Magic Kingdom in December

[Mike D.]

Hello everyone. I am just starting to thing about a schedule for our trip next the December (very early, I know. I just can't help it). I am using this December's MVMCP's schedule and crowd calendars for reference. I am really starting to get concerned about Magic Kingdom this trip.

This is the first time we'll be there in December. We have only ever gone the week before Labor Day. We usually travel Saturday to Sunday and spend our first and last full days at MK. Next year we are going Saturday to Saturday. With MVMCPs on both Sundays and Fridays, both our first AND last days are going to be party days. Looking at the schedule, there are only 2 non-party days our entire week.

I imagine EVERYONE does MK those days, so my fear is that MK isn't going to be anywhere near as enjoyable as we are use to. Are my fears justified? We are going Dec. 9 - 16, so I know it will be busier than late August, but exactly HOW much busier? Is MK a sardine can on non-party days that early in December?

 

[siskaren]

I wouldn't say a sardine can, but you're right that non-party days are going to be busier than party days since they'll have longer hours and nighttime entertainment.

 

[Accident]

I find december starts off fairly low crowd but keeps growing everyday until it's the largest crowds all year near xmas and stays that way until after new years. Your week will probably be about the same but the parties do get people into mk on the same days..

I actually enjoy the crowds and day doing mk on a day that has a party. It's a rather full and enjoyable day in MK from rope drop to party start when you have to leave (7pm). you don't get the night entertainment but most don't do just 1 mk day. Weather is better so it's easier to not need or want a rest in the afternoon with a nice pace. and your evening is free to do somethign like a dinner at a resort or maybe springs.

 

[Mike D.]

I find december starts off fairly low crowd but keeps growing everyday until it's the largest crowds all year near xmas and stays that way until after new years. Your week will probably be about the same but the parties do get people into mk on the same days..

I actually enjoy the crowds and day doing mk on a day that has a party. It's a rather full and enjoyable day in MK from rope drop to party start when you have to leave (7pm). you don't get the night entertainment but most don't do just 1 mk day. Weather is better so it's easier to not need or want a rest in the afternoon with a nice pace. and your evening is free to do somethign like a dinner at a resort or maybe springs.

This makes me feel a little better. We will probably end up doing MK on a party day, then come back on Wednesday night for the nighttime stuff. I just hate that I can't end the week at MK. Ending with Celebrate, Wishes, and finally the kiss goodnight is just a magical way to end the week. With my Sister-in-law and nephew coming this year (for probably the only time they will be able to afford WDW), I want to make it as magical as I can for them. I know it will still be great, but it will be different. At the end of the day though, we'll still be at WDW, and there is no where else I'd rather be.

 

[Accident]

This makes me feel a little better. We will probably end up doing MK on a party day, then come back on Wednesday night for the nighttime stuff. I just hate that I can't end the week at MK. Ending with Celebrate, Wishes, and finally the kiss goodnight is just a magical way to end the week. With my Sister-in-law and nephew coming this year (for probably the only time they will be able to afford WDW), I want to make it as magical as I can for them. I know it will still be great, but it will be different. At the end of the day though, we'll still be at WDW, and there is no where else I'd rather be.

The party schedule won't come out until summertime next year so don't assume that you can't yet.

 

[DebbieB]

The party schedule won't come out until summertime next year so don't assume that you can't yet.

I've gone beginning of December many times and it has always been Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday. I always plan my MK days for party days, less crowded. Then hop somewhere else for the evening. Non-party days are a madhouse.

 

[Mike D.]

This is what I am afraid of. I think we are going to have to plan on just doing the Castle shows one night and no nighttime rides. Spend the day on a party day doing the rides, and come back on Wednesday to do main street and camp out in a good spot for the shows.

 

[boBQuincy]

In my experience from the past three years party days at MK start off without big crowds and stay pretty nice until just after 4:00. There are long lines of guests waiting to go in right at 4:00 and the park gets increasingly busy until it is crowded by 7:00. My suggestion is enjoy the party days but plan to leave just after the castle lighting (and that has become much more crowded now that Elsa lights it).

 

[SaintsManiac]

We were there 12/7-12/14. We went to MK on Tuesday for a PPO and left at 6pm. Main St was getting crowded. It was party day. We then hopped to the MK on Wednesday night. Walked right up to the curb for MSEP. Caught it twice. Low waits for rides. It was great. Hopped there Saturday night after dinner. FL was pretty crowded. We still managed to get a lot of riding in, catch Wishes etc.

I think a lot of people freak out about crowd levels when they don't have to. Book your FP, get there early, whatever. You will have a great time in December!

 

[Mike D.]

We were there 12/7-12/14. We went to MK on Tuesday for a PPO and left at 6pm. Main St was getting crowded. It was party day. We then hopped to the MK on Wednesday night. Walked right up to the curb for MSEP. Caught it twice. Low waits for rides. It was great. Hopped there Saturday night after dinner. FL was pretty crowded. We still managed to get a lot of riding in, catch Wishes etc.

I think a lot of people freak out about crowd levels when they don't have to. Book your FP, get there early, whatever. You will have a great time in December!

Thanks for the great information. Personally, crowds don't bother me too much. I am more bummed that we won't be able to end our week with wishes. There's always next time though. I am still counting the days until we get there. I would be happy no matter what happens. Just being at WDW is enough.

 

[SaintsManiac]

Thanks for the great information. Personally, crowds don't bother me too much. I am more bummed that we won't be able to end our week with wishes. There's always next time though. I am still counting the days until we get there. I would be happy no matter what happens. Just being at WDW is enough.

You could always try to see Holiday Wishes from the TTC or the beach. It's what I would do. We always end our trip with Wishes.