Disney in early December

[WishingMom]

Hi,

We normally travel to WDW in April/May or August/September. Thinking about booking for the week after Thanksgiving 2019.

What is the weather like in early December? Can you still swim? I would expect the evenings would be cooler and a sweatshirt may be required.

Any other info would be great. I understand in previous years the post-Thanksgiving crowds are gone and the pre-Christmas crowds have not begun, so I'm not overly concerned about crowds.

Why do you like to travel this particular time of year, besides the holiday events/decorations?

Cheers,

 

[SG131]

Weather in December can be hit or miss. I’ve been down in November and been way too cold to swim and January when it was just fine for swimming. The pools are heated so it’s not too bad. It definitely would be good to pack a sweatshirt.

Keep in mind, Star Wars is supposed to open late 2019 in WDW so all bets are off as far as what to expect from crowds. Especially without having a more concrete opening date it is really hard to say what crowds will be like, but there’s a good chance it won’t see as much decline as usual that time of year.

 

[jaysmom4285]

We've gone in early December for many years. I don't know that there's a truly uncrowded time any more, but the crowds that time of year seem to be very manageable. The weather is always a tossup. Most times it's pleasantly warm, if not hot, with cool evenings. A few times it has been almost hot, and a few times it has been very chilly, necessitating cold weather gear in the evenings. It certainly can be warm enough to swim, depending on what you consider swimming weather. The best thing to do is to check the weather forecast a few days before you leave to see what the general temperature trends will be for the next several days. That will give you a good idea of what kind of clothing to pack and whether it will be warm enough to swim.

 

[OneinThree]

I understand in previous years the post-Thanksgiving crowds are gone and the pre-Christmas crowds have not begun

In years past this may have been the case, but you're not going to avoid crowds during the holiday season any longer. These days, any trip after Thanksgiving will be crowded, but the weather and decorations are worth that concession to some. Based on this past season, I personally wouldn't return for the holidays but if had to, I would say that the 2nd week of December is probably the least crowded. As far as weather, it's beautiful, IMO. That said, temps can and do fluctuate wildly here in Central Florida during that time of year. Still, it doesn't really get all that chilly, and the pools are heated, so swimming shouldn't be a problem.

 

[Greg Lembrich]

We went last year from 11/27 through 12/1 (the week after Thanksgiving). It was still moderately crowded on Monday, but Tuesday through Thursday were very low crowds in each park we visited. The weather was good; definitely still warm enough to wear shorts and t-shirts, and certainly pleasant to swim during the day. It got a little cooler at night, but still comfortable. We went to MVMCP one night, and otherwise really enjoyed all the holiday decorations. We were staying at BLT, but took the monorail over the GF before departing to enjoy the big tree and gingerbread house there.

We did a trip in early December 2013 as well, with similar results. Low(er) crowds, good weather, etc. This is one of my favorite times of year to visit because it not too hot/humid, hurricane and thunderstorm season is long over, the holiday decorations are out, the Thanksgiving crowds have dispersed, and the holiday crowds aren't there yet. As our daughter is getting older, I'm not sure that we will ever pull her out of school again to do this, but we have been very pleased with our trips during this period.

 

[FutureDisneyEventPlanner]

I usually do the second week in December. Crowds tend to be a little lower in the second versus the first.

 

[OneinThree]

I usually do the second week in December. Crowds tend to be a little lower in the second versus the first.

Yup. I don't care what people say when they Pop Warner doesn't affect park crowds -I live here and can attest to the fact that it absolutely does.