crowd increase Dec 12-18?

[EjandMD]

I have waited my whole Disney Life to go this time of year, mostly to walk on the rides...it's like a dream for me! But as I look at the UG, it states that Dec 12-18 2005 is going to be 4 and 5 crowd level days! Is this true? What was last year like? Is the cat out of the bag and will I have to wait in lines?

 

[MelodyMack]

I am also interested in this as we'll be there the 9th through the 18th.
Are people taking their kids out of school to go or something? Our school district doesnt even start Xmas vaca until the 17th.

What's the deal DIS?

 

[RachelTori]

We were there last year 12/18-23. The crowds built steadily each day - but were never *bad*. As long as you go with a plan, you'll be fine! Make sure you have ADR's so you don't get frustrated trying to eat! Start each day early. Know what you absolutely must do and utilize FP whenever possible. Take time to resort hop - each resort has its unique decorations. It is the most beautiful time of year to be there.

Sure, it's a busy time of year there, but not overwhelmingly so. I always feel "the more, the merrier" and just go with that!!!

 

[jann1033]

we have gone a number of times in early Dec. don't know why the book says that but usually when we have gone it is slow till the day it changes from value season then there is a huge influx (not as slow as Jan but we never have waited mroe than a few mins. for anything.) don't know how they figure it for the book unless something has drastically changed

 

[Tinkerbell_Girl]

I am wondering this too as I will be there from Dec 9-12. I hope I don't have to wait too long for anything.

Nicole

 

[aladdinsgirl]

You picked a perfect week to go! We went to WDW that week in 2003 and in 2004 and both times the parks were practically empty. The only day that was crowded was the last Saturday we were there because the Christmas crowds were starting to come in. Honestly it was kind of nice that it was crowded our last night, it made it easier to leave because we don't enjoy being in the World when the crowd levels are high.

Have a great vacation!

Krista

 

[mickeysaver]

We are going from 12/11 to 12/17. We went from 12/14 to 12/21 in 2003. Traditionally, the Friday before Christmas is when the crowds start rolling in. With Christmas on Sunday, we expect that our week this year will be like the week we went in 2003. The week was great until Friday and Saturday.....we hate crowds.....we love value season because it means low crowds. Friday and Saturday were more crowded than we like, but still you could do stuff, just not as freely. It's important to make a good plan, use all the free park info you can find on the net to plan your park days and make the most of it all. The updated UG has changed their scale and honestly, I think that you can interpret a 4 as about the lowest crowd level that you will ever see outside of the week post 9/11. Don't worry, we will have great trips. Even if we have to wait a couple of extra minutes here and there, I will take even the worst day at Disney over the best day at my job anyday.

Read, Research, Plan, Prepare, and most importantly, in the end, ENJOY!
Maggie

 

[Therapeutic Smile]

Went last year 12/10-12/14, going this year 12/10-12/17... never had a single crowded moment the entire trip last year, except for dealing with buses when leaving at or near park closing... with judicious use of FPs and EMH days, probably didn't wait more than 30 minutes for any one ride/show the entire time (though, I didn't try to do Fantasmic or get a "great" spot for IllumiNations)... point being, early December is a GREAT time to be in WDW! Don't fret!

 

[lulu71]

I think if you go in with a realistic idea of what crowds will be like you won't be disappointed. No, you probably won't be able to walk onto most rides, but crowds shouldn't be crazy. Reports of walkons, IMO, in early December are greatly exaggerated. This will be our fifth year going in early December and in 2001, yes, it was a ghost town but crowds have been picking up every year. But it's not bad. You will have a great time!

 

[babar41]

I have waited my whole Disney Life to go this time of year, mostly to walk on the rides...it's like a dream for me! But as I look at the UG, it states that Dec 12-18 2005 is going to be 4 and 5 crowd level days! Is this true? What was last year like? Is the cat out of the bag and will I have to wait in lines?

UG changed their rating system. If you look you will see that there are no days lower than a 4. Same crowds that used to be rated at a 1 are now rated as a 4. There was a huge thread on this awhile back. Crowds have been picking up in December, not quite as slow as it used to be, but it is a heck of a lot slower than summer!

Go, have fun, you'll love all the Christmas decorations!

 

[alicenwonder99]

I am also interested in this as we'll be there the 9th through the 18th.
Are people taking their kids out of school to go or something? Our school district doesnt even start Xmas vaca until the 17th.

What's the deal DIS?

Our kids don't get out of school until 12/23, so I am pulling the 2 youngest ones out of school for our 12/9-12/14 trip.

I'm not expecting it to be as uncrowded as January, but I don't think the crowds will be that bad. We are planning on getting there at opening, have ADR's for our TS meals, and just have a great time.

Mary

 

[jann1033]

Our kids don't get out of school until 12/23, so I am pulling the 2 youngest ones out of school for our 12/9-12/14 trip.

I'm not expecting it to be as uncrowded as January, but I don't think the crowds will be that bad. We are planning on getting there at opening, have ADR's for our TS meals, and just have a great time.

Mary

would you mind reporting when you get back since you could compare the 2 times of yr..our last 2 trips have been Jan and if the waits are 1/2 an hr in the beginning of Dec i'll take my chances with the cold! (we usually went from the first weekend of Dec through the rest of value season & they never were before but that was a while ago )Thanks

 

[hockey mom]

We also are going the 10th to the 17th. I think with the Christmas parties and CP the whole month of December is starting to pick up.

I figure if I have to wait a few minutes in line it will give me time to soak up all the decorations.