Disney in December. Don't g

[Aurora0427]

We went last December 12-18th and absolutely enjoyed it. The weather was great, it did seem crowded but we did everything we wanted. This year we are going December 15-21st and I am a bit worried since it's closer to Christmas that it may be more crowded but we did get all the fastpasses we wanted and all the ADR's we wanted. As long as you keep you expectations realistic and don't stress over any crowds you'll have a great time.

We were there at the same time last year! Wasn't the weather amazing???? Cold but not freezing! Sunny everyday but one and no rain!

 

[wendow]

We were there at the same time last year! Wasn't the weather amazing???? Cold but not freezing! Sunny everyday but one and no rain!

We were there Dec 9-17. I thought it was so cold!! Up until the last two days when we finally got some warmth. It might just be me though. I live in CO. I am used to cold but not damp cold. I found the cold in FL to be harder to deal with cause of the humidity. We had family with us from TX though and they were also cold.

 

[Planogirl]

What exactly are you trying to book? I just checked Expedia for the week of December 12 and most resorts still have availability.

 

[Viteh]

We did 1-5 December last year, it was pretty light, had a great time. This year we are doing 7-11 December, a bit worried because it's closer to Christmas, but I think we'll be fine.

 

[okilydokily]

My opinion is that Disney is working on controlling crowd size by their newer pricing for tickets, resorts, and AP's, as well as merchandise. They know it is too crowded to give guests a great time at the crowd levels they have had. Also too many things in flux and not completed, means less to do. HS and AK are not able to give guests a full day with what they have. Unfortunately, I don't think guests see that yet. They are still packing it in, but that will change. Then in a few years, they will be able to raise prices to an all time high and have more for everyone to do and rake in huge profits. I am really surprised they have not announced a new resort. They need more rooms but don't seem to be inclined to build them. Makes me worried that in a few years, the cost will be so high and they will make more perks for only onsite guest, like extra FP's or FP only for onsite or something, that it will push out day and offsite guests while keeping revenues still growing.

 

[BaxterSaysMeoww]

We were there at the same time last year! Wasn't the weather amazing???? Cold but not freezing! Sunny everyday but one and no rain!

The weather was perfect! During the day time I would wear shorts and a tank top and was never too hot or cold and at night jeans and a light jacket. I could only hope for that again this year but anything 60 degrees and up works for me since I'll be coming from a place that'll be like 20 degrees and snow!

 

[bc7ate9]

What is the title of this thread supposed to be? "Disney in December. Don't g"

 

[sasabu]

- The crowds at Disney are very much a result of an improved economy and more disposable income.
- Crowds have been increasing every year for the last 5 years or so and with each visit I wonder if it's ever going to level off.
- Hotels are considered by the industry full at a certain percentage but that doesn't mean all rooms are booked.
- Disney is tightening up on adding/subtracting rooms to reservations to keep them open for longer bookings.
- Goal is no empty room and the algorithm will block some bookings to keep open for others.
- I can sit for hours playing with dates and get what looks like nonsense because they block certain dates to hold for someone who will fill the puzzle pieces.
- Even with these crowds we still are able to get most all ADRs we want, the only ones that take much longer to get (for us) are BOG and Ca Grill. Keep trying.
- Going anytime in December is bound to be crowded with the holiday decor/events plus the last year of Osborne Lights, predicted opening of Launch Bay, the Jan closing of Soarin, Pop Warner, the discounted rooms in early December ............
- Your dates are shared with Free Dining, Room Only Discounts, AP Discounts, FL Resident discounts and SPD Package.
- We have no issues with FP+. We were able to get a few for 7DMT last night for today. It is the hardest but def not impossible.
- Disney's #1 goal is NO SLOW SEASON and they are doing quite well at creating demand during what were their slowest times.

At this point you should book a trip for when you can go, for the rate you want to pay, to coincide with the events you want to do with the weather you like. Slow just really won't factor in as much anymore. Even the "slow" seasons come with negatives .. which is why they were "slow".

 

[sasabu]

Great information. Thanks. From your information it appears we could not get a room because we only needed to add one night. I'm disappointed they were not truthful with me. I was willing to stay ANYWHERE regardless of the cost. I keep checking back on the FP's but can't get the Mine Train or Toy Story for the times we will be in those respective parks. Sigh. Now, where in the country do u live because I want to move there! The economy is so terrible where I live. A municipal parking ramp just closed. No one has jobs and therefore, aren't paying enough in taxes. The city can't repair the garage. It's being torn down and not rebuilt. BTW, what is your opinion on WDW in January? Thanks

 

[Aurora0427]

We were there Dec 9-17. I thought it was so cold!! Up until the last two days when we finally got some warmth. It might just be me though. I live in CO. I am used to cold but not damp cold. I found the cold in FL to be harder to deal with cause of the humidity. We had family with us from TX though and they were also cold.

I'm from Texas too... I thought it was great weather though! I loved bundling up and wearing my comfy yet ugly Ugg boots! It was such a nice change from hot & humid Disney trips!

 

[Aurora0427]

The weather was perfect! During the day time I would wear shorts and a tank top and was never too hot or cold and at night jeans and a light jacket. I could only hope for that again this year but anything 60 degrees and up works for me since I'll be coming from a place that'll be like 20 degrees and snow!

LOL... I wore winter clothes during the day... But I'm from Texas! Highs in the 50s and low 60s is cold for us!

 

[houstonmama]

I'm in Houston and the economy is doing very well! Now, My DH is is oil & gas and it's not going too well for us at the moment BUT very well for all others.

 

[larryz]

BTW, what is your opinion on WDW in January? Thanks

I use the resort room pricing chart to determine anticipated crowd levels. "Value Season" is, IMHO, the best time to go, and in 2016, there are very few weeks of it, one or two of those in January...

One must, of course, temper expectations as that's when refurbs, tour groups, and unpredictable weather are prevalent.

 

[BaxterSaysMeoww]

LOL... I wore winter clothes during the day... But I'm from Texas! Highs in the 50s and low 60s is cold for us!

Lol I'm in Ohio so 50's and 60's always works for me! Our first day there last December I remember being cold during the day, I did layer up that day but every day after was so nice.

I've already been peeking at the weather for our trip next month and it's way too early to be accurate but it's saying mid 60's and that's warm enough to keep me happy!

 

[wendow]

I'm from Texas too... I thought it was great weather though! I loved bundling up and wearing my comfy yet ugly Ugg boots! It was such a nice change from hot & humid Disney trips!

I can definitely see where that would be a nice change for you! For us, coming from CO where it is cold in Dec., I was wishing for more warmth. We also love to swim but there was no way I was getting in the pools!! Other than that, I loved going in December. The decor was beautiful and festive!

 

[momto4obkids]

Great information. Thanks. From your information it appears we could not get a room because we only needed to add one night. I'm disappointed they were not truthful with me. I was willing to stay ANYWHERE regardless of the cost. I keep checking back on the FP's but can't get the Mine Train or Toy Story for the times we will be in those respective parks. Sigh. Now, where in the country do u live because I want to move there! The economy is so terrible where I live. A municipal parking ramp just closed. No one has jobs and therefore, aren't paying enough in taxes. The city can't repair the garage. It's being torn down and not rebuilt. BTW, what is your opinion on WDW in January? Thanks

Are you looking for a very specific time slot for your Toy Story fastpass? Because according to this website's fastpass tracker, every day in December has availability for toy story based on a family of four.

http://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=835236

You may just need to be more flexible if you want that one.

There's still no Mine Train fastpasses available though.