Disney at Christmas

[Trina412]

Really want to experience Disney at Christmas. (Planning for next year) I read they should be done decorating around the 2nd week of November but maybe not the resorts. What would be the best time to go and not have the crowds, yet see it all done up? Was thinking first week of December, but that’s pop warner week typically. Opinions please

 

[GADisneyDad14]

My opinion is anywhere from the week after Thanksgiving week through mid Dec. I don't really subscribe to trying to avoid large group things (such as Pop Warner) as you can just end up chasing your tail around since there is always 'something' going on, generally speaking. If something in that date range works best for your schedule, you like the price of your accommodations, etc, I say pick what works best for you.

 

[dancin Disney style]

I've been there during Pop Warner week and it was no big deal. I didn't want to go that week but it was the only time we could. The starting weekend is when we were there and we even ended up staying at POP where they were also staying. The kids are busy competing and once they are finished they go home. They don't actually have a ton of time to go to the parks. The only time we were aware of them was early morning in the food court (which is busy even on a slow day). I totally agree with the PP....there is always 'something' going on....cheer groups, bands, sports teams, teen tour groups. It's year round now.

The Christmas décor is in full swing by Thanksgiving. The parks are fully finished earlier than that.

 

[Harambe]

We also are not worried about pop warner, and plan to go first week of Dec 2020.

 

[mrsap]

The week after Thanksgiving... decorations are all up and Christmas is in full swing by this point. Good luck deciding, it’s my favorite time of year to be in Disney.

 

[mountdew1]

Been there twice that first week of December, and didn't really find Pop Warner to be a big issue.

 

[footballmouse]

We were there last year the week after Thanksgiving into the first week of December. I thought it was a lot more crowded than I was expecting. We usually go in September, the week after Labor Day and never experience crowds or waits for rides. Last trip we actually had to wait in line. Yes we saw the decorations which were nice but I like September better.

 

[ELLH]

To echo everyone else, the first couple weeks of December are the best times to visit during the holiday season when you're guaranteed to have all resorts/parks decorated. Pop Warner really only seems to impact the hotels (values, it seems) based on my experience. And even then, it's not a big deal.

Now, having said that, the weeks between Veteran's Day and Thanksgiving week is an OK time to visit as well. (But not Thanksgiving week). The problem here is there is a chance that not all resorts/parks will be completed with holiday decor but they *should* be.

 

[kiford]

We usually go the first week of December. I don't think Pop Warner impacts you much unless you're staying at the same resorts they are. We occasionally see/hear groups in the parks - usually when entering the parks - but other than that, I don't think you'd even know they were there unless you were pre-primed to look for them. Best weather IMO and the resorts are all decorated. We've been trying different times of year over the last year as we just got APs, but I still think I like this time the best.

 

[ELLH]

I know this wasn't at all what you asked but just some unsolicited advice about this time of year: dress in layers

It can be perfect weather during the day but at night get really cold. So make sure to pack and plan each day accordingly.

 

[Stargellstars]

We have been to WDW three times during the Christmas season. As other posters have said....the first two weeks of December are the best time to go as far as crowds go. Make sure to be out of there by December 20 or 21st as the crowds get noticeably larger by those dates.

 

[Harambe]

I know this wasn't at all what you asked but just some unsolicited advice about this time of year: dress in layers

It can be perfect weather during the day but at night get really cold. So make sure to pack and plan each day accordingly.

Yup - we own quite a few pricey Disney sweatshirts that we didn't intend to buy, but had to because of those big nighttime dips in temp!

Also buy a few pairs of those little stretchy gloves to keep in your backpack - you'll be glad you have them while you wait for fireworks or nighttime parades.