Is the first week of December always so busy?

[Tigger1]

I have been trying to get the first week of December at the 7 month mark since the first week of December. I lucked into all but one day in the middle. I looked at dining reservations for Nov 30th, almost all that we would have chosen are gone. We really do not need any until Dec 3rd but Just looking at as far out as I could.

Is Dec always this busy? Is there something going on that week? Are cash reservations as busy? Are the parks packed this week?

This is a trip for my sons family. They have 3 children 5 and under, hoping for low crowds.

 

[miTnosnhoJ]

The first week of December is very popular with DVC members, but is an off-week for the parks. The Christmas decorations are up. Most years, the weather is great. The point chart is in your favor. Your points will go farther this time of year. All this makes early December a very popular week.

 

[Tigger1]

So are the parks not as crowded?

 

[DVC Doctor]

Parks are not as crowded, but it is generally one of the best uses of DVC points from owners. But remember that school is in session, so families may be taking kids out of school

 

[Dean]

I have been trying to get the first week of December at the 7 month mark since the first week of December. I lucked into all but one day in the middle. I looked at dining reservations for Nov 30th, almost all that we would have chosen are gone. We really do not need any until Dec 3rd but Just looking at as far out as I could.

Is Dec always this busy? Is there something going on that week? Are cash reservations as busy? Are the parks packed this week?

This is a trip for my sons family. They have 3 children 5 and under, hoping for low crowds.

It is popular but if you start day 1 and are educated/realistic, it is workable. Smart use of the wait list is a must though for 7 months out. If you wait list the entire dates you may not get it even at OKW/SSR. If you wait list smaller chunks initially, you're chances are much better. I put together a standard view studio last December for 7 nights this way at 7 months out.

 

[DebbieB]

I've been a member since 1999 and bought BWV specifically so that I could get the first week of December there at 11 months. It's always been a busy DVC time but park crowds are not bad. Reasons - low points, members want to see Christmas decorations and shows, lower park crowds.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I don't know that I can easily state that the parks aren't so crowded anymore but it all depends on your reference. No, not as crowded as a holiday but they are not anywhere as quiet as they used to be at this time either. It's definitely doable and it isn't like there are many times that are "slow" anymore.

 

[miTnosnhoJ]

I don't know that I can easily state that the parks aren't so crowded anymore but it all depends on your reference. No, not as crowded as a holiday but they are not anywhere as quiet as they used to be at this time either. It's definitely doable and it isn't like there are many times that are "slow" anymore.

And lower crowds does not necessarily mean shorter lines. For example, on the Animal Kingdom Safari ride, there might be fewer trucks running.

 

[Tigger1]

The one day I need is not available in any resort for a 1 bedroom. I tried to get Cooper Creek for a week at 7 months, it was available and I got to the point of 20 minutes to make my reservation, At that point system goes down and instantly someone else got the room for just one night. Weird thing was every day after the room was taken for one day at a time right at 7 am central time. Maybe the other person did not know that they could reserve more than 1 day at a time.

At this point I am at a split stay for 2 different resorts unless my 1 day in the middle comes threw. Helps that I am planning another trip in same use year.

I agree with miTnosnhoJ that low attendance does not mean smaller lines, maybe less available lines.
Hoping for low attendance as 3 year old does not do well in crowds.