How are crowds week right before Christmas?

[anneofgreengables]

We are scheduled to go to Disneyworld the third week of December, Dec. 16 to 23, the week right before Christmas. I know it won't be as good as going the first two weeks of December, but our kids are in school yet. At least it won't be crazy like the week between Christmas and New Year. Input please.

 

[MickeyNicki]

We go the 2nd week of Dec and the crowds are minimal....my friends always go the third week (they have a set vacation) and they say the parks are super crowded

 

[Greg K.]

...back a few years ago was that the first coupleweeks of December were great! We arrived on the 12th, left on the 21st. Crowds were minimal, weather was pleasant, decorations were gorgeous! Some rides were a walk-on!!

But when we checked out on the 21st, there were alot of people checking in with wrapping paper and wreaths and huge shopping bags of gifts, and I got the distinct impression things were about to get very busy.

Go and enjoy!

 

[anneofgreengables]

Oh no. We are arriving the 16th. Checking out the 23rd. Looks like it will be good the first few days, then we will fight crowds toward the end of our vacation.

 

[Paul in TX]

that is our favorite time to go--we'll also be there next Xmas---the week will get a little busier each day but with the combination of Extra Magic Hours and Fastpass its quite manageable--it actually seems to lull off a little right at the end of the week--I guess some are trying to be home for Xmas and others have yet to come

 

[Golliwobbler]

Those dates are EXACTLY what we just did over Christmas just passed. Crowds were manageable on weekend and border days...about on par with what we faced in August. Epcot rides were swamped all days we went over, especially Soarin'

Best park we went to was MGM over that period. Granted, we really didn't give AK too much attention, but when we went to MGM, crowds were thin, and we got to do pretty much everything we wanted and more.

For us, the 16th to 233rd were Fri-Fri...we went to AK Sat morning and MK Sat afternoon/evening with EMH. Sunday we went to character breakfast and pool before heading over to the MVMCP at 4pm for early entry.

Mon was Epcot and MGM, and with MGM such a success, we shifted gears ad went back for an all day MGM Tues. Weds was off (Downtown), Thurs was MK morning and Epcot with Candlelight Processional evening (Jim Caviezel was AMAZING...the highlight of the whole trip). Then Fri was MK until we left for the plane.

So you see we hit MK on the weekend days and Thurs/Fri leading up to the weekend. MGM was mid-week, which may have a lot to do with it. But the good news is that mid-week you may find ligher than average and can really get a lot of fun in!

 

[anneofgreengables]

Thanks, folks. The info on specific dates is really helpful. Looks like it will be a combination of busy and not-so.

 

[MICKEEP]

We were there 12/17 thru 12/26 last year and was completely surprised at how empty the parks were. We were expecting much more crowded conditions. Of course there were a few atractions like Soarin that had long waits (FASTPASS, FASTPASS, FASTPASS) but for the most part right up to 12/24 most rides were walk ons or at the most 20 minute waits. Use Touring Plans best park days suggestions and you will miss most of the crowds.

On Christmas day the MK was packed (especially during the power outage). So we left there and spent the afternoon at our resort. In the evening after dinner we went to DS and we thought the place was empty. Walked on to most rides and went to the Fantasmic show where the stadium was less than 1/3 filled.

All in all, this week was way less crowded than we had anticipated. Its a great time to go.

BTW if you are going to be there that week do not waste your money on the MVMCP like we did. All the shows and parades from the MVMCP can be seen during normal park hours.