Early December or January, which is less crowded?

[have2getaway]

My DH and I want to take our 3 year old to Disney either early December or Early January, but what week is best in terms of avoiding crowds? Our son will be nearly 4 at that time, but he is VERY IMPATIENT (aren't they all). Any thoughts?

 

[DisFam95]

We've been the 2nd week of December and then in January. They were both wonderful for virtually no crowds. I think anytime in Jan would be safe. For December I've heard there can be some lingering crowds from Thanksgiving into that 1st week in December..nothing major but any bit helps. Then the crowds start picking up for the holidays in later December.

Go either the 2nd week of December or pretty much anytime in Jan. The holiday decor is nice in December though.

 

[ThreeMusketeers]

We are going the first week of Dec. and have heard the crowds will be pretty low.
*we hope!!!*

 

[Duckfan-in-Chicago]

Well, the crowds seem to be getting a little bigger every year in early Dec. for Christmas time in WDW. Its still pretty light. Don't know if you celebrate Christmas, or not. We would choose early Dec. over Jan...there is no time like it all year long. If you don't then any time in Jan. would be fine.

 

[meandtheguys2]

We have been going the last week of January/first week of Feb for the last several years. There are virtually no crowd, and it gives something sweet to look forward to after Christmas. The winters here are long and grey, so that is a huge blessing for me! The decorations in December are awesome, however!

 

[Merriwind]

We have been the first two weeks of December and the first two weeks of January. Crowds weren't an issue ever. Those are both very quiet times to visit. Enjoy!

 

[CEDmom]

I'd personally choose early Dec. There are so many special things going on for the holidays and the decorations are fabulous. Those alone should keep a 4 year old entertained. Also, my biggest fear in planning a winter getaway is getting a storm and not being able to leave. Early Dec for us wouldn't be as big a risk as Jan.

 

[have2getaway]

Thanks to everyone for responding. I think we have decided on early December. Our son loves Christmas and Santa so that would be a huge plus.

 

[Duckfan-in-Chicago]

Thanks to everyone for responding. I think we have decided on early December. Our son loves Christmas and Santa so that would be a huge plus.

Well,I can tell you there's no place like it on earth at Christmas. Get tickets for the MVMCP!

 

[akamom]

I went there the 1st week of December and didn't think the crowds were too bad. My son (almost 3 @ the time) really enjoyed the MVMC Party and the wait for rides weren't bad either.

 

[Mom to Jordan]

WE have done both of those weeks and you really can not go wrong with either. Strictly crowd wise January is the winner. December was not bad and lines were never too long but after a January trip they seemed much larger. There were more people in December and resturants were much more crowded. HOWEVER, all the specail events are so nice. We did the MVMCP and CP as well as enjoyed all the sights and decorations. Epcot has a Santa in each country that is dressed as that Santa would dress. He tells the story of Christmas of that country. Pretty cool as long as it does not confuss you son. Only place we saw the USA Santa was at Epcot. IT was a great and FREE photo op with Mrs. Clause included.
Be sure to make PS's early as lots pof locals tend to come out for the chirstmas activites. Also avoid the Values that weeks as it is POP Warner Foot ball week and they are packed with pre teens .We love WL in the winter as it has that great christmas charm.

Good luck!!!

Jordan's mom

 

[Wendy*Darling]

We debated this same thing. We've been Christmas week the last few years so we've seen that end of the spectrum and wanted a chance to see the other. We all LOVE the Christmas decorations and wanted a chance to do MVMCP too. The clincher was that we got some fantastic group rates for early December through our TA. Saving $550 is always a definite plus, right?

I've always used Tour Guide Mike to plan our Christmas and Spring Break trips. Last year I remember people returning from the first week in December saying that if they went to the parks he recommended as least crowded for the day they had walk ons for most rides and if they did wait it was only 2 or 3 minutes. If they went to the park he predicted as most crowded they noticed an increase in crowds, still considerably shorter waits than the rest of the year but an increase from the no lines at all feeling at the least crowded parks.

We have friends that go in January every few years and they've reported no waiting either. They don't get the chance to swim though. During one of our Christmas trips we were hot in tee shirts and then last year we were buying gloves and hats at AK the day after Christmas! We have our fingers crossed for at least warm days (not hot though!). Just warm enough to eek in a water park at least once!

 

[pandora174]

We went the week of dec 10th or so. The first part of the trip the crowds were non-existant but as the week progressed it got fuller. I think it had something to do with an ABC Christmas special they were filming because we got to see Enrique Iglesias sing in front of the castle. MK was jammed but that may be just that one day. But the decorations were wonderful ! & otherwise very light crowds. Next year we're trying the last week in Jan. which I hear also is great for light crowds. My recommendation is if you haven't done Disney at Christmas time go for it. It'll be a magical trip you won't soon forget !