How crowded the week before Christmas?

[Hmk012]

We've booked our trip for Dec. 15-21st. We're getting a little worried because we here everything is so crowded around Christmas time. Should we be concerned since it is the week before Christmas? If anyone has visited during that time please please please fill me in! Thanks a bunch!

 

[landryfam]

I'd like to know this too! Going the 15-22

and may the countdown begin!!!!

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

Add me on, we are going December 19-22 and was wondering what chance we have of riding our few favorites.

 

[lovesdumbo]

I would plan on crowds. I was there last year 12/13 to 12/17. It got more and more crowded everyday.

I was at WDW 8/20 to 8/30 this year. The 3rd year in a row going at that time and this was much more crowded. I think crowds are up at WDW.

 

[Debbi55]

we were there last year dec. 12- 19, no lines until the night of the 18th. then standing room only. we loved it so much we're going again dec. 14-19.

 

[Laz]

When we went the week before Xmas, we found the crowds much lighter than during the summer. We went 12/19-12/23

 

[anne0866]

We are going Dec 17-25...
Touring Plans Crowd Calendar calls for 5 ands- 4 -until the 23rd of December.
So we figured things would be relativelly quiet until the 23rd and 24th.
We figured we would do the parks up until the 24th and then Xmas Eve and Xmas Day we would resort hop and check out all the decorations., go to the Boardwalk and DTD.

Only other thing we thought of doing was on Xmas Eve going to Epcot
World Showcase and drinking our way around the world if the rides and attractions are crowded.

So back to original my question is the Touring Plans Crowd Calendar reliable??

 

[I'mNoPrince]

We went from the 18th -23rd last year and thought it was great but did pick-up as the week went on.

We are use to going around the holidays (Holloween,July4th) and early June so Crowds are no big deal to us.We just plan around them andget into the parks early.

As for the touring plan calender I think it's close but no real way to tell. I think Disney truely has no more slow time so what do the numbers really mean now.

 

[danielrsmama]

We're booked for Dec 16th - 21st. I've already made all of our ADR's, so we are covered there. We are staying at All Star Movie Resort in the Buzz Building. I'm sure hoping that the crowds aren't to heavy in the parks. We were just there the first week of June, and it was okay (hot as HADES, but fun). It was raining the day that we went to MK, so no wait at all at any ride and alot cooler. We haven't decided whether it is worth paying extra for the Mickey Christmas Party or not (that's why the early supper at Tony's Town Square)? Anybody else been? Here's my schedule: (Can't wait!!!)

Dec 16th: Check-In
MGM
ADR: Chef Mickey 8pm
Dec 17th:
MK
ADR: Crystal Palace 11:30am
Dec 18th:
Epcot
ADR: Coral Reef 6:20pm
Dec 19th:
AK
Rainforest Cafe 4:30
Dec 20th:
MK santa: Maybe?)
ADR: Tony's Town Square 4:50pm
Dec 21st: Check-Out
MK
ADR: Liberty Tree Tavern 12:30pm

 

[lindakmonty]

We're going 16-26th and I've read quite a bit about it before booking and it looks like most say it picks up around the 22nd. Guess we'll see. I hope it's not too bad, but if so, we can always spend more time at the Poly

 

[jamimb]

We went from the 16th to the 22nd last yr and were down right shocked at the crowd level. We have been during the summer and during Thanksgiving week and we thought it was just as crowded. Plan ahead. We usually use EMH in the morning and find that during busy times it is a great opportunity to get some stuff done but morning EMH's on this particular trip were a nightmare. Now with that said the evening EMH's were great and I would take advantage of those!!!

 

[Happyflower]

I am planning on touring the parks in the first part of my vacation, then relaxing at the resort on the last couple of days. So hopefully when it starts to get busy, I will have the pool to myself! lol Don't know if it is a good plan, but it is what I am going to try!


But our last day, we are doing the MVMCP, surprising the kids, staying at MK until it closes! yeah!

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

I am planning on touring the parks in the first part of my vacation, then relaxing at the resort on the last couple of days. So hopefully when it starts to get busy, I will have the pool to myself! lol Don't know if it is a good plan, but it is what I am going to try!


But our last day, we are doing the MVMCP, surprising the kids, staying at MK until it closes! yeah!

Well, if the weather is anything like it was when we were at WDW in December 2006, it was tooooooo cold to swim. Just go prepared for any weather.

Suzanne

 

[jamimb]

We were there from the 16th to the 22nd in december 06 and we swam almost every day no problem. Several times even late at night and we not cold.

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

We were there from the 16th to the 22nd in december 06 and we swam almost every day no problem. Several times even late at night and we not cold.

We were there December 3-10, 2006 and I don't think it got above 40 degees but one day. I did hear that the next wouple of weeks after that were really warm though.

Suzanne

 

[All4Nuthin]

The beginning of December is pretty dead and as it gets closer to Christmas the crowds grow. In 2005 we were in MK on the 20th and it was CROWDED! People were balancing their food on the tops of trash cans while standing to eat... It was just crazy! And it was difficult to move anywhere at all, never mind the length of the lines...

We ended up heading over to Epcot after my son got on the 1 or 2 rides that he really wanted to do before we left...

This time we are leaving on the 19th, which may be early enough considering where Christmas falls in the week. In any event, MK will have to be hit earlier in our visit because I think that one is the most crowded at that time of year.

 

[buzzgirls&dad]

This will be our third trip in Dec. during the 2nd and 3rd week of Dec. On the weekend of the 15th crowds will pick up compared to the previous week. It will be crowded butnot too bad- still need to use FPs. By the 19th it will be crowded and wait times for soarin will be 90 min+ and FPs will runout. The crowds will then just continue to increase. I believe the 18th is the last day to check in under the value rate and this will be the last time ever to do this for a holiday. All I can say is plan ahead.