Tell me about the third week of December...

[Beachmom0317]

Are we still safe from Christmas chaos? Have an opportunity to go December 16th for a few days leaving before Christmas. We’ve gone first week of December years past and have always loved that week so this would be new to us.

 

[disneygolfer1985]

It all depends on when schools let out for the break. The first few days would be fine, but my guess is probably by Thursday the crowds will start to pick up and be almost to level 10 starting Saturday.

 

[kenthanson]

I've done 9th to the 17th a couple of times and it starts getting really busy towards the 17th, I dont think xmas busy but busier then I liked.

 

[Nancyg56]

I am there that week, and have been there that week before. It is fine earlier in the week. By Friday it is busy, Saturday is BUSY, and we get the heck out of Dodge by Sunday. This year we are leaving on Saturday and skipping the Sunday chaos.

 

[CinderellaDream]

We've been twice during that week and loved it. Crowds do begin to build toward the end of the week but we did not find it unbearable at all.

Same day FP+ was available for Soarin and Test Track on our Epcot day and we basically rolled FP after FP on our night in MK and never waited in a standby line. I will say that HEA was insanely busy in the hub but that was because it was one of the few nights that week without a MVMCP. Our solution to that problem was to book the fireworks dessert party so that we didn't have to fight with the masses for a viewing spot.

 

[Wayland10]

I went over a long weekend that time of year in 2016. Someone with a better plan than I had during that trip might have better luck, but it was my first time at the parks in about 25 years and I think we rode 4 rides in MK, 1 in AK, and 2 in Epcot. Still had fun, but...

 

[DisneyWishes14]

We've gone that week for the past two years and have really enjoyed it! As others have said, it's crowded, but not Christmas crowded (and I've been there over Christmas, too!). My DH hates WDW crowds and he enjoyed himself as well. If you go in with a solid touring plan, I think you'll be fine. As others have said, crowds will build starting Friday night (at least that's what we experienced). Last year, we left the Saturday morning before Christmas and missed the oncoming chaos.

 

[Beachmom0317]

Good to know thanks everyone! Should add we are RD people and my kids are morning people so we never make fireworks. Being able to watch from hotel is what we usually go with

 

[Nancyg56]

Good to know thanks everyone! Should add we are RD people and my kids are morning people so we never make fireworks. Being able to watch from hotel is what we usually go with

You should be good. If you get to the parks for RD and stay til the kids give up, you will nto face the worst crowds. I think the MK is the most problematic at night on the few non party nights because of evening entertainment. YOu don't bother with it, so no problems.

 

[Kimberle]

Are we still safe from Christmas chaos? Have an opportunity to go December 16th for a few days leaving before Christmas. We’ve gone first week of December years past and have always loved that week so this would be new to us.

I went this week last year. Yes, it was busy. But with planning, the week was very enjoyable! Free Dining is going on, so make sure to book your ADR's as soon as you can. I especially enjoyed all the Christmas festivities and seeing all the other guests decked out in their "tacky" Christmas gear.

 

[NH-to-FL]

As others have noted, the crowds will increase during the third week. Disney acknowledges this as the Gold Annual Pass blackout begins on Thursday Dec 20th. I think that tells you about the crowd levels by the end of the week. DW and I usually sneak in one last pre holiday visit on Monday or Tuesday.
As long as you are prepared I am sure you will have a visit!

 

[roxiepenguin]

I've done 9th to the 17th a couple of times and it starts getting really busy towards the 17th, I dont think xmas busy but busier then I liked.

Thanks for this info! We're debating a trip from the 5th to 17th

 

[Nancyg56]

Thanks for this info! We're debating a trip from the 5th to 17th

This is about the timeframe I generally visit, I find the corwds manageable with the exception of MK on non party nights, but I plan three FP, dinner, and expect to be shoulder to shoulder with all of my newfound friends. The morning and early afternoon on a party night is awesome though. I do suggest you take advantage of one of those days for a MK day.

There are not "slow" period any longer, but there are times when it is less crowded, and early December has proved to be one of those periods for me. I have never found any part of December to be "very crowded" until the weekend before CHristmasm and even then, it beats CHristmas week, IMO.