Planning trip: Crowds July vs December

[Jessd]

Hi!

We went to WDW last year in July. We are planning a trip for this December, probably the 2nd week, maybe 3rd week, right before Christmas. Our little merry band of travelers will be me, DH, DS (11), DS (10) and DD (2)

How much difference in the size of the crowds. July didn't seem bad, at least not to me, I expected it to be crowded.

We want to go in December so it wont' be too hot and to see everything decorated for Christmas.

Does anyone have any input? We weren't planning on this trip, but DH said last night that he wanted to cancel our New York trip and go back to WDW. We won't be able to book the trip until June, due to flight availablility so it is going to drive me nuts until I have reservations in hand.

Also I was reading on the Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. How far in advance do you buy tickets? Is this something that we don't want to miss?

Thanks!

Jess

 

[beattyfamily]

Hi!

We went to WDW last year in July. We are planning a trip for this December, probably the 2nd week, maybe 3rd week, right before Christmas. Our little merry band of travelers will be me, DH, DS (11), DS (10) and DD (2)

How much difference in the size of the crowds. July didn't seem bad, at least not to me, I expected it to be crowded.

We want to go in December so it wont' be too hot and to see everything decorated for Christmas.

Does anyone have any input? We weren't planning on this trip, but DH said last night that he wanted to cancel our New York trip and go back to WDW. We won't be able to book the trip until June, due to flight availablility so it is going to drive me nuts until I have reservations in hand.

Also I was reading on the Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. How far in advance do you buy tickets? Is this something that we don't want to miss?

Thanks!

Jess

Well, I certainly think it's a great time to go. Very festive. I think the crowds are very manageable.

MVMCP is great fun, IMHO. It's a great way to get to see the Christmas parade and fireworks.

Epcot has the Holiday's around the World which is fun. They also have the Candlelight Processional.

MGM has the Osborne Lights.

It's a great time to go to WDW.

 

[AJKMOM]

In December, the place starts to get crowded the week before Christmas, and the week of Christmas/New Years is one of the most crowded times of the year. The further away you can get from that week, the better.

 

[Greg K.]

Crowds will be significantly lower the first three weeks of December. We have been to WDW twice in July, and once in December. It's like night and day.

July: lots of heat, lots of people, long lines. If you don't plan carefully, and get your day going early, forget it. BUT...the parks stay open later, and there is a lot more to do, since almost all the attractions are up and running and few are closed for rehab.

December: pleasant weather, sometimes chilly, festive and beautiful decorations everywhere and very few long lines. In fact, if you are lucky, many attractions are walk-ons! BEWARE, however, that the parks close earlier and very often some things are shut down for rehab.

If I could, I'd go in December before July. But that's me. Your mileage may vary.

FWIW: We arrived for our trip a few years ago on Dec 12, and left on Dec 21. Around the 20th, things started to pick up, and crowds started to build, and we noticed more and more families arriving with SUVs stuffed with boxes and wrapping paper and decorations. Ho ho ho