early December crowds?

[Ronda93]

How were they? In previous years we've been to WDW the first week in December. It was wonderful. Christmas in full bloom, but very low crowds.

A co-worker recently returned from an early December trip and said it was crowded. I know crowded is in the eye of the beholder, but what do those who have been this time of year say?

We're planning to return December 2004 and I'm wondering if this is still a good time?

thanks,
Ronda

 

[sters]

I can't say for certain, but I'd think August because so many southern school districts start up at the beginning of August. On the otherhand, many northern school districts are in business until towards the end of June. I'd probably avoid July, then, because EVERYBODY is out of school.

 

[DisneyFan79]

Just returned December 5th through the 12th. The crowds were very light. I think the most we waited to get on a ride was 12-15 minutes and it only happend on 2 rides. Most rides were 0-5 minute wait. Several Fastpass attractions were not giving out fastpasses b/c of the waits. We were also there this past May the week before Memorial Day and the crowds were heavier then December. I defintely recommend going in December. The place was awesome with all the Christmas decorations. We did the Candlelight Processional and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party which were both must do's. We stayed at the Wilderness Lodge and it was perfect for this time of year. Very cozy and a HUGE tree in the lobby. The weather was great. It was very comfortable. I was in shorts 3 days. It was chili at night, but was not uncomfortable. Hope this helps making your decision. Pop Warner was also having a competition that week and we only saw 1 group the whole time we were there. I will definitely be back the 2nd week of December. It was GREAT!!

 

[chessie]

We were there the first week in December this year and I thought the crowds were just right, maybe even less then I had expected. Let me give you a bit of comparison from this trip and my last trip in early November, just after 9/11. We had gotten to Animal Kingdom just after it's opening and was doddeling in the oasis when I checked the schedule for the Lion King show. The show was to start in 3 minutes. I didn't think we would make it but we decide to run for it. We were seated in the top of the giraffe section which is the last section to fill. The show started almost immediately.
In November of 01 we showed up about 10 minutes or so before the show started and it was already full. I do believe the new theater holds a few more people then before but I don't think it is much more.
The only significant lines were for some of the rides in fantasy land. We asked a cast member at some of the attractions if it were running as there was no one in line waiting for the previous show to be over.

The parks were beautiful with their Holiday decorations and music playing. We just missed the snow up here so even thought it was bone chilling cold there we still felt fortunate that we were in Disney and not shoveling snow.

 

[mrsltg]

We just returned (12/5-12/16) and it was busy at times, but far from crowded. Some rides had long waits - Fantasy Land late morning to early afternoon about 30 minutes or so - but most were walk ons. This was our second December trip and will definitely not be our last. Early December is the time to go!

Erin

 

[jd_mouse]

We were in WDW from 11/28 - 12/8 this year, and it is the 5th time we have gone during early December. I would say this year was definitely more "busy" than years past...but having said that, our longest wait was 20 minutes (for Its A Small World, believe it or not!)

 

[mickeysaver]

We were there 12/14 through 12/20 in the parks. I would say that we were fine until late Thursday. Most of our time before that was spent doing whatever we wanted in the parks with no more than a 5-10 minute wait. But, after that point, FP was a must and we had to be more selective of what we wanted to accomplish. We had a great time. We are not the commando type. But, while we didn't see it all, we didn't feel like we missed anything either. A good plan and flexability are necessities. Maggie