So what are crowds REALLY like?

[dianeschlicht]

I'm talking about the week that leads up to Christmas. We have never stayed beyond Dec. 15, but this year we check in on the 15th and out on the 24th. I'm guessing it will be pretty crowded that whole time, but tell me how I can determine HOW crowded. The most crowded I've ever been in at WDW was for NYE on the millennium. We've been there other NYE's too, and thought they were manageable in comparison.

Will we be able to navigate at all and actually do rides and attractions? We are a group of 4 adults...2 in mid to upper 60's, one mid 40's and one 30 something.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Only once have we been there in a time right before Christmas - departing on the Saturday prior to Christmas which that year was Dec 20th. It was amazing how the change coming was palpable beginning on Friday, the 19th. And Saturday everything just blew up compared to how it had been the week prior.

This was a single experience and I'm sure you'll get much better feedback but you may be lucky and not having the whole time be as bad as you are thinking.

 

[CarolMN]

The larger crowds won't show up until the weekend. Until then, you should find crowds similar to what you are used to for early December. On Saturday (12/21), they will really pick up, although I don't think they will be quite as bad as you are used to for NYE.

So do the bulk of your rides & attractions the first part of the trip and save the resort decoration tours and special meals for the end. You'll have a great time! Hope that V&A meal you want works out!. Happy 45th - in advance, LOL.

 

[bbn1122]

We there about the 2nd week of December about 6 years ago. From what I remember.....crowds ok....weather beautiful.....Christmas decorations...beautiful! Nice time of year to go....before holidays......went when boys were younger...school and sports gets in the way now....

We will be there Sunday...hurray....hot and crowded!