Tell me about your December stay!

[camdensmom]

We're looking forward to our 12/12 trip. We'll be staying at the POLY. Just curious what your December stays have been like. Esp. hotel pools, weather and crowds.

 

[ransom]

When we were there last year, the weather was cloudy, mid-70s, and it rained a couple of days in the 9 we were there (only once did it rain really hard).

The pool wasn't crowded at all, because in the mornings and evenings the air was a little too chilly for most people.

Crowds were pretty low. When we were waiting to get into Disney Studios on Wednesday, it was 8:30 and the queue was only about 10 people deep at the turnstyles...and I turned around and I couldn't see anyone in the coming from the security area or parking lot. It was amazing!

That wasn't the standard circumstance, of course, but on no week day was it very busy at whatever park we were at on that day. Weekends, it was a bit busy everywhere.

 

[John's Mom]

We have stayed at WDW in December 3 times in the past six years. It can be warm enough to wear shorts during the day and cold enough to wear winter coats. My advice is to dress in layers.

 

[keliblue]

Our Honeymoon was the first week Dec. 2001 and we almost froze to Death !! It was cold and rainy the whole week .. which is not the normal but can happen.

 

[J and R's mom]

The first two weeks in December is our favorite time to go (we're going again this year 12/9-12/14 staying at BWV--we'll probably cross paths and not even know it).

The weather: (This goes for pretty much all of our late November and early-to-mid December trips.) Plan on some of the days being rather warm (maybe even in the 80s). I advise at least a couple of pairs of shorts per person along with some short-sleeved shirts. The morning will start out sometimes with needing a light jacket or coat, but by mid-day back to short-sleeves, followed by needing jackets again for the evening. That's why a poster above said to dress in layers. Cool morning, warm afternoons, and cool evenings tends to be the typical pattern during that time of year (at least in our 5 trips there during that time-frame).

Now on our trip last year we were there for the week of Thanksgiving and it was in the 30s and 40s for four days of our trip. So be sure to bring along plenty of warm clothes as well. I ended up having to buy a coat while I was there because the jacket I brought was not warm enough to keep the bitter, damp wind out at night.

We have very seldom had rain during our December visits. Just be sure to check the weather on-line a couple of days before you leave and pack accordingly.

The Crowds: This has changed ALOT for us in the past seven years. Back in the early 2000s, the crowds were much smaller during the 1st two weeks of December than they have been these past two years. I was accustomed to walking onto EVERY ride without having to wait more than 5 or 10 minutes--even the headliners. Now I find that the wait times can be up to 20 plus minutes on many rides and even longer (up to 60 mins) on the headliners. I know this is still much better than the peak season crowds, but it's a bummer for us since we were so spoiled.

I have used the crowd calendar in the Unofficial Guide for most all of our trips. I liked to pick our vacations to WDW around the days that that guide ranked the crowd levels as a 1 or 2 (out of 10 being the most crowded). Well....I bought the book this year and NO days are listed as a 1 or 2!!! The smallest crowd level I found was a 3 and 4. That happens to be during the time we're going. That just gives a little credence to my statement that the crowds are growing even during the off-season now.

The pools: You should have plenty of room around the pools during December...even at the popular pools. For most folks it is a bit too chilly to go swimming. Even if the water is warm, it's still a bit chilly getting out of the pools and back to the room.

 

[dvcnewgirl]

We LOVE December, we will be back the 1st week this year. During the day it was warm at night it was chilly. The pools are not crowded. Love the decorations and the parks are not crowded. I can't wait!

 

[Quicklabs]

We always go in December. Our last trip was in 2005. It was warm during the day, but definitely sweatshirt and mittens weather on some of the nights. It never rained--I think December is they driest month there.
The crowds definitely seem to be increasing. As long as you get fast passes for your favorite rides, the waits never exceeded about 20 minutes. Much too cold for the Kali rapids and our swimming pool. Since I wasn't a DISBoarder at the time, I had no idea that we needed ADRs for the restaurants! That has really changed since the good old days of just walking up to a restaurant that caught our fancy.
The decorations are gorgeous! It really gets you into the Christmas spirit. Enjoy! (We'll be there from 11-10 December)

 

[Taja]

Thoroughly enjoyed my visits to WDW in December 2003 and December 2004. I'm looking forward to returning this year with friends!

In 2004, I was at WDW from around the 7th or 8th through the 17th. Overall, weather was nice, but I froze the night I attended MVMCP! It was clear and COLD! 'Course, while I was wearing a reversible (water repellent/fleece) jacket and gloves, others were wearing shorts and hoodies! It rained one day (mostly drizzle with occasional showers), but the rest were dry.

In 2003, I was at WDW from December1 through December 7 or 8. Weather was mostly warm, and I usually needed a jacket around 9 p.m.--and occasionally not at all! It was warm enough to swim several nights--at least for the kids at the resort. The evening air temperature was pretty warm those nights--long sleeves for me, though! *lol*

 

[vettechick99]

I love December visits! My birthday is mid-December so I've been several times. It was moderate weather all of them. From 50's up to 70's. The crowds are fairly low - certainly better than later on in the month.

Personally I would not swim in December, but I don't like to unless it's at least 85 or higher. But you might have a warm front come in and swimming be enjoyable.

Check the weather forecast before you leave. But plan on bringing layers!

 

[LoriZH]

We had a great stay, high 60's to low 70's during the day (too cold for swimming, actually we didn't see one person using the pool) nights were chillier but not freezing. I wore gloves at night, but I'm always cold, lol. The only time the weather bothered us was when it rained because it was cold rain, it actually ruined our MVMCP because it poured cold rain.

The crowds were minimal and the days were beautiful and I wouldn't hesitate to go back in December again!

 

[ccigliano]

I love December trips the most . This will be our 10th trip at Christmastime (last week of Nov - first two weeks Dec) and most were spent at the infamous WL as this one will be - I can't wait. The weather can be mid 80s to mid 50s. One year, we wore gloves, ski jackets and hats while watching the Electrical Light Parade at the MK - it was 33°-other times warm enough for a light jacket. The pools at the deluxes are definitely heated but I opt for the hot tub over the pool, especially after a long day at the parks. The crowds have increased over the years as more people realize how much you get when you come at Christmastime, but that doesn't mean its crowded like during school vacation times of the year. You will still enjoy the parks and use the fast pass system for all your favorites. As someone who has been to the World at Christmastime - I have several must sees. Be sure to catch the Candlelight Processional at EP, a guest narrator, 400 member choir and a 50 piece orchestra reenact the Christmas Story from the Gospel according to Luke. The Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights at MGM gets bigger and bigger every year. There are Christmas tree lighting ceremonies every night at all the parks at 6:00 with characters and caroling. EP has Christmas Around the World where you can see how each country celebrates Christmas - kids and adults love it. Don't miss the decorations at WL and GF, they are must sees for me every year. I know I sound like a Disney commercial but it truly is a Magical time of the year. Enjoy.

 

[lookingforward]

Oh my goodness, December at WDW Is the BEST! Seriously. I live in Florida so I especially appreciate the cooler weather up north. The best part is the Holiday spirit. Decorations, special programs (the Very Merry Xmas party, the Osbourne Lights, Candlelight Processional, the trees, Epcot, etc). My daughter and I go each December to celebrate her birthday and each year (she is now almost 9) I say the same thing "Promise mom that when you are 21 or 40 you will still go to disney with me in December" to which she says "Mom, I will stay with you forever". Yea right!

 

[ccigliano]

LookingForward - if its any consolation, I'm 42 and still go in December with mom and dad or should I say they come with me. I'm the one who owns at the Villas at Wilderness Lodge and for Christmas I buy them annual passes. So I guess what goes around comes around .

 

[DizneyNutz]

Many resorts are decorated more than others, but everything shows a bit of the season. As far as pools, they are heated, but that doesn't change the air temps. In the day you may experience unusually warm temps to cold for Florida. On our arrival day last year it got to 85 degrees. On our departure the morning temp was near freezing, so it's anybody's guess what you might experience, but like the OP's have said plan for the gamut and have clothes for warm and cold. You will definately enjoy WDW in Dec. Make sure to save some time to visit the resorts decorated for the holiday. Here's to wishing you all the most magical trip .

 

[Charleyann]

I am from Canada so the weather was perfect for us. Not overly hot but warm enough to go in shorts during the days and even warm enough to swim. In the evening we needed a light jacket. Again this is much like Canadian summers which cool done at night! I love December weather!

Charleyann

 

[lookingforward]

LookingForward - if its any consolation, I'm 42 and still go in December with mom and dad or should I say they come with me. I'm the one who owns at the Villas at Wilderness Lodge and for Christmas I buy them annual passes. So I guess what goes around comes around .

Thanks! When she is 40 I will be 77 (I'm an "older" mom) so I will be glad to have her pay!

 

[goofybabe]

Wow you'll be there the same time as us! we check in the 8th and leave the 15th. This will be our fourth time staying at the poly in december, and it has been great every single time. We are from New Hampshire so anything over 60 is warm to us in december. The decorations at the parks are fabulous, and Mickeys Very Merry Chrismas Party is great also. Great time to get on the rides. You'll have a wonderful time.

Cya there!

 

[lustergirl]

we are heading down 11/29-12/5 this year. Early last december my younger son and I enjoyed a short trip. Being from the north I expected burrrr-------cold and was I surprised. I packed wrong for my trip and sweated my behind off- ha!! It was warm and humid during the day (so warm we rode Kali River Rapids) and a little cool enough in the evening to wear a sweatshirt or sweater. The christmas decorations are amazing. I specially enjoyed the Osbourne Lights at MGM. This year I bought tickets to MVMCP, first time going. It will be me and the hubby going solo- leaving my sons home with grandma. I will miss them but we will have fun, will actually slow down and "smell the roses" so to speak.