Crowds in December?

[laughinplace199]

I've read in Disney guide books that the first 2 weeks of December were a relatively quiet time at WDW, but I've read some posts lately that mention that it can be hard to get ressies in early December. Is it more crowded at DVC resorts than at other resorts? If so, why? We want to plan a trip (not this December, but maybe next year) when we can see the holiday decorations and go to MVMCP, but when it's not extremely crowded. Any advice?

 

[DebbieB]

It's more crowded at the DVC resorts because it's the lowest point season - adventure season (along with all of January & September) So you can get more out of your points at this time. We've gone the past 4 years - 2 pre-DVC (CBR & DxL) and 2 DVC (BWV). It's a great time to go, we just love the Christmas decorations and activities. We originally went in 1998 as a "spur of the moment, let's use our APs and do this once" and have done it every year since. Crowds are not bad, nothing like our October trips. The only downside is the iffy weather - 3 of the 4 years were great, around 80 degrees, 2000 was only low 60's.

 

[Lesley]

I think a large number of the few who are at WDW at those times are DVC members! It is a difficult time to get a DVC ressie on short notice....but thats because of the low points and the attraction of seeing WDW with all its holiday festivities going....and the fact that no one else seems to go then becaue they're too busy getting ready for the holidays!

 

[bres@westernMA]

We have been at the parks during early December and found the crowds to be very light (actually right up until Christmas week). The decorations and feel are even more wonderful because of the holidays but the weather can be cool (even for us northerners). Make your reservations at the 11 month (or 7 month) window and you will have no problems. Bring a warm jacket, gloves and sweatshirt.

 

[Richyams]

The seven month window will not work for early Decemeber most of the time. For many units you have to call day by day right at the eleven month window. Most units will be oK to call once at the end of the reservation, but letting it slide till the seven month window will make it difficult to get a reservation. OKW is the most likely to have openings in anyhting but a GV,

 

[CarolMN]

Originally posted by laughinplace199
I've read in Disney guide books that the first 2 weeks of December were a relatively quiet time at WDW, but I've read some posts lately that mention that it can be hard to get ressies in early December. Is it more crowded at DVC resorts than at other resorts? If so, why? We want to plan a trip (not this December, but maybe next year) when we can see the holiday decorations and go to MVMCP, but when it's not extremely crowded. Any advice?

IMHO, the first two weeks of December is a relatively quiet time at WDW. Yes, the DVC results are very likely to be full (for all of the reasons mentioned above). In fact, if DVC does it job correctly, the resorts will always be full, no matter what time of the year it is. Again, it's JMHO, but I don't think you will be bothered by "feeling crowded" at the DVC resorts.

We've been at BWV during the first week of December for the past 3 years. Even though the resort was full, it didn't seem crowded to us and we encountered very short waits (if any) in the parks.

Don't worry about the crowds or the DVC resorts being full. You will have a wonderful time and in our opinion, early December is one of the best times to visit.

 

[laughinplace199]

Thanks everyone. We'll be sure to book at the 11 month window whenever we decide to plan a December trip.