Crowds for first week of December

[castle_now_please]

I always thought the the first week of December was the least crowded time to go. That's why I started a year and a half ago planning our vacation for 12/2-12/9. Someoe told my husband that all of Disney's hotels were booked for next week. I know that Pop Werner is going on as well as Mousefest by the end of the week. Could we possibly see huge crowds next week???

 

[bleeps]

Please don't panic! We went first week of Dec last year and had such a good time that we're leaving again this Fri (12/1) for a week. Here's the deal:

yes, the Disney hotels themselves fill up -- but the "outside" hotels are EMPTY. This means that, yeah, your hotel will be full but the crowds overall ARE low because you don't have the people in all the area resorts.

yes, Pop Warner -- the kids and chaperones are there to compete at events in the sports arena. Yes, they are sometimes noticeable in the parks (kids wearing their school jerseys, cheerleaders cheering, etc.) but they don't have a big impact on the crowd level. There is one night that MGM closes early because it's open only to the Pop Warner crowd -- check out the hours/calendar if that's a concern. Mousefest is nice but doesn't even move the needle on attendance.

Final note -- if you can avoid MK on 12/2, then do so, but do not panic if you can't (because you've already planned to be there). They film the ABC parade there that day. Main Street is impassable (from early morning to mid-afternoon) but you access the park by walking straight through all the shops on the left=hand side of the street and then the park is very manageable. Again, we were there on that Sat last year and although we missed the "first magic walk down Main St.", we made up for it later in the trip and very much enjoyed our day in MK. Fantasyland was busy when the parade crowd broke (between 2 and 3 pm) but otherwise no complaints.

Feeling better?

 

[missymagic]

We have been there on a taping day and just got on the train and started somewhere other than the front. The crowds are NOT like they are during the summer or school breaks...Yes the resorts are crowded. Be prepared to have some craziness if you eat at the resort. It gets way crazy to eat. Maybe plan to get breakfast to go and bring it back to the room or head out some where. You find most of the crowds are at the value and moderate resorts.

Don't stress just relax and you will have fun!!!

 

[shaws2003]

I'm feeling the same way. We chose this week based on our experince in 2003 (hence our username) based on the Holiday decorations, MVMCP, the comfortable temps and of course the LOW crowd levels. We knew about the POP Warner crowd, but they were there in 2003 when we were and we never noticed them at all. In the last couple of weeks, I have found out about Mousefest, which from what I hear, really doesn't affect the crowd levels. I have also found out that NASCAR Busch Series and Truck Series have their end-of-season banquests at the GF AND I heard an as yet-to-be confirmed International Builder's Conference ALL in the next 2 weeks. I am trying not to get all worked up about it thanks to the fantastic people here on The Dis calming my fears

 

[erikthewise]

We go in Early Dec each year and each year it's the same --- people in panic because THIS year it's going to be really crowded!

No it won't.

It's no longer the least crowded time of the year, that honor goes to January and September. But it is definitely still one of the less crowded times, and overall one of the best times to go. You'll have a wonderful time! See you there!

PS The Pop Warner people will be in MGM Friday night Dec 8. How do I know? A couple years ago we took an Illuminations Cruise on Friday night, and the boat went all the way to MGM and back before settling under the Epcot bridge for Illuminations. When we were down at MGM, there was loud music, etc coming from the park. Pretty noisy for a park that was closed! Who else could it have been? And this year's schedule shows MGM closing an hour early on Dec 8.

 

[scubamouse]

I think we all make ourselves crazy over the crowds for this/next week because the smart planners (read DISers) know that it's a great time to go and so a lot of us here go. But away from us, I think the crowds will be light.

At least that's my story and I'm sticking with it!

 

[kmccartney]

We are there from 12/3 - 12/8, and we booked our trip all based on low crowds... I sure hope it isn't too bad.

 

[brooke1]

I also read on one of the thread that there is at least 3 conventions going on the first week in Dec.........

I think we will all be ok

Brooke

 

[momof2cutegirls]

Don't worry...it's not too crowded! My family and I have been to WDW the past three years during the first week of December, and we'll be there again next week.

Some things to keep in mind...Think how long the lines will be in three weeks around Christmas/New Year's. Also think how great the weather is and how hot and miserable you would be mid-June!

I even called this past weekend to change an ADR and was able to do so! Granted it wasn't for CRT or anything (it was changing Restaurant Marrakesh from Tuesday, 12.5, to Saturday, 12.9), but I was still impressed they got me in with no problems!

Pop Warner attendees are busy doing their thing during the days, so they will have little effect on crowds.

Enjoy yourselfs and think how much worse it could be...You could be at work, at home in the freezing cold, etc.!

 

[rkrivas]

Is the Pop Warner event typically during the first week of December? We're starting to plan our December 2007 and could either do the first or second week of December. I haven't been to WDW in December, so I'm not sure if there's much of a difference in either week's attendance level.

Thanks!

 

[Kathy C]

Bump

I'm also curious about Pop Warner in Dec 2007. We're also starting to plan our trip and could go the first or second week of Dec - does anyone know the dates?

Thanks!!

 

[luvwdw]

We leave on 12/2 and I've been stressing over all this talk about the resorts being booked to capacity. I hope it is not overly crowded, but I still believe this is one of the best times to go. We'll have fun no matter what!

See you at the Coronado 12/2 to 12/9!!!!!

 

[ccgegg]

Is the Pop Warner event typically during the first week of December? We're starting to plan our December 2007 and could either do the first or second week of December. I haven't been to WDW in December, so I'm not sure if there's much of a difference in either week's attendance level.

Thanks!

I can report back on Dec 10. We did the 2nd week of Dec last year, but we're doing the 1st week this year because our kindergartener is off one day that week. From everything I read, there's no difference in crowd levels and the occurrence of people being annoyed by the Pop Warner kids is very rare. I guess it just depends on your schedule. Last year, it was kind of hectic when we got back.... basically unpack and Santa is here. This year, we have more time for those last minute Christmas preparations. Sorry I'm rambling-- you can't go wrong either way.

 

[jeparrish1]

Thanks everyone for making me feel better! My DH and I are taking my Mom and Sister for the first time for Christmas and will be there Dec 3-10 I picked this cause is was going to be light crowds, but since then have found out that I can't change hotel because no one has rooms and can't change my dinning. ANYWAY I really hope that it will not be bad.

 

[oogie boogie]

We heard so much about the pop warner thing last year around this time but i don't even recall seeing one cheerleader/team kids there. It will be fun! We'll be at CSR on Dec. 2. I think u will be more distracted with all the x-mas decorations and holiday spirit. The lines weren't 2 bad last year when we went.

 

[coasterbob]

We are there from 12/3 - 12/8, and we booked our trip all based on low crowds... I sure hope it isn't too bad.

This our third trip the 1st week of December and we loved it! This year is extra special cause we are taking my in-laws celebrating their 51st Anniv. and 1st timers too! We have ADRs at Prime-Time, Yachtsman Steakhouse, and Hoop-Dee-Do (wait till they get my father-in-law.....

We are at SSR, 2x 2bdrms and a studio (10 of us.....)


Enjoy, I know we will!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Bob