December 16th-21st crowds

[Time Traveler]

We're currently looking into going to WDW for a few days in mid-December and I'm curious as to how bad the crowds are at that point. I know that it gets EXTREMELY crowded a few days before Christmas but it doesn't seem too bad the previous week (according to TP's crowd calendar). Unfortunately, we're unable to go earlier in the month when the crowds are lower.

Originally we were planning to have a trip in early March (before the spring break crowds show up) but if we can go in December then we'll probably push that trip out until later in the year.

Any info/advice you could provide would be greatly appreciated.

 

[DizneyLizzy]

I was there last year almost those exact dates, and I'm going back this year Dec. 20th-22nd. I found the crowds to be similar to Memorial Day weekend.

I'm a teacher and only go when school is out, so I've experimented with various times of year. Last year when I was there Dec. 17th-20th I thought it was about average in terms of crowds I normally experience. Here is my ranking if you are interested from most crowded to least:

1. Mid to late March spring break
2. Dec. 17th-20th
2. Memorial Day weekend (a tie with the week before Christmas)
4. MLK weekend
5. Any sort of weekend in Sept that overlaps with a Monday or Friday Jewish holiday, therefore giving me a 3 day weekend

Hope that gives you some idea of at least what I experienced. I had a fabulous time last year, which is why I'm going again those same days this year! Enjoy!

 

[Time Traveler]

Does anyone else have any experience with this week?

 

[nkereina]

It gets progressively busier as the month of December goes on. The week after Thanksgiving is low crowds, followed by a slightly busier week for Pop Warner (first week of December), then the following week is equivalent if not slightly slower, then it starts getting busier and busier until Christmas when its the busiest. For the dates you chose, I would expect moderate level crowds in the beginning, and noticeably busier parks by the last day of your trip.

 

[2girlsR2good]

For the dates you chose, I would expect moderate level crowds in the beginning, and noticeably busier parks by the last day of your trip.

I've been almost your exact dates--last year and a couple of years earlier than that. The crowds grow every day, but only the last day or so was challenging. Being at the park early makes a huge difference. Go--you'll have a wonderful time!

 

[blessedby3]

I went that week, but back in 2006. I felt like it was really crowded...definately got more crowded with each passing day, but it was doable. Make sure you get to the parks at rope drop to get the headliners done!

 

[krb2g]

We went Dec 18-22 last year. There were crowds--that got bigger each day. But the only time that I really felt *uncomfortable* in the crowds was on main street after Wishes. We didn't wait in too many lines (get up early! get to the parks before rope drop! use fastpass!), and except for that one instance, we didn't find the crowds unmanageable. There were a few times we skipped attractions (at certain times--we were always able to go back and enjoy them) rather than wait in the long line. We had a big group (11) and didn't have trouble getting around together (for example, we walked up to both ESPN Club and Big River Grille for dinner without reservations, and didn't have to wait). At any rate, it wasn't too bad--we would go again during that time (or possibly a touch later, our schedules are constrained by school schedules for the next several years, if not forever).

Since then, I've seen worse crowds--the evening of One More Disney Day in California. We didn't get much done that evening (except meeting Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy in PJs and 3 Country Bears--and enjoying the ambience). BUT the atmosphere in the park that night was *electric*. It changed my mind on crowds--before I was extremely concerned about hitting them (and don't get me wrong, I'd still prefer fewer people to more in my touring), but now I'm far more willing to go with big crowds in order to enjoy a special event--in part, at least, because we've been to the parks before, so we know what we want to prioritize, how to see what we want to see, and what we can live without seeing every trip. The special parts that draw the crowds are often what we look for to make our trips new and unique now.

 

[*Dreamin'Dad*]

We are going those exact dates this year as well. I am speculating that it will be not too bad as most of the schools in US do finish until Friday the 21st.

21st is our last day and we will be in the MK until lunch....hopefully long gone by the time school gets out that day....even for the FL locals.

It should be a good week to go

 

[Aurora l]

We are there then also. I'm expecting crowds, but hoping it will be more comfortable than 4th of July.

 

[bluejasmine]

We will be there 16-22nd so we can all weather the crowds together! LOL

 

[TwoCortWort]

I am always down there that time of the year. Quite honestly it's not as bad as when Christmas hits and the week after.

 

[backinoz]

Another one visiting mid December (13-19), then universal 20-22 Dec. initial plan was universal first but changed them around when the first FD offer came out - the savings there meant on site for universal was in the budget, and the FOTL access should mitigate the crowds from the start of school holidays (I hope). Sounds good in theory but we'll have to wait and see if it works in real life.

Loving the DISBoards App on my iPhone :-D