december question on crowds

[bears163]

i never been there in december. we are thinking of making our first dvc trip for next year in dec. what are the crowds like the first 2 weeks? also we are going to try to stay at VWL but our home is SSR.

 

[tjkraz]

Overall crowds are low, but DVC rooms go fast. Plan on booking a room at your Home resort right when the 11-month window opens. Then, if you want to try a different property, call right at 7 months to try and switch.

 

[bears163]

that is what i was thinking.

 

[gmboy95]

I believe the crowds would be significat in the week leading up to NYE but I believe less so during the resdt of december

 

[threegoofys]

Hi! We have been to Disney in the early part of december and there was no crowd, longest we had to wait in line was 20 minutes. The weather was in the 70's the whole week. Check out Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, that is lots of fun, but is an extra cost.

 

[DVCDawn]

Last year we arrived at WDW the Sunday of Thanksgiving week and stayed through the first Sunday in December. It's a great time to go -- we never really had to wait long for anything and all the holiday decorations are up.

The only time we hit crowd problems was during MVMCP. I couldn't get over how MK was practically empty during the day, but wall-to-wall people during this special event. I probably wouldn't go again, but if you haven't been, you should. The parade is really special.

Oh, and be sure to pack lots and lots of layers. Our week that year the temps were as high as 75 and as low as 40 during the day. The nighttime was always chilly. We didn't swim once and I regretted leaving my winter coat in the car at the airport more than once!

Have a great trip!

DVCDawn

 

[erikthewise]

We always go early Dec (it's just about the only time we CAN go). We are so spoiled we usually walk away from 20-minute waits! There are still some crowds, e.g MK on weekends, but it's not too hard to avoid them.

 

[ddhoeg]

We have been the past several years during the first week in December. The crowds are generally mild and the weather is usually great. However, I agree to dress in layers and be prepared for either fairly hot or cold weather. One year we ended up buying warmer clothes when we got there while another year we wore shorts the entire time and went swimming. We did the MVMCP but I wouldn't do it again. It seemed like the entire city of Orlando was there along with all the WDW guests! Wow! The crowds were unbearable and the lines were significantly longer than we found during the day at MK. But all in all, what can beat the holiday decorations? They always start our Christmas season off right!! Enjoy!

 

[bears163]

well then with all these great replys looks like the first week of dec in 2006 we will be there. thanks everyone

 

[CVW]

Whoa! Whoa! Don't leave yet anybody! I always hear about how bad the week of Christmas is, and how great the first week of December is.

What about the week before Christmas? Specifically, we're looking at Dec 16-23, 2005. Is it still pretty light then? Or does the crowd start picking up for the Christmas crush?

 

[jmminarik]

Before the 22nd, you should not have much in the way of crowds other than MVMCP.

You'll probably see more people as you approach the 25th, but how soon that swell starts depends more on what day of the week Christmas falls and when schools let out. My guess is the 22nd/23rd would be more busy with a Monday/Tuesday Christmas than any other day. But that's just my guess.



-Joe

 

[CarolMN]

Originally posted by CVW
Whoa! Whoa! Don't leave yet anybody! I always hear about how bad the week of Christmas is, and how great the first week of December is.

What about the week before Christmas? Specifically, we're looking at Dec 16-23, 2005. Is it still pretty light then? Or does the crowd start picking up for the Christmas crush?

It really depends on the school schedules. Many still get two weeks off for Christmas. For 2005, that is most likely to be the last two weeks of December. January 1 will be on a Sunday so most will go back to school on Monday, January 2nd.

FWIW, I think that December 16 - 23, 2005 will be a lot busier than the first two weeks, but not unmanageable if you "tour smart".

Ask your question again sometime during the first part of January 2005 and see what those who went the week before Christmas experienced this year. That will be a better barometer.

Best wishes -

 

[DeeDeeDis]

Hi All,

I'm taking family to WDW for Christmas (Dec. 10 to 16). staying at WLV.

I booked at the 7 month window with no problem (booked two studios), maybe i just got lucky.

Very VERY excited about this trip, first time during holiday and first time at WLV.

Good info on the MVMCP. Now we'll go during the day to do the rides, dinner at the Tavern at 6:20pm and just plan on looking at decorations, parade and fireworks at nite.

Oooh I can't wait

 

[CVW]

When you called at seven months, did you happen to ask about the availability of 2BR's?

 

[doccath]

just booked today for Dec 3 and 4th at SSR. First time there, just had to start out the holidays at disney. NOBODY does lights like they do. Any feedback of SSR? How is the pool?

 

[JFrey4240]

We just planned a quick weekend trip the second weekend in December. Hopefully the crowds won't be as large as they are at Easter and in the summer which is when we generally go. We bought tickets for MVMCP so hopefully it won't be as crowded as some of you reported here.

 

[Doug7856]

Our experience has been that the crowds are light and the weather is generally good -- but there is the potential for very cold weather! Also, we have experienced very heavy crowds at the Magic Kingdom on Saturdays as this is the one night that the park is open late without MVMCP. SpectroMagic generally runs on Saturday nights adding to the crowds.