Christmas Season at Disney?

[macfamily]

Hi there!!

We're making plans to take our DD10 to Disney World the second week of December. I was wondering if anyone who's been there around that time could give me the low-down on crowds or lack of, weather expectations, and whatever else you might think of? I would REALLY appreciate it. This will be our second time going; the first time we didn't have NEARLY enough time so we're spending a full week there. In order to afford it we'll be staying at one of the All-Stars resorts (which is prefectly fine with me!!)

THANK YOU!!

 

[Bob P]

Hi,

Crowds are quite manageable the second week of December.

Weather is unpredictable: you could have warm days with cool mornings, or you could have mornings near freezing with afternoons in the 50s.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[amy4bruce]

We were there last year from December 2-9. The only day that was crowded was December 3, which was the day on which they shot the Christmas parade for the Regis & Kelly special. The morning at Magic Kingdom was fine, but they shot it in two segments, and "paid" the extras by letting them stay in the park. By noon, it was as crowded as anything I've ever seen. We went back to the hotel and swam. By our ADR's at 6pm, it was back to managable. I've heard that the other parks were much better.

Weatherwise, well, according to your tag, you're from Maine. It'll be very warm for you. We're from Pittsburgh. We walked around in shorts and t-shirts, while watching other people, probably local or from the south, wear winter clothing.

The first few days were glorious. Only that Saturday, though, was really warm enough for swimming. Later in the week, the weather went overcast, and it was raining on our last full day. Of course, that did keep the crowds down, and it wasn't more than a drizzle.

As far as Christmas time goes, check out the Osborne Family lights at MGM, the Candlelight Processional at Epcot, and, my favorite, the Liberty Singers at the American Experience in World Showcase. They were fantastic.

Have a terrific time. It's a great time to go.

 

[queenof hearts]

Wow, I wonder when they will tape the Regis and Kelly/Christmas parade this year? We will be there the 30-4. MK the 2nd. I just heard the the
were loud on the buses. The 2nd the MK is open 9-11:00 I wonder why? Oh well always an adventure.

 

[amy4bruce]

Wow, I wonder when they will tape the Regis and Kelly/Christmas parade this year? We will be there the 30-4. MK the 2nd. I just heard the the
were loud on the buses. The 2nd the MK is open 9-11:00 I wonder why? Oh well always an adventure.

It's usually the first Saturday of December. Traditionally, this is the slowest Saturday of the month.

 

[Donald is #1]

I have also been there the first week of December. The crowds are great. I think that the longest that we waited for anything was 15 or 20 minutes. The weather can be iffy from a temperature point of view. The week that I went in 2000, it was cold with highs in the 50's. A friend of mine went the week after and it was in the 70's. However in December, even the 50's is warmer than New Hampshire (or Maine in your case ). Also the decorations at both the resorts and the parks are incredible! We also enjoyed Mickey's Christmas party. My nephew was 9 at the time and he loved the Santa's in EPCOT. Each country (I think) has their version of Santa. The person performing as that country's santa told all of the kids about his traditions.

Have a great time!

 

[MagicMe]

Christmas is such a great time to go to Disney!!!

You'll love it. The second week should have very manageable crowds and I agree that the weather can be iffy. Went two years ago and we had daytime in the high 70's but used a sweater/sweatshirt in the late evening (the night we did MVMCP).

I'm envious! But since I'm heading down twice this year (once in August for the cruise and late October for the MNSSHP), I'll just have to plan for DEC07!

 

[mom2taylorandemily]

We are going down on Dec. 2nd through the 8th, we get the best of both worlds: Christmas and Disney. What could be better!!!!!????

 

[byoung]

It's a great week to go, low crowds etc.

 

[JPN4265]

You are going at the best time of year. Christmas decorations and low crowds. Weather is unpredictable. Come prepared for cool nights and some rain.

 

[monymony3471]

I think I read they are taping the Christmas parade December 2. That's the day we leave so I'm sure that's why I remember it.

I been to disney in June, Sept when everyday was just scorching hot and wall to wall people. Now we are going in Late November and I can't wait for the reprieve. I just want to enjoy walking with some elbow room and not feeling sweat dripping in places that a girl shouldn't.

I've been there at this time when I was a kid, and I don't recall it being crowded like I've seen it within the last few years.

I love christmas and being able to experience it at Disney with my family is something I've always wanted for my children.

 

[Andrea]

were going the 2nd week of december, and i cant wait either.. have you guys booked your hotel yet ?

 

[Dizzy for Dsny]

We were down there the first week of December '04 and I felt it was incredibly busy! Even more so than our usual time of going, which is the second week of August. We had the longest waits of any previous trips. I did hear someone say though that a lot of the previous people who cancelled because of the hurricane (can't remember which one it was) were there during that week. Of course, the MK is busy with the Christmas parade taping, but everything else was too for us.

Weather - we happened to have very cool weather - high 50's/low 60's. I wore long sleeves everyday and had jacket for evenings. Needless to say, we didn't swim while we were there except the last day it was 70 degrees and my son took a quick swim before leaving for the airport.

Just have a wonderful time and don't worry about crowds, weather, etc.. Just be prepared and enjoy!

 

[JPN4265]

This is a great time to go. Have a wonderful time.

 

[kismet1003]

We are going 12/2-12/13 so I am glad you asked this question and received such positive responses. Have a wonderful time on your trip!

 

[Mandi78]

Good info, we are going Dec 9-17th.. I thought i read that this was the time all the wesbsite hosts & authors went. Does anyone know if that's true?
thanks...

 

[becky_AK]

I'm surprising my husband with a trip Dec. 13-18 so I'm glad you asked as well. I'm not too worried about the weather since we are coming from Alaska and anything is probably warmer then where we are at. I remember Disney at Christmas as a kid and it was the most magical and wonderful time.

 

[mishasmom]

Good info, we are going Dec 9-17th.. I thought i read that this was the time all the wesbsite hosts & authors went. Does anyone know if that's true?
thanks...

It's called MouseFest, and it's Dec. 3rd-12th. All the info can be found at www.mousefest.org/.