december crowds

[ohiodad]

can anyone tell me what the crowds are like in early december going to be there the 5th, heard its not crowded and the weather is good, what do you think

 

[Fearthisss]

Everything I've read (both here and other places) say that early December is the lowest attended time of year. We'll be there Dec. 1 - 6, I sure hope they're right!!

As far as the weather, from what I've read it's kind of hit-or-miss. The official weather stats say average highs in the low-to-mid 70's during the day and temps in the 50's at night.

I'll be interested to see posts regarding this topic also. Thanks for starting it.

Mark

 

[Grumpy92]

Excellent time to visit and you are correct, crowds are lower and you get all the benefits of being there during the holidays. Have a great time.

 

[GoldenOldie]

Don't count on the weather being good, however. Last December (11th-18th) you needed long pants and heavy sweatshirts. Never got out of the 50's daytime and the 30's at night. It felt more like Ottawa than Orlando.

But the crowds are definitely a lot lighter.

 

[nativetxn]

I've been at WDW the first week in December the past two years.

That is a wonderful time to go. The crowds are very moderate, no big lines for the attractions, all of the Christmas decorations are up and gorgeous.

You're going to love it. I'll be there the first week in December this year too. I hope I get to meet you. I'll be wearing a lime green lanyard to identify myself as a DISer.

 

[jessiesue]

Went the 2nd week in Dec 2002 and the weather was nice. You never know what the weather will be here in the south. I'm sure it will not be as cold as where you are from. Remember to pack clothing you can layer, bring a pair of shorts, and a pancho. You'll be set for whatever comes.

 

[WDWorBUST]

We went last year the first week of December - crowd-wise it was great....but the weather stunk....it rained at least 3 days for the majority of the days - BUT....weather is hit or miss whenever you go. The year before we went the second week in December and it was at least 80 degrees the whole week it was almost too warm...Even with last year's rain I would recommend the first two weeks in December very highly

 

[Dopey Sharon]

I'm also interested in the replies you get to this one! Have a great time!

 

[CoolDisneyCat]

We usually go right before or after Christmas. The crowds are really, really light, and normally the weather is warm during the day and cool in the evenings. This January, however, it was FREEZING!! My DD and her boyfriend stayed out for Illuminations one night and it was about 45; they froze! A good rule of thumb for Florida in December is pack for every season. Take shorts, tshirts, sweatshirts, long pants. Bring a light jacket with you to the park even if it's hot when you leave your room. You'll most likely need it later!

Also, if you're going to Fantasmic, take a beach towel or a blanket to put on the bench! Those suckers get really, really cold.

 

[sarehm]

Early December is a wonderful time of year to go. Very low crowds and you'll still get to see all the Christmas decorations. During the days the temps are pretty good but it can get chilly at night.

 

[mkcp91]

We are going this year the first week in December too! This will be my DS's first trip - he'll be 3 this fall. I'll have green ribbon on our stroller!


WDWorBUST:

Do the parks close early the first week of December? I know it's hard to predict what the hours will be this year, but I'm trying to get a feel from years past. We'd love to see the fireworks at MK and Spectromagic, but I almost don't want to hope for them. I don't want to set myself up for disappointment!

 

[JudithM]

I have been to WDW in early December for the last seven or eight years. I enjoy the Christmas decorations & shows (Candlelight Processional). As for the weather- it can be warm enough to swim or so cold Disney covers sensitive plants from the frost. Bring a variety of clothes!

 

[DebbieB]

We've gone the first or second week of December the past 5 years. Crowds are low, never a problem. Weather can be variable. In 1998, 99 & 2001, it was perfect - high 70's/low 80's and no rain. 2000 was cold, most of the week was only low 60's and down into the 40's at night but no rain. 2002 was a mixed bag, some warm days, some cold but 2 days of steady rain.

Because of MVMCP, MK closes at 6:00 on Sun, Tues, Thurs & Fri. Saturday night is later with Spectromagic & fireworks. I think they had fireworks at regular closing everynight last year. Epcot is actually open later because of the Candlelight Processional; Illuminations & closing is at 9:30 instead of 9:00. MGM usually closes around 7:00, AK is 9:00 to 5:00.

 

[Spartan]

I guess we hit one of the good years, but during the first week in '01 we thought it was the best weather we ever had. That was the only early December trip we've taken, but we're trying it again this year. I'm hoping our luck holds out again.

We have gone several times in early to mid Sept, and I wouldn't say the crowds were quite as low as then, plus we felt a little overrun by the pop warner kids at the main pool and food court towards the end of the week at POR, but overall probably our favorite trip we've taken.