Mid-December free dining dates - will they be busy??

[MommytoaSweetie]

We're thinking of taking a trip to WDW with our daughter for her first trip (we went to DL in April and had a blast). She'll be almost 2 (we wanted to go for her birthday in January, but I'm pregnant and would rather go sooner in the pregnancy than later). In the past, our favorite trip was when we went the first week of December because all the Christmas decorations were up but there were NO LINES for anything, which was wonderful!

For this trip, we were thinking of doing the same thing, but it seems that there aren't as many hotel options for the first week in December so it looks like it'll be busier (I'm guessing because Thanksgiving is later in November?). Anyway, I also noticed that the Disney Visa has a deal for free dining, so I was thinking we could go December 14-18ish because free food would be an awesome bonus. But, do you think it'll be busier then because it's getting closer to Christmas? I guess I'm debating over going the week before when it would maybe be less busy but no free food and going then when it would (maybe? I could be wrong though!) be more busy but free dining plan. What do you think? Am I totally overanalyzing this? (considering we're waiting for confirmation on my husband getting a bonus, without which we won't be going anyway, ha!) Thanks for your help!!

 

[MommytoaSweetie]

Well it looks like we ARE taking this trip now (yay!!), but I'm still conflicted on dates. Moreso now, how busy does it get closer to Christmas (or how soon do the crowds build up)? Like if we went until the 20th (Saturday before Christmas on Thursday), would it be crazy??