Beginning of December Vs. Christmas?

[kg66]

I'm head strong on going to Disney over the holidays for 2006, but my hubby is worried about the crowds. We've always went to Disney in late January early Feb, and the crowds have been minimal, and basically non-stressful. I keep reading it's crazy over the holidays. So, I thought if we go let's say Dec 9- 16th, it'll still be value season for booking, and I'll get to see the World all decked out. But how are the crowds around this time? Any experts out there? Thanks for sharing your experiences in advance.

 

[CharlesTD]

My DW was at WDW over Christmas holidays and christmas day and it was so packed excess of 3 hour waits for any and all attractions. We go the first 2 weeks of Dec great weather and all the decorations are up and hte crowds are very light maybe 5-10 minute waits at most for just about all the big attractions and the smaller ones are generally walk ons.

 

[cabmom]

We enjoyed the 1st wk of January this year. Mind you we only did Universal! However, the crowds were very light and we got to see the Christmas decorations as well!

 

[whacked]

If you can back up another week or two, the same decorations and events will be available, and the crowds will be even lighter.

I agree with your hubby. I think it's insane to go on the holidays. It's too expensive to go WDW and not be able to experience much.

That being said I've gone to DL on the Fourth of July just to gawk at all the people and see the parades/fireworks with a group of adults. I would NEVER do this with my young kids now though. You could not even get in to a bathroom without a significant line. Forget getting food or finding a table at which to sit. I've heard that Christmas through New Year is about the same.

We are going the first week of December to see the decorations/shows without the crowds.

If you don't HAVE to go when it's crowded, why would you?

 

[chico]

Hubby is right about the crowd levels during the actual holiday period - it gets busy! Especially if you're used to the more laid back pace of late January and early February. Moderately busy days might seem crazy to you.

The timeframe you mention (9th to 16th) is just about the same time we visited last year (and in 2003 too ) and we loved it!!

No crowds to speak of, and the parks and resorts are decked out in their Christmas finery. There's so many different things to see and do, and everything is detailed like only Disney does it.

IMHO, it's the best time to vist WDW - Value season, no crowds, Christmas decorations, MVMCP, Candlelight Processional, Chistmas Parades, Christmas music, and even fake snow!!

-chico

Check out my trip reports for more info on the time of year:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=494909
and http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=717903

 

[hockey mom]

I think it's a great time to go(check my countdown)

 

[Scratch42]

Just remember, the closer to Christmas the heavier the crowds!

It should not be too back during this time period and you will still find it more manageable.

janet

 

[kg66]

Thanks everyone for your help! I'm going to book it for Dec9-16th 2006 instead of Dec 23-Jan 2/07. Everyone's posts say the crowds will be comparable to what we're used to in Jan/Feb. Besides that we'll have all the perks of the Holidays at Disney. And Chico, thanks for the link to your AWESOME trip reports. From your pictures, I can see that some days shorts will be ok, other times jeans and a sweatshirt. Now to figure out where to stay....Coronado Springs Resort, Animal Kingdom, or Wilderness Lodge. Any takers?

 

[Buzz & Woody]

For the past 2 years and again this year, we hve hit WDW at the end of November and Beginning of December and have loved every minute. The crowds are minimal, the weather has been great and the Christmas decorations are up. If you can go the first week in December, it's a great time.

 

[Scratch42]

Thanks everyone for your help! I'm going to book it for Dec9-16th 2006 instead of Dec 23-Jan 2/07. Everyone's posts say the crowds will be comparable to what we're used to in Jan/Feb. Besides that we'll have all the perks of the Holidays at Disney. And Chico, thanks for the link to your AWESOME trip reports. From your pictures, I can see that some days shorts will be ok, other times jeans and a sweatshirt. Now to figure out where to stay....Coronado Springs Resort, Animal Kingdom, or Wilderness Lodge. Any takers?

If you are planning any down time at the Resort then my vote would be AKL!

It's one of those resorts where you have so much to do there that you don't miss going into the parks! Plus the kids will love seeing the animules!

janet