12/6/05-12/11/05 Or 12/13/05-12/18/05

[krahema]

We are planning a trip for December 2005 and now are trying to decide if we should go 12/6/05-12/11/05 or 12/13/05-12/18/05 (both are Tuesday through Sunday). We are looking for the less crowded time of the two.

I would expect that the first week would be less crowded since the second week may coincide with some winter breaks. What made me wonder, however, is that on Expedia, it shows a rate of $205 for all nights during the second week, but a higher rate ($265) on the weekend of the first week.

Does anyone know if there is something going on the weekend of 12/9 - 12/11 that would have an effect on hotel rates?

Like I said, we really want to go at a less crowded time, so if anyone can share any thoughts is would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

 

[iceskatejen]

I'm not sure but the first weekend might be the weekend of the Candlelight Processional. That's the only thing I can think of going on that time of year that might have an effect on hotel rates.

 

[karylrocks]

I'm not sure but the first weekend might be the weekend of the Candlelight Processional. That's the only thing I can think of going on that time of year that might have an effect on hotel rates.

I can't find any info on the Candlelight Processional. Can you tell me more about it or where I can find info? I am planning a possible short second trip for Dec 9-11.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

The Candlelight Processional isn't really advertised.

Cast members and members of local school choirs make up a beautiful choir that processes down Main Street to the Train Station and stand on risers, making a living Christmas tree. A narrator, usually someone famous, retells the Christmas story with the music highlighting the story. It's really beautiful.

In the past, they have also had this in the Fantasyland Theater, but this program has returned to Main Street. This happens one weekend a year, usually the first weekend in December, and there are two shows on Saturday & two shows on Sunday.

Distinguished guests & VIPs get seats, and leftover seats are sold as dinner packages. Others sit on the curb to watch the procession.

 

[batraylover]

12/6/05-12/11/05 will have less crowds as by Dec 18, some of the schools have already let out...some of these schools get 1 week, some get two weeks, some get a whole month off...it's ridiculous. As for the prices, just FYI expedia is not always the cheapest way to go. If you find a good deal on expedia, check the website of the hotel that you found the cheapest deal at, you can save sometimes as much as $50 a night, booking through the hotel directly with more perks.

 

[karylrocks]

How can I find out exactly when this will be this year, and how to get dinner packages?

 

[LucyKate]

Agree - don't just rely on expedia - try hotel websites direct. Mousesavers.com also has some deals.

Also agree about dates - if you take that second week you are in danger of being swamped by school holiday crowds.

Last year we went December 1-5 and had no crowds. I know someone who went December 17 when school holiday started and they queued for 70 minutes for Indiana (though, admittedly, this was a Friday night).

Go the first week, and try other sources for your hotels.

 

[crazymomof 4]

We were some of those not so smart peoples! We were like herded cattle all the time! This year we are going the 12-17 even though the 16 will be busy! But can't miss POTC!

 

[krahema]

Thanks for everyone's input. We are planning to stay at DLH, and right now, Expedia is offering the stay 4 nights get the 5th night free, so it appears to be a pretty good deal (first 4 nights at $205, 5th night free for an average of $164 per night - that is for the second week in question, the first week, the fourth night is $235 for some reason I can't figure out).

Is this a good deal, or are there other places I should look? The thing I like about Expedia is that they only have a $25 change/cancellation fee.

Thanks again for everyone's input.

 

[karylrocks]

I checked the DL website and they are charging $265 for 12/9 and 12/10, with all the others being $205. You might try calling the hotel to see if they can explain why those nights are more. I think that the Expedia deal (it is actually book 3 nights with the 4th night free) is the best that you will find. Disney Travel is also offering the 4th night free, but you have to purchase a package with tickets.

 

[lmwells]

You may also want to consider that this last year during that first week is when there were CM parties and the park closed even earlier. We went the 12-17 of last year and it was just fine. Friday the 17th was a bit crowded but we expected that for a Friday night.

Just something to consider.

Laura