Speculation on Crowds the first week of December???

[WendyCFG]

We're going to be in WDW Dec 2-7. I have heard alot of talk about bad crowds for FTP. Is there anything going on the first week of Dec that will make crowds heavier?

Thanks in Advance!!!

 

[Dan Murphy]

1st week in Dec is generally one of the slowest of the year. I know of nothing in particular this year to change that.

 

[MrsMud]

We went that week in 2001. The parks were virtually empty, with the exception of MK on Fri afternoon. Of course, FTP was not going on, but I still think you'll be fine. Remember, those people taking advantage of the FTP are spread out over several months, so the percentage of increase for the week you are going shouldn't amount to that much.

 

[mrsltg]

I thought FTP was over by then? We were there at that time in '01 and it was great! The longest we waited for anything was about 10 minutes. Last year we tried the first week in November -never again! This year, we'll be in the world the 2nd and 3rd weeks of December. I love Christmastime at Disney!

Have a wonderful trip!

Erin

 

[MrsMud]

I thought FTP was over by then?

You're right, MrsLTG. I just read the OP wrong and I wasn't thinking. So, the answer is no, there shouldn't be any crowds to speak of. It is a great time to go! We even caught one of the MVMCP shows (I guess a soft opening?), and it was great. Have fun!

 

[jonsmom57]

Were were in WDW last year during the first week and it was not crowded at all. We are also going again this year.

The only thing that I think can add more crowds is the Winter Dream Package. Those packages begin on 11/28 I beleive.

Also, it seems that the word is getting out that the first two weeks are value season and low crowds so I would anticipate more this year.

Jonsmom

 

[DISFANSHAN]

We are also going the first week of December. What is FTP?

 

[jonsmom57]

Fairy Tale Package

 

[jann1033]

we've been there 4 times the first week in Dec and it has always been "walk straight on the rides" slow. yippeee!

 

[WendyCFG]

Thanks for all of your input! I had seen the Winter Dream Maker Package, but it's the same deal they offered last year, I think - So maybe it won't bring extra crowds. We were there the same week last Dec and it was wonderful. We didn't wait more than 10 minutes for anything, and most of the attractions were walk on. The only time I have ever seen it slower was the week after Labor Day - also last year.

DISFANSHAN, jonsmom, and everyone else going in December - We're going to La Nouba on Dec 2, the Candlelight Processional on Dec 3, and MVMCP on Dec 4. Are you doing any of those things? We did Candlelight last year and it was beautiful! We had tickets for MVMCP too, but there was a torrential monsoon in Orlando that night - I'm hoping for better weather this year. I haven't seen LaNouba, but I loved "O" in Vegas, so I'm really looking forward to that too. If you're not going to MVMCP, last year they still did one of the MVMCP shows during the day at MK. I think it was the one in the Theatre in Tomorrowland... Not sure. It sounds like the crowds will be reasonable... I'm so excited... WE'RE GOING TO DISNEY!!!

 

[DISFANSHAN]

We are doing MVMCP on Dec. 2nd. I don't think we are going to do the Candelight Processional, I don't think my 4 year old would enjoy it, or sit through it for that matter. Please tell me if you think differently.
We were there last year during all of that rain. We were there for 5 days, and had only 1 day of sun. (The other days were either very overcast, or in most cases, rainy). I heard that Orlando gets about 2 inches of rain on average in Dec, and that week they had 6 inches!!! Let's hope that was just a freak thing and it doesn't happen again this year!!!!!!!

 

[Floundering Crab]

We like to go the first week in December, too. Last year we hit it just right at the MK and caught the taping of the Very Merry Christmas Parade for TV showing Christmas morningl It's rather surreal to see each section of the parade separately w/about 15-20 minutes between each set. Got a charge out of the people who run up and down in front of the crowds to get them cheering and making happy for the sound and visual portions. We find the crowds pretty non-existent during that time frame, other than that day at the MK--it's was super crowded along the parade route.

 

[WendyCFG]

DISFANSHAN -

Your probably right about a 4 year old. I don't think that would work either, and could possible get frustrating for you both

Wasn't the rain terrible last year? I would have sworn we got a foot that one night! Hope this year is better... like you said, it was very unseasonal

 

[aesalsa]

DH and I honeymooned 12/1-12/13, and it was GREAT! No fantastically long lines. We did RnR 3x in a row, and we didn't have to wait more that 5 min. in between rides. We went once, then got a FP, went on RnR again, then used the FP.
It does get chilly, though, and Saturdays in Fantasyland are still VERY crowded that time of year!

 

[princess angel]

this will be my 4th time going to Disney the first week of Decemebr, and while t is one of the slow times (or used to be considered one of the slowest weeks) it seems to be becoming more and more popular each year.
However, It was fine last year, after the Thanksgiving crowds leave, the crowds are still pretty low that first week in Dec, and the festivities and Holiday spirirt is Just the BEST!!!!!!!
I love LOVE LOVE Christmas time at WDW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Laura

 

[ghcoughlin]

DH finally went along with the idea of squeezing in another trip.It didn't take too much arm twisting at all We will be down 12/4 -12/8.The kids don't know yet.When they find out about MVMCP they'll pass out.I called for PS at LTT and they are all booked for the 4th.I'll keep trying though.See you all there

Heidi