December 2019 crowds & SWGE Opening

[WDW or Bust]

I have been planning to take the kids on our first trip to Disney World either the weeks of
12-06-19 - 12/12/19 -- or -- 12/13/19 - 12/19/19

I have been leaning towards 12/06/19 week (despite pop warner, as most people indicate it really doesn't seem to effect crowds/lines as much as it does which hotels you want to stay in to avoid the noise). However, I'm concerned that with SWGE opening, the crowds will be so enormous that we won't have a good experience. However I'm torn because Christmas at Disney World appears and sounds spectacular and this will most likely be our only trip to Disney World. I really want my kids to have an "over-the-top" experience. Also, we are star wars fans.

That said, would experienced Disney Goers recommend, waiting until January or February 2020 to go instead? I hesitate to do that because my kids are soooo excited about going and they already know the plan is to go around Christmas time. However, if the crazy crowds will be less of an issue, I'm willing to do it. What does everyone think?

 

[rteetz]

Do what is best for you. No matter when you go you’re going to deal with crowds. That’s the nature of the beast that is WDW.

We really don’t know for sure just how much an impact SWGE will have on the resort overall until it actually opens.

 

[sponica]

If seeing it decorated for christmas is important, stay in December. The upside is we'll know how things will be operating by that time.

 

[JoeyMayo]

In 2017 I stayed the week right after Thanksgiving Sun-Fri and it was very enjoyable as far as crowds went. Especially at Universal the most I ever waited for a ride was 25 minutes on that Tuesday afternoon. I did think the Christmas party was a little more crowded than I remembered it being in past years, but it wasn't terrible.

So this year I'm going the same week, but when you look at hotels everything is booked. I think only Copper Creek was available at like 2 grand or some nonsense. So I'm not sure what to expect this time around.

 

[KateMW]

We were there from 12/6-12/12. It was busy but not horrible until our last day.

 

[MomOTwins]

I would do dec 13-19. Look back at posts from last early december and you will see posts complaining about insane crowds when they were told by bloggers it was the best time of year to go. Guess what? Everyone else read the same blogs.

I have friends who know nothing about disney world and have told me that early december is when they are thinking of going because everyone says that is the best time. That should tell you how pervasive that myth is.

 

[rangerxenos]

In 2017 I stayed the week right after Thanksgiving Sun-Fri and it was very enjoyable as far as crowds went. Especially at Universal the most I ever waited for a ride was 25 minutes on that Tuesday afternoon. I did think the Christmas party was a little more crowded than I remembered it being in past years, but it wasn't terrible.

So this year I'm going the same week, but when you look at hotels everything is booked. I think only Copper Creek was available at like 2 grand or some nonsense. So I'm not sure what to expect this time around.

Yep, I booked Dec 4 - 12 at the beginning of the month and I'm so glad I did, as there is NOTHING at all available for those dates in total now. CC was the last one showing availability earlier this week at over $2K per night. It's insanity!

 

[hertamaniac]

If seeing it decorated for christmas is important, stay in December. The upside is we'll know how things will be operating by that time.

Agreed 100%. The weather in January/February is a draw to some, but the decorations are fantastic (especially in some of the resorts).