Random Musings from First Week of Dec

[dawgsgirl]

Well, I took my 81 year old mother to see the Christmas stuff the first week of December. We had a great time with the Christmas festivities!! Random thoughts:

+The 7AM Hour is golden at the MK. I went on Thursday for the EMH and the crowds did not show up until around 10-10:30. From 7-9 was awesome!! It was the MK where children can dance and skip and have fun without fear of being trampled!!

+I love to take pictures. It seems that the Disney photographers have taken over many of my favorite spots. No real way to get a pic unless I wait in a line. I have no interest in Memory Maker or whatever it is called these days.

+The crowds. I have visited many times the first week of December and every year the crowds are higher. Not insane, but a definite pain. The CP, Osborne Lights and the Christmas Party were a zoo. A trip to do the Christmas stuff has become very labor intensive!!

+I am one of "those" who have let my AP's expire. Many things going on at Disney that have made me just sit back and think about the value of my trip. I am getting older and find battling the crowds to affect my enjoyment of the parks. Sad, but true!!

 

[rlduvall]

. . .

+The 7AM Hour is golden at the MK. I went on Thursday for the EMH and the crowds did not show up until around 10-10:30. From 7-9 was awesome!! It was the MK where children can dance and skip and have fun without fear of being trampled!!

. . . .

+The crowds. I have visited many times the first week of December and every year the crowds are higher. Not insane, but a definite pain. The CP, Osborne Lights and the Christmas Party were a zoo. A trip to do the Christmas stuff has become very labor intensive!!

+I am one of "those" who have let my AP's expire. Many things going on at Disney that have made me just sit back and think about the value of my trip. I am getting older and find battling the crowds to affect my enjoyment of the parks. Sad, but true!!

I was there at the same time and agree with many of your comments. I couldn't believe how easy it was to tour early morning at Magic Kingdom . . . and how hard it was each evening. This was my 7th December solo trip and I told my DH it was my least favorite; after the miserably cold 2010 year. The crowds are rising dramatically each year at this time and it is losing its draw for me. Probably time to take a short break from Disney.

 

[jo-jo]

We were at MK on the 4th and agree, we did sooooo much that day. Did a few trips on runaway railroad without getting off. And that was after we rode a couple of other rides first.

We had gone to Osbourne light that Saturday at close to opening and it was like walking in a pack of penguins. We didn't stay. Just walked along the back end (by lights, motor, action) and kept going. I was afraid we'd be hit with a stroller or scooter and that would ruin the rest of our trip. A few days later was much better as far crowds there.

 

[RebeccaRabbit]

Phooey - you guys are bumming me out. Never been to Disney at Christmas time, but had always heard that the first week in December was the golden time to go - low crowds but with all the decorations and festivities up. I had that penciled into the schedule in my mind for a possible Christmas trip some day... But I can't stand mobs and crowds, just not enjoyable for us when it's so packed. Phooey! Are there any "slow" weeks left with Christmas stuff up, or are we just out of luck?

 

[mom2rtk]

Phooey - you guys are bumming me out. Never been to Disney at Christmas time, but had always heard that the first week in December was the golden time to go - low crowds but with all the decorations and festivities up. I had that penciled into the schedule in my mind for a possible Christmas trip some day... But I can't stand mobs and crowds, just not enjoyable for us when it's so packed. Phooey! Are there any "slow" weeks left with Christmas stuff up, or are we just out of luck?

1) Go the first week of December

2) Avoid staying where the Pop Warner kids stay.

3) Avoid parade taping.

4) Get to the parks at rope drop.

5) Only do the MK on days they are having MVMCP.

 

[tobikaye]

+I love to take pictures. It seems that the Disney photographers have taken over many of my favorite spots. No real way to get a pic unless I wait in a line. I have no interest in Memory Maker or whatever it is called these days.

I agree, I find that almost every spot I used to take pictures from either has a PhotoPass setup or the PhotoPass setup is in the way of the shot. I just have to find other spots, but it does get difficult.

I do the PhotoPass when I have my parents and/or sister. I like to get drinks in WS while my sister gets in lines for character meets. It is difficult to focus my DSLR with one hand while holding a drink in the other. (Many kids have hands larger than mine so that makes it even more difficult.) Also, my parents want pictures with me in them for some reason.

 

[Suvadoo]

I can relate to what you're saying OP. It's gotten to the point where the parks are always crowded. I guess it's good for Disney,but the slower times used to be when a lot of maintenance was performed. Now is maintenance being deferred? If so, to when?

 

[Squirlz]

I agree, I find that almost every spot I used to take pictures from either has a PhotoPass setup or the PhotoPass setup is in the way of the shot. I just have to find other spots, but it does get difficult.

I do the PhotoPass when I have my parents and/or sister. I like to get drinks in WS while my sister gets in lines for character meets. It is difficult to focus my DSLR with one hand while holding a drink in the other. (Many kids have hands larger than mine so that makes it even more difficult.) Also, my parents want pictures with me in them for some reason.

Why not have the Photopass CM take pictures of you with your camera? We were there last week and it wasn't too bad, but those scooters have become a scourge.

 

[Kirby]

I was there the first week of December. The only time that I felt it was overly crowded was at Osbourne Lights. There are definitely places in each of the parks where it is more crowded due to the area you are walking through. I would definitely go at that time again vs summer time.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Well, I took my 81 year old mother to see the Christmas stuff the first week of December. We had a great time with the Christmas festivities!! Random thoughts:

+The 7AM Hour is golden at the MK. I went on Thursday for the EMH and the crowds did not show up until around 10-10:30. From 7-9 was awesome!! It was the MK where children can dance and skip and have fun without fear of being trampled!!

+I love to take pictures. It seems that the Disney photographers have taken over many of my favorite spots. No real way to get a pic unless I wait in a line. I have no interest in Memory Maker or whatever it is called these days.

+The crowds. I have visited many times the first week of December and every year the crowds are higher. Not insane, but a definite pain. The CP, Osborne Lights and the Christmas Party were a zoo. A trip to do the Christmas stuff has become very labor intensive!!

+I am one of "those" who have let my AP's expire. Many things going on at Disney that have made me just sit back and think about the value of my trip. I am getting older and find battling the crowds to affect my enjoyment of the parks. Sad, but true!!

We were there at the same time. We stayed off site, so no EMH for us. So we avoided parks that had those and still found ther first hour golden.

Photographers--yeah, they are in abundance, but we had no issues. They wil take a picture using your camera, FYI.

Crowds--we remember early December back in the early 2000s. Light crowd heaven! Even after a 5 year absence, we did find crowds on par with 2009. So not awful. But we did notice the CP lines--but they were the same and the congestion of that area the same--as we remembered. We opted out if Osbourbe this time, but do remember it also being congested. In other words--I don't think this was new in our observation and quite on par with what we recall 5 years ago. Others' observations may be different.

AP--we just began ours. Can't wait to visit again sometime in January. Maybe first weekend to try and catch the lights anyway.

To me--First week of December is still a golden week. Proof was in the pudding with our multiple ride repeats and often unneeded FP+'s for many popular rides. (DISCLAIMER: we didn't have them for mine train or Anna and Elsa. We did not slide Test track (evening pass) or Soarin' or PP or TSM. We were able to get same day 4th for any mountain ride in MK on the day we tried after 4pm and within a couple of hours. )

So for anyone having trepidation--I would NOT worry. Still a great time to go.

 

[drea21]

We've done December the last three years (twice the first week, and once later, I think we came home around the 17th) and definitely found that every year the crowd levels got higher and higher. Any CM I've talked to has basically said that "the secret is out" on that time of year. I've never been there during peak times so I have no way of knowing how much worse it gets.

Accidentally going to MK on parade taping last year, coupled with the beginning of Pop Warner, and our daughter missing Christmas pageants/parties at school pushed us to mid-January this year. Joke's on us though, we accidentally chose to go over MLK weekend.

I sure am going to miss all of the Christmas fun though!

 

[tobikaye]

Why not have the Photopass CM take pictures of you with your camera? We were there last week and it wasn't too bad, but those scooters have become a scourge.

The pictures I want are not of me. They are great spots to get pictures of the castle, SE, etc...

If I want pictures of myself and do not have PP, then I do have someone take a picture with my camera or phone.

Also, some people need the ECV to get around, just like some people need strollers for taking their kids. It is the person that is in charge of moving the EVC or stroller that are the problem.

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

I was there Dec. 4th through the 7th. I arrived the evening of the 3rd and stayed offsite the whole time.

Because I was offsite, I couldn't do EMH - I missed doing that so I probably won't ever stay offsite again.
I did the Christmas party which was very crowded at first (sold out) because many people were there from an earlier rained out party but after the fireworks those folks left so it was much better.
I loved touring the deluxe resorts to see the gingerbread displays. Most places were really busy though.

Osborne Lights was a zoo - scary crowded when the lights first came on. I was glad I was waiting in line to have my photopass pic taken because no one could move and people were starting to freak out a bit.

Candlelight Processional was amazing - it was my first time and if I ever go back during this time again, it will be a must do.
The crowds in the area were horrible - too many people blocking the walkways to hear it when they couldn't get in - Disney really needs to figure out crowd control in American Adventure during CP. People shouldn't be allowed to block the whole walkway.
I was so relieved to get away from the area afterwards.

I agree with the OP about picture taking spots - photopass was in the areas I prefer to take pictures of scenery. So I figure I'll have to keep my eyes open next trip for new places to take scenery pics.

Overall, it was busy but I didn't think it was too bad crowd wise except for the areas I mentioned above.

 

[Jennasis]

We're planning the 5th-11th next year and are mentally prepping for crowds and such. This confirms it.

I ope Disney hustles big time on all the additions coming (rather than dragging their feet for ages like the MFL build). We need more attractions to thin the crowds.

 

[OB1]

We're planning the 5th-11th next year and are mentally prepping for crowds and such. This confirms it.

I ope Disney hustles big time on all the additions coming (rather than dragging their feet for ages like the MFL build). We need more attractions to thin the crowds.

When you get a chance to go with all the Christmas stuff, make sure to do as much of the Christmas stuff as possible. Skip rides for walking around, seeing lights, characters, story tellers, and more. It seems every shop window is an attraction - just amazing. AND . . . . . . every hotel is an attraction to see. Obviously see your must do, but there is SO much more to experience at the holidays.

 

[North of Mouse]

Phooey - you guys are bumming me out. Never been to Disney at Christmas time, but had always heard that the first week in December was the golden time to go - low crowds but with all the decorations and festivities up. I had that penciled into the schedule in my mind for a possible Christmas trip some day... But I can't stand mobs and crowds, just not enjoyable for us when it's so packed. Phooey! Are there any "slow" weeks left with Christmas stuff up, or are we just out of luck?

We went first of Dec 2010 - nearly froze, but crowds weren't too bad, went back Dec 2012 - crowds were worse - have decided that's 'it' for Dec trips!

There aren't very many 'slow' times at Disney anymore - they've filled in those times with extra things and discounts (not much anymore) to draw people in.

We are going last of Feb into March as it seems like 'one' of the only few slow(er) weeks left.

 

[Jennasis]

When you get a chance to go with all the Christmas stuff, make sure to do as much of the Christmas stuff as possible. Skip rides for walking around, seeing lights, characters, story tellers, and more. It seems every shop window is an attraction - just amazing. AND . . . . . . every hotel is an attraction to see. Obviously see your must do, but there is SO much more to experience at the holidays.

The joy of DVC ownership...no need to cram it all in anymore. Now we can slow down and enjoy the little things!

 

[goofydisney2015]

Phooey - you guys are bumming me out. Never been to Disney at Christmas time, but had always heard that the first week in December was the golden time to go - low crowds but with all the decorations and festivities up. I had that penciled into the schedule in my mind for a possible Christmas trip some day... But I can't stand mobs and crowds, just not enjoyable for us when it's so packed. Phooey! Are there any "slow" weeks left with Christmas stuff up, or are we just out of luck?

Same here and we are planning to be there from Nov 29th-Dec. 4th. My husband and son (10) are not into big lines and crowds, Was hoping this would be a good time to see it all decorated for Christmas without all the crowds. Our other option was Oct , during Colombus Day week , I really want to see it at Christmas though. We plan on staying at Carribean Beach Resort.

 

[I loveStitchnippyjon]

We were at WDW Dec. 4-10. it was crowded, but nothing like our last June trip! The Osborne lights was the absolute worst.....shoulder-to-shoulder crowds and you just could not move at all! We're glad we got to see them, but the crush was unbelievable! DSIL commented that he felt like he'd been raped by Christmas lights! LOL

 

[JennyDrake]

I have been the first full week of December every year for 10 years. This year was by far the most crowded. YES! I have seen the crowds go from Ghost Town to *almost* spring break level crowds.

YES! The first hour at any park is golden, but especially the MK.

I was there Dec 6-10 and by 11 am, wait times for headliners in all the parks were 50-70 minutes. Almost nothing was under 20 minutes. POTC 40 min, Small World, 30 min, ToT 70 min, Star Tours 40 min, Test Track 70 min, Everest 70 min.