Pre-Christmas crowds- what should we expect?

[Figmentmommy]

Our family will be visiting the World the week before Christmas. Wondering if anyone has any insight about the crowds during this time. We will be leaving to return home early on the 20th - so I'm hoping we will be heading out as the Christmas crowds are arriving . We haven't been in December in many years and then we usually were there the week earlier. Our last few trips have been in mid November and I'm hoping the crowds will be similar.
Any thoughts? Thanks!

 

[g-dad66]

Yep, crowds should be similar to mid-November.

It's a a great time to go, and you will be getting out of Dodge at just the right time!

 

[DaisyNY]

We're heading down Dec 14th - Dec 19th and are hoping for smaller crowds...We did go in 2012 from Dec 17 - Dec 23...Crowds were manageable but kept building each day! Have fun!

 

[Figmentmommy]

Yep, crowds should be similar to mid-November.

It's a a great time to go, and you will be getting out of Dodge at just the right time!

Thanks! I was thinking our timing was good- hopefully it will play out that way!

 

[disfanforlife]

We are going the same time as you and never went that week before either. We also usually go in November. But, I am hoping it won't be too crowded or too cold. Either way we will have a blast!

 

[Figmentmommy]

We're heading down Dec 14th - Dec 19th and are hoping for smaller crowds...We did go in 2012 from Dec 17 - Dec 23...Crowds were manageable but kept building each day! Have fun!

Thanks for your feedback! We are so excited to be visiting again in December!! Hopefully we'll both have luck going that week. Have a great trip!

 

[Figmentmommy]

We are going the same time as you and never went that week before either. We also usually go in November. But, I am hoping it won't be too crowded or too cold. Either way we will have a blast!

I always remember December having such low crowds but I know things have changed over the years. During one of our past December trips it was so cold at MVMCP that we were actually freezing sitting on the curb of Main Street in 45° weather- drinking that hot chocolate just to keep warm. It didn't matter though- we had a blast! It actually really felt like Christmas time. Other December trips it was 82° and we were wearing shorts -go figure! I guess I'll just be packing for every possibility. Hope you have a great trip!

 

[Greatfalls]

We've gone three times the weekend before Christmas. It's a good time to go, as the crowds are moderate. The weather varies. Last year, it was warm enough to go the water parks, but a couple years ago, it didn't get out of the 60s.

 

[nanceliz]

Hey, we will all be there together! We are going the 13th-21st. Here's hoping for small crowds and good weather! We don't mind the cold. Much more comfortable standing in line than the heat of summer!

 

[Figmentmommy]

Completely agree!
Here's to a great trip for all of us!!

 

[disfanforlife]

I always remember December having such low crowds but I know things have changed over the years. During one of our past December trips it was so cold at MVMCP that we were actually freezing sitting on the curb of Main Street in 45° weather- drinking that hot chocolate just to keep warm. It didn't matter though- we had a blast! It actually really felt like Christmas time. Other December trips it was 82° and we were wearing shorts -go figure! I guess I'll just be packing for every possibility. Hope you have a great trip!

Thanks, I hope you do too! We went twice in February and it was very cold. I haven't been back that time of year since 2007. This past year, we went in March and it was fabulous. Most of our other trips were all in November. Some years not crowded and other years a little busier. Looking forward to all of the decorations and just having a time when our whole family can be on a vacation together.

 

[sharadoc]

I always remember December having such low crowds but I know things have changed over the years. During one of our past December trips it was so cold at MVMCP that we were actually freezing sitting on the curb of Main Street in 45° weather- drinking that hot chocolate just to keep warm. It didn't matter though- we had a blast! It actually really felt like Christmas time. Other December trips it was 82° and we were wearing shorts -go figure! I guess I'll just be packing for every possibility. Hope you have a great trip!

Were you there in 2010? We were, and it was SO freezing that we had layers and layers of thermal underwear, hats, gloves, etc. and it was still rough. But we stuck it out.

We went last year the week before Christmas and it was great. Nice crowds, relatively quiet, until the weekend right before Christmas. We left on the 22nd and it was building.

 

[Airship Ariadne]

During one of our past December trips it was so cold at MVMCP that we were actually freezing sitting on the curb of Main Street in 45° weather

Was that 2010? We were there in early Dec and it was cold, but made for some great pics with the fog on the rivers. Had to plan our outfits each day as it was cold in teh am, warm in the day and cold at night.

but you can't be "actually freezing" at 45 degrees...32 degrees sure

 

[Figmentmommy]

Were you there in 2010? We were, and it was SO freezing that we had layers and layers of thermal underwear, hats, gloves, etc. and it was still rough. But we stuck it out.

We went last year the week before Christmas and it was great. Nice crowds, relatively quiet, until the weekend right before Christmas. We left on the 22nd and it was building.

Not in 2010. I was thinking of our trip in 1998 (if I remember correctly)
Thanks for sharing your experience with that time. I'm hoping that we'll have built in a big enough crowd cushion by leaving at the beginning of the pre-Christmas weekend!

 

[Figmentmommy]

Was that 2010? We were there in early Dec and it was cold, but made for some great pics with the fog on the rivers. Had to plan our outfits each day as it was cold in teh am, warm in the day and cold at night.

but you can't be "actually freezing" at 45 degrees...32 degrees sure

True....but it sure felt like it! I just remember we didn't have enough warm clothes packed. DH & I were wearing the same hooded sweatshirts in every picture!

 

[buteraa]

We are also going from the 13th to the 20th. We go this time every year because the atmosphere is (do I dare say it...) magical! Christmas is so wonderful there. The crowds are great, especially during the evening. The weather can be iffy, so bring a sweatshirt and jacket just in case. Most of the time during the day is nice and warm but it can get cold at night. We are staying at POR and a jacket is necessary on the boat to DTD.

Enjoy!!

 

[Figmentmommy]

We are also going from the 13th to the 20th. We go this time every year because the atmosphere is (do I dare say it...) magical! Christmas is so wonderful there. The crowds are great, especially during the evening. The weather can be iffy, so bring a sweatshirt and jacket just in case. Most of the time during the day is nice and warm but it can get cold at night. We are staying at POR and a jacket is necessary on the boat to DTD.

Enjoy!!

Sounds like it's a favorite time for many of us! December was always our favorite time to go and after spending a few recent trips there in November we can't wait to be back in December again!

 

[pigletto]

We went the 13th to the 23rd last year and had a blast. It does get busier as the week goes on, and then VERY busy the Saturday before Christmas. However, we didn't feel we missed a thing, were never bothered by crowds as we had done the really popular things early in the week, and we would absolutely go for that week again.

 

[notrub98]

I went last December and it was great during the day but COLD at night. Too cold for me to do Dec again, but the decorations were wonderful and so were the crowds! I should add - I love heat, so cold to me is relative to others.

 

[fessaj]

Going in December too. Thanks for the info on the warm clothes because for some reason, I thought it wouldn't be all that cold considering it's in Florida. Clearly I was wrong