Dec. 14-20.....How are the crowds??

[diznee25]

Hi everyone!

We well be in WDW Dec. 14-26. I was wondering how the crowds are the third week in December. (Dec. 14-20) Anyone out there who has visited WDW during this week?

I would appreicate any replies.

Diznee25

 

[DemonLlama]

We've been Dec. 14-19 of 2000 and Dec. 18-26 of this past year. It is a truly fantastic time to go, and up until the weekend before Christmas you will enjoy almost no lines and lovely weather. Enjoy!

 

[MaryKatesMom]

We're also considering a trip around that time of year.

Is it warm enough to do Typhoon Lagoon? It does not need to be hot. Pretty much anything over 65 degrees will get my DH into the water.

 

[JOC]

Orlando had unusually heavy rainfalls during the month of December last year; we were at WDW from Dec. 19-25 and it rained off and on and poured on Christmas Eve. We're going again this December and hope to have better weather. Let's all keep our fingers crossed!

 

[welovemickey]

We were there this past December 14 thru 23rd. Up until the weekend, crowds were non-existent. We walked on everything!

The weather was very cool though. We were in jeans and sweatshirts all week. One night I actually broke out the winter coats. Even though it was cold, we thought it was a great time to go.

Have fun!!

 

[helenk]

We were there last year 12/14 to 12/19, we missed the heavy rains from the week before, but it was cold the first few days, especially at night. But being from PA we were prepared, thank goodness we took our winter coats.
Saturday the 14th the MK was mobbed! I think probably because there had been so much rain the days before. We got to the park around 1:00 tried to find a place to eat and everything was packed, we got hot dogs from Caseys but had to sit on the curb to eat. We were able to do the Haunted Mansion and one other ride before we decided to get at spot for the 3:00 parade. After the parade we opted to leave the park until later that night because there were 2 showings of Spectro that night, and we were going to MVMCP later in the week.
We had dinner at the Poly, saw the fireworks from Ohana, and then went back to the Mk for the 2nd parade. That worked out great, it was not as crowded as earlier in the day, we got a great spot near the railroad station, and then just bolted after the parade was done in our area. It started there so we were able to beat the crowds.
The remainder of the week the other parks were not crowded, waiting times were 5 minutes most times, 20 minutes tops for the rides like Test Track, RNR etc.
This year, I am going in September and I am going to start in another park during the day, but go in the evening for Spectro, and save MK for a week day.
One good thing about December is the MVMCP, we were able to do a lot of rides during the party as well as see the Christmas parade and some of the shows.

 

[Greg K.]

...we were there from Dec 12-Dec 21.

It was WONDERFUL!

Weather was decent -- cool in the mornings, comfortably warm in the afternoons -- and the crowds were non-existent. You could virtually walk on all the big ticket attractions (or get on with just a five or ten minute wait).

We had two days of torrential rain, and spent some of that time resort-hopping and shopping at the outlet malls.

At the end of our stay, when we checked out of our hotel, we noticed MOBS of people arriving with wrapping paper and packages, and the last day or two were noticeably more crowded.

Go and have a great time. It truly is the best time to visit The World!

 

[KFISCHER]

My experience has been crowds start picking up around Dec. 18th.
Up until then, it's pretty manageable.

But who cares about crowds.
This is one of the best, if not, THE best times to go to WDW!

 

[dvc guy]

We have gone for the past 5 years usually around the 20th or 21th. The way the calender lays out it should be quite till about the 20th. Everyday closer to the 25th will get busier. Expect very heavy crowds from the 25th on.

JOC...We were at MGM on christmas eve, my sneakers are still drying out. LOL

 

[DisneyCP2002]

At that time of the season the crowds will be picking up. It will still not be overly crowded at the begining but toward the end the crowds will be picking up.

 

[diznee25]

Thanks for the replies everyone! Guess I may not have to plan out every little detail for the first week we're out there if the parks are that empty! I would like to get done as much as possible the 14th thru the 19th. That way we can take it easy Christmas week since it will be very crowded!

Thanks for letting me know about the rain, we'll have to remember to get our Mickey ponchos.

BTW, we are attending MVMCP, can't wait to go!!

Diznee25

 

[mickeysaver]

We will be there 12/14 thru 12/20 this year too! I can't wait. Mickey

 

[off2disney]

We'll be there Dec.15 thru 21 - was originally going solo but now my daughter and 6 y/o grandson will be joining me. I can't wait either! We've never seen MVMCP, so am really looking forward to that. Did I say I can't wait!!!

 

[MaryKatesMom]

We usually go during Easter Week and frankly I think the crowds add a sense of excitment and make it such a party.

We might be able to add a trip in Dec and what I'm looking forward to is not going crazy with PS's. I like (need) a sit down lunch and dinner and I plan every little detail.

I would love to just walk up to a restaurant whereever we happen to be and have a meal. Am I dreaming? Is it too much to expect that it won't be so crowded that Sci-fi, HBD, LTT would be booked?

Doe anyone else wing-it?

 

[dvc guy]

MARYKATESMOM

IMHO trying to do a sit down lunch/dinner is not going to work during the busy holiday season. We have gone for the past 6 years and we always make PS as far in advance as possible.

Last year we added an extra day (12/26) to our trip about 2 weeks prior. I wanted to have dinner at CP in MK. The only time I could get for dinner was 9 PM.

On Christmas day we had PS for San Angel Inn. While waiting to check in, the lady in front of me asked for a table for 2. The CM said nothing available, and the person said no problem when can I come back to eat. The CM repeated no tables period.....booked solid the rest of the night.

Christmas is a very special time at WDW. Making PS is just part of what I like to call " slow down, enjoy the atmosphere, holiday period."

 

[billybob]

My DD and I will also be there the 14th thru the 19th this year. We were down on about the same dates in 2001 and the weather was hot the first few days and then got cold the last few, but it still was nice. The crowds were very managable the whole time and we look forward to that again this year.

 

[diznee25]

dvc guy: IMHO trying to do a sit down lunch/dinner is not going to work during the busy holiday season. We have gone for the past 6 years and we always make PS as far in advance as possible.

dvc guy, (or anyone )

How soon in advance can I make PS's for Christmas Eve, & Christmas day dinners? Does Disney allow early bookings since it's the holiday, or do I have to wait for the PS time window, (i.e. 60 days, 90 days, or 120 days.)

If I can book now, I would! Please let me know.

Thanks,
Diznee25

 

[diznee25]

BUMP!

Does anyone know the answer to my question??

Thanks,
Diznee25

 

[dvc guy]

No need to panic. Make your PS's as normal. Use the chart below to determine when to call. If you don't call on I the exact day don't stress out. The idea is to make them as soon as possible so you get the time you want.
NOTE: Last year I made all my PS's based on shows /parades/fireworks and 2 weeks before we arrived they add park hours and shows. To late to change PS's, so stay flexible, you should have a blast.

Last year they took a CC for deposit on Christmas with a 24 hrs cancel policy.

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