December Experts Where Are You?

[mickey0216]

HELP!

When my DW and I got married 24 yrs, 8 months and 1 day ago - we stayed at the Contemporary for our Honeymoon. As a surprise for my DW, I am trying to schedule a 25th anniversary trip, w/o the DD20 and DS17.

While most of our WDW vacations have been Thanksgiving week, I can't go that week this time. Since I am a little out of my element be going down after Thanksgiving, I am seeking the advice of the experts to help me select the least crowded week. Since we won't have the kids with us, I am thinking that 4 or 5 days should be sufficient. Obviously I haven't made Airline or Hotel reservations yet... I need to do so soon , or the trip won't happen (boo - hiss).


If you were going to WDW to enjoy the Christmas decorations and ambiance, while trying to avoid the huge crowds around Christmas, when would you go?

TIA!!

 

[cdrn1]

I have been four or five times now the first week of December and find that to be an ideal time to go. Crowds are light, weather has been great with only a few times that we needed to wear sweatshirts and many times we've gotten to swim, and the decorations are beautiful! This past December was probably the most crowded of all my Dec trips but still found many, many things to be walk-ons.

 

[mickeysaver]

Well, we chose what I feel is the best week. We are returning during the same timeframe that we used the last time we did Disney in December in 2003. We arrive at CSR on a Sunday and leave on Saturday. The dates are 12/11 through 12/17. We have MVMCP planned for 12/11 and are looking forward to maximum pixie dust.

The Pop Warner crowds will just be leaving and unfortunately, we will miss MouseFest , but it's a great week to go. We found that the crowds were still quite managable and we had a great time. I think it's a great time to go. Happy planning! Maggie

 

[*Fantasia*]

I say either the first week or the second week of December will be fine. The closer you get to the Holiday, the more it will get crowded.

 

[dizneycc]

I would avoid the week of Dec. 4-10 if possible, with POP Warner being there. They won't be staying at the CR, but you may run into them in the parks. Most of the complaints I have heard regarding POP Warner have been on the buses (value resorts) and being loud at the resorts (again, value).

I am going Nov. 29-Dec. 5 for Mousefest. If you can't go that week, you probably won't have any problem with the week of Dec. 11-17. Crowds won't form until the following week, as the schools let out for Christmas vacation.

As far as the weather goes, be prepared for anything! Last December, I had to go to Target and buy long johns, it was sooooo cold at night. Coats, hats,
gloves, etc. were needed!

Enjoy!

 

[wanna-b-Tink]

Anytime between Thanksgiving and the week before Christmas is ideal. You get the decorations, MVMCP, and low crowds. And the first Saturday in December is the taping of the Christmas Day Parade, or it has been when we've been there in years past.

 

[liltoot]

I have stayed the first week of December and will be back there November29th - December 6th. I'm staying at the Beach Club and have never had any problems with the Pop Warner group. I have worn jeans and a sweatshirt at night for Illuminations. I'm from Vermont so that's still dressing for warm weather for me. It was in the 80's on some of the days. The Christmas decorations are incredible and the Candle Light Processional. My hubby and I spent our 25th (Dec.7th) at Disney. Jet Blue is having great rates right now. I got 59.00 each way. Have a wonderful time and Happy 25th Anninversary.

 

[sue1013]

We've gone the first week of December for the last 5 years. Since you are not planning to stay in a value Pop Warner will have no impact on your stay. In the last 5 years I've only seen a group once in the parks.

 

[mickey0216]

Thank you everyone for your feedback!

For most of our WDW vacations we have traveled as a family (DW, DD, DS and I) and typically stayed Thanksgiving Week. Based on my investigation and your feedback, the crowds should be smaller. How much smaller? Half as busy? 2/3 as busy? I assume that we smaller crowds, we will get shorter hours...

 

[kima86]

DH & I have always gone the week after Thanksgiving/1st week of December and have found that to be an ideal time - no too many people in the parks and most attractions have little to no wait time. That way you can get the benefit of seeing all of the Christmas decorations without the Christmas crowds!

P.S. - How nice of you to plan a surprise Disney getaway for your anniversary! I hope that you two can enjoy this special time together in the most magical place on earth.

 

[Pirate&Princess]

How many people does Mousefest bring in?

 

[mickeynut1]

We are booked for 12/13-12/20 at the WL and when I called to make the reservation, the very nice CM I talked to said we were coming at a good time, that it shouldn't be too crowded . He said it will start getting busy right around the 19th-20th with the people coming in to be there over Christmas . We went right about the same week in 2003 and as I remember, it wasn't too bad. But I did notice that the Saturday we were leaving, there were lots of people checking in . So I think if you avoid 12/4-12/10 when Pop Warner is there (like a pp stated), you should be fine up until the 19th/20th . Have a great trip and a wonderful 25th anniversary .

 

[Freiden8]

we're hooked on the first week of Dec.

 

[tray11c]

What is POP Warner? We are going Dec 3-10 - is this going to be an issue for us?

 

[Donald & Daisy Duck]

Thanks for everyone's advice. We are trying to plan our 1st WDW holiday trip for the 1st or 2nd week in December.

 

[Taja]

Whoa! This is an OLD thread from 2005!

How many people does Mousefest bring in?

Not enough to worry about. They have planned events, although many people have informal meets.

What is POP Warner? We are going Dec 3-10 - is this going to be an issue for us?

They have football teams and apparently cheer groups, as well. They usually stay at the All Star Resorts and POR/POFQ. A few may end up at Pop Century or other resorts, but they don't really affect the parks much, as they're busy competing most of the time.

 

[ntsammy5]

Pop Warner is a little league football championship held at WWoS. IIRC its' 12/7-13 this year. We have been at the same time as PW several times during the past few years and never had a problem with them. They stay at All Stars and POR -- sometimes there are problems at the resorts though.