Crowd sizes on Nov. 12-16 vs. Dec. 9-13?

[Mom2micayla]

I'm looking at both of these dates for our next trip. I've been in Nov. many times, including last year, around that time and crowds are very light. Plus all the decorations are up. I haven't been in Dec. in about 7 years, so long before the 50th and increase in crowds. I'd normally pick Nov. for our trip, but my son turns one in Dec. so I thought it might be fun to go then.

I know park hours will be very similar. Decorations will be fully up on both set of dates. Not sure if they do the fireworks mid-week or not in Dec. I know they didn't when we were there in Nov. last year. While the holiday fireworks are beautiful, it's not a make or break deal for us. Does the ELP run during that week in Dec? In all the times we've been to Disney, we've never had the chance to see that since we normally go off-season.

My biggest concern is crowds. I have 4 kids under the age of 6 so they aren't always the most patient. We're spoiled from going off-season and are used to not waiting more than 10 minutes or less for every ride. I made the mistake of taking my 2 oldest daughters right around Easter 2 years ago and that was a nightmare. Way too crowded for our tastes.

 

[DangerMouse]

When is Veteran's Day this year? If your November dates avoid Vet's Day weekend, then I'd stick with November. We have gone in December many, many times, and have in the most recent years found it getting quite crowded, even when we shoot for the least crowded week (after CP and before schools are out). That's why this year we are going in November.

The EP won't start running until Dec. 14 at the earliest, so if you could include that day in your Dec. dates, you might find it worth it. We are EP fanatics and are pretty bummed we'll miss it, but to us the lesser crowds is the payoff.

HTH!

 

[Hofmanns4]

FYI...not sure where you are planning on staying and if you would be booking a package or straight room deal, but I reacently found that all 3 Disney hotels are booked for the November 12th and 13th. We eneded up booking thru getawaytoday since we were unable to book thru Walt Disney travel. Even get away today only had 12 rooms left for that week.

We usually visit this same time every year and it is not too bad. I am a little worried since te rooms are booked so far in advance

 

[Califgirl]

The dates for the Candlelight Procession haven't been posted yet (that I know of) but it's usually around that time in December. That will greatly increase the crowds if it is during your visit. (But it is also wonderful to experience)

 

[Mom2micayla]

FYI...not sure where you are planning on staying and if you would be booking a package or straight room deal, but I reacently found that all 3 Disney hotels are booked for the November 12th and 13th. We eneded up booking thru getawaytoday since we were unable to book thru Walt Disney travel. Even get away today only had 12 rooms left for that week.

We usually visit this same time every year and it is not too bad. I am a little worried since te rooms are booked so far in advance

We don't stay onsite so that's not a concern for us. But thanks for the heads up.

btw, I'm thinking they are booked because Nov. 12th is Veterans Day. So possibly people extending their holiday weekend a day or two.

 

[MATTERHORN]

Yes, Veterans Day has closed to capacity two years in a row so I would totally avoid the 11th and 12th of November!! That week in December is perfect, we have done it twice before and will most likely be there those days this year too!!! It will not be crowded at all!!!

Andrea

 

[disneyfan4ever54]

The dates for the Candlelight Procession haven't been posted yet (that I know of) but it's usually around that time in December. That will greatly increase the crowds if it is during your visit. (But it is also wonderful to experience)

Since the CP is usually on the first weekend of December, and the month starts on a weekend, the CP might be on the 1st and 2nd.

 

[ter-moo]

I'd go the December dates. I've been that time of year twice before and it's wonderful!

It's a Small World (the holiday version) probably won't be up yet in November, and it really is beautiful. Also, the special Christmas parade and fireworks (with snow!) are well worth going in December.

 

[JadeDarkstar]

I'd go the December dates. I've been that time of year twice before and it's wonderful!

It's a Small World (the holiday version) probably won't be up yet in November, and it really is beautiful. Also, the special Christmas parade and fireworks (with snow!) are well worth going in December.

um ive heard everything is up the weekend befor thanksgiving.???

 

[Mom2micayla]

um ive heard everything is up the weekend befor thanksgiving.???

Actually, everything is fully decorated by Veterans Day, including IASWH & HMH. So the dates we're looking at in Nov. won't be effected. Everything will be up and running by then.

 

[JadeDarkstar]

oh cool ok. do you know about electric prade?

 

[DangerMouse]

oh cool ok. do you know about electric prade?

I know I've mentioned this in another post to you, so not sure if you're looking for a different answer, but the EP won't be showing until at least the 14th of December, and will run through the end of "peak" Christmas season (around the 2nd week of Jan).

This has been the trend the last 3-4 years, and I'm assuming they will be sticking to it. However, until DLR officially posts their December entertainment schedule, nothing is set in stone. . . (well, even then things are subject to change)

 

[JadeDarkstar]

no i saw your post befor and its cool it just seemed like the one above me had found something so i was just asking maybe she or he knew something eather of us didnt. so ya i guess thta is lookign for diffrent answers. I did see yours tho and thank you for the info. i just was hoping maybe some one read something new that i didnt. (i like electrical prade but will be fine if it dosnet have it and stays they way it has last few years.)

Lol tho if it did have electri parade i woulder what parade they wouldnt have lol ..cant ever see everything

 

[DangerMouse]

no i saw your post befor and its cool it just seemed like the one above me had found something so i was just asking maybe she or he knew something eather of us didnt. so ya i guess thta is lookign for diffrent answers. I did see yours tho and thank you for the info. i just was hoping maybe some one read something new that i didnt. (i like electrical prade but will be fine if it dosnet have it and stays they way it has last few years.)

Lol tho if it did have electri parade i woulder what parade they wouldnt have lol ..cant ever see everything

During the time we are going, they will be showing the Christmas Fantasy parade in DL and Block Party Bash in DCA. They only add EP when crowds get much worse to draw some of the people away from the Fireworks show in DL.

 

[JadeDarkstar]

oh ya i heard id get to see christmas parade for sure thats gona be awsome and the rain deer round up hehe

I didnt know electric parade was to draw crowds from fire works..thanks for the info