December Crowd Question

[sherry8253]

My DH and I usually go to Disney in early Dec or Jan. This year we are thinking about going Dec 14 through Dec 22. For those of you who have been there then, what are the crowds like? I am used to walk ons or minimum wait times. We have been know to walk on Buzz 15 times in a row (I have to ride Buzz til I beat DH each trip ). Will there be long ride wait times?

 

[Disfreek]

I would be interested in finding out this answer as well as we will be there from 12/17-12/23.....

 

[mickeysaver]

Up until about the Friday in the middle of your trip, it will be really easy going. From Friday on, watch the crowds take over and force the use of FP and a well planned itinerary. Good luck! Maggie

 

[Beca]

December is getting busier and busier every year as people figure out that is a really great time to go!! I think it will be busier than you expect.

I wouldn't plan on riding Buzz 15 times with no wait...but, it will still be an AMAZING trip!!!



Beca

 

[milmore104]

When we went Dec.12-24 it was great very beautiful and festive. The crowds were just the way we like it we got to stay on Splash Mnt. 3 times w/ out getting off. However from the 22nd on we didn't step foot into the parks. We tried to go to the MK on the 23rd and the park was closed due to max. occ. So for the most part your trip will be great just pack in all the parks at the begining of your trip and save the last day or two for DD or a water park. Have a great trip. This is my fav. time of year to visit!

 

[Gary M]

I agree with Beca about the crowds being larger in Dec. than you might think. We have gone to WDW each Dec.(1st. half of Dec.) since 1992 and people are getting on to this great time to go. Except for the Dec. after 9/11 the crowds have gotten larger each year since '92. In the 1990's we might be the only ones in a log on Splash Mountain and other rides had no waits at all. This can still happen at certain times, but we have found it to be less likely. It seems that we all see crowd sizes differently, but from my observations the crowds are getting larger each year. After saying that, the crowd level is still very manageable on most days. Don't expect everything to be walk-ons, but if they are, then that is a bonus.

 

[BeckWhy]

I've never been in early Dec, but have been in early Jan (during the Marathon weekend). Most of the rides we walked on, all the others (the more popular rides) were less than 20 min wait. In fact the longest wait we did have was at the House of Innoventions in Epcot; it was 20 mins. And just for the record, we went to the parks that had EMH (it was only morning back then). So I would assume if you went to the parks that weren't EMH on that day, your waits would be less.

 

[jwfla422]

We've been going to WDW almost every December since 2001. We usually go around the first week although this year we will also be there around the same time as you. Figured we could stay longer since dd will be on winter break. We're trying to escape before the "big crowds" but I have a feeling they will be starting to arrive around the weekend of the 17th...so we'll probably be in a similar situation.

I can tell you though early December is great for low crowds still. It may have gotten busier but it can definitely be much busier than it's been. At this point, anytime of year at WDW attendance will be up over previous years since tourism is up.

 

[laura12581]

WE'll be there Dec 13-18th. This is my first Dec. Trip though. I think it will be moderately crowded, but that is just a guess!
Laura