Curious about the crowds in late December or early January

[DisneyHoneymooner84]

My DH and I have been talking about going back to Disney. We were initially going to go in the summer of 2006 but we have now been talking about going in the winter because it is generally really cold here and he would like to get away from that for a week. I am just curious about the crowds at that time because I noticed that the prices for a package was more in late december so I am assuming that is a peak time for travelers. Just curious about what other people have come across and wondering if you think it would be better to wait until after the new year to go. Thank you.

 

[bicker]

You'll definitely get better deals and have less crowds if you arrive after the New Year than visiting just before it. We've gone in early January and its been wonderful -- absolutely no crowds whatsoever, and although it is cool, it is nothing compared to the sub-freezing temperatures we're often encountering at home at that time.

 

[DVC-Don]

Chirstmas to New Years is nuts in WDW. But, January is one of our favorite times to go.

 

[DisneyHoneymooner84]

Thank you. Do you know when it dies down? Is it the day after New Years? My Birthday is on January 2nd and we would like to be there for that but either way it doesn't matter.

 

[bicker]

There are always some hangers-on after the holiday, but this coming year, New Years is on a Sunday, so most of the holiday crowds will travel home that day or on Monday (as many folks have Monday off). By the night, at least, of January 2, it should be much less crowded.

 

[skuttle]

We're going the week before Christmas, December 16-24. I'm not sure what the crowds will be with Christmas being on a Sunday this year. I'm not sure when people will be arriving/leaving. We went the week before Christmas back in 2001 and had a great time. The crowds weren't bad at all, except for the Saturday before Christmas in the MK. In december, it switches from value to holiday/peak around December 19/20...I'm not exactly sure which one. If you check in during value season, you keep the value price throughout your stay even if the season changes mid-stay. This also works the other way...if you check in during peak season, it'll stay peak even if it changes to value. To get around this, you can always book two seperate reservations.