Apprehension about first week of Dec...need EXPERT advice!!

[NewYawker]

Isn't it always something?!! My wife and I just booked the Swan for Dec 2-7 (AAA rate of $184 plus tax) and now I'm reading here about it being Pop Warner week! Is it something that we should really be concerened about? I had thought that the crowds would be less during that time but now I'm reading that it isn't any less crowded now. Someone posted that the kids associated with pop warner could be less than model citizens when travelling in large groups. I dont anticipate that they will be staying at the Swan, though. I guess we could push the week back to Dec 9th but we were hoping to be home as it got closer to Christmas. Your thoughts are appreciated!

 

[tink2]

Sorry- double post!!!

 

[tink2]

We went Dec. 2004 during Pop Warner week and will be going again during that week this Dec. 2006. We stayed at POFQ and while there were some there- not that many- there were no problems. Most of the bad reports I've read have been from people staying in the values. I think most of the groups stay in the values. We didn't notice any difference in the park crowds- very low all week! I did hear from some people there that early Dec. is getting busier every year- if that is the case I would have LOVED to have gone before!!!!! Most rides were walk ons in the mornings and the others were 5-10 minutes. We did wait 20 minutes one time for Big Thunder Mountain- we had already ridden it 10 times but dd became addicted! For the afternoon parade- we found plenty of curb seats (front row) 15 minutes before the parade began- I about fell out!!!! (we've been 3 times Thanksgiving week and have never been able to sit on MainStreet for a parade- even an hour before!!!!)
Twice we saw a group of girls in the parks and we simply headed to a ride next to them so we didn't have to wait. I think you will be absolutely fine at the Swan/Dolphin- don't think many will be staying there at all!!!! Friday party of that week they will have a special event at MGM- we noticed large crowds there after lunch and left. Other than that, it is a great time to go!
FYI- The Christmas parade will probably be filmed that weekend- mainly Sat. Dec. 2nd. It is usually the first Sat. in Dec.- and some that Sun. I believe. If you want to avoid that- avoid MK on that day. We plan to arrive that Sunday-3rd. See you there!!!!!

 

[NewYawker]

Thanks Tink for your quick reply, I feel better and doubt that we will change our plans. And who knows, maybe the Shriner's will be having their convention the following week, it's ALWAYS something!! I appreciate any further comment by anyone who has experienced that first week of Dec.

 

[MinnieM21]

The first week of December is a great time to go. I went to Disney in Dec. '04 and it was a perfect time to go to Disney. The crowds were low and I didn't even notice the Pop Warner kids. Actually, I didn't even know they were there until I came back and read about it on the DIS. Out of all the times I've gone to Disney so far, December has been the least crowded. Have a great time and don't worry about it.

 

[slapwhitey]

I stayed at the ASSp a few year ago during Pop Warner week. The resort was stupid busy at times throughout the day but at the park it was a non-issue. Early December is always my favorite time to go and I'm sure you'll love the relatively sparse crowds. It might get busier in the evening though with the Pop Warners but again I didn't notice a huge difference, just little pockets here and there.

 

[paladin]

We have been there several times during Pop Warner week, most recently last month and didn't have any problems. We stayed at the BWI, so you don't get the large Pop Warner groups there, just as you won't with the Swan. You'll see some in the parks, but there is no impact on lines and such. It's a great time to go. Have fun!