Is early decmber a good time?

[Jstreet10]

I'm planning a trip to WWD the 4th through the 9th of december and was wondering if anyone knew if this was a good time to go...I've been twice over thanksgiving and it was pretty packed (an hour line for buzz lightyear), so I'm hoping it won't be as bad. Oh and I'm planning on staying at the CR...any feedback on how it is? Thanks!

 

[mickyzzzzz05]

We've gone the first week of December a couple of times in the last 4 years and the crowd levels were good. We are going the Sunday after Thanksgiving this year - works better for our schedule.

I have never stayed at that resort so I can't help you there! Have a great time.

 

[Tinkalink]

We are considering that week as well (Dec 2-8). Many Disney planning books and posts have remarked that this is a good time to go. It may be a little cool and its after Hurricane season. This is what I have learned so far:
Early December is Value Season and right after Thanksgiving so it is normally not as crowded as many other times of the year. The Unofficial Guide (which I recommend) has attendance at the MK at 25K/day in early Dec. as opposed to 60K/day at Thanksgiving. Ask specifically about any promotions or discounts they might have at this time.
It is an excellent time to catch all the Christmas Events and not have to deal with the Christmas crowds:
Mickey's Very Magical Christmas Parade @MK,
Osbourne Family of Lights @MGM,
Holidays Around the World, Lights of Winter and Candlelight Processional @Epcot,
Festival of the Seasons@DTD,
Mickey's Jammin Jungle Parade @ AK
Plus several resorts get decked out in holiday style.
There are the Pop Warner Football and Cheerleading Championships @ Disney Sports Complex and the participants/parents/families/chaperones will be staying at the All Star, Pop Century and CBR. (IMHO, I don't believe they will make a big impact during the day due to the games, competitions and ceremonial events, nights might be different - only an opinion.)
DVC and its members will have their annual meeting - I have no idea if that draws any. I'm sure ther are other events (Mousefest,etc.) that will be at WDW but this is all I've come across so far.
LOL and keep on reading the DIS boards.

 

[BlondeAlligator]

We went 12/3 - 12/9 last year & had a really great time. Pop Warner was going on, but I never would have known if I hadn't read it here ahead of time. Crowds were low, weather was nice (too cold to swim, though). Nights can be chilly even. MVMCP was fun (not as cool as MNSSHP though); be sure to get tix as soon as they go on sale (& try dinner at Liberty Tree Tavern). Downside: park hours are cut short so you'll need to plan on evenings at Downtown Disney, nice late dinners, even movies at the AMC. All in all, it's a great time of year to go, especially with all of the holiday decorations.

 

[Cee]

 

[FloridaTeacher]

YES!!! It's a great time to go. You get to experience Christmas in the parks and the crowds are manageable.

 

[BlondeAlligator]

Just curious why you say "No!"...

 

[aclarke]

We went the first week of December back in 2004. The crowds were good and it was great seeing all the Christmas decorations...very festive! Also, the first few days were very pleasant and cool and then it got warm, I think up to about 85 degrees. Florida weather can be unpredictable sometimes. But it is a nice time of year to go.

 

[irisbud]

We went at this time last year (Dec 3-7), and had a rseally great trip: really light crowds, short lines, got to do everything we wanted to get done without doing any "commando".

Bf and I will be going back in 2008, just one week later, as it works out with our work schedules better that way. Trust me, I would have never been able to get him to agree to go back if there had been and sort of real crowds at all. He hates waiting, hates heat, and hates crowd. Disney in early December=Ok for him.
HTH

 

[melissac]

We went Dec. 5-12 last year and it was great. The crowds were good and the weather was good. A little cool at night but compared to the 10 degrees it was here, 50-60 at night was heaven. We were there during Pop Warner football and Pop Warner Cheerleading Campionships and we seldom saw them. They were polite and respectful when we did. We are going next week and I bet we will see a lot more crowds then.

 

[kathie859]

I love going anytime after the Thanksgiving holiday and before the Christmas rush. The holiday decorations will be up when you are there and in spite of having early park closing times, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy each resorts themed decorations. I think it's one of the most relaxed times to visit WDW. The only thing negative (and it may not even be a consideration for you) is the weather. It can be chilly, especially in the evening, so take clothing that can be layered.

 

[FamilyGuy]

We visited Dec 4-16, 2004. The parks were relatively empty. However on the weekend, the studios reached capacity for some reason...

Some of my fondest memories of MK are from that trip. Late night, park was open 'til Midnight - but it was freezing (45 degrees!). Luckily we had packed Mickey hats and gloves for everyone. It was truly a magical night, the parade was awesome, all the headliners had no waits, everyone loved the kids hats and gloves with Mickey (even several characters in the parade were interacting with the kids). It was a night I'll remember for a long, long time.

 

[Cee]

....if everybody finds out what a great time of year it is to go, it won't be a
"low crowd" time anymore. Let's keep it on the "hush-hush".

 

[hthrbells]

Oh what a great time to go, we were there the 5-12 last year and the weather was perfect. We had one cold night but other than that great!!!
We are in the process of booking our next trip for the 4th-11th of Dec. I am telling you we have decided we will never go any other time....maybe a trip some day in Oct. You have to get tickets to Mickey's very merry Christmas party. We ended up getting them for 3 nights out of our trip!!! Our DS who was 2 1/2 at the time had a blast and let me tell you Santa!!!!!! he was what I have always pictured!! Our 8 month old DS also enjoyed people watching and all the lights. I hope you have a wonderful vac. I will try to be better about sporting the lime geen mickey heads so maybe you will see us!!!

 

[Jstreet10]

Thanks so much everyone for your comments. I was at disneyland last year at the same time, so I was hoping WDW would be the same and it sounds like it will be great. Its a little less than 8 months away and I can't wait! I don't think it can get any better...Christmas time and WDW! Thanks again!