Crowds in early Dec - Poly?

[cattycat]

Hi, all --

We are going to WDW (Poly) at beginning of Dec - taking kids out of school to take advantage of the historically smaller crowds!

I keep checking the Poly reservations to see if prices are going down...no luck...and worse, looks like certain categories of rooms (ex: Garden) are already sold out! Is there something going on that we need to be aware of? I'd hate to take kids out of school to face the same crowds as we would on holiday/summer season.

Any advice appreciated!

- Cathy

 

[smfnj]

Cathy,

The crowds will be nothing like the holidays. The first 2 weeks of Dec is our favorite time to visit WDW. Did you check to see if AP discounts are available for your dates?

The GV rooms at the Poly are always the first to sell out. The Tuvalu longhouse will also be down at that time for rehab. With all the Xmas decorations and activities going on in early Dec you'll have a great time.

Don't forget to get tickets for MVMCP and CP at Epcot.

steve

 

[cattycat]

Thanks, Steve:

We are really looking forward to the trip and thanks for alleviating fears. We usually stay at the Boardwalk Inn, which never seems crowded, but wanted to try somewhere new this year and I think we'll be ok!

We did get our tix already for MVMCP - but what is CP?

 

[smfnj]

CP - Candlelight Processional

http://wdwig.com/h_cpfaq.htm

You can view CP with standby seating but you will wait in line a VERY LONG time in order to get seats. You have to eat anyway so go ahead and get the tickets, price varies according to the restaurant you select.

There are threads on CP in the Disney Restaurant forum, here's a few:

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=452765
http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=436458
http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=450238

steve

 

[Wendynjane]

Hi- We are going in early December, staying at the Poly as well. I, like you, was very worried that it was going to be packed. I called and the nice CM I spoke to said the only night that was actually completely sold out was December 6th. He explained to me that it was because that was the first weekend of MVMCP and people come in just for the weekend. Who knows if that's really the case or not but it certainly made me feel better. When I called the other day there was plenty of AP rates for dates before December 6th as well as dates after the 6th, just not the 6th which is a Saturday. At that time a lagoon view room as well as lagoon view concierge were available with AP. We went last year, same time and it was wonderful, you will really love all the decorations and it's nice to get away from all of the holiday madness at home.

 

[3littlepeas]

I don't know if this helps, but there is a convention in Orlando from Dec 4th to 7th, NACE, it's a car-related show. I know b/c we are going and taking the whole family with us, which I'm assuming a lot of people will do. Other people I know attending this show are doing the same thing but will be all gone on Sunday the 7th. Leaving us with an "emptier park"
Is CP really worth it?
Thanks
Julie

 

[BCV23]

CP is really, really worth it!!!

We've stayed at the Polynesian many, many times including very busy seasons....even times when it's been sold out. It never has seemed crowded at the resort with the exception of the pool in hot weather in busy times. I think you'll love it.

When our children were small, our favorite time to go was the first week after Thanksgiving....low crowds in the parks, decorations are up. Have fun!

 

[Gretchen]

We went last year Dec. 7 thru the 11th or 12th don't remember exact check out date. No crowds at all anywhere for anything. It was just great. Only bummer, pouring pouring rain on the day we were going to Epcot for Candlelight Procesional. I'm a lifeguard, and have never been as soaked as I was that day! We didn't do the dinner package for CP, just showed up, and since it was raining and we had a baby, the Cast member took pity on us and let us in under the cover. I would get the dinner package next time tho...beats waiting in line, and if it rains, beats standing or sitting in the rain! The show is an absolute don't miss. It is wonderful.
Have fun!
Gretchen

 

[PTarbay]

People are still there the first couple of days in December from Thanksgiving.We arrive at the Poly December 7.We tried to get there the 6th but it was booked for months.This is the absolute best time to go in early December.No crowds and Christmas decorations are up and it's not too hot.

 

[momof4boys]

Hi all!
We too are going to the Poly 12/4-12/13. I was worried too hearing all the posts from people going to avoid the crowds, but I figure it has too be much smaller than the crowds of summer. Once we went the week before Thanksgiving and there were no waits for the rides and the weather was perfect. We hope it will be that way again this time! Hope to see you there.

Regina

 

[Vlahakis2001]

I have been there in early Dec. and the crowds are nothing like the holiday times. Late October- Early November is the quietest time in my opinion but the time you are going should be fine.

 

[goodstarr]

Stayed at Poly starting the Sunday after Thanksgiving and it was so empty. Was able to check into my room at 10am and walked onto basically every ride with no wait (seem to remember doing Tower of Terror 3 times in a row because no one else was there)