Oh boy am I in trouble...

[KevinM]

2 years ago my brother-in-law took his family to WDW in mid-June. When he returned he said NEVER AGAIN because of the huge crowds.

After the great time we had last December I told him about going in the off season and to give it one more try. He decided to go the first week of November, which is listed in just about every guide as "one of the best times to go".

I got an earful today from him about the huge crowds, which he said were worse than they were when he was there in the peak season. He said he might as well throw $4000.00 into his fireplace, because it was definately not worth it and...NEVER AGAIN. I would have ignored it but many of the recent trip reports have indicated similar experiences.

Now my wife is very concerned about our trip in December (5th-13th), another of "the best times to go". We are spending a lot more money this year than we did last year (we are going to be there twice as long). Any advice on how to calm her down? Is something going on this year or is there really no "slow season" anymore.

Any advice is appreciated.

 

[kupperman]

I'm going around the same time and the Pop Warner Cheerleaders and Football team is going to be there, but I heard they really don't affect crowds much. Also going on is the MouseFest. That might affect crowds some but from what I've been reading on the boards, it shouldn't be that bad. Let's hope..

 

[WEDWDW]

If I understand correctly,the first week of November is Jersey Week and that could account for some of the crowds.It also is possible that postponed vacations from the hurricane time periods could have had a small effect.I really believe you will be in pretty good shape for your dates.Have a GREAT trip.

 

[Kallison]

It will be moderately crowded when you are there, that is no longer a slow period, even though all the guidebooks list it as such. I would be at parks at opening, use fastpass, eat at off times and you will be fine. Honestly there aren't many slow periods at the World, it is always vacation somewhere for someone at any given time.

 

[Peter_noPan]

Any time of year can be trouble if you don't have a good plan.

You need to know where to be at certain times and where NOT to be at certain times.

Those of us on the DIS understand that, that is why we get more out of out time at WDW.

 

[DebbieB]

We've gone around that time the past 6 years and it wasn't bad. Never had a problem with Pop Warner. I am a little nervous about this year. I think tourism in general is up plus people rescheduled trips from the hurricanes.

Make use of fastpass. Avoid MK on days when Spectro is shown at night, you are better off going during the day on MVMCP dates. If you want to see Spectro & Wishes, just go in the evening for that.

Watch the weather forecast before you pack. Some days it was near 80 and just needed a light jacket at night. Other days it was only in the 50's or 60's, you need a heavier jacket or coat for evenings. Here's hoping for warm weather this year!

 

[ppony]

We've been there at that time now twice and are poised to go again at that time next year. I am one that really, seriously hate crowds. I really get a tremendous amount of anxiety and fearfullness if I'm around too many people. Nothing short of heavy drugs could help that I think. I'm just a very anxious and nervous person, so the fewer stresses I can have, the better. I have NOT felt that way at WDW during the first seveal weeks in December. Heavens, last year we walked right on to so many rides and on Splash Mountain there was no one waiting when our log came in to unload so we were allowed to ride again without getting off. Early to mid December is a dream! It's our time of choice. It will be quite sometime before we try another tome pof year. It'll never be the summer though. We HATE heat! And a bunch of hot and crowded people doesn't exactly sound like a recipe for calmness and relaxation in my own persnal book. Go with confidence!

 

[MELSMICE]

I think it's all in your attitude & your perspective of things. Yes, it was Jersey Week & it was probably more crowded than someone would anticipate at that time of year, however, it's not unbearable.

Sounds to me like your BIL just doesn't like crowds & didn't have a good plan. We were there last week & it was great. Went to MGM on Sunday & rode RnR 3X, walked on ToT - this was all in the middle of the afternoon.

Don't beat yourself up about the BIL thing - some people can't be made happy no matter what. Probably best if he doesn't go back anyway.

 

[kilee]

As much as it's hard for some of us die hard fans--- truth be told-- Disney just isn't for everyone. I can take a day at the MK anytime-- packed solid or empty as can be. Sounds as though BIL is one of those-- that will just never "get" Disney.
Anyhow, plan for moderate crowds for your December trip. It's projected that early Dec is becoming a bit more popular. Then you'll be prepared. This way it can only be what you thought or better.

 

[FOV]

A few years ago we celebrated my dd's (also an Emily!) birthday at WDW the first week of December and we thought it was a great time of year to go. Crowds were great - just NEVER go to MK on a Saturday!

We just returned from a short trip 11/8 - 11/14 and we only used fast pass a few times. Splash Mountain only had a wait of 10-15 minutes! Rode ToT and RnRC over and over with 5 - 10 minutes waits.

The tips from others are great. If you go to an EE park leave by noon because those parks tend to have bigger crowds - especially AK. If Spectro Magic is running we only go to MK in the evening to see the parade - we stay away during the day because that parade will attract a big crowd. This strategy worked well this week.

 

[KevinM]

Thanks for the kind words and advice. Now I just have to get my BIL to stop calling me and complaining about his trip!