Early December visit experience?

[caseydvc]

We're thinking of a post-Thanksgiving, pre-Christmas visit to DL this year, but I've heard conflicting reports about crowds, rides open/closed, hotel prices. With two young kids, we prefer a little less crowded time, but it's no good for everyone if there's nothing to do while we're there. Any tips or thoughts? Thanks!

 

[Minniemouse07]

We've traveled in early December many times and it is our FAVORITE time of year to visit WDW!

Haven't had any issues w/ crowds at all and we've usually been there during the infamous Pop Warner time frame.

We love the mild weather, lower crowd levels (not empty...but not bad), and all the holiday decorations!

 

[goldies 5]

We always go this time of year. There is plenty to do and you will experience the Holiday Season at DLR in full swing. Avoid the first weekend in December if you are not interested in the Candleight Processional, because that will be a busy weekend. All Fridays and weekends are pretty busy. I personally prefer Sunday over Friday this time of year. You can get a lot of tips on this board. If you haven't looked at the Christmas thread, I would reccomend checking it out.
I would shop around for deals. If you can stay onsite do it. There are many advantages to this. Check out Mousesavers.com for advice on current specials for hotels.

 

[Craigdarroch]

You will LOVE it!
Definitely lower crowds and the parks are spectacular.

We go quite often during the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas (usually one of the first 2 weeks of December) and have never regretted it

 

[spacemermaid]

You'll have a fabulous time! IMO, early December is the best time to visit the Park to experience all the holiday decorations/overlays/treats. I go during the first week of December every year, and wouldn't miss it for the world! Like previous posters have said, if you're not interested in seeing the Candlelight Processional (it's not really my thing, so after being there during that weekend, I can say that unless you really want to see it, being in the Park when it's that crowded isn't worth it.), go during the week if you can. The crowds will be low, but you'll still be able to see all the holiday stuff. Bear in mind though that the CM holiday parties are held during the week after the Candlelight Processional weekend, so the Park will close earlier on those nights.

 

[ter-moo]

I'm with everyone else here. This is the BEST time to visit! Usually most attractions are open, all the decorations are up and the shorter hours during the week are actually refreshing when you have little ones.

My recommendation would be to get there early every day. Your experience will be SOOO nice with the parks practically empty. You can take a break around noon when people start to pour in (although still relatively LIGHT compared to other times of the year) and come back in the evening.

I have noticed that a lot of locals tend to show up after school/work for the last 3-4 hours of the park being open, so that's the time to do shows/dinner/less popular rides.