crowd levels, 1st week of December

[bornwiththeears]

We have booked our family trip for the first week in December. Based on the websites I use, this week should have low to average attendance. However, I am now wondering if we picked the wrong time because we were not able to get any of the dining reservations we wanted. I am afraid it is going to be more crowded than we thought. I would love to hear from someone who has gone during this particular week.

 

[Turts8]

I'm curious as well. We are going 11/29-12/5. Fortunately I was able to get all ADRs I wanted (except BOG Dinner).

Fingers crossed for "lower" attendance.

 

[bornwiththeears]

BOG had nothing, as did our other choices.

 

[Alesia]

Dining availability is not a good indicator of crowd levels. I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[sprousehouse]

I had trouble with some of ours too but the more I try, the more I see. I think it may be the online system. Also, many EP restaurants are on hold due to the Candlelight Processional Packages not having been released yet.

 

[Angeejoe]

We have booked our family trip for the first week in December. Based on the websites I use, this week should have low to average attendance. However, I am now wondering if we picked the wrong time because we were not able to get any of the dining reservations we wanted. I am afraid it is going to be more crowded than we thought. I would love to hear from someone who has gone during this particular week.

I think it depends on when the tape the Christmas parade. I went the 1st week of dec 2013& they taped the Christmas parade for ABC. It was quite busy at MK & lots of areas closed through out the day for 2 days while they taped. We couldn't walk down Main Street, they sent us behind all the buildings on the right & it opened up at tomorrow land. They did have extra magic hours these days to try to make up for it.

 

[hiroMYhero]

I was also there the first week in December 2013 and rides had short waits in DHS during the parade taping day. Everyone was in MK because Neil Patrick Harris was the Parade host.

Because we like resort TS, we didn't have a problem making ADRs for Jiko, Sanaa, Kona, and The Wave. I was able to tweak times a few days before we arrived.

The MVMCPs may still sell out during that time. All the parties that we attended that week were sold out.

 

[JennyDrake]

I have been the last 5 years at this time. It is a GREAT time to go, but don't expect LOW crowds , frankly, I don't think they exist anymore.

As PPer said, I would not let ADR be used as a crowd indicator......

 

[Nicole N.]

Hi!! We are booked at CSR from November 28th to December 5th. I booked our ADRs on June 1st, the only issue I had was with the ADRs at Epcot but those opened up a few days later. We chose this time because of the crowd calendars as well. I have spoken to a few people that have gone around this time and they said it is a great time to go. I think I read somewhere that they will start taping the Christmas parade on the 5th.

 

[agavegirl1]

ADR availability is not a good indicator of crowd levels. The penalty for not showing up is not imposed until 24 hours prior. Many people make TS ADRs far in advance then change plans once their FP+ window opens or they are closer to their trip. I think early December is an excellent time to go. Weather can be "iffy". Be prepared for cool/cold evenings.

 

[pigletto]

We were there that same week last year. The year prior we were there the third week of December. I would say both were moderate crowd levels, with the third week being less busy. It's not dead ever anymore, but it wasn't crazy busy by any means. I think people just book their ADR's as soon as their date opens up and things are gone because it's been available to book for a few weeks now. BOG books up in minutes.
Regardless, it was a nice time to go.

 

[bornwiththeears]

Thanks for all of your comments. I do feel somewhat better. This is our 30th trip, but first one during this time frame. I was late trying to book BOG, but that was because we booked it like a fast pass in May. I totally agree with those of you who said there are no low crowd levels anymore.

 

[danny1649]

We have been 10 times the first week of Dec.The crowds were very low and major attractions with 15 minute wait or less.That was early 90's,each year after the first 2 times crowds increased each year.One thing that increased crowds was DVC resorts were being opened up and sold.We bought in 1992,OKW was the only DVC property at that time.That said many DVC Resorts have opened since then.It takes many less points to stay the first week of Dec. than many other times of year.So that ups the crowd and add that to more folks heard it was a great time to visit.So crowds are at least moderate and many times heavy when locals come for weekends.It is still a great time to visit and see all the parks and resorts decked out for Christmas.Just have a basic plan in place and be flexible, you will have a magical time. Danny