Early December Crowds?

[itbesjaime]

My mom and I are bringing my niece (9) and nephew (12) to Disney world for the first time. Despite being avid WDW travelers, we've never traveled during December.

I'm a little worried that it's going to be really busy (everyone knows it's always crowded) the 7th through the 13th when we're there because of the holiday. Has anyone traveled during this time? Any recommendations to get everything done?

Also, any general tips and suggestions would be helpful!

 

[dancemonkey]

You should be fine. Book your fast passes and take advantage of emh's, and book your dinner reservations you should be good to go!!!

 

[merrick]

you can google "disney crowd calendars" and follow that to some resources. we travelled in mid dec in 2014 and have booked same time period this december.

crowd calendars show most parks from dec 13-19 (first part of our trip) between a 4 and 6 out of 10. the last couple days before christmas are all pretty much 10/10!

i don't think it will be bad for the beginning of december .... and if i have to wait in line i would rather do that in dec than in jul... but i hate the heat!!

 

[xlsm]

Pop into our December 2016 planning thread! We've got lots of helpful people there.

HERE is the link

 

[KapBoy77]

First two weeks of December are usually golden. They are my personal favourites.

 

[caliope]

We're going that same time period this year. We haven't been in December before...our last trip was January/February, and the ones before that were early April and mid-November. But, we booked early December because we'd heard its relatively quieter than the latter half of the month as the holiday nears and a good time to see the Christmas decorations. I didn't have any trouble getting my ADRs at 180 days out and I anticipate FP+ selection going smoothly too. We don't try to "do everything" but I understand that desire when taking first timers. I would suggest developing a plan of what your niece and nephew are most interested in and focus on those goals. Anything else just becomes bonus. I'm very excited for our trip and I hope you all have an enjoyable vacation too!

 

[itbesjaime]

I didn't expect such a fast and great response. I will definitely check out the thread, xlsm! You guys are definitely putting my thoughts at easy.

We weren't able to get our dinning reservations 180 days ahead, so we haven't been able to get any times at our favorite restaurants.

What are your thoughts about Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party?

 

[itbesjaime]

We're going that same time period this year. We haven't been in December before...our last trip was January/February, and the ones before that were early April and mid-November. But, we booked early December because we'd heard its relatively quieter than the latter half of the month as the holiday nears and a good time to see the Christmas decorations. I didn't have any trouble getting my ADRs at 180 days out and I anticipate FP+ selection going smoothly too. We don't try to "do everything" but I understand that desire when taking first timers. I would suggest developing a plan of what your niece and nephew are most interested in and focus on those goals. Anything else just becomes bonus. I'm very excited for our trip and I hope you all have an enjoyable vacation too!

We normally have our vacations at the end of January/ beginning of February as well, so that's the sort of crowds I'm used to. I think I've been a bit spoiled. However, I have witnessed WDW in the summer due being in school, and it was absolutely awful.

 

[caliope]

We normally have our vacations at the end of January/ beginning of February as well, so that's the sort of crowds I'm used to. I think I've been a bit spoiled. However, I have witnessed WDW in the summer due being in school, and it was absolutely awful.

My DH refuses to go in the summer so I don't think we will ever experience those crowd levels or heat & humidity. Can't say I'm sad about that.

 

[gwbaierl]

Been going to WDW in early Dec. every 2 years for almost 20 yeaapers. DON"T WORRY!!!!!!!!!!! It's not that crowded. Went last Dec and the only crowds were from the last showing of the Osborne lights. I had a picture (flash card of pictures from the trip somewhere at son's house I hope!) of EPCOT walkway from Norway to China last DEc at app 11:30 am with no one on walkway. It does get busy for the night time parade at MK and Illuminations but not as bad as other times.
We were able to do multiple rides on soarin, during am emh. Same thing for MK rides.
And I just did a quick check for dining ADR's on Disney site for DEC 13 at EPCOT almost every rest. has an opening for the that day.
Just take your time and enjoy. Good luck with that with your niece and nephew.
1 major thing to do with them is the Agent P adventure at EPCOT. They follow hints by a cellphone app(they will give you one) and they go on seek and find activities in the world show case. We had our 9 yo granddaughter with us last time and she had a lot of fun doing it. They get to open up and see things in the different counties that only can be opened up with the game. There were some adults following here to see what would come out next!
Another thing is for your 9 yo niece that's the Jedi training at HS. The kids are put in a training cape and get to fight the evil Sith. You have to sign them up and reserve a time so it's best to get there early in day to do it. And the child has to be there at sign up.

 

[mernin]

We were there Dec 5-13 in 2015 and it wasn't as bad as I expected. Saturday's were busy but mid week we found fine. We booked after our 180 days and were able to get the ADR's we wanted. Picked up FP for what we wanted too. We'd go back during that time again. We went to MVMCP and had a great time...would do it again for sure.

 

[itbesjaime]

Been going to WDW in early Dec. every 2 years for almost 20 yeaapers. DON"T WORRY!!!!!!!!!!! It's not that crowded. Went last Dec and the only crowds were from the last showing of the Osborne lights. I had a picture (flash card of pictures from the trip somewhere at son's house I hope!) of EPCOT walkway from Norway to China last DEc at app 11:30 am with no one on walkway. It does get busy for the night time parade at MK and Illuminations but not as bad as other times.
We were able to do multiple rides on soarin, during am emh. Same thing for MK rides.
And I just did a quick check for dining ADR's on Disney site for DEC 13 at EPCOT almost every rest. has an opening for the that day.
Just take your time and enjoy. Good luck with that with your niece and nephew.
1 major thing to do with them is the Agent P adventure at EPCOT. They follow hints by a cellphone app(they will give you one) and they go on seek and find activities in the world show case. We had our 9 yo granddaughter with us last time and she had a lot of fun doing it. They get to open up and see things in the different counties that only can be opened up with the game. There were some adults following here to see what would come out next!
Another thing is for your 9 yo niece that's the Jedi training at HS. The kids are put in a training cape and get to fight the evil Sith. You have to sign them up and reserve a time so it's best to get there early in day to do it. And the child has to be there at sign up.

I'm glad a lot of people are saying that it shouldn't be too busy. To me, it seems like it would be super crowded between the two holidays. It's such an obvious time to go to see the winter decorations!
I've never done the Agent P adventure before, when I was a kid it was the Kim Possible Missions. But, I definitely agree that it's something that's on our must do list, because the World Showcase can definitely be a bore for some kids.

 

[Figmentmommy]

My mom and I are bringing my niece (9) and nephew (12) to Disney world for the first time. Despite being avid WDW travelers, we've never traveled during December.

I'm a little worried that it's going to be really busy (everyone knows it's always crowded) the 7th through the 13th when we're there because of the holiday. Has anyone traveled during this time? Any recommendations to get everything done?

Also, any general tips and suggestions would be helpful!

Early December is our favorite time of year to visit. When we can't do that we go in mid November before Thanksgiving. Two years ago we were there 12/14-12/20. Crowd level was more than manageable and increased on our final day. Last year we stayed 12/8-12/14 and crowd levels were even lighter. I'm sure you will find that this is a good week to be in the World. Agree with PP- utilize Fast Pass, make any must do ADRs and just enjoy! I highly recommend seeing the Candlelight Processional at EPCOT and visiting the Grand Floridian to see the gingerbread house and other Christmas decorations. In fact, if you have time in your schedule try touring some of the other resorts to see their individual Christmas decor. Wilderness Lodge, Boardwalk and Contemporary come to mind, but all are lovely. Also - we love attending MVMCP. It really gets us into the Christmas spirit!

 

[Figmentmommy]

I'm glad a lot of people are saying that it shouldn't be too busy. To me, it seems like it would be super crowded between the two holidays. It's such an obvious time to go to see the winter decorations!
I've never done the Agent P adventure before, when I was a kid it was the Kim Possible Missions. But, I definitely agree that it's something that's on our must do list, because the World Showcase can definitely be a bore for some kids.

For the kids - check out the Holiday Storytellers in the World Showcase. Each country has its own story told about its holiday traditions. There is a schedule you can pick up when you're there that tells what times during the day each country's story is told.