Disney in December

[morningsidemom]

Hi,
This is my 1st time to post but I have been enjoying reading this site for a while. My question pertains to visiting Disney during the 1st week in December. My family visited for the 1st time during the 2nd wk of January 2007. We absolutely loved that particular time with the weather and especially the crowd level at its minimum(rode Exp Everest 7 times back-to-back). We were hoping to experience the same conditions on our next visit but possibly be able to enjoy the holiday decorations also. How are crowd levels during the 1st week of December (the wk after T'giving)? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

 

[goofyboyzmom]

This is the week we always try to go. The crowds are bigger now then they were 5 years ago as word gets out, but it is much quieter then it was in October. Seeing the Christmas decorations will make your trip amazing! It starts to quiet down about the Sunday after Thanksgiving. The weather is always nice too. We had to have jackets or sweatshirts a couple of times, but that was it and we have gone this week 4 times. Enjoy!

 

[belle&sebastiansmom]

We went in the first week of December 2006 and it was the best trip we've had. Only one night was it extremely cold, the rest of the time was sweatshirt, long-sleeved shirt weather. Always expect a wait in Disney, but the lines for rides moved much quicker than anytime we'd every gone in the summer. And you can't beat the wonderful Christmas decorations and activities. You get so much more for you money. That's why we've already booked our next trip for the first week of December 2008!!

Have a great time!

 

[TaraPA]

In 2006 we went the 1st full week of December. In 2007 we went the end of Nov. into Dec. I love this time of year! I'd say the crowds were light to moderate - long waits for Soarin, Kilimanjaro Safari, Test Track, Everestt, Splash Mtn, things like that, but almost walk-ons for Pirates, Haunted Mansion, Dinosaur, etc. The holiday decorations are spectacular. The weather is iffy - in '06 it was 70 for a high except like the OP said - one day it was COLD - about 50 for a high & windy. This last trip in '07 it was much warmer & humid, about 80 during the day, and steamy. More rain in '07 as well. So I think expect anything but extreme heat & humidity for this time of year!

 

[Simba22]

we went the 1st week of December 2006 (the 1st to the 10th). It was not crowded at all - everything had a 20 minute wait or less. The weather started out in the mid 80's and got colder as the week went on. It didn't rain once the entire week, it was absolutely gorgeous but it was pretty chilly in the early mornings and at night.

 

[llmurphy17]

We went the last 3 Dec. in the 2nd week of December. We loved it, great decorations, crowds low (but increasing each year), short lines (except for soaring), only thing is the weather 2x it was 80 and 70 but the first time it was 60 and 40.

Just make sure to check the weather before you leave to know how to pack.

 

[llmurphy17]

I have to add- make sure you go to Mickey's Christmas Party - it's great!!!! and another must is the Osborne Lights at Hollywood Studios If you have time there is also a huge gingerbread house in the grand floridian.

 

[magsnden]

we went this past year (07) the sunday after thanksgiving to dec 2. it was great! beautiful with the decorations! it was hot most days, definitely swimming weather, and chilly at night. not too cold though. sadly, it did rain when we went to the christmas party. but honestly, our kids are young, 3 and 1, we couldn't have stayed much longer anyway (we left at 10:30).

the lines were NOTHING, except everest which was 10 minutes!! lol! it is a great time to go. we were saying, we'll never be able to go to wdw at any other time! we were spoiled!

 

[morningsidemom]

Thanks, everyone, for the info. We had hoped that week would be similar to our last vist in January 2007 and it sounds perfect. Magsnden, I know exactly what you mean by the "spoiled" part. That's just how we felt last time and hated the thought of any other time with the weather and the big crowds!

 

[disney54us]

We usually go that time of the year since 98. It is our favorite. I agree w/previous poster that said it has become more popular in recent years, but still not what you would consider crowded. You will love all the decorations, and special Christmas events. Welcome to the boards!

 

[Leleluvsdis]

so glad to hear this. We are planning a trip for december 09!!!

 

[byoung]

Love going the first or second week of Dec. This past year the weather was OUTSTANDING the first week.