For those going first week of Dec.

[kellya22]

I'm a little worried for those of us going this week. This is my first trip to WDW and I purposefully picked what was supposed to be a lighter crowd week. Well, I just booked my quicksilver towncar online and they called me at home. They told me they are completely booked for December 3rd and that they have no idea what is going on. He said he has never seen anything like it. Any veterans here know what is causing this? Thanks!!

 

[tjmouse]

I would say the reason is that Dec. 2 and 3rd are the taping of the Christmas Parade. I am sure every limo this side of Orlando is booked for transporting starts. Can you see Kelly Ripa riding bus? I am sure they will transport them in limos. That and also that is Pop Warner Week so there are a lot of on site guests. However, I still don't think the parks will be crowded like summer. The kids are still in school so it will be busier on the weekends than during the week.

I know, I keep thinking the whole world is going to WDW that week!!!

 

[Lucky4me]

It's become a very popular time to go. The crowd level difference between 1999 and 2004 was huge. It's increased a bit each year. I think the secret has gotten out.
Your best bet is to plan wisely. It still won't be as busy as summer or major holidays, but you'll have to utilize fastpass, EMHs, adrs, etc.
I'm going Dec. 2-7 and plan on having a great time, crowds or not.

 

[Melora]

We switched our travel plans from Dec 4-10 to the 10 -17 because the resorts were booked solid the first week (Ive heard it has to do with Mousefest) and even though the cast members I spoke with on the phone said there wouldnt be a difference in the park crowd levels, I cant help but wonder what all those people in the resorts are going to do that week... I would think they might visit the parks once or twice.

 

[cobbler]

It's become a very popular time to go. The crowd level difference between 1999 and 2004 was huge. It's increased a bit each year. I think the secret has gotten out.

EXACTLY!! We have noticed a crowd increase every year as well. I figured last year was a bit of a fluke because of all the hurrican reschedules. But then those that did realized that this time of year is better than that Sept/Oct time frame

 

[HayGan]

We will be there the 3rd thru 10th and while I am a little concerned about crowd levels it won't really matter because we will be in DISNEY WORLD

 

[huskies90]

You can't swing a dead cat without hitting some event at WDW!!! There is always something going on. The parade, Pop Warner, Mousefest, Food and Wine, Super Soap, MVMCP etc., etc. It is always something. I went online and tried a bunch of scenarios noticed that 12/2 is booked everywhere but the rest of the week is open. I'm sure there will be "crowds" there are always crowds, but I wouldn't worry about it being like Xmas day.

 

[Rella Bella]

As my best friend who was a CM says... 'Yes, Disney has done a good job of marketing it's off season to conventions'! It's still less crowded than the busy times!!

 

[Brikate]

We will be there the 3rd thru 10th and while I am a little concerned about crowd levels it won't really matter because we will be in DISNEY WORLD

 

[Ted C]

I know on 11/30 of last year at MVMCP we were the ONLY ones in the Haunted House and a bit later the only ones on Splash Mountain. I can't believe I'm saying this but it kinda bothered me there was hardly anybody in that part of MK, very strange feeling...

Ted.

 

[scraphappy92]

I am a little concerned too. We will be there from Dec 3-10 and I wasn't even going to make reservations for ADR for every night, but now I am thinking I should have. We picked this week because of the low crowds in the past and the parks will be in full Christmas mode, which I have never seen! Plus we are celebrating DS's 5th birthday. I guess we should have gone for Dec 10-17!

I know we will have a good time (just concerned about one member of our traveling party complaining a lot if it is crowded!)

 

[paladin]

It has become a very popular time of the year what with the holiday goings on and the fact that every guide book and every website says that this is the best time to go. Obviously, lots of people are paying attention! We'll be there too.

 

[HayGan]

I am a little concerned too. We will be there from Dec 3-10 and I wasn't even going to make reservations for ADR for every night, but now I am thinking I should have. We picked this week because of the low crowds in the past and the parks will be in full Christmas mode, which I have never seen! Plus we are celebrating DS's 5th birthday. I guess we should have gone for Dec 10-17!

I know we will have a good time (just concerned about one member of our traveling party complaining a lot if it is crowded!)

I called on the 90th day out for ADRs and had trouble getting a few. Now I'm even looking to change a few and having absolutely no luck with availabilty (especially for dinner!)

I hear you about the complaining! I planned for this week because DH hates crowds. I sure hope I don't have to listen to the grumbly bear all week

 

[momof2cutegirls]

Look at it this way...It is still going to be less crowded than in the summer, there will be wonderful holiday decorations everywhere, and we'll all be with our families! Some people analyze things way too much.

Stop complaining and enjoy yourself!

 

[KittieKat]

we will be there dec. 9th to the 14th i think. so i hope the crowds die down, and if not, um hello? fastpass.

 

[kyirish25]

We are going Nov 26th - Dec 4th and have been going this week for several years. Each year has gotten busier but still nothing compared to when we went in May this year. I had forgotten how nice it was to during end Nov/first Dec. Beautiful weather, Christmas decorations, low crowds, etc.

If you have ever been during a peak time of year you will really notice how uncrowded it is, but if this is your first time or even switching from mid-Jan over you will think it is on the busy side. You know the half full/half empty theory.

 

[Jannino]

Isn't the first week of December usually when the Pop Warner football folks are at WDW??? I believe they can add alot to the attendance during this week.

 

[Chip126]

Does anyone know what celebrities will be in the parade?

Hopefully, some of them will join us for breakfast at Crystal Palace on December 3!!!!

 

[BethC1952]

Don't forget that it's not just the celebrities who come for the parade taping, but all of their people (make-up, hair, etc.) and all of the technical people involved with the parade.

With that said, we'll be there Dec. 1 and 2, but not sure if we're going to a park or not. It will all depend on the weather! If the weather's good, no parks. If the weather's bad (rain, cold, etc.) then we'll go to Epcot. We're just going to relax and get away from all the pre-holiday commotion at home!