1st Week of December crowds

[v.t.]

The first week of December, Tues-Sat is our favorite time to visit due to Christmas decorations and usually lower crowds. As I was trying to book this year, there was very limited availability. Even the cast members I spoke with were surprised that some resorts were completely sold out. Is there a way to see if there are any major events going on that week? We are taking our new Daughter in Law on her first ever visit so I am concerned about crowds. We have rooms booked at POR Riverside which will be our first time staying there. (CBR is our favorite due to the Skyliner.)
Thanks!

 

[OKW Lover]

Historically the first week of December was a slow period at WDW. Over the years more and more people have taken advantage of that fact to the point where it is no longer so slow. Other than that, and the festivals related to the holiday, there isn't really anything new going on this year compared to last year.

 

[katyjeka]

We love traveling the first and second weeks of December however the last few trips were crazy crowded. I think the secret is out and I no longer consider it a "slow time". I have struggled to find availability during that time the last few years. We tried September in 2024 and was shocked at the difference. On the flip side, we have never left crowds worry us. You'll be surprised how many people show up at the gate and have no idea what they are going to do. Have a plan, prepare and your trip will be successful regardless of the crowds. As a family, we have always enjoyed Riverside. It's so peaceful and beautiful for evening walks.

 

[TexanInTheMidwest]

Someone told me there was a conference the first weekend (Dec 5 - 7) (likely at the Dolphin) Dolphin, Swan, and Swan Reserve were all sold out the 5th to 9th for check in). I'm sure there's some spillover, too.

 

[Dave006]

Someone told me there was a conference the first weekend (Dec 5 - 7) (likely at the Dolphin) Dolphin, Swan, and Swan Reserve were all sold out the 5th to 9th for check in). I'm sure there's some spillover, too.

Sorry but there are no large conferences or events at the Swan, Swan Reserve or the Dolphin during the first week or weekend in December. The Swan is only sold out on December 3rd.

There is a block of days in January for the Disney Marathon days January 7-11, 2026 where the Swan & Dolphin are sold out most nights.

Dave

 

[focusondisney]

The “secret” of early December has been out for years.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Disney has also gotten really good at fine tuning their rates (resort rates, ticket rates, etc) to spread around demand, not just in December but over the entire year. Want some holiday time at Disney without breaking the bank? You have limited windows to do it. Eg, a visual of the cheapest view category rates including tax at CBR for December 2025.

 

[japanese maple]

We were there that week last year. Shocked at how crowded it was and I'm someone who never thinks it's crowded.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Also FWIW, I just searched 12/2-12/6 and non-discounted results don't look all that bad to me....

Available
OKW
BLT
SSR
BWV
PVB
POR-Riverside
AKV-Jambo
AKL
AKV-Kidani
BWI
CSR
CBR
BC
AoA
CR
YC
Pop
ASSports
ASMovies
ASMusic

Not Available
CCV
BRV
FW Cabins
VGF
BCV
FW
WL
POR-FQ
Poly


Granted if I turn on the general public discount that week it gets much thinner:
Available
AKV-Jambo
BC
POR-Riverside
SSR
CSR
AKL
BWI

 

[Wood Nymph]

We were at WDW the first week of December and it was very crowded. It has become a popular time because the resort room rates are at its lowest for the month. When Thanksgiving is late in November it limits the days you can travel if you want to avoid the busiest travel days of the year.

 

[Boopuff]

Don't forget that the first weeks in December are very low points for DVC members. Very popular time for owners.

 

[bullcat_02]

Historically the first week of December was a slow period at WDW. Over the years more and more people have taken advantage of that fact to the point where it is no longer so slow. Other than that, and the festivals related to the holiday, there isn't really anything new going on this year compared to last year.

I went in 2008 on a solo trip the first week of December. It was my best trip still to this date. I was able to do every ride before 2-3 o'clock and then start repeating. I even stood in line waiting to the Candlelight Procession for around 2 hours and didn't feel like I missed out on anything.

My family and I went the first week of December 2022 for twice as long as my 2008 trip and didn't accomplish everything we want to (especially at Epcot). So much so that we are returning this year to hopefully get more accomplished.

 

[CarolynFH]

Don't forget that the first weeks in December are very low points for DVC members. Very popular time for owners.

Not anymore, at least not as low as they used to be. After the points charts were reallocated a few years ago, September is cheapest, then January and first two weeks of May, then December 1-23 is third least expensive for the WDW resorts.