Early December trip--will it be crowded at resort and parks?

[micmacmissy]

We are staying at the GF from Dec. 10-15 and wonder what to expect in terms of crowding, at the resort and at the parks. Is the resort fully booked all year? We have 4 little kids with us who probably won't tolerate lines very well, so I'd like to hear from people who have been at this time of year. (A short line to us is less than 5 minutes, by the way!)

Also, what is it like temperature wise? Do we even bother bringing swimsuits that time of year?

Also, do we have to make our dinner arrangements before we leave? We'd like to be a little spontaneous but don't want to be caught waiting hours for dinner...is this the case in low season?

Any info would be appreciated, thank you!

 

[cranbiz]

Unless you are doing the MVMCP, I would not expect short lines (as per your def). Most lines are 10-20 min except on the weekend.

Plan for all types of weather, days have gone into the 80's and nights have gone into the 40's. There should be swimming days, there were LY.

PS for the things that you would want most, like CRT and you should be able to PS that day for anything else. LTT will be busy on MVMCP nights.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

micmacmissy - DD and I stayed at the BC last Dec. 8-13, the weather was cool, mostly in the upper 60's daytime, 50's nights. We had a sweater most days. DD did have 2 days, I think, where the afternoon temp got in the 70's and she was able to swim.

The lines were not as short as your definition, but pretty good according to ours!! We are usually there during summer and Spring Break, and this was fantastic! Most rides we got on within 10 minutes.

For most of the restaurants, we made a PS but it wasn't really necessary. However, we did notice people being turned away from Yachtsman Steakhouse and Le Cellier that did not have a PS. I think getting a dinner PS for any Epcot World Showcase restaurant is a good idea, as they are pretty busy due to the Candlelight Processional dinner pkgs.

Have a great trip, we loved this time of year, it was beautiful with all the Christmas decorations!

 

[purplebelle]

Be expected to wait longer than 5 minutes, that's for sure. Okay, so a few rides you will literally walk onto but then others will have a 30 minute wait. But most likely none over 30mins. Waiting 10-15mins for a ride is fabulous, it's really not that long.

 

[micmacmissy]

Originally posted by cranbiz
Unless you are doing the MVMCP, I would not expect short lines (as per your def). Most lines are 10-20 min except on the weekend.

Plan for all types of weather, days have gone into the 80's and nights have gone into the 40's. There should be swimming days, there were LY.

PS for the things that you would want most, like CRT and you should be able to PS that day for anything else. LTT will be busy on MVMCP nights.

Thank you for the info...but can you please decode?
CRT?
LTT?
MVMCP?

Thanks--I'm new at this and it takes me awhile to figure out the abbreviations!

 

[Mommaof3]

I'm new too so I know how you feel. I do have the abbreviation thing kinda down.
CRT- Cinderella's Royal Table
LLT-Liberty Tree Tavern
MVMCP-Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party

There is a list that I printed out. I think it was where "Frequently asked questions" were or somewhere around there!
HTH(HOPE THIS HELPS!)
Melissa

 

[micmacmissy]

Thank you--that DOES help! I will have to look up that list so I can decipher some of the other postings!

 

[CarolMN]

Originally posted by micmacmissy
Thank you--that DOES help! I will have to look up that list so I can decipher some of the other postings!

Here you go:

Abbreviations

Guidelines for Posting

Frequently Asked Questions (aka FAQ)

Best-wishes -

 

[mickeymousefan]

We went last year early December and it was chilly a few days and then low 70's other days. Pack clothes for any weather.
Also, there were quite a few people there. Not nearly as many as Easter week, but not exactly empty, especially if in MK on a Christmas parade filming day.

 

[ead79]

We have been to the World around that time for the past 4 years, and it's a wonderful time to visit! The crowds are generally quite manageable (a bit longer than 5 minute lines, but not bad at all usually). Also, be sure to read about using Disney's Fastpass, as it can save you from long lines at the most popular attractions. I would advise you to be prepared for crowds at the Grand Floridian itself. It has one of the most impressive holiday displays (a HUGE Christmas tree, a life-size gingerbread house, and a live orchestra in the evenings), so it draws a crowd, especially in the evenings. If you're not staying in the main building, then you won't have any noise in your guest room because of it at all though. Enjoy your trip!