Crowds 12/15-12/19 and itinerary questions?

[Goofyzgurl]

A friend and I are going from 12-15 to 12-19 staying at OKW. This is her first trip and probably one that's got to last her for a while. I've been a couple of times, but never during this time period. What are the crowds like and what shoud we do when. We'll be hitting MGM, MK, and Epcot. The second day we're there we planned on being at MK since it's her birthday. First day we planned on going to the outlets since we won't get in until after noon, Thursday MK, Friday MGM and Saturday Epcot and the world showcase. How's this itinery for avoiding crowds and how much of a crowd will be there? Also how's the weather? Any must do's that I should take her to for her birthday and in general? We had planned on Crystal Palace for lunch on her birthday.

 

[philaround]

I can't give you an answer as I have never been at this time before but I will be there this year 12/16 thru 12/19 with my DW & DGS. We will be at MVMCP on the 16th, MK on the 17th, MGM on the 18th, and AK on the 19th so I am also very imterested in seeing the answer to your question.

Keep your eyes open for a 50+ couple with a three year old. If you see us just yell out "Hey Phil" and we'll have a little meet and greet.

 

[Kaycee]

We went around that time period in 2002, Dec. 18-24, and we'll be going this year Dec. 16-23. In 2002, the crowds weren't bad at all early in the trip and gradually built up toward the end of the trip. The Saturday before Christmas seems to be when the crowds really build. But you'll be in Epcot that day, which is a good plan, because the crowds are much less bothersome there than at MK or even MGM.

Your MK day on Thursday is an EE day, so I would suggest arriving early and taking advantage of that extra time since you're staying onsite. That Thursday, Dec. 16, is also one of the last nights of MVMCP. I don't know if you've considered attending this or not, but if you do I believe there are still tickets available for that night - Friday, Dec. 17 is the only night sold out so far. If you aren't going to MVMCP, you might want to hop to another park for the evening since MK will close at 6pm. Epcot is always fun in the evening, or MGM for Osborne Lights.

As far as things to see at this time of year, Osborne Lights at MGM, the storytellers around World Showcase at Epcot, and the resort decorations are all great and don't cost extra. After shopping on your first day, or maybe on your last day if you aren't going to the parks, a monorail tour to check out the decorations at the monorail resorts is really fun.

Candlelight Processional is also included in Epcot admission, but waits can be very long, so many people choose to do the dinner package.

Happy planning!

 

[LSU Tigerfan]

I was there the year before last on those dates. You'll find very low crowds initially, picking up some on the weekend, which is why your idea of saving Epcot for Saturday is a great idea (though I imagine it will make it very difficult to do the Candlelight Processional without a dinner package).

As for weather, the first two days we were there it was overcast and chilly, with lows in the upper 40's, but it was much warmer the next two days, with the low only in the 60's and lots of wonderful sunshine. My advice is to check the forecast before you go. www.accuweather.com does 14-day forecasts.