December 16th-23rd

[horseshowmom]

We're planning a trip for Dec. 16th-23rd for two families. My family is DH, me, DD-19, and her BF-23. The other family will two adults and 4 kids aged 18, 13, 10, 10). Only me, DH, and DD have been before (we've been numerous times but not in the last few years).

When I've been in December in the past, it was a great time to go. After looking over some of the posts, it sounds like December has picked up considerably.

My guess had been that the parks would start to get crowded the weekend that we're leaving. I had hoped that the parks wouldn't be too bad leading up to that weekend.

Can anybody give me any firsthand accounts of what I can expect? Since the others have never been before, I really want them to have a great experience.

Thanks!

 

[chrisn]

We are going down the same week. First time in December.

 

[Juliegirl1]

I'll be at WDW from Dec. 16th-22nd as well. From another thread on here, I found a link which stated approximately what the crowd capacity would be during those dates. Most days were at a 5 which means that at the most popular rides (ex: Space Mountain at MK) the wait would be about an hour at it's most crowded.

 

[wld]

I will try and be a little help. The latest we have ever been to WDW is the 20th. The crowds are certainly thicker than when you go in early December, and that time frame is also more crowded than it was in 1994 on our first trip. Certainly it is more crowded, but with fast pass it helps. The only time we found it just way to crowded for us was the Saturday before Christmas, which at the time would have been on the 20th. We just plain left MK it was so crowded we felt like we couldn't move and that was in the morning. By evening it was wall to wall people at world showcase in Epcot. I don't know if it was more the date or the day but it was as bad as we had ever seen and just too crowded for us...we were glad to get back to the hotel. The days leading up to it hadn't been that bad though. Crowded but doable.
Be flexible and not in a big rush to do everything...And you're at Disney!!!

 

[Keacc]

We have been there 3 times during that same time frame and will be joining you from December 16-23. As you get closer to Christmas, the crowds seem to get a little large each day. If you are staying on propety, take advantage of EE. Get to the parks at opening time. Plan ahead as to what you want to do at each park and take advantage of FASTPASS. When you get a FASTPASS, you can usually see another smaller attraction while waiting for your ride time. Keep cool and enjoy the surroundings. Don't be shy, get to know your neighbors while you stand in that long line. We have had some great conversations with absolute strangers in line.

 

[PrincessPatty]

This is the exact week my mom and I went last year!

It was very crowded compared to what we are used to (September/October).
Take advantage of MVMCP, that was the time when we got to do everything!
Make sure ADR's are made.
We took an evening (the parks close earlier than what we were used to also) to go to different hotels and check out their decorations.
Be sure to see Osborne Festival of Lights
Take advantage and use of Fastpass (be sure to get to new favorites early..Soarin was out of FP at 10 am!
Be at the parks early!
Have lots of fun!!

ETA: Be sure to bring extra sweatshirts, gloves and scarves, we werent prepared and ended up buying

 

[AJKMOM]

Thats the time we went last year, too. The closer you get to Christmas, the more crowded it gets. I suggest going to MK first, since it isalways the most crowded park. Maybe save AK for the last day.

 

[Connears]

You will be in alot of company, but using some of suggestions previously posted you will be fine. We have been there for xmas week for the past 3 years and are returning this year. Yes, it is crowded, but we tour using FP when we can and try to be flexible..also just getting to see all the xmas special stuff is fun. We go about twice a year and if we don't get to one attraction during that week we understand. I think the week before is crowded, but even more manageable than the holiday week so go and have the great holiday experience. I'm assuming you already have resort reservations..if you haven't made dining adr's do so asap!
Connears

 

[horseshowmom]

We aren't staying onsite. We'll either have a house or a condo (leaning toward Windsor Hills or Cypress Pointe right now) for each family. We like having the extra room. In our case, we'll have the BF along and need more privacy. The other family has four children and couldn't stand just a hotel room with one bathroom!

I almost wonder whether it would be worthwhile to go the week before (the 9th-16th). DH would have a hard time missing work that week, but I may try begging. He HATES HATES HATES crowds and standing in line. We've never had to stand in line long at Disney during the times we've been in the past (30 minutes would have been a long wait for us).

We love the decorations at Christmas and are looking forward to sharing them with our friends. We also want them to be able to see as much as possible, because they probably won't ever go back again. Their DD went to Orlando with us last June, and it was the first time she had ever been to a theme park (she's 18 now).

Thanks for the info!