Dec ..week before Christmas? Insanely busy?

[jinia]

We were considering a visit Dec 18-22. Yep just a quick trip to see Christmas decorations. Can anyone tell me if it is insane that time of the year?

 

[jennyleettu]

We looked at going that time last year and were encouraged to go earlier in Dec to avoid the crowds. If you can swing it I would try and go a week earlier since some schools will be getting out around the time you are looking at going.

We ended up going 12/1-12/8 and it was a blast, not crowded at all and the decorations were still up and wonderful!!

 

[daisyduck123]

In 2007, we were there Dec. 19-26. It did not seem crowded until X-mas eve...and then, OH Boy Look out! We were at AK that day, and by lunchtime it was insane. We did not hit any more parks after that day.

 

[Duke&Tree]

We were there Dec 11-18 last year. The crowds were fabulously low! The day we left (the 18th), was the first time we saw people having to wait for a second or third bus to get to a park (the first one that came by was already full). We weren't in the actual parks that day, but we definitely noticed an increase in crowds looking at the bus stops right on the 18th. The crowds still may have been managable, though. Again, we were just looking at bus stops while getting our paperwork and waiting for the bus to the airport (probably about 90 minutes total we watched).

I definitely recommend using the park planners and touring plans offered by The Unofficial Guide and Tour Guide Mike, no matter when you go! I so enjoyed going at Christmas! Enjoy!

 

[pooh4evr]

In our experience the weekend befor Christmas is when the crowds start coming in- we have left on that Saturday 2x and there was a noticable difference in crowds- some people love it -I would hate it , if you can go even a few days earlier it will be much less crowded.

 

[christianweecare]

Our family will be at WDW Dec. 18-23. Years ago this was always when we went when our children were school age. Lately, DH & I have stuck to the first part of Dec. which has worked out well. However, it does seem that crowds have steadily increased year after year. Now, this year we are back to the week leading up to Christmas as we will be traveling with our school age grandchildren. I am already expecting bigger crowds than we are accustomed too but we will be at WDW together and that is all that matters!

 

[LGH1946]

What about the week of Thanksgiving? Is it very busy?

 

[kinghorse]

We always go into the parks First 10 days of December (not weekends) and usually there is no waiting but we also only go for the Christmas party in the evening.

 

[boatman987]

We were considering a visit Dec 18-22. Yep just a quick trip to see Christmas decorations. Can anyone tell me if it is insane that time of the year?

it's very busy - depends what you would consier "insane". It is fun though - nothing like xmas at Disney

 

[DisneyLover83]

We went the week leading up to Christmas last year the 18th-24th. Crowds were low from the 20-22nd, but quickly built as the week went on. We did every Christmas activity that we had planned, MVMCP, CP, DHS lights, EPCOT Santa story telling.... we only concentrated on those things as we have done all the rides before.

 

[ascwilson]

We went during that week last year in 2009 and the crowds were light up until the 24th and then it was crazy. We were glad that we were leaving on the 25th!

 

[Disney-bound]

We went the week leading up to Christmas last year the 18th-24th. Crowds were low from the 20-22nd, but quickly built as the week went on. We did every Christmas activity that we had planned, MVMCP, CP, DHS lights, EPCOT Santa story telling.... we only concentrated on those things as we have done all the rides before.

As I am fairly new... could you please catch me up on the abbreviations: MVMCP, CP, DHS lights?

A group of us from Australia are planning a trip to DL and WDW for christmas and we would love to do any and all parties and festivities that only occur at that time of year. Any suggestions? Anything that requires reservations way in advance?
Cheers!