Traveling in December?

[DYOBL0305]

We're thinking of going back to DW in December of next year, our kids will be 8, turning-6, and 3, hoping to get some feedback from anyone that's been there over the holidays. We were just there this past August, it was busy, crowded, and hot, but we did a lot of planning ahead of time and the trip went very well, better than we had hoped with 3 kids 6 and under! lol

Is beginning/middle of the month better than the end? Our dd2's birthday is right in between Christmas and NYE so we're hoping to go during this time, even though I know it's THE busiest time of the year. We'll be flying this time around (drove last time) so I'm sure that's something else we have to keep in mind, traveling during such a busy time of the year and with kids.

Any advice or tips?

 

[Fob]

Just my opinion, but my family loves the beginning of December. We're actually going the second week (12th-19th) this year and our kids will be 8 (turning 9 on 12/25) and 4. The absolute best week would be the 1st week of Dec. (basically the week after Thanksgiving), but that can be difficult with kids and school. That's why we will be going the second week. I checked with the school and all the grades will be completed on the 11th so my oldest won't miss any school work, only school days (which they will parent excuse ).

I have never been Christmas week, and I don't think I want to. Seen the pictures others post of the crowds, it makes me claustrophobic. Just can't imagine moving around with little kids and 4+ hour waits (that's also why we only go "off-season").

Don't know if that helped, but either way I hope you have a great trip next year.

 

[DYOBL0305]

Very helpful, thank you! Hadn't thought about contacting the school, they let them out on the 19th this past December, maybe we could work something out for getting them out a few days before that. Dd2's birthday is the 27th, I'd love to do it on her birthday but a few days before might not be so bad. we'll manage one way or another if we cant do it before though, the things we do for our kids, right? Lol

 

[rblucy]

If you can go earlier in December, crowds are better and your airfare should be cheaper bc it isn't Christmas. You can still celebrate DDs bday a few days early and make it an extended celebration

 

[akl2004]

Check the crowd calendars. Our favorite time to go is Christmas. We have done Halloween and the week before Thanksgiving also. According to the crowd calendars and the experts here on the boards, early December is the least busy, getting more crowded as you get closer to Christmas. We are planning to go this time of year again this year, either the weekend after Thanksgiving or the one of the first two weeks of December. These are generally considered to have low crowds. Definitely do some research into the crowd levels, though, because, as pp stated, I have seen posted pictures of Christmas week, and, as much as I love Disney, I have no desire to be there then.

 

[SmallWorld71]

We were just there from Dec. 23rd to Jan. 1st and had a fabulous trip. That said, I highly recommend you avoid it.
I have been every time of year and NOTHING compares to the crowds of Christmas week. I've been many times in August - it's a ghost town compared to Christmas week. Think: extended queues for things such as Stitch! 30 min. wait to get on the train that circles the park! A completely full Indiana Jones! You need to get to the park before opening if you want to stand a chance of getting things done - and the parks open early. MK is 7am every day and the other parks are 7am or 8am. That means getting up and heading out in the dark and often the cold; you also need to stay up late on the other end if you want to see many of the night time things. It was grueling for a group of 2 adults, and three older kids. (19, 15, 11 at time of travel)
I would never take a child younger than 9 Christmas week. The kids really need to be 100% on their own foot power; it can be next to impossible to push a stroller through those crowds and the walking would be too much for those in the 5-8 year range.
We often had to move single file just to get from place to place and were often rerouted due to crowd control. For example: we entered MK one evening and headed to Liberty Square. But, we weren't allowed to go on Main St. - too crowded. We had to take the bypass to Tomorrowland and then walk through Tomorrowland and Fantasyland. Another time, we had to get to Fantasyland from Main St. by going through Adventureland and Frontierland. We were often rerouted at DHS as well.
The holiday season itself is wonderful and I would definitely encourage a Dec. visit - but avoid the week from Christmas to New Year's!
I'd be happy to answer specific questions if you'd like.

 

[DYOBL0305]

Oh yikes! I've heard and read a few similar experiences to yours and it REALLY has me thinking twice about taking our trip that week. We have tossed around the idea of going a week before, it's cheaper and we would avoid a lot of headaches I think in regards to crowds...ugh, decisions!

I appreciate you sharing your personal experience, btw, very helpful!! Can I ask how the weather was during your stay? That's another concern I have, trying to figure out outfits and what to take with us and what to leave.

 

[SmallWorld71]

Oh yikes! I've heard and read a few similar experiences to yours and it REALLY has me thinking twice about taking our trip that week. We have tossed around the idea of going a week before, it's cheaper and we would avoid a lot of headaches I think in regards to crowds...ugh, decisions!

I appreciate you sharing your personal experience, btw, very helpful!! Can I ask how the weather was during your stay? That's another concern I have, trying to figure out outfits and what to take with us and what to leave.

Our weather was unusually warm, but comfortable. There were only two days where we needed sweatshirts. We had to wash clothes a couple times as we didn't bring enough shorts and we actually swam several times. I have been in Feb. where we needed coats, hats and gloves, so there can definitely be a huge range.

 

[kohlby]

I would avoid the week between Christmas and New Year's. We've been that week a few times - but without kids. I'd avoid doing that week with kids if you have any other options - and it sounds like you do. The first week of December has been wonderful when we've gone that week.

I noticed you mentioned school. Check the policy as some states have stricter rules than others and can't budge on the rules due to being rules for the public schools for that state. If school is an issue, I'd take a couple days off before the break so your child misses less, but know that crowds will start picking up by then but they won't be as insane. Another idea would be to take a couple days off on the other side, at the start of January.

For weather, all our December trips have had great weather. The ones over Christmas/New Years were pants half the time and shorts have the time. The start of December has been shorts most of the times. Think layers though as the mornings can start out cold even on days that end up warm. That being said, there is always the chance of some surprise weather. Our January trip, in 2010, had record low temps - as in freezing and not getting much above 40 if at all! My generic recommendation for packing is to look at the weather report right before you go. Pack according to that. Then - no matter what it says - make sure you have at least two outfits for hot weather and two outfits for cold weather.

 

[DYOBL0305]

Thank you both!! You all have given me a lot to think about

 

[Thing 1]

We have so enjoyed early December trips. All the joys of Christmas without all the crazy insane crowds. Everything is in full swing of Christmas. Crowds are lower but temps are unpredictable but often warmer than late December. We did the week of New Years once and I thought the crowds were crazy.....the CMs laughed and said that was dead compared to the week before.

 

[iheartdisney44]

I have been there several times the second week of December and it is, by far, my favorite time to go! Crowds are manageable, good weather, Christmas decorations and parties are in full swing. I have also been there on New Years Eve and while I recommend doing this just once to see the AMAZING fireworks, be prepared to stand shoulder to shoulder with everyone there! Good luck!

 

[FreeDiningFanatic]

We've many many times in early December, and loved it. Disney is extra magical at Christmas. This past year, we were there the 21-29. Crowds were manageable up until Christmas, and after that MK was so terribly crowded. There was an extreme difference.

As to weather, this past year was hot, 90 degrees. But past years, it's been low 70s, coats at night.

 

[jtopp]

We love the first two weeks in December, but scheduling make it impossible. We have opted for the holiday week, when we can all coordinate timetables to get together. We love the warm weather and the holiday décor. Unfortunately, we also realize that many others covet that same week, and have to plan accordingly. We know the parks will be crowded, with long wait times. We know to make ADRs long in advance. All in all, proper planning makes it a perfect vacation, year after year.

 

[DYOBL0305]

Thank you all for your replies!

I think dh and I have decided to set our December trip to the week right before our dd2's bday which would be just a few days shy of Christmas. If we could go the first week we would but we want to plan it as close to her bday as possible. Maybe we can even squeeze in a few extra days this way

 

[jodls01]

ROPE DROP, rope drop. We went in 2013 Dec. 17 - Dec. 27. We live in south Texas, so we took our "winter" clothing and dressed in layers. This yr our main concern is pass+ and getting everyone(12 in group) their fastpass. Rope drop and legacy fastpass always worked for us. We had a stroller and wheelchair and never had a problem.