How are the crowds in early December?

[scootert]

How are the crowds in early December? We're planning to go the first week of Dec to see the Christmas decorations. We've never been there that time of year and are hoping it won't be wall to wall people. We usually go in early May so any comparison would be helpful. Already have our standard studio booked, just hoping things aren't crazy!!

Thanks

 

[heynowirv]

We were there Dec.09' and it was nice and relaxful. Tried to get back this past Dec. and at the 6 month timeline everythig we wanted was booked . We're booked and back Dec. 3-7 OKW 1 bdr. .. All in all i understand the crowds are larger earlier ,with more parents taking their children out of school .

 

[DebbieB]

How are the crowds in early December? We're planning to go the first week of Dec to see the Christmas decorations. We've never been there that time of year and are hoping it won't be wall to wall people. We usually go in early May so any comparison would be helpful. Already have our standard studio booked, just hoping things aren't crazy!!

Thanks

I've gone in early May and early December and they are pretty much the same. Weekends are busier in December because locals come to see the Christmas decorations/activities.

The first week of December is popular with DVC members so the points rooms tend to book fast.

 

[dmbkmb]

Well, we went just last Dec and then about a few years back - same weekend, 1st weekend in Dec. A couple of years ago it was SUPER quiet. It was real nice. No lines, nothing. This past December, COMPLETELY different story. It was ok with us because I was/am pregnant, so I couldn't do rides anyways, but the lines were real long. Also, it was very crowded at Epcot, and Hollywood Studios which was like night and day from a few years ago. I've been going to Disney for the past 10 years at least once a year and lately 2-3 times. The times we usually go are Oct, Nov, and early Dec. These use to be very quiet times. No more. Now there are no real quiet times unfortunately. We've even talked to cast members about it and they said really there is no down time like there use to be. There are so many activities going on now and with all of the DVC members, they definitely add more bodies to the mix.
I will say however, that we still had a great time. Just don't be surprised if it is more crowded than you expected. And yes, you have to at least go once to see the decorations. I just LOVE it. Visit as many resorts as possible too. They have so many decorations worth going to see too! That is probably why we didn't mind the crowds as much as we were also touring the resorts too.
Good luck on your decision!

 

[ChiSoxKeith]

We were there 11/30 - 12/5 in 2010.

it was very quiet except for Saturday 12/4. Saturday was a MAD HOUSE. Jammed wall to wall in the Magic Kingdom. But all the other days were relatively quiet. Really enjoyed it.

 

[dcamdad]

We were there 11/28 - 12/5 and thought the weekday crowds were very light. We never had more than a 5-10 minute wait for anything and mostly walked on everything. Now Fri-Sun you definatly needed fast passes as the crowds were noticeably larger.

 

[scootert]

Sounds like we'll be fine as long as we pack our patience!! We're planning to arrive on Saturday afternoon so we should be fine -- we just won't plan to go to Magic Kingdom until Monday. Thanks to everyone for your help

 

[rpk1951]

we have been three years in a row. Crowds vary daily and by park. you are there when they film the xmas parade. those dys are crowded.

 

[DebbieB]

Sounds like we'll be fine as long as we pack our patience!! We're planning to arrive on Saturday afternoon so we should be fine -- we just won't plan to go to Magic Kingdom until Monday. Thanks to everyone for your help

FYI - MK is much less crowded on MVMCP days (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday in past years). The only downfall is it closes @ 7:00 and no Spectro or Wishes. But if you can park hop, it works.

 

[ORD2KOA]

My only caution is rooms are tight and it's crowded during the DVC Annual Meeting, which is around the 8th or 9th. This past year, major league baseball had their winter meetings here at the same time, so it was nuttier than usual.

 

[BlackRock]

It can be very busy all of December.

Blackrock

 

[Luv4Disney]

We were there in Dec. 2009 and it was pretty quiet although the weekend seemed to be pretty easy. Luckily we take advantage of RD and know how to navigate the parks. We were there during the Pop Warner thing and the parade taping, but we still didn't have problems or anything. We booked again for this year, the 2nd-11th. We booked right at our 11 month window to make sure we didn't get shut out.