1st time going to WDW..questions

[NashBridges]

Please bear with me as I ask what will likely be some stupid questions. We are Disneyland travellers, who go yearly. This year, we're heading to WDW for a change. I've purchased the Unofficial Guide to WDW and will start reading that soon. But first, some questions.


1)Originally we had planned on going in Sept, but now that I think they'll have free dining, I'm worried it will be super busy. Will it be quieter in Sept or in early December?

2)Are the pools at Pop Century open year round?? We were just in Vegas last week, and the pools were closed until the end of Feb. Is it warm enough to swim outside in December?

3)Do they still have parades and fireworks at the parks in the evenings in Dec? Those are one of our fav parts of DL, and we'd hate to be in WDW in December and not have them happen.

4)We're going for 2 weeks, and will spend 2 days at the Universal parks. We'd like to have some pool days, so is 8 days enough to spend at WDW parks? I'm thinking 2 days per park. We will not be going to the waterparks, as my child hates waterslides.

5)Do the rides welcome odd numbers of riders? It will be me, hubby and our 8 yr old daughter. She loves the thrill rides, and will want to ride them all. Will we all be able to ride or will one of us have to sit out.

Thanks, that's it for now. I'm sure I'll have more questions as I read some replies.

 

[joenan88]

1)Originally we had planned on going in Sept, but now that I think they'll have free dining, I'm worried it will be super busy. Will it be quieter in Sept or in early December? Both times will have "low crowds"..even with free dining a lot of families do not go WDW in September...unless their kids are not in school..My kids start school after Labor day.



2)Are the pools at Pop Century open year round? We were just in Vegas last week, and the pools were closed until the end of Feb. Is it warm enough to swim outside in December? The pools are open year round and most are heated..The pool at POP is heated so yes, your kids can swim...We went in January one year and it was chilly but the pools were warm enough for the kids to enjoy.

3)Do they still have parades and fireworks at the parks in the evenings in Dec? Those are one of our fav parts of DL, and we'd hate to be in WDW in December and not have them happen. Wishes (fireworks) is everynight..in Dec it should be around 8:00pm..I was their last November and it was 8:00pm in the MK.

4)We're going for 2 weeks, and will spend 2 days at the Universal parks. We'd like to have some pool days, so is 8 days enough to spend at WDW parks? I'm thinking 2 days per park. We will not be going to the waterparks, as my child hates waterslides.That is a perfect amount of time..in my opinion..Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure are not big. You only need one day per park for those.

5)Do the rides welcome odd numbers of riders? It will be me, hubby and our 8 yr old daughter. She loves the thrill rides, and will want to ride them all. Will we all be able to ride or will one of us have to sit out.
[/QUOTE]You should have no trouble with that at all..I am a family of 5 and we had no problem with any ride..we figured it out..so do not worry about that

 

[Mickeefan]

Welcome to the DIS!

I'll try to answer some of your questions.

1) I think that is will probably be less crowded in early December, however, if they offer free dining to the general public, it's a good way to save some money.

2) Yes, the pools are open year round unless they are being refurbished. I was just there in early January and the water was remarkably warm.

3) There are nighttime parades and/or fireworks in all parks (except the Animal Kingdom). Times vary, but they do have them.

4) 2 days per park would be great. I could definately spend 2 days at each park. This would probably also provide you some time for a break in the middle of each day.

5) You can all ride, however, probably not all in the same seat. Some rides have bigger seats and you can all be in the same row (i.e. Pirates, Small World). Some rides are only for 2 people in each row (i.e. Peter Pan, Pooh). Space Mountain is configured as a "single-file" ride. I'm sure you could all be on the same "ride", but maybe not in the same car. The CM will ask how many are in your party and place you accordingly into the ride queues.

Hope that helps.

 

[kidcdv]

Ohhh, great questions! Thanks for the insight.

 

[bigmoonmullen]

Please bear with me as I ask what will likely be some stupid questions. We are Disneyland travellers, who go yearly. This year, we're heading to WDW for a change. I've purchased the Unofficial Guide to WDW and will start reading that soon. But first, some questions.


1)Originally we had planned on going in Sept, but now that I think they'll have free dining, I'm worried it will be super busy. Will it be quieter in Sept or in early December?

2)Are the pools at Pop Century open year round?? We were just in Vegas last week, and the pools were closed until the end of Feb. Is it warm enough to swim outside in December?

3)Do they still have parades and fireworks at the parks in the evenings in Dec? Those are one of our fav parts of DL, and we'd hate to be in WDW in December and not have them happen.

4)We're going for 2 weeks, and will spend 2 days at the Universal parks. We'd like to have some pool days, so is 8 days enough to spend at WDW parks? I'm thinking 2 days per park. We will not be going to the waterparks, as my child hates waterslides.

5)Do the rides welcome odd numbers of riders? It will be me, hubby and our 8 yr old daughter. She loves the thrill rides, and will want to ride them all. Will we all be able to ride or will one of us have to sit out.

Thanks, that's it for now. I'm sure I'll have more questions as I read some replies.

HI:

I can't comment about September crowds levels... I suspect they drop after all schools are back in full swing.

We have been there in late October, eary March and most recently from 11/29 - 12/6/2007. Crowd levels were the lowest of our three trips during our last trip. Most rides we had less than a 5 minute wait... exceptions are Soarin and Expedition Everest. Those make sure you go straight to and get your fast pass.

2) Pop Century pool was open in early March... I sould suggest calling Pop Century directly and ask that question. 407-938-4000

3) Parades and Fireworks - YES... schedules are different daily because of Mickeys Very Merry Christmas Party (MVMCP at MK). If you want to PM me I can send you a link that will provide you with December 2007 park & parade / firework schedule.

4) 8 days may or may not be enough depending on how much time you want to spend at each park. We typically allocate 1 day for AK, 1 day for MGM, 2 days for MK, 2+ days for Epcot (that will greatly depend on your childs interest)...

5) Never had any problems with odd numbers of riders on any ride!!!

Our family does see a BIG advantage in going during the Christmas season.... we are going again this December because of
- Decorations
- Epcot - Candlelight Processional is GREAT
- MK - MVMCP is a lot of fun.
- MGM - Osborne lights will blow you away.


Weather was great for our trip BUT you never know.

Have a Great Trip,

Mark

 

[nsalz]

I have been to WDW about 30 times, so I feel somewhat qualifed to answer your questions.

1. I was there twice while they had free dining and yes it was really really crowded.

2. Always call and ask if they know when the pool will be closed if you go in the winter months. I have gone without asking to find out our pool was not open. Major bummer with young children.

3. Yes, but sometimes not as often.

4. I think eight days is plenty of time for the parks. It gives you time also not to rush and enjoy the little things that you can discover at WDW.

5. No, if your child would want to sit one out, you ofcourse then would have to ride alone. You will find the rides and people very accomodating.



I have been to WDW two times in early December. It is my favorite time to go. The decorations are unbelievable. The crowds are lower and I find it the most relaxing time to go. However, you never know about the weather. Could be chilly, it's hit or miss..

 

[NashBridges]

If I knew how to PM you, I would, LOL. I guess i should have a look around and figure it out.

Thanks all for your replies, early December it is!

 

[twinspluscade]

If I knew how to PM you, I would, LOL. I guess i should have a look around and figure it out.

Thanks all for your replies, early December it is!

Just one thought: the dreaded cheerleading competition is in early December (the first week, I think?). I forget what they're called--I think it has Pop in the title--but from threads on here it seems as if they're somewhat disruptive.

I've never been in Dec, but have been twice in Sept: 2006 and 2007. In 2006, it was DEAD. Like the longest we ever waited the entire trip was 10 minutes. In 2007, it was signifigantly more crowded. Not to the point we'd avoid it though: we're planning on going back in 2009, free dining or no. .

It's super hot in Sept, but one thing I like is that I don't have to worry quite so much about the kids getting sick right before we go (here in the Midwest, once the snow flies it's prime cold and flu season).

 

[KatMark]

We have never been in December. We have been there the first nine or ten days of September the last couple of years during Free Dining. The parks themselves may have seemed crowded, but we never waited more than 10 minutes for any ride except for Soarin', Splash Mountain and Space Mountain. The restaurants were always full, but we were seated within five minutes of all of our ADR times (except one restaurant at a resort which we will never go back to). We took our time with our meal, and still were out within 60 to 75 minutes (but we are 50 and 55 years old and enjoy relaxing during lunch. Hope this helps.

 

[mickeybrat]

You guys have some great answers!
This will be the 5th Sept. we have been there, hopefully 4th with free DDP! The crowd levels do increase when DDP is offered, but I have a couple of sugeestions. If you book free DDP, book on the last day they offer it. In the past they will extend the promotion until the end of your stay. (Even if only one day is within their dates.) Not a lot of people know this and the crowds really die down. Everyone thinks they have to book within these dates, but book on the last day. This doesn't work at the begining of the promotion, but we have done it towards the end every year they have offered it. It ends up being "The week after free dining" and "The week before the Food and Wine Festival." There is NO ONE there!!

 

[bigmoonmullen]

Hi:

Early December is when Pop Warner shows up for their weeklong football & cheerleading event. We were there this past December at the same time.

We rarely saw any of them since during the daytime they are over at the Sports venue. In some ways they may have a positive impact on lowering the park levels during the daytime during their stay. When we did run into them they were well behaved.

They do stay mostly at several of the Value resorts and I can't comment on their impact, good or bad, on those resorts.

I went to their website and it appears they are scheduled to be at WDW from 12/7/2008 - 12/13/2008.

I would suggest that you do get dinner ADR's at the 180 day mark for your priority table service dinner locations and if you do plan on going to the Candlelight Processional, which is great, to make a Candlelight Processional dinner package reservation when they become available... call EARLY for the best choices.

Mark

 

[hercamore]

I would highly suggest going the week after Thanksgiving.

It's a great time, low crowds , value prices at the resort, warm weather, and all the decorations will be up for xmas.

I think that beats free dining with hot and muggy weather in Sept any day!.

Our last trip was ll/07 and just was awesome. I don't htink we'll go any other time again.


herc.

 

[skipperkim]

I've been both times, free dining was great except for the love bugs.

Dec was wonderful. WDW all dresssed up. There is so much to do. If you do choose this time remember to go to the deluxes for their decorations as well. In fact, how about making an ADR for the Garden View Lounge at GF for tea and then taking the monorail around the resort loop while riding up front. DD could even get a conductor license. She'd love the gingerbread house at GF.

 

[Mr. Pig]

I understand as a DL'er what you mean about #3. That is our frustration sometimes when we go to DL during slow seasons and fireworks or shows are only on weekends when it is more crowded. WDW is more smoothed out with park attendance so the fireworks go year round.

For three riders you can use your DL experience to know the ride situation - many are the same or at least similar in concept/vehicles.

And I agree that you have chosen a very good amount of time to see things. You may not see absolutely everything but trying to hard to on one trip isn't good either.