Help! Starting to second guess trip!

[NicholeB630]

So after a lot of research and talking on here we picked Dec 7-14 to go. Low crowds, decent weather, Christmas! It all seemed great well reading all these post of ridiculous crowds and waits ( I know it being around spring break) and touring sites being way off on crowd predictors I'm really questioning if we should go. My DH is less than thrilled were even going but he's being a sport about it. I've assured him crowds will be manageable and we will plan and have a good time, but Im really worried we won't. He will be miserable as will I if we get there and can't walk through a park bc of crowds. Our kids will be 5 and 2.5 so it's too hard with them and scary if it's too crowded. Plus we're spending a lot of $$ on this trip. Am I worrying to much? Will it be ok than still or should we go in say Jan. I picked Dec bc of Christmas stuff and rides being down in Jan but do we need to worry about those since our kids are small it seems they're the bigger rides we wouldn't do typically? Please help! This trip has to be worth it and I want it to be magical for all of us! Please help it's already booked but we can obviously change it. I know FL weather is crazy id rather not go when it's 40/50 degrees but we would take that over the crowds I think! Help!!!!

 

[Itinkso]

So after a lot of research and talking on here we picked Dec 7-14 to go. Low crowds, decent weather, Christmas! It all seemed great well reading all these post of ridiculous crowds and waits ( I know it being around spring break) and touring sites being way off on crowd predictors I'm really questioning if we should go. My DH is less than thrilled were even going but he's being a sport about it. I've assured him crowds will be manageable and we will plan and have a good time, but Im really worried we won't. He will be miserable as will I if we get there and can't walk through a park bc of crowds. Our kids will be 5 and 2.5 so it's too hard with them and scary if it's too crowded. Plus we're spending a lot of $$ on this trip. Am I worrying to much? Will it be ok than still or should we go in say Jan. I picked Dec bc of Christmas stuff and rides being down in Jan but do we need to worry about those since our kids are small it seems they're the bigger rides we wouldn't do typically? Please help! This trip has to be worth it and I want it to be magical for all of us! Please help it's already booked but we can obviously change it. I know FL weather is crazy id rather not go when it's 40/50 degrees but we would take that over the crowds I think! Help!!!!

You have done your research and chosen a great time that works for your family. I was there this past December 5th - 15th, and it was a very low crowd time of year. At times, my two adult DDs and I were the only ones inside shops in Epcot. One day we parkhopped to AK and had 10 minutes to get from the entrance gate to FOLK and there was still ample seating by the time we arrived.

No matter what time of year you choose, the expense will be the same or greater. By staying with your plans, you get to experience Christmas and all the regular fun of WDW! Enjoy!!

 

[rteetz]

I think you will be fine. Like the PP said you have done your research and found what works best for your family. Crowd predictions are predictions they are not always going to be 100% correct. My family can only go during peak times in the summer and we have always made the best of our vacations and crowds have never been a big problem. If you plan accordingly you'll be just fine.

 

[BuckeyeBama]

We have been the first week of December once. The temps were in the upper 70s every day. It was sunny every day. The evenings got cool, but not cold. The crowds were light - not Sept light, but still light. And the Christmas stuff made my teen-aged boys fall in love with WDW again after talking about not wanting to go any more.

 

[AquaDame]

We have been the first week of December once. The temps were in the upper 70s every day. It was sunny every day. The evenings got cool, but not cold. The crowds were light - not Sept light, but still light. And the Christmas stuff made my teen-aged boys fall in love with WDW again after talking about not wanting to go any more.

Conversely when we went Dec 2010 it broke cold records and we were freezing our fingers off after the sun went down. We brought our hats, gloves & winter parkas and were told by the CMs that all the local shops were out of black hats & gloves which they were all they could use with their costumes. It was colder than back home in Oregon! We usually went back to the hotel before close because we were just done... the crowds were light though. Since this is the first year of the ever in beta FP+ the data may deviate, but that has traditionally been a great week to go!

 

[NicholeB630]

Thanks y'all make me feel better! I just really worry. We went last March very first days and it was way more crowded than I expected and we didn't get to do much but we didn't have a real plan either,

 

[NicholeB630]

Really hope we don't get unlucky and have freezing weather that would seriously suck!!

 

[Travelgrrl]

That's a lovely time of year to go. I wouldn't worry at all!

A vacation is what you make of it, and your kids may enjoy a quiet moment eating ice cream in a shady corner of the park, interacting with any old cast member, or swimming in the hotel pool as much as they enjoy a top ride, show or character.

Tell yourself you're going to have a great time and you will! There will not generally be massive crowds at that time - go early, take a break, go back toa park refreshed and you will see and do a TON!

 

[nooneshome]

You are going to have a GREAT trip!!! Nothing beats Christmas decorations & activities at Disney. I hope you can get free dining or a big room discount.

 

[PlutoFan10]

This is our favorite time to go to WDW! Don't worry....and ENJOY!!

 

[Jedimike]

This is our favorite time of year to. We'll be there this year at the same time!!

 

[mrsmomo]

One of my favorite times of year to go! And as far as temps jan n feb r usually worse than dec and u miss the decorations! I get a double stroller 4 the kids...its easier on everyone

 

[NicholeB630]

Thanks everyone! I feel better! Def will be using a double stroller!!!

 

[connie1042]

We went the first week in Dec. 2013. I bought a few shirts and warm clothing trough out the year, thinking, well I can layer this, or put on a sweatshirt. We watched the weather forecast, and we truly lucked out. It was 80 most days. Did not even pack warm clothes. Did wear a sweatshirt at the Christmas party, because I made them special, but would of been fine without them. Crowds were great. Decorations, awesome. Great trip!

 

[MmmSuite]

I have friends who have gone at that time of year and loved it.

 

[Holeshot1982]

While I think it's a great time of the year to go don't expect it to be dead.... You will encounter some crowds at times. Especially is you go see top shows like the Osborne Christmas lights (Which I highly suggest) and of course Wishes..... I would be sure to rent a comfortable stroller for your kids and suggest taking a break at the hotel around lunch time. But still a great time of the year to go and it's worth it to see all of the Christmas stuff.

 

[Mrs Green]

LOVE the Christmas decorations, especially the Osborne lights. Maybe all the extra Christmas magic will help win your husband over too, it did with mine!

 

[Ilivetogo]

To address the "freezing" thing others have mentioned, just remember that any time it's winter, you have to prepare for every possibility while in Florida. Bring ALL types of clothing.

For example, we went that SAME week one year. When we arrived, the first day was 84 - perfect for pools, etc. Each day gradually got slightly cooler, till the last day of our week we were bundled up in double sweatshirts and everything we could find. It was in the high 40s and windy.

Prepare for everything. But that's a beautiful week to go!! We LOVED it.

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