I need some help, what to expect in December?

[applechips]

I was wondering what I could expect in December (2nd week) in terms of crowds and length of travel time on the buses specifically.

Dh and I have been agonizing over what to do. Specifically we could stay at a moderate hotel for $1179.00 (6 nights/7days) or stay at the Contemporary Resort for 800.00 more. We are agonizing over this decision. We want to be frugal of course, but want the ease and simplicity that the CR seems to offer in terms of being a 10 minute *walk* to Magic Kingdom and also having the monorail. I've asked a similar quesiton earlier in the week about the monorail resorts but also wonder how hard are the buses to get on and ride with 2 small children?

What are the travel times and wait times for the buses in December? We keep hearing that the week we are going, the crowds will be very small but does that mean that Disney wont' have as many buses or monorails then because of low crowds?

We have a 1 year old and a 4 year old and I just can't see us waiting in line for a bus to the MK from one of the other resorts that according to the Unoffical Guide book takes 30 minutes! Plus the parks are closing earlier the week we will be there so I dont' want to waste a lot of time traveling on the buses to and from the hotel since the MK is closing at 5pm or 6pm on two of the days we will be there. We anticipate going back to the room to rest and such so I have to factor in those travel times as well. If the bus trip does indeed take 30 minutes from some of the other resorts, my kids would freak on a bus that long. I'd much prefer to walk the 10 minutes to the MK (from the Contemporary Resort). We will be going to the MK park on 3 different days so that would really be great to do.

I realize that we will have to take a bus to AK and Epcot but we will only be going to those for 1 day each and not planning on doing so much at those two parks as we are at the MK.

I am so torn. I was up all night last night tossing and turning trying to figure out the best thing for us to do. I want to be frugal and smart with our $$ but I also want to have a relatively painfree time with my kids. I've never been to WDW so I am obsessing about this because I have no idea of what to expect.

can anyone help me? LOL

 

[missymagic]

I usually go the first or second week od December. The park crowds are usually low. I belive my max wait was 20 min on average and that is high.

As far as the buses, I never saw a problem during the day. If one fills up their seems to be another one within 10 minutes. The only time I have ever had to wait is from Down town Disney. Why not sure but I have waited 30 mn there..

As far as staying at CT as compared to mod. Did you even try getting reserv's for CT?? They are refurbishing it section by section right now. If you don't already have a reserv that might make your decision for you. With littlles one the moderates are nice also because they have play areas where they can actually run around and blow off steam. I have stayed at both w/ my girls and they both have their perks.

 

[littleprissboutique]

Have you tried renting points from a DVC member? We are for our Jan trip, so we can try out the DVC before we buy one. We are staying at the OKW resort for 6nights/7days at a cost of 600.00 for the whole stay. They also have a fridge in the room, so you dont have to rent one. It is a deluxe/home away from home resort. We are really excited about it too.... We rented points for 10 dollars a point. It took 60 points to rent Sunday thru Saturday. If you would like any info please PM me.

Hope you all have a blast!!!!

PS Weather can be really odd that time of year. We were there last year at Christmas, and we had a few days with below 45 degree day temps, and a couple of days that were warm..???

Dont forget about the Mickey's very merry Christmas Party!!!!!!

 

[applechips]

thanks! Yes we actually have reservations at the CR for a water view, not one of the standard rooms as my TA said that was all they had available. We are planning to go to the MVMCP, have our tickets for that.

I think what we decided today after much agonizing is that we are going to cut our trip 1 day short --that will save us some $$.

Thanks for your opinions!!

 

[J&ADisneyMom]

Have you considered renting a car. You could rent a mid size car for about $150 week, stay at the mod and still save money over staying at the deluxe. Then you could go back and forth at your leisure. Only downside is dragging along the car seats.

Shell

 

[Colinsmom]

Have you considered renting a car. You could rent a mid size car for about $150 week, stay at the mod and still save money over staying at the deluxe. Then you could go back and forth at your leisure. Only downside is dragging along the car seats.

Shell

Other downside is that MK is a pain to get to by car! You have to park at the TTC and take the monorail to the park - IMO the bus is more convenient unless you are at a resort with boat or monorail service to MK.