Anyone else getting nervous about early Dec crowds?

[Hodkys]

....it was lovely and quiet. The only busy spot was Fantasyland in MK. We had been for 2 weeks in June 03. We managed to do as much during our 1 week in early Dec (3rd-8th) as we had in the 2 wees in June (10th-24th).

We just walked onto everything and the decs looked lovely. But we couldn't get used to everyone saying 'Happy Holidays'. Being from the UK we are used to saying 'Merry Christmas'. We use the word 'holiday' as you use the word 'vacation'.

We're going back for a long week (29/12-7/1) and can't wait. We're hoping it will become quieter after New Year's Day.

 

[puffkin]

Don't worry!

Only something like 5%-10% of WDW guests stay at a Disney hotel. Now if all the offsite hotels were full too, then I would worry.

Pop Warner kids are at their events all day so they don't really affect park attendance (except Downtown Disney at night).

I think there is Mousefest going on at that time, so most of those people are staying onsite. Also, if there are conferences, they usually don't affect park attendance too much either.

If you search for dates, try leaving out the weekend dates and you may get more availibility. A lot of locals visit on weekends for the holiday happenings. Also, DVC members stay in the regular hotels to save points on Friday and Sat. nights.

We were there in early December 2003 and it was wonderful. No waits on most attractions, we used Fast Pass once the whole trip (and probably didn't need it). I was surprised at how many people were in the parks, it was much more than I expected, but the lines for the attractions were non-existent. The only park that was busy was MK on both Saturdays we were there. They were taping the Christmas Parade though with Regis and Kelly, which led to more crowds.

 

[Paul_Pearce]

I wouldnt worry, crowds at that time are low, and the Xmas atmos is great. Saturdays however are different, so if you are planning a break day, or a trip to US, make it Saturday.

 

[drusba]

There is also another event for this year the first week of December. The Chicago Cubs organization along with Disney is putting on a week in WDW and will have a number of former and current players there for cub fans to meet and there will be a number of get together events. You have to be familiar with the Cub fan mentality to know that this will attract a huge number of cubs fans from around the country.

 

[jordancej]

We are staying at POFQ Nov 30-Dec 4.... getting kinda worried here. We were thinking the parks were going to be slow.... maybe thinking wrong?? But we were able to get all of our first choice ADR's.... go figure??

 

[byoung]

We where there last Dec 12 thru 15 the crowds were the losest of any times that we have been there. Going again this year also.

 

[buzz2400]

I'm going dec 2-10 and I am worried also about the crowds. Disney released their specials and it blocks out this time period.

 

[HayGan]

There is also another event for this year the first week of December. The Chicago Cubs organization along with Disney is putting on a week in WDW and will have a number of former and current players there for cub fans to meet and there will be a number of get together events. You have to be familiar with the Cub fan mentality to know that this will attract a huge number of cubs fans from around the country.

I'll make sure to bring some of my Pirates gear along then

 

[wdwjunkie2005]

I didn't see the answer, so here's my question:
What are the dates for Pop Warner?

 

[laurabelle]

This will be my 2nd early Dec. trip and the 1st one was not crowded...it's a great time to go to WDW! In my experience the convention crowds don't affect the parks either, they're in meetings most of the time, not much time for the parks...poor things.

 

[cjb71870]

My husband and I bring my parents every first weekend in Dec. It's not bad. It is actually one of the least crowded times of the year!!

 

[JulieEck]

I didn't see the answer, so here's my question:
What are the dates for Pop Warner?

I believe Pop Warner is the 4th - 9th.


I hadn't heard about the Cubs thing. Does anyone have any additional information on that or know where to look for it?

 

[Dimk]

Here is more information:

http://www.laughingplace.com/News-ID10024080.asp

And from allearsnet.com:

Vacation Packages Still Available
Chicago Cubs, Fans Returning to Walt Disney World Resort For Second Magical Gathering in December

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Vacation packages are selling briskly for the second annual Chicago Cubs Magical Gathering for fans at the Walt Disney World Resort Dec. 1-5.

For five days, attendees will get to meet some of the Chicago Cubs baseball players from past and present, as well as experience receptions and holiday offerings throughout the resort.

Players will be on hand for a Breakfast Welcome Reception and question-and-answer and autograph session. Cubs scheduled to attend include current player Michael Barrett and former greats Jody Davis, Gary "Sarge" Matthews, Lee Smith and Billy Williams. More players will be announced.

Also, Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex will host an exclusive baseball experience where fans will have the opportunity to bat, catch, and run the bases with several players.

Special packages, which include accommodations at Disney's All-Star Resort, start at $949. Packages that include stays at other Disney resorts are available at varying prices. For more information regarding itinerary and package pricing, call AAA Travel at 1-866/422-2282.

 

[laughinplace199]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I'm definitely feeling better now that I see there are a lot of reasons why hotel occupancy may be up without impacting the parks too much. We are really excited about visiting for the holidays! Thanks again.

 

[AKQJ10]

I wouldn't worry at all. I've been in early December a number of times, including last year for MouseFest, and am going back again this year for the festivities. I think it is arguably one of the best times of year to go - the crowds are minimal at best, the holiday decorations are an attraction unto themselves, the weather is perfect... ahh (smiles).... Now I REALLY can't wait to go!!!

 

[inloveindisney]

Will I be able to swim? I've heard mixed opinions. We are going on December 1st.

 

[mama22]

There's also a huge convention that starts Dec. 2nd I think. They booked up almost every room at POFQ, so most people who would normally stay there are elsewhere. I think the convention has about 6000 people.

What convention is this? We are booked at POFQ to arrive on Dec.2nd.

 

[goofie4goofy]

How are the crowds mid Dec? We are going 12/12 to 12/16 which is mon thru fri. I booked it this way because I know school is not out yet and it is mid week. I also got tix for MVMCP for that Tues night, thinking it would be less crowded than a thursday night.

Anyone know??? Keeping my fingers crossed that it will not be so bad. We have never gone in Dec, so this is new to me.

 

[PrincessKitty]

How are the crowds mid Dec? We are going 12/12 to 12/16 which is mon thru fri. I booked it this way because I know school is not out yet and it is mid week. I also got tix for MVMCP for that Tues night, thinking it would be less crowded than a thursday night.

Anyone know??? Keeping my fingers crossed that it will not be so bad. We have never gone in Dec, so this is new to me.

DH and I were there for a long weekend last year for his birthday (Dec 15th through 18th) and the crowds were absolutely fine on the weekday. I think you'll be very happy!

 

[PrincessKitty]

Will I be able to swim? I've heard mixed opinions. We are going on December 1st.

You never know what the weather is going to be like in December--you may have 80 degree days or 55 degree days.