Crowds in December

[Dis Ohana]

We're thinking of going just before our kids Christmas break this year, which would be Dec. 16 - 20. I'm not sure what the Cali school break is like, but I'm assuming it's around the same time. We're hoping to miss the worst of the crowd by pulling the kids out a couple days early.
Did anyone go around that time last year? How was the crowd level? I know it's way early to be planning, but I need some Disney magic right now!

Thanks!

 

[DLR29]

That will be a good time to go. Crowds should not be nearly as bad as the following week or the week after that. Waits for major attractions might get up to around 45 min, but with FP you should be fine. One concern is the entertainment. Your dates are all weekdays (except for 20th) and major night entertainment runs only on weekends during lower seasons (Fantasmic, electric parade), though fireworks should be nightly.

 

[grumpyvet]

I went December 10 and 11th and then on the 20th this year. My daughter's school in San Diego went thru the 21st.
Obviously earlier in the month the crowds were much thinner, but I was surprized that it wasn't all that bad on the 20th. (a Thursday).
We arrived at rope drop and rode SM 3 times in about an hour. Most waits were 10-15 minutes until around 2PM, then they were more the 45 minute time frame. (We always run away to CA around that time just for that reason). At CA, stand by for Soarin was 45 minutes, so used Fast Pass and did Tot...10 minute wait.
So, I don't think that I would have gone any day later than the 20th... it was my last day of AP before blackouts for the holidays...so will do it again next year!!!
But, you will miss out on some of the big entertainments....but for me that is better thanelbow to elbow crowds!!!!!! Have a great time, the holiday decorations are just magical. I like th HM Nightmare Before Christmas overlay, IASM Christmas!! All Good!!

 

[Anater]

We were there 12/16 - 12/18 in 2007 and it was great. There was a threat of rain one day and it actually rained one day so that may have had something to do with crowds, but we never waited more than 15 minutes for anything. We used Ridemax and got a good idea of what rides to do early on. You can check the Anaheim / Fullerton school district calendars online for Holidays and vacations.

 

[Dis Ohana]

Thanks everyone! This is really good news. I know we'll miss some of the entertainment, but I really do prefer lower crowds. We went one year just as school break started and it was a weekend, not a good idea! They even closed entry to the park one afternoon .

12 more months to go...I can't wait!

 

[RuthieT]

we were there the 11th thru 17th and starting on friday the crowds got crazy and the lines got long. California and other schools got out for Christmas break. The few days before were great. Very short lines... very nice. so I would go before if you can.

 

[flyinshirer]

We went during the same exact week last month. Crowds were great. A little busy at times but not too bad! Everything was beautiful!