Park Attendance and Pool Question

[MattIL]

My family is heading down tomorrow (Dec 18) and flying back to Chicago on Thursday (Dec 23). We are staying at the BCV. According to The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2005 the crowds should be light compared to the crowds that will arrive the 24th –1st of January. We normally visit WDW during early August whose crowds are rated as being a lot heavier then during the period when we will be there this next week.

My question is if these descriptions hold up to people’s experiences in the past? I know people have stated that the park crowds have been relatively light but are starting to pick up but is this in comparison to November and early December crowds and should I still expect the attendance during our visit to be lighter then our normal early August trips?

Pool question: How warm are the quite pools heated? My two year old loves to swim and if the pools are kept warm enough we may jump if for a little while even with the temperatures dropping (we should have a few days in the 60’s). I have heard a few references to the water being kept bath water warm but since we have always been there in August we have no comparison for the December conditions. With the villa’s pool being right next to the building I am hoping we can use if for short periods and then go right back up the room.

This is our third trip since joining the DVC and our first with my wife’s parents. We are
really looking forward to our first trip during the Christmas season plus seeing how my two year old reacts to the experience.

P.S. I apologize for part of this message being a repeat of a message posted on the strategies and attractions board but I’m hoping for more responses. Thank you.

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

We were at the BWV a few weeks ago and the "quiet" pool did indeed feel like bath water. It made you want to stay in the water and not get out.

From what I'm reading, WDW seems more crowded in general this holiday season than it has been for a while. The fact that MGM was closed due to capacity last Saturday night says a lot.

HBC

 

[spiceycat]

when you get out of the pool = go over to the hot tub - stay a few minutes then go back to your room.

 

[kweaver]

This is the weekend when many kids start getting out of school for their winter break, so you will see some crowds. My understanding is that it is much more crowded during the week between Christmas and New Years...but don't expect low crowds right now.

Wow...MGM was closed due to reaching capacity!?

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

Wow...MGM was closed due to reaching capacity!?

I was surprised to hear about it too. Here is a link from the Theme Park board:

MGM Closed last Saturday

HBC

 

[Pa@okw95]

They attempt to keep the pools around 80 to 82 degrees.. It is not easy to do it however that is why at times it is like bath water(warmer) then other times it is on the cool side. If there is any surprise change in the weather it can effect the pool temps a great deal, especially if it happens over night.

 

[FamilyGuy]

From what I'm reading, WDW seems more crowded in general this holiday season than it has been for a while. The fact that MGM was closed due to capacity last Saturday night says a lot.

HBC

We were there that night. It really wasn't that bad to me though. I mean, in comparision to the crowds during the week (there were no crowds or waits during the week), there were quite a few people, but with some patience you'll be fine.

I would guess that with most schools letting out 12/17 for winter break, you can count on crowds similar to August, but less than the 24th - 1st (which is supposed to be the single most crowded time of the year).