Crowd Predictor for First Week in December

[scrapbook35]

Just wondering anyone's thoughts on Crowds for Dec 2 - 9. The unofficial Tour Guide Crowd level indicator says most days a five on scale of one to ten. HOWEVER, We played around on the website and it seems you would not be able to get a room in any hotel with the exception of Saratoga Springs for that time period. In other words, Every hotel is booked to the rafters ? ! All the pop Century, all stars, movies sports , Every Everything ???? And the Crowd is expected to be a FIVE ??? !!! I'm scared !!! We usually Go in Oct or Nov. and the crowds are low and we never wait in lines for rides. We go often, so If the lines are too long we will just enjoy the xmas sights and shows but just curious... What do 'yall think?

 

[irisbud]

I don't know about the other hotels, but at least some of the values and perhaps mods are booked because of Pop Warner. Mousefest is also going on during this time period. The parade is also being taped the 1st-3rd, I believe. We are going Dec 3rd-7th. I'm not too worried about the crowds. If things are terriable, we can also look at the beautiful holiday decorations.

 

[princess sparkle p]

We will be there 1st-10th!!!! Staying at ASMU family suite. I was also concerned about the crowd levels. After reading endless posts here about this issue I checked the Disney website. There are openings at the values. IE Dec 1-8 was available but not 1-10. So change the dates around and things will show as available, but may not be available for your whole trip. I did this last week so I am not sure what it could look like now.

In April we did the backstage magic tour. The CM told us the crowds at the beginning of December were almost non-existent so that is when we booked. This will be our first trip in December and we are so excited to see the decorations. I have now learned that things may be a little crowded. In April we were there the week before Easter, so this meant spring break crowds!!! LOOKOUT!!! We managed and had a great time despite the very crowded parks and busses. LOL. We will have a great time no matter what, but we are still hoping for lower crowds…we can always wish upon a star right??? We all need some pixie dust!!!!

 

[phantom728]

This is our first trip in Dec as well and are staying Dec 1st-9th at SOG. I am also concerned with the crowds, but plan on having a fantasmic time none the less.
This will probably be the only trip we take to WDW during the holidays, so will enjoy the scenary!

 

[kurt90]

My family and I might be in the area December 1st - 5th and we wanted to go to MVMCP, so we thought of booking a room at the Beach Club for our last night just because of on site conveinence. Well I guess we wont be able to because the only room available for us on the 4th-5th is a 2-bedroom suite totaling over $1300 - for one night. I don't think so!

 

[civileng68]

I went last year during that specific time period, and am going again during that time period and other than the day that they filmed the parade at the MK, it wasn't bad at all.

It wasn't dead but not crowded.

Saturday at the MK on the day they filmed was heavy and we simply went to EPCOT and had very little waits, other than Soarin.

 

[missymagic]

Yes that is pop warner week lots of cheerleader at the value resorts. The parks arent too bad because they are at competition. If you have a reservation at the value or moderate resorts during this time you may find it extremely crowded at the food court in the morning.

We will be there Dec 8-12 at SSR so we just catch the end. But it is still better than a Holiday or school vacation!!!

 

[jsp2000]

I don't think that crowds at the on-site resorts necessarily mean crowds in the parks. During our recent trip during the free dining promo, the Pop Century was packed. At checkin, they told us most resorts were sold out (I had made a comment about expecting it to be empty).

Still, the parks WERE emtpy. Almost all rides were walk on. I wouldn't be TOO concerned about that week. We were even going to go that week, until we rescheduled to fit into free dining.

Have fun!

 

[Dan Murphy]

I have been there since '99 at this time of the year. It is traditionally the slowest time of the year for crowds. You'll love it.

 

[MiamiBeach]

Early December is a really popular time for business meetings and conventions, which probably accounts for sold-out hotels and still low crowds at the parks.

 

[jaurban]

Yes, my understanding (or what I've gleaned from the boards) is that this is a popular time for the resorts, but that is not necessarily the case at the other local hotels. Thus, while the resorts may be busy the parks are not as busy. I hope this is true, as we go from Dec. 2 - 11.

 

[Madi100]

I remember these exact conversations from last year. We went right after Thanksgiving. I've been when it's slower (September), but I think it was just as busy in January when we went. I would say that you still need to play a little bit for the really popular rides, but it's not horrible like shoulder to shoulder walking. It's quite pleasant with all of the holiday decorations, too. We loved that time of year. That's why we're going back, 12/1-12/8 at SSR

 

[pbnjrockette]

Looks like we'll be part of the "crowd" too (Dec 1-8).

Am planning on avoiding the parade filming at MK and wasn't able to get the Candlelight Processional package Dec. 1,2 or 3. Maybe we'll just stand in line if nothing else opens up.


But it will all be wonderful and magical, I'm sure. We haven't been there in decades so it has to be magical!

 

[scrapbook35]

Okay Thank you Thank you Thank you !!! Some of you made me feel so much better, but some of you scared the pants off me! I haven't had the $$ to get the mvmcp Tickets, and will do so This Friday on pay day. Your telling me some nights are sold out already? Well I'm not really shocked I did hear that happens, I am intending on going Dec. 5th. Oh, wait you said the Candle light processional which is in EPCOT. Now I'm really confused. Doesn't your general Epcot admission get you into that? How could you say you won't make it in. Anyway If I miss out on one or two of the special events I won't be too bummed because It is our First trip ever during the Holiday Season, and I am in for many magical treats nonetheless !!!! It's all good !!!
Thaks everyone for pointing out the facts about Business conventions. I have a cozy room booked in port orleans French Quarter and all is well. Have fun everybody !!!

 

[Madi100]

Okay Thank you Thank you Thank you !!! Some of you made me feel so much better, but some of you scared the pants off me! I haven't had the $$ to get the mvmcp Tickets, and will do so This Friday on pay day. Your telling me some nights are sold out already? Well I'm not really shocked I did hear that happens, I am intending on going Dec. 5th. Oh, wait you said the Candle light processional which is in EPCOT. Now I'm really confused. Doesn't your general Epcot admission get you into that? How could you say you won't make it in. Anyway If I miss out on one or two of the special events I won't be too bummed because It is our First trip ever during the Holiday Season, and I am in for many magical treats nonetheless !!!! It's all good !!!
Thaks everyone for pointing out the facts about Business conventions. I have a cozy room booked in port orleans French Quarter and all is well. Have fun everybody !!!

Candlelight Processional is included in the price of admission. However, there is a long line, plus it's not guaranteed that you'll get a seat. So, they recommend doing the CP dinner package. This allows you to get special seating. Reservations for that fill up fast.

 

[brooke1]

My dates are Dec 4-10 staying at WL, lets hope for short lines and not to cold weather

Brooke

 

[Lauralee131]

I'm with you - we're staying at the Poly from the 2nd thru the 9th - here's to short lines and warm weather!! Cheers!


This will be our first holiday season at WDW and I'm SOOOO looking forward to it. But what can you guys tell us about taping the parade? Do they do it over and over again or just during 1 parade during the day? I guess I'm wondering why everyone avoids the park on that day...I was thinking if they're taping the parade, wouldn't there be no lines for rides? But I guess if it's just during the regular parade I can see the park being kinda crazy.

Is it Regis & Kelly again this year?? We saw Kelly and her family there when we were there in February...So if I yell out "KELLY! KELLY! It'S ME, REMEMBER ME???" Think she will?

 

[mrsbug]

Well this thread eases my mind! Another one going the Dec 2-9 and hoping for low crowds. Our last trip in 03 we went in late May and it was packed, hot and miserable! I'm hoping for a quieter trip this time and can't wait to see all the decorations.