Anyone every go in early December?

[katie7048]

Hi All,

We are going to WDW staying at Saratoga November 29-December 5. Has anyone ever gone at this time? What kinds of crowds and weather should we expect? What type of attire will be most comfortable for the temps? Also, we are new to Saratoga Springs (it's all we could get when we booked!) We are used to the monorail resorts and are traveling with a 2 and 4 year old. What kind of time should we expect to have?

 

[Disneypubgal]

Hi All,

We are going to WDW staying at Saratoga November 29-December 5. Has anyone ever gone at this time? What kinds of crowds and weather should we expect? What type of attire will be most comfortable for the temps? Also, we are new to Saratoga Springs (it's all we could get when we booked!) We are used to the monorail resorts and are traveling with a 2 and 4 year old. What kind of time should we expect to have?

Chilly but not freezing... very busy DVC as points are low and everything is decorated for the holidays... Crowds in parks are moderate but very busy in MK day of Christmas parade taping!

 

[Disneypirate85]

Just subscribing...We moved our Annual Christmas trip up a week so checking in this year on the 12th hoping to miss the taping crowd and early enough to miss some of the Christmas break crowd...Shawn

 

[vicki_c]

The first few weeks of December are one of the busiest DVC times of the year, so yes, LOTS of DVCers go then.

 

[DebbieB]

I've gone many times the first week of December. It can vary widely. I've seen days with highs in the low 50's and days with highs in the low 80's. Trips where I wore shorts everyday, trips wearing no shorts at all. One trip I even brought a light winter coat & gloves because highs did not leave the 60's and it got cold at night. Other trips just needed a light jacket. You really have to get everything ready and then decide at the last minute what to take based on the forecast. Usually it's a mix.

Crowds aren't bad. Avoid MK on non-MVMCP days, it's crowded because it's open later those nights plus Spectro & Wishes. Especially the day that MK has evening EMH. That day is a good day for DHS.

 

[thedon3]

You will not be disappointed. The weather is variable, but, the place is unbelievable with decorations. It will be a true joy.
Bobby

 

[wulfekamp]

Its great enjoy.

 

[spiceycat]

the weather varies - so bring a little of everything...

the place is lovely = especially WL/VWL, GF, AKL

here what dis says about it

http://www.wdwinfo.com/holidays/christmas_world.htm

 

[ccigliano]

As others have said the weather can vary greatly so be prepared for everything. You will not be disappointed as the Christmas decorations and festivities are second to none and when I first visited in March I felt like I was missing something but I soon got over it and visit 2-3 times per year now. Have a great time and I'll be there too - haven't missed a Christmas season since we started going in 1997. BTW - crowds have definitely increased over the last 14 years and the weekends are jam packed with Floridians and DVC so try to hit all your rides during the week.

 

[KyCruisinSusan]

Here's a video of The Osborne Lights that you can watch. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOGTLBG84bQ It's a great time of year to go, crowds not to bad, weather iffy, you just have to pack wisely. Typically the daily high temps run 10-15 degrees warmer than where you live (provided you live north of TN). Christmas parade taping is usually first weekend of Dec. The resorts are decorated to the top, don't miss the life size gingerbread house in the GF, or the chocolate horse carrosel at the BC.

 

[Sammie]

As stated weather can be all over the place, even down in the 30s at night.

Crowds last year at this time were much larger than we expected, MK at times was packed.

It's beautiful and definitely worth doing, but it won't be a repeat for us.

The chocolate horse carousel is at the Beach Club.

 

[dissybroad]

Howdy! Thanks y'all. Planning for Dec. 2011, but every bit helps now. Had no idea about the taping so the value of these threads is proven once again.

 

[DiznyDi]

We thoroughly enjoy going at this time of year! Take clothing that 'layers'. We usually stay 9-12 days and can count on swimming about 3 of those days. At least 6 of these days are spent at SSR. If you don't drive, you'll probably be using Disney's bus service. We have had very few difficulties with the buses, others have experienced 'horror' stories. Allow travel time. Have a great trip!
PS: I keep those little elastic gloves in my pockets at all times. And by all means, get a Mickey eared Santa Hat!

 

[katie7048]

How cute! Where do we get Mickey-eared Santa hats?

 

[dizney4us]

When do they typically tape the Christmas Parade?

 

[Disneypubgal]

When do they typically tape the Christmas Parade?

First weekend in December

 

[CocosMeme]

We went last year the 2nd week of Dec. and had to buy bathing suits and shorts for the first 3 days (unprepared - shame on us!). Then we had a cool front move through and wore sweaters and slacks for day and light jackets at night. It was wonderful!!!

 

[jarrdisney]

It is the best time of year to go to WDW, but the worst time of the year to book a DVC room less than 7 months out, especially at the epcot resorts.

 

[canda]

I have been going that week every 2 years for a long time now. We go because of a anesthesia confernce that is held. we used to only get OKW, then once SSR was built We can only get SSR, everything else is booked at the 7 month window. I have seen the crowds increase that week every single trip. 2008 was the most crowded i have seen for that week. I hope to see it less this year. In no way was is summer time crowds, but it made me want to take my next personal trip on another date. Maybe in Oct or last week in Jan during Brazil week. IDK.

 

[cpdwiz]

Hi All,

We are going to WDW staying at Saratoga November 29-December 5. Has anyone ever gone at this time? What kinds of crowds and weather should we expect? What type of attire will be most comfortable for the temps? Also, we are new to Saratoga Springs (it's all we could get when we booked!) We are used to the monorail resorts and are traveling with a 2 and 4 year old. What kind of time should we expect to have?

Ok, here we go..SSR looks GREAT at that time with xmas decorations. Its a great resort. NOW, our experience.

We went 2008, first week of December, expecting nice weather and low crowds..WRONG. It was COLD, and the parks were mobbed! We were told by long time dvc'rs that this was NOT the norm, but, it was long waits. As for cold, we could hardly swim, and had to buy coats. We went, and its a must do, to the MVMCP at the Magic Kingdom. Great time, but the temp was about 38 degrees. The parks look great decorated, make sure you see the osborne lights. But, we decided, never again at that time will we go.