First or second week in Dec more crowded?

[erinz]

HI, I need help. I'm planning our trip for Dec 2005. We've gone the first week in Dec the last two times and the crowds seemed pretty low. But now I'm reading threads that are saying that the first week of Dec gets pretty crowded.

Would the second week be better? If it was the second week, the dates would be Dec 11th thru the 17th 2005.

Please give me your opinions!

Thanks!

 

[goofy4tink]

Well, I know that MouseFest is the first week in Dec and then PopWarner starts. At least I think I'm remembering correctly. I was there from 12/12-17 last year and the crowds were bearable. I think the first week is much better as far as weather and crowds go. Especially that week right after Thanksgiving.

 

[4greatboys]

I would think the first week would be less crowded but we were there during Mousefest last year and the crowds werent bad at all.

 

[jwfla422]

We were there the first week of December in 2001 and 2002. Both years had light crowds. 2001 was warm and comfortable while 2002 was somewhat rainy and cold for the first part of our trip.

This year we are planning to be there the end of the 2nd week as I found the resorts to be pretty booked the first week. This may be due to conventions, not necessarily vacationers.

It will be tough to tell. Many guests had to rebook their trips from the last month due to the hurricanes so you might see it more crowded than usual for this time of year. Also not sure if the return of the Osbourne lights will draw more visitors. We didn't go last year in December because they weren't there plus we had a November trip planned last year.

Either week will still be less crowded than later in the month of December! And it's such a wonderful time to go!

 

[pumpkinboy]

The 2005 edition of the Unofficial Guide to WDW is out, and a great new feature in the new edition is a day-by-day estimation of crowding at WDW throughout the upcoming year (9/04 - 12/05, so 16 months). In this section it rates the crowds on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being Xmas and Easter and I recall maybe July 4th. Both early December weeks got "1" rated, while weekdays in October and early November got "2" and some fall weekends got "3" or even "4".

I don't think it will matter as early December is the lest crowded time of year in the parks. Now for DVC reservations, it's a completely different story, with most DVC resorts nearly fully reserved. The regular Disney hotels on the other hand are as close to empty as they ever get.

Pick whatever weeks is most convenient for your schedule and Enjoy!

 

[FFerret]

Originally posted by erinz
HI, I need help. I'm planning our trip for Dec 2005. We've gone the first week in Dec the last two times and the crowds seemed pretty low. But now I'm reading threads that are saying that the first week of Dec gets pretty crowded.

Would the second week be better? If it was the second week, the dates would be Dec 11th thru the 17th 2005.

Please give me your opinions!

Thanks!

Ooooo---I haven't seen those threads about the first week being rough We plan on going that week in 2005.

I'm going to try and not get too paranoid, though. Should still be light--glad pumpkinboy posted that it's still a 1 I'm curious what the turnout was when we went the first week in October last year. Everyone there said it was light-to-medium, but I still felt a little crowded

 

[CarolMN]

Having been during both weeks, I can say that there is no significant difference.

Don't base your estimate of "crowds" on the WDW on site resort bookings. It is the level of bookings off site and the "local visitors" that really determine when it will be crowded in the parks. I have not seen any problems booking a room off site in early December. Except for the MK on Friday night MVMCP events and on Saturdays in early December, you will not run into any crowds to speak of.

Feel good about your trip and choose the week that best fits your schedule. You will not notice a difference!

Best wishes -

 

[erinz]

Thanks everyone! I'll stay with the first week.


PUMPKINBOY:

Are the DVC resorts getting full already for Dec 2005? I thought I wouldn't be able to make reservations (rent points) until 11 months before arrival date.

 

[CarolMN]

Originally posted by erinz
Thanks everyone! I'll stay with the first week.


PUMPKINBOY:

Are the DVC resorts getting full already for Dec 2005? I thought I wouldn't be able to make reservations (rent points) until 11 months before arrival date.

I'm sure pumkinboy was referring/thinking of this December (2004).

You are almost correct about reservations - DVC members cannot reserve DVC accomodations until 11 months prior to the checkout date.

Bes wishes -

 

[The4OfUs]

Originally posted by CarolMN
You are almost correct about reservations - DVC members cannot reserve DVC accomodations until 11 months prior to the checkout date.

At their home resort - 7 months from checkout date at any other resort - something to keep in mind when you rent from folks.

 

[erinz]

Whew!

 

[Geno1129]

Is the week of January 23rd crowded at the DVC resorts?

 

[Happy2BGrumpy]

Not crowded, but chilly in the AM and PM. Last year it was in the
30's two mornings and never got out of the 50's during the day.
The sun felt good though, especially with 16 inches of snow on the
ground at home. We arrive 1/23 at BCV for a 5 night stand. Then
home on Saturday to see the Jets play in the Super Bowl the next day!! WOOHOOO!!!

 

[laurachr]

my family will be at wdw Dec.18-23. Pumpkinboy, if you don't mind, what crowd rating does the 2005 Unofficial Guide give these days?