Attendance Prior to Christmas

[MattIL]

My family is heading down tomorrow (Dec 18) and flying back to Chicago on Thursday (Dec 23). According to The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2005 the crowds should be light compared to the crowds that will arrive the 24th –1st of January. We normally visit WDW during early August whose crowds are rated as being a lot heavier then during the period when we will be there this next week.

My question is if these descriptions hold up to people’s experiences in the past? I know people have stated that the park crowds have been relatively light but are starting to pick up but is this in comparison to November and early December crowds and should I still expect the attendance during our visit to be lighter then our normal early August trips?

Thanks you for any help offered and we are really looking forward to our first trip during the Christmas season plus seeing how my two year old reacts to the experience.

 

[Kapp]

for Christmas holidays and seem even earlier this week. The crowds probably started to increase as this week went on and will probably steadly increase over the next day or two. You are still better off than the week between Christmas and New Years but it will still be busy.

Have a great time! The parks are a different experience when they are decorated for Christmas.

Kapp

 

[Bill3]

We are leaving from Chi-town early! Sunday morn and returning the 23,I don't really care how cold it gets it will be alot colder back in Mi, say nothing of the snow.The crowds are pretty big alot more people than used to come before Xmas but who cares. Its there not here.

 

[DVC'96]

I'm so jealous! We left this day last year for WDW. That's all I can think about today. I braced for crowds as we usually go at off times to WDW, but was plesantly suprised last year. It was busy, but not unbearable. Take advantage of early entry. We also stayed at the MK late nights and rode during the night parades. Just be aware of the park hours and special events, use early entry and fastpass and you should have a great time!

Happy Holidays!

 

[Julia M]

I'm wondering about Xmas, 2005. I'd really like to go to WDW at Xmas, and next year seems to fit the bill (oldest ds will be in 8th grade)

I was thinking of flying the 16th (FRI) and returning the 23rd (FRI).

Any concept of what crowds would be like?

How much better is the week before Xmas vs. the week between Xmas and New Years?

Any thoughts?

Julia

 

[laceemouse]

Julia, we plan to go next year from now until the 26th or so. I have heard many times that the week from Christmas until New Year's is much more crowded. I think it will still be fairly crowded, but we will enjoy all of the special holiday things anyway