??1st wk December - weather, crowds ??

[northwds]

I was thinking about booking a trip 12/5 - 12/11, the first full week in December. A friend just told me about their "bad" weather experiences on 'both' trips they took that week. Rained straight for 3 days each visit. Is the weather that bad then? I visited Nov, Sept, and June and never had a long stretch of bad weather. Help, feedback would be greatly appreciated. Help, prepare me for the worst or provide some sunshine. Gee, I thought that early December would have low attendance, cooler weather and just a great Disney. Any feedback, would be greatly appreicated. It is a girl trip, me and my cousin's little girl. She has never been, so I was hoping for the best. Thanks.

 

[TampaDisneyFreaks]

The weather during that time isn;t too bad. We have had a few wet Decembers (quite unusual though) in the past few years. The attendance is low, the parks are decorated. We go every year during the 2nd week (this year I think our trip is Dec. 8-12). The weather is generally starting to cool off during that time (even though 2 or 3 years ago it was in the mid-upper 80's). The weather is usually beautiful that time of year. I have lived in Tampa for 22 years and it must have been just really bad luck that your friend ran into bad weather, twice, and for the whole trip. I would definitely book the trip, but keep an eye on the weather forecast when you come, so you know how to pack. It will generally be sunny, but the high temps could range from the 50 or 60's up to the 80's (it depends on how cold the rest of the country is). Besides, it's WDW, just being here makes the weather a bit secondary in my opinion. Have fun!

 

[DebbieB]

I've gone around that time the past 6 years. Weather can be a wide range. 3 of the years were great - 98, 99, 01, highs around 80, no rain, little cool at night. 2000 was very cool, highs only in the low 60's, cold at night but no rain. 2002 was the year we got so much rain, highs ranged from 50's to 70's. Twice we had 24 hours straight rain (Monday and Thursday). Last year was a mixed bag. The day we got there it was only a high of 50 but it got warmer into the 70's and then dropped back in to the 60's, we had just a little bit of rain.

 

[chyam]

I have to agree with the above posters.I have been going the 1st of Dec. for many years now, and the weather can be a very mixed bag! Just watch the weather sites before heading down and be prepared for anything. I personally like it a little cooler and it is great for touring the parks, but not if it is freezing! The parks and resorts are so beautiful during that time of the year that the weather makes little difference to me. Try to get some tickets for the MVMCP and join in the festivities! The best thing about that time of the year is the low crowds and the decorations. Coming from Maine I am sure it will still be warmer here than there! Just be prepared..........the resort pools are all heated. Nobody does Christmas like Disney and going early in the month as you plan to do you get to enjoy it before all the crowds come in.

 

[tink2]

Well, these are our exact dates. From the research I've done, this is supposed to be a great time of year to visit. Yes, I've read the weather can be unpredictable, but it is Florida. Weather can be unpredicctable any time of the year. I've been three times during Thanksgiving and had beautiful weather- 2 weeks can't make that much of a difference! Anyway, I plan to take adv. of MVMCP (have tickets oredered for Dec. 7), the low crowds hopefully, and the holiday festivities- maybe we can add beautiful weather to that also (we can hope!).
I will watch the weather channel close to our trip and pack accordingly. I will probably bring clothes for warm and cool weather anyway, as fronts can appear quickly!
Good luck deciding, if you book for then- see you there!

 

[bethzfl]

We went Dec 2-5 last year and it was great! We wore long sleeves in the park until late afternoon (it warmed up some). We wore long pants comfortably.. shorts would be ok. We're FL residents so when we can wear long pants for once, we do! lol. We had a great time.. you'll love it.. the park was EMPTY! We didn't wait for a single attraction more than 5-10 mins.. and only got a fastpass for test track. Have fun!

 

[northwds]

Thanks for the great feedback! I am feeling better about the dates. You are right, being from Maine anything above 60 is summer weather. Oh, I do remember being at Epcot one night in 1/16/2002 and having mittens, fleece jacket and a hat on, but it was fun! Just like a crisp fall day.
New thought on crowds.......what is this about Pop Warner cheerleaders and football players? I am thinking about trying POP Century, my first value experience. Feedback please?
Thanks