1st week of Dec?

[thaggie]

I am planning on going Dec 3-10. I really want to go then b/c I've never been there for the holidays. We went last Sept. for my twins 3rd bdays and it was perfect!!! Got in and out between 2 hurricanes and only had 20 minutes of rain the entire week. Here's my questions if anyone can be of help.

1. What is the weather like then? Will we have any chance of having pool time?

2. Is the holiday season really not to be missed, or it it better with 4 year olds to go at a warmer time like October or early November?

3. What are the park hours like then? Is there anywhere I can see hat the hours were last year at that time? I assume MK closes at 6pm on the days of MVMCP.

I only have until midnight tomorrow to change my mind and cancel my timeshare exchage, or I'm there in Dec. I just hope to make the right choice.

Thanks!

 

[Gary M]

DW and I have stayed at WDW during the first half of Dec. each year since 1992. We are from Indiana and have found the weather for the most part to be very nice. The evenings might get a little cool, but the days are warm. I would think you could use the pool most of the time unless you are a warm climate person. One year we had El Nino and it rained nearly every day, but that was the only year that happened. Most years we have had little or no rain.

We think the Christmas season is a great time at WDW. I think your family will really enjoy it.

This is from memory, but the normal park hours for early Dec. is MK 9-6 or 7, AK 9-5, MGM 9-6 or 7 and Epcot FW 9-6 and WS 11-9:00. Some of the rides in FW are open until 9:00 example TT.

Someone else may know the hours better than me, but I think I'm close.

Go to http://www.allearsnet.com/tp/holiday.htm for Christmas information.

 

[thaggie]

Gary, we are from chiago suburbs. Actually only 6 miles from Wisconsin/IL state line. I'm feeling better about Dec already!

 

[WaltD4Me]

We were there last year for the 2nd week of December and my brother (not a Disney fan) wants to know why anyone would go to Disney any other time of year! LOL!

We lucked out and had great weather, 85 and sunny every day, but the weather is unpredictable at that time of year, the week before was cool and so was the week after...you just never know. Still if you are from up North, just about any Florida weather will be balmy compared to where you came from!

The holiday decorations, shows and atomosphere is just WONDERFUL! We loved seeing all the decorations, lights and characters in their holiday attire. It is really an experience and adds lots more to the magic. It was kinda weird for us though, to be walking around in shorts and seeing all the Christmas decorations! When you are from Cleveland, shorts and Christmas decorations do NOT go together!

The parks do close earlier, but we didn't find this to be any problem at all. Crowds were so light we got to ride and see almost everything we wanted to and it left us with plenty of pool time too.

I am VERY glad we went at Christmas time and will probably do it again. It's really something not to be missed!

 

[crazee4mickey]

We went Dec. 3-10 of 2004 and we did have a great time! We went with 4 kids-ages 6, 8, 15 and 18 years---they all loved it!

1. The weather when we were there was unusally warm we were told, high 70-mid 80's much better than we anticipated, we wore shorts just about all the time(at times the wind was chilly)---the wind ended up getting quite chilly on the evening of the 12th. We spent 2 days at Typhoon Lagoon and every night the kids were swimming outside in the pool!

2. There is nothing better than getting the first "taste" of Christmas at WDW--our first visit to Disneyland was at Christmas when our sons were 4 and 1 1/2 years---perfect time for little ones as its quite magical! We went to the MVMCP which we loved as well but it may have been a little much for the younger kids.

3. Previous park hours are listed at http://www.wdisneyw.co.uk/hours.html

It is the absolute best time to go--enjoy!

 

[nluvwithmickey]

If you love decorations and I mean DECORATIONS! you will love WDW at x-mas time. The atmosphere is out of this world.

The weater is iffy....we went dec 9th-12th 2004 and when we got there it was a pool day....The next day it was freezing, but beautiful. Definitely plan on warm clothes in case.

There is so much to see and do during the holiday times that doesn't happen at other times ( MVMCP, osbourne family lights ( you have to see this ), DTD where you can get a picture with santa, Tree lighting ceremony at MK, and holidays around the world at Epcot....)

Even with shorter hours, you will have plenty to do. Just hop or do the EMH whenever it's available.

If you can afford it definitely do the MVMCP....snow on mainstreet, special Wishes, special shows, and parade, x-mas music playing ALL day long. A free picture with cookies and hot chocolate.....

 

[mickeymousefan]

We were there Dec14-18th last year. The first few days were very chilly!!!! But it warmed up enough that we did get to go swimming the last 3 days. It is a great time to go and see the decorations. Just pack for any weather!!!

 

[NeverlandClub23]

We went the second week of Dec. back in '99 and it was the most beautiful weather we ever had. It was mid 70's low 80's all week and it felt so great. And the decorations were absolutely stunning. We're going the second week of Dec. this year and hopefully it'll be just as great as there weren't lines for almost everything! Have fun!

 

[thaggie]

Thank you all so much for the info!!!

I'm going to go the 3rd through the 10th. Now I might even try to add on an extra 3 nights!!!

So now all I have to do is get my MVMCP and LTT ressies, Cindy's ressies, and I might take the girls to the Wonderland Tea Party, too.

Has anyone ever been to the "Ice" at the Gaylord Palms? It looks pretty interesting.

Tabitha

 

[cranbiz]

Done the first week in December for the last 2 years. It's just one of the best times to go!

Yes, the parks have shorter hours, mostly for MVMCP but the lack of lines let you do everything and then some. Weather can be iffy, pack for everything. Form a northern state, sweatshirts will work well. The temps have been anything from 80 to mid 40's. The pools are heated and most likely, ther will be pool time.

The decorations are awsome, be sure to check out the resorts . GF, BC/YC WL, AKL all have great displays.

 

[danny1649]

Or second week of December since 1992 and it is our favorite time to visit WDW.Low crowds,great weather and all the holiday doings.Plus MVMCP,CP and Osbourne Lights with all the parks decorated,make this a special time to visit.