simply awesome! Hope it becomes a tradition)!!!
Yuletide Fantasy Tour (OK, I think we'll enjoy it, we're doing it for the first time this year)
Maybe I left too soon after IllumiNations last December, but what was the Holiday Tag? Thanks.

[DebbieB]

Maybe I left too soon after IllumiNations last December, but what was the Holiday Tag? Thanks.

See Carol's response on page 1:

>>>The Holiday Tag was a special fireworks show that occurred right after IllumiNations. We were staying at the BWV and could actually feel the explosions in our room. The dispaly was so amazing - best I've seen at WDW to date - well best I've seen in person anywhere!!

Best wishes -<<<<

I saw this last year also, it was incredible. We saw it right at Epcot and your whole body vibrated, it was so loud. There were reports that it set off car alarms as far away as All Stars. It was set to "Let There be Peace on Earth". Red lights lit up on the lake, most of the fireworks were red and green.

[lllovell]

The night we were at EPCOT and got to see the holiday tag at the end of Illuminations, it was pouring down rain. We had done a dinner package, saw the Candlelight Processional (which was fantastic, but my boys were really too small to sit through it this year) and then got a great spot for the show (sometimes rain is good :cool1: ). It was SOOOOOOOOO LOUD!!! I was amazed. Basically, there is no gap between it and the normal show, more like a continuation. I thought it was loud because of the rain creating sort of a canopy and working like a sound barier. My boys LOVED it as we all did. Just an extra umph at the end that was one more star on my "Christmas Spirit" for that year. I am hoping the do it again as well!

[QuiltTeddy]

I'm getting excited now and it's only August...I have 5 months to go still. We go the 18th to 23rd. :Pinkbounc

[gjw007]

See Carol's response on page 1:

>>>The Holiday Tag was a special fireworks show that occurred right after IllumiNations. We were staying at the BWV and could actually feel the explosions in our room. The dispaly was so amazing - best I've seen at WDW to date - well best I've seen in person anywhere!!

Best wishes -<<<<

I saw this last year also, it was incredible. We saw it right at Epcot and your whole body vibrated, it was so loud. There were reports that it set off car alarms as far away as All Stars. It was set to "Let There be Peace on Earth". Red lights lit up on the lake, most of the fireworks were red and green.
Thanks, I skipped right over the answer. Sheeesh!

[Mike_in_FL]

The night we were at EPCOT and got to see the holiday tag at the end of Illuminations, it was pouring down rain. We had done a dinner package, saw the Candlelight Processional (which was fantastic, but my boys were really too small to sit through it this year) and then got a great spot for the show (sometimes rain is good :cool1: ). It was SOOOOOOOOO LOUD!!! I was amazed. Basically, there is no gap between it and the normal show, more like a continuation. I thought it was loud because of the rain creating sort of a canopy and working like a sound barier. My boys LOVED it as we all did. Just an extra umph at the end that was one more star on my "Christmas Spirit" for that year. I am hoping the do it again as well!


We also saw it last year and agree it was awesome - I hope it's back this year too. Great ending to a great show. I really enjoy Illuminations anyway, and it was a real treat that they added this extra holiday bit. It was moderately busy when we were there, and we were in the second "row" of people. I could see everything, but my daughters had somewhat obstructed views. I was planning to pick them up so they could see better, but a really nice family offered to let them stand in front with their kids. FWIW, it was a cool clear night when we saw it, so I think it is just loud period :earboy2:

Mike

[BkrsLoveDis!]

Oh Wow!! This makes me so excited about our own trip in late Nov/ early Dec!!!

So glad we picked this time of year - and like most of you -

I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!

Cyn :Pinkbounc

[Gail & Joe]

You will love being there at that time of the year. We went for the first time in early Dec. in 1997 and have been going every year since. It's only 5 months until we go back and it seems like forever.

[keishashadow]

Anyone know when they start accepting PS for the Candlelight Proces. Dinner Package (or, for that matter, how far in advance I "need" to book it). I'm still trying to sell the rest of the family on seeing it - they think it sounds somewhat boring; I'm hoping for inspirational. Went to the Allears site but it didn't really explain the program in detail. Help?

[Bugeye]

Just remember, Disney sells sweatshirts.

[DVCDawn]

I have to echo other posters comments about the weather. We were at WDW starting Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend a few years ago for a week. The first two days were downright hot, but after that it was in the 40s. We purposely didn't bring our winter coats and boy was I sorry. Needless to say, everyone got a new Disney sweatshirt (to wear over the other sweatshirts we packed)!

On the plus side, we didn't feel it was crowded at all and enjoyed ourselves tremendously.

Pack lots and lots of layers!!!

DVCDawn ::MinnieMo

[Gwydion]

What about early January? Will we still get to enjoy the decorations? I'm sure that Christmas events are over, but are there still special shows? Just curious, we just joined this year and were too late to get ressies for Dec., so we are meeting friends in Jan. But since VWL is our home, we are going to be booking for next December come February. :)

[Gail & Joe]

keishashadow......I don't know when they start accepting PS for the Candlelight Processional but I usually don't make mine until November. They don't know who the narrators are going to be until then. We saw Gary Sinise last year. We have also seen Joe Mantegna, Brian Dennehy, and James Avery. If you go to this site it gives you the list of places where you can eat before or after the show, the cost and times. Later in the year it will update the names of the narrators when they find out. Good luck on getting the rest of the family to go and see the show. It really is beautiful.

http://allearsnet.com/tp/h_cpfaq.htm

[kda]

We took our second early-December trip last year, the first w/e in December. Parks weren't crowded, but the MVMCP was busy on Monday night (always long lines to get your picture taken). I tried to get CP dinner package for an entire month before and could never get availability for the Canada resteraunt, so I just sat outside the theater and did enjoy it. We could have had other resteraunts, but didn't care to do that. People with CP tickets were lined up WAY early.

It's a great time of the year, and the holiday decorations in the resorts and parks are very special.

[zillow]

2nd week in Dec. is my favorite time to go as well. Since it seems to be getting more popular, have people had to make reservations day by day to book it at 11 months? We own at VWL.

Thanks!

[CRSNDSNY]

What about early January? Will we still get to enjoy the decorations? I'm sure that Christmas events are over, but are there still special shows? Just curious, we just joined this year and were too late to get ressies for Dec., so we are meeting friends in Jan. But since VWL is our home, we are going to be booking for next December come February. :)
We've been there twice right after the New Year and caught the tail end of the holiday decorations. Much of it will be coming down right after the New Year so you may not get to see it in full effect.

[bobbiwoz]

The Osborne lights are extended into January for '06.

OSBORNE FAMILY SPECTACLE OF LIGHTS

November 23 - January 8, 2006

Will you be able to make those dates?

Bobbi :flower:

[Dgentrysim]

I went this past Christmas with my cousin and we had a blast! We went Dec 11 - 16. The parks were the least crowded that I had ever seen. It was wonderful except that it did get very cold! I'd take the cold over a packed park any day! One day we were there it got up to 70 degrees but the other days you were fine with jeans, and sweatshirt.....at night, a heavy coat was definitely a must! At Epcot, we had not made reservations to see the Candlelight Procession, so we weren't planning on seeing it. We just happened to be in the area when we saw the lines for the concert. We saw them go to their seats and noticed that there were plenty more seats left. I asked the lady helping people to their seats and she said we could sit anywhere we wanted. We got excellent seats and thoroughly loved the music and reading. I definitely think because it was so cold that kept people away! Loved all the "Father Christmas" representatives and stories told that were at Epcot. Wonderful time to go what with all the Christmas decorations. Make sure you go to the different resorts (especially the Grand Floridian) to see the Christmas decorations. Such a special atmosphere at Christmas! I'd love to go again! We stayed at the Beach Club Villas - great place. Hope you have a great time in December. Make sure you go to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas - fun! ::MickeyMo ::MinnieMo

[Dgentrysim]

Also, definitely don't miss the Osbourne's Specticle of Lights....we went 2 nights......absolutely wonderful!

[kda]

2nd week in Dec. is my favorite time to go as well. Since it seems to be getting more popular, have people had to make reservations day by day to book it at 11 months? We own at VWL.

Thanks!

We're also VWL owners. I booked around the 11 month window before our December 3-8, 2004 visit. I didn't book day by day and had no problem getting a studio ......... but VWL seem to increase in popularity each year during the holiday season, and it's a realatively small resort.

[Gail & Joe]

2nd week in Dec. is my favorite time to go as well. Since it seems to be getting more popular, have people had to make reservations day by day to book it at 11 months? We own at VWL.

We also own at VWL and have been making reservations in a studio for the second and third week of Dec. without any problems. I just call at 11 months and do it all at the same time. I also did a member cash ressie for the weekend in the middle of our stay at the same time. The year before I had to call back for the cash ressies. You shouldn't have any problem since you own there.

[gjw007]

Just remember, Disney sells sweatshirts.
Yeah, I know! I bought one while freezing waiting for Illuminations.

[DisneyMomJen]

Crowds are light - we never wait more than 5 - 10 minutes for anything. If the line is longer when we arrive at an attraction, we just do it later when there isn't a line, LOL! The parades and nighttime shows are crowded, though. Don't mind that.

We enjoy:

MVMCP (MK) - especially the shows and the Christmas parade.
Osborne Lights (MGM)
Candlelight Processional (EPCOT)
Holidays around the World (EPCOT)
Tree Lighting Ceremonies (all the parks & DTD, but especially at EPCOT, which has the Lights of Winter)
Resort decorations - at all the deluxe resorts, incl Swan/Dolphin
Holiday Tag after IllumiNations (Disney did this for the first time last year and it was simply awesome! Hope it becomes a tradition)!!!
Yuletide Fantasy Tour (OK, I think we'll enjoy it, we're doing it for the first time this year)

You are going to fall in love with this time of the year at WDW and see for yourself why reservations are so hard to get at the DVC resorts in early December. I first went at this time in 1998. Have been back every year since and so far, I just cannot bring myself to skip a year!

Best wishes -

I have to THANK YOU guys. We went to Disney last December for a 4 day weekend and LOVED it. Very Christmassy! My husband said he would go again in December, but not this year. Well, we found out last week that Jet Blue is leaving out of Newark this Fall and has some good promotional rates. So I started asking my husband about going this December. He did not want to go 2 Decembers in a row. (We are going in August for 2 weeks). I emailed my husband CarolMN's summary above so he could remember all of the beautiful things this time of year and.... We are going this December for our Anniversary!!! I made our airline reservations yesterday.

So now the question is where do we stay. We have 300 'Reservation Status' points from an add-on we just purchased. We will be staying 5 nights. So I was thinking maybe doing concierge at either the Poly or Yacht Club. We will have 3 children with us. Any opinions?

Again I want to thank all of you!!!

[Patty3]

We currently have reservations at the BWV for December 3 through the 10. I was thinking about cancelling and going in May instead. After reading all these posts, I am definitely not cancelling and can not wait to go this time of the year.

[WithDisneySpirit]

I have to THANK YOU guys. We went to Disney last December for a 4 day weekend and LOVED it. Very Christmassy! My husband said he would go again in December, but not this year. Well, we found out last week that Jet Blue is leaving out of Newark this Fall and has some good promotional rates. So I started asking my husband about going this December. He did not want to go 2 Decembers in a row. (We are going in August for 2 weeks). I emailed my husband CarolMN's summary above so he could remember all of the beautiful things this time of year and.... We are going this December for our Anniversary!!! I made our airline reservations yesterday.

So now the question is where do we stay. We have 300 'Reservation Status' points from an add-on we just purchased. We will be staying 5 nights. So I was thinking maybe doing concierge at either the Poly or Yacht Club. We will have 3 children with us. Any opinions?

Again I want to thank all of you!!!

Wow! How lucky are you! What a great time of year for an extra visit and to have your anniversary... Between those two resorts, I would probably pick the Poly since SAB won't be that much fun in December anyway. If I were picking, it would probably be WL because of how it looks at Christmas and the boat to MK for the kids. Second choice...maybe CR if you can get into the rehabbed area or GF because I've heard it is great at Christmas too!! Have fun no matter what :wizard: :teeth:

[raider93]

We are going Dec 16th thru 22nd. How are the crowds? We have only been in early May and mid October. Just wondering what to expect.

[deba]

Early December is one on my favorite times of the year to be at WDW. You get all the Christmas extras without the Christmas crowds. Pack warm clothes and expect to be flexible...you may swim and shiver in the same week (or even the same day), but that's part of the fun. The cold times put you in the mood of Christmas. Hats and gloves are expensive and are big 'impulse items' if the temp drops at night (they are at every check-out register when it gets chilly), but they can make the difference in staying out or going back to the resort early. Avoid the choice and pack them, just in case. You'll have a great time!

:flower:

[deba]

We currently have reservations at the BWV for December 3 through the 10. I was thinking about cancelling and going in May instead. After reading all these posts, I am definitely not cancelling and can not wait to go this time of the year.

Even if it gets a little chilly, you can be pretty sure that it is warmer than it will be at home! (I'm from Southern Maryland...hi neighbor!) Stick with your Dec. vacation...you'll love it!

:goodvibes

[gjw007]

We are going Dec 16th thru 22nd. How are the crowds? We have only been in early May and mid October. Just wondering what to expect.
I have been in early May as well as mid-December. It is not crowded in mid-December but it gets much more crowded as Xmas day approaches. If there is any ride that I want, I usually go early in my trip to make sure that I get the ride without long waits.

[raider93]

Thanks for the reply. I am currently planning on hitting the parks early in the week and leaving the last couple of days for events like a pirate cruise, character meals, shows etc. Here's hoping for the best. :jumping1: