December Newbie...What to expect?

[chrisn]

Bring out the experts please! I'm SOOO excited . Just booked our next trip. We usually go down the end of February (week after Presidents) but DD graduates in June and will continue classes in the fall so goodbye February! We will be down December 16th-23rd. Will possibly fly in a few days sooner if schedules allow. I know nothing about this time of year. What can I expect as far as crowds compared to week before or after Presidents? I looked at levels for that week and was surprised at the 5-6's. Is MVMCP/CP a must do? We don't do parades, should we skip? Any special meals? Merchandise? EMH? What about the weather? How does one dress when setting out for the parks this time of year? I guess I shouldn't plan on a water park, right? I'd love to hear your advice...just stepping out of my comfort zone a little!

 

[stacy6552]

We just went.

The weather is something you will have to watch, but it can swing a bit between highs and lows. We always wore pants. One day we were in t-shirts and the next we never took off our sweatshirts. We had hats and mittens with us and kept heavy coats in the car for the late nights, but I think only DH wore his. Polar fleece was enough to see us through.

I dont know about the crowds in Feb, sorry. But before the holidays in Dec, the levels were good. The only exception was MVMCP, and based on that I would assume the EMH's probably got busy too. We never got into some of the shows. But the parks with the EMH and patry were crowded until the extra hours. During the day it was fine. I dont know if we'd do the party again.

Everything is beautiful. Its a great time to dine at lots of resorts to see all the decor.

Traveling on the 23rd, will be nutty. Be at the airport extra early. Check in at the hotel even, because your flight will most likely be oversold. And because everything is over shold be prepaired for frazzled, even rude, airline workers. But you'll be full of the Disney magic, so shake it off.

 

[helenk]

The closer you get to Christmas the busier it will be. We went one year from 12/14-12/19 and by the 19th it was getting rather crowded. Your timeframe will definately be crowded as you get towards the end of your trip.
The weather can be nice, and it can be cold, and a few times its been rainy.
I've been there when it was in the mid 70's and others times it was down right cold. This past year we were there the beginning of the month and the day we left it was pouring. In 2002 the week before we got there it rained almost the whole week.
I always buy tickets to the MVMCP I enjoy the parade and the Wishes fireworks were great, I enjoy the shows as well. It can get crowded though, and I would not go on a Friday night during the dates you are going. I have also enjoyed the CandleLight Processional, I did not go this year though because my husband did not want to see it, but it really can be a moving experience.
There is also the Osborne lights in MGM, I love seeing them....it does not cost extra.

 

[tink55]

Your timing is good, because if your trip ends before December 24 you're missing the really *big* crowds. In 2004 and 2005, we went from December 17-22, and it was wonderful. There's nothing better than Disney Christmas decorations. Be sure to tour as many resort lobbies as you can - we enjoyed strolling and shopping at other resorts almost more than we enjoyed the theme parks. Three of the resorts are easily accessible from the monorail (GF, POLY, WL) and three are walking distance from the back gate of Epcot (BW, YC, BC). We took a bus from MGM to AKL, and enjoyed touring it so much that we plan to stay there next time.

Also, there's a Christmas store in Downtown Disney, and this year they had all ornaments for 30% off (we were there Dec. 22, but I'm not sure exactly when the sale started). It was my favorite shopping experience of the whole trip.

Only one thing to avoid - and this may be true all year long. Do NOT go to Magic Kingdom on a Monday! It's like an anthill, there are so many people swarming around. Other than that, we had no problem with the crowds.

 

[lorli]

We'll be there in December '06 so all this information and advice has been wonderful Thanks.