Crowds in December

[tylerbug]

Was looking to book for the week before x-mas coming in December 14 and departing on December 23, 2007...Was wondering if anyone can give me the heads up on crowd volume and if it gets real busy....

 

[hockey mom]

We went last Dec. 10th to the 17th. Our week was very quiet but on the day we were checking out hordes were checking in. You will have a few quiet days then you will notice a big difference.

 

[wdwoldtimer]

It'll start getting busy in the latter part of your week, but it should be quite comfortable in the early part. That's a pretty good itinerary. Just hope you don't hit one of those weird cold spells Central FL gets sometimes. Pay close attention to the weather forecasts and pack accordingly.

 

[tylerbug]

BUMP anyone else!!

 

[bcsmom]

I am also interested.

 

[PooohBear]

We went from December 17-24 in 2004 and it was fairly crowded at the beginning of the week and the last 3 days was a lot more crowded ! It wasn't as bad as the summer or Christmas - New Years, but I think the beginning of December is supposed to be a better time to go ! One thing you might have going for you is that Christmas is on a Monday this year, so maybe the school breaks won't start until around the 19-20th, so possibly the early part of your trip will be less crowded

 

[rkmassa]

I think the Ultimate Guide online has the 24th at a 10 on the scale of 1 to 10. We have found that in the last two years it starts to get busy closer to Christmas. Last year we found the 24th not too bad. We have also left on the 23rd on a previous trip. That was good crowd wise. We have also seen the crowds pour in on the 25th. So I think your dates are good.

 

[byoung]

From the 9th thru the 15th it's not crowded at all have had soom of the lowest waits. Will be there this DEC.

 

[ppony]

We've never stayed that late into Dec because we really, okay I hate crowds! Dec. is our VERY favorite time to stay! We always bail just before the crowds pile in at the very end of the Value season. If crowd volume is really a big concern for you, I'd really strongly consider bumping your trip a week earlier. We're bailing the day you arrive.

 

[groovy~disney]

We were there in early December of 2005 and the crowds weren't too crazy. It was a nice time to be in the World b/c we saw all of the Holiday decorations, such as the the various trees at MK, Epcot, the resorts, etc and the Osborne family lights at MGM without dealing with unbarable crowds! I'm not 100% on what the crowds will be like when you are planning your trip, but I know that the crowds became thicker at the parks toward the end of our trip, we were there Dec. 5th through the 14th of 2005. All I know is that December and the Holiday Season is a great time to be at WDW and I'm sure you will have a wonderful time regardless of the crowds!

 

[kellyg403]

We were there in dec 15-23 2005. I was expecting huge crowds but it was not really all that busy in the beginning even on the weekend. Towards the 22nd it was starting to get really busy. We went to MVMCP on the 18th which was sold out and it seemed like everyone was doing mostly parades and shows...Main Street was a zoo! But, all the rides were (tops) 15-20 minute waits. The one thing we did learn though....AVOID the parks that had EMH. The 2nd thing we did was go early, do all that you could because by one most of the parks were full!. We chose that time to head back to the resort and come back later. I don't remember exactly but I think we had to stand on the bus about 4 times all week...all those were the buses back from Magic Kingdom. Have a great time! This was an excellent week for our family.


Kelly

 

[tylerbug]

Thanks for all the great advise.....

 

[a*lil*bit*goofy]

How about the 1st week of December?

We had to change our trip yesterday because of conflict with holiday work schedules. Everone confirmed the week of of Dec 4-8th so we are going to Disney December 2nd to the 9th inclusive.

I hope its a good week, and doesn't fall on any holidays?!?!?!!!!

 

[jwfla422]

We've always gone in early December and have enjoyed the holiday atmosphere and low crowds. Crowds are down til about the 3rd weekend in the month.

This past December we tried something a little different and went a little later in the month, from 12/15 to 12/21 since dd's winter break started earlier.

The first 2 days were fine as far as crowds went but by Saturday it was packed and busy everywhere. ADR's were an important thing to have. On Sunday the counter lines at MGM were ridiculous. Every line was opened with 20 people deep!! And this was at 2:30-3:00 (and they barely moved).

As "peak crowd" avoiders we would not go back this time again. Early December will go back on our calendar even if I have to take dd out of school.

So to answer your question, the first few days may be ok but by Saturday, you will definitely see a major increase in crowds.