1st week of Dec. & Crowds - New thoughts

[jenjersnap]

Posted by Michelle2 ...
"Yes they will! They have a special hard ticket party that they will be attending that evening. "

If we are already there (plan on opening MGM that monring) we can stay for the lights and fireworks correct ... Disney can not ask us to leave before the park closes right ??? According to the calender Dec. 9 the park closes at the reg. time and Fantasmic is at it's reg. time too ...

Bronte

We have a FDP for that night. I know that MGM usually has a PW party that Friday, but two different dining CMs have denied this to me. I think they are misinformed and there *will* be a party, but I think there is no way they can kick out their regular patrons (though we'll be hustling our two small boys out there ASAP after Fantasmic, I'm sure!)

 

[wld]

We'll be there the exact same time Tabitha. And we are going with the same attitude. We're lucky enough to be going to Disney and even upgraded to AKL. Also we're kind of past the whole commando thing so if one place is too busy we'll just move on. We're doing some new things too like the Segway tour and breakfast at the CP before the park opens. And your counter lets me know how much time I have left!!!!!!It's been a few years since we went in early December but decided to go back because we love the decorations so much. Last couple of years we went in January and I'm not crazy about that time of year with all the rehabs and green plywood walls. So even if it is more crowded, it'll be worth it..!!!!! If I see someone with 4 year old twins we'll say hi!!!!

Good point about it seeming more crowded because all us DISers will be there because we know the general population is less inclined to go during that time.

 

[Mom of Sleepy Bashful and BabyDoc]

We've gone the last two "first week in December's". I've never gone in September, but it sounds like it's pretty quiet. I agree, I think you'll find it busier than September, but still managable, and Christmas is such a "magical" time. Everyone should go at least one December just for the atmosphere alone. Relax and have a magical time!!!

ITA. But you won't have that heat like September! Blach!!!

 

[magicaldisney]

I think you will be fine. Buck up there its still our happy place. My only advice would be to avoid MK that first weekend because thats usually when they film the Christmas Parade. Its nice to see but very crowded. This is the 1st time in 5 years I am not doing Christmas (just back from Halloween-incredible) and it is with out a doubt tyhe best time of year!!! You will love it! Have a great time and soak in the holiday spirit!!!

Curious, how are the crowds the first week of December compared to when you just went for Halloween.

We have always gone during the last two weeks of October for Halloween but are now thinking of going the first week of December next year to see Christmas at Disney.

Thanks in advance for any info you can provide.

 

[DisneyKidds]

Just be sure to avoid the MK on December 3rd and you'll be just fine. We've been the week after Thanksgiving for the last 3 years and other than the weekend after Thanksgiving and the following Saturday in the MK (when they film the Christmas Parade) we have always has low crowds.

 

[fun & fancy free]

We too are going Nov 30- Dec 7. I am not worried about the crowds at all. We are used to going the beginning of May but wanted to see the Christmas displays. The only thing is what to pack. I so don't know the weather at WDW for this time of year.

 

[thaggie]

Thanks again for all the encouraging posts. I am officially EXCITED again! I can't believe its less than a month away.

Now a new worry........WHAT TO PACK. Oh my goodness, Sept. was so easy! Shorts, shorts and more shorts. Now I think I need to pack everything from swimsuits to gloves.

Any advice?

 

[disneyfreak71]

I was there last year (and again this year) in December. Last year we went the week before Christmas and it ranged from 60-70 during the day and actually went down to 45 one night. We were at EPCOT for the CP and bought sweatshirts and hot chocolate...it added to the affect of the show since it was chilly and we are from PA.

I would pack a mixture just in case...jeans, shorts, tees, sweatshirt or wind breaker and you should be fine.

 

[FourFlans]

Our trip is the 4th through the 11th. We're doing Candlelight Processional on Tuesday and MVMCP on Thursday. I'm still fine tuning some of the days, as I watch the best days updates on touringplans.com, but basically nothing could bring me down about this trip! This is our very first trip, and our two DDs 8 & 5 are bouncing off the walls and ready to go! The one day I'm kind of concerned about is Thursday of that week. I had planned for us to go to MK that day, we have an early ADR for LTT and then MVMCP tix. But according to what I'm reading, that will be a very crowded day at MK. I might could switch another day around and just head over there for our ADR and the Party. What do you more experienced DISers think?

 

[DisneyKidds]

Any advice?

Pack everything from swinsuits to gloves. Well, you might not need gloves.

December really is a difficult time to pack for WDW. You will need bathing suits.......and you will need sweatshirts, and maybe even a jacket. It can be very nice during the day, but even on a nice day it can get downright chilly in the evening.

Hope your suitcases are big!!

 

[andijean]

I was so relieved to read all your replies. I too was starting to really panic about crowds. My parents decided at the last minute to join us and when I called this past Tuesday they said there are no rooms available at any resorts. We went 2 yrs ago during Feb break and the crowds were THICK. We did ok b/c I had done my research and really stuck to the touring plans, but my son does not do well with heavy crowds and noise. We picked this week for the sole purpose of light crowds. I do still have one concern. How crowded is the MK on Saturday the 3rd? Are we crazy to go that day? During our trip we are planning that day for MK b/c it is open later since there is no MVMCP. I really couldn't justify paying for MVMCP in addition to a day at the park. I noticed that the parade is scheduled for later that day. I think 5pm. Do they extend the parade for taping or do they just do the regular parade and just tape it? I hate to chg my days we are going to each park bc I have all my ADR's, but I don't want it to be too crazy. We are planning on going back to the hotel for an afternoon break and the parade is not a priority b/c we really want to see Spectromagic. Any input would be great.

Here is my itinerary
Fri 12/2 AK
Sat 12/3 MK take a break from 1-4, back for dinner at 5pm
Sun 12/4 EP

 

[liamsaunt]

I do still have one concern. How crowded is the MK on Saturday the 3rd? Are we crazy to go that day? During our trip we are planning that day for MK b/c it is open later since there is no MVMCP.

We were at the park while they were taping the parade last year. Main Street is jammed with people participating in the taping, all around the hub was blocked off, the Castle was blocked off because they were filming vocal performances. What we did was get on the WDW railroad as soon as we entered the park (there were CMs directing people up the stairs), and ride back to Frontierland. Once you get away from the taping area the crowds are not terrible. We were able to ride everything we wanted to with minimal waits (we used fast pass also). Our only real problem came when we tried to leave the park--we walked out instead of taking the train back to Main Street. Big mistake! The taping was still going on and it was really really hard to get out via Main Street--worse than after Spectro/Wishes. Take the train back to Main Street when you leave!

 

[fun & fancy free]

What time is the candellight processional? We have been to WDW several times but never at this time of year. We are going 11/30 - 12/7 (POFQ). I don't want to miss a thing. We are doing the MVMCP on 12/1. I want to see it all. I feel like I am going for the first time. My DD (5&6) don't know anthing about it. We will tell them the morning we leave for WDW. Any pointer from all you pros would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Bronte]

fun & fancy free ... we too are going for the first time during the holiday season (we usually go for Halloween.) My DD's have NO IDEA either (ages 10 and 12) We plan on placing our MVMCP tickets for the 8th by their breakfast plates that morning and see if they figure out Mommy and Daddy's secret ... I can't believe we have made it this far with out a peep to anyone.
I too would be interested in any tips anyone has for this time period ... we are going Dec. 8-11.
Have a GREAT TIME "fun & fancy free" and post your girls reactions when you get back ... surprizes are soooooooooo much fun ...
Bronte

 

[1000th happy haunt]

Here's a link to WDW's page with information about the Candlelight Processional. I would recommend getting the dinner package (if still available), which gets you reserved seating for the show. We did it last year.