Water Parks in December

[Harry_Callahan]

My first trip to Disney was in 1973 when I was 7. Then I went again in 1988 with some friends from work. Now I'm bringing the family.

I will be there the first week of December and I was wondering what the weather is like as far as the water parks are concerned. Should we even bother bringing our suits or will it be too cold ? What is the time to travel from the Disney Movies Hotel where we are staying to the water parks ? And, how feesible is it to go to anyone of the 4 parks in the morning and then a water park in the afternoon ? How much time would you lose in transit ?

Will the WDW Parks overall be crowded this time of year ?

My 5 year old son and 6 year old daughter are not that comfortable in the dark yet, should I bother trying to go to Universal at all ? I've heard alot of the attractions there are based in darkness.

And lastly, how far of a drive is it (LOL) to the Perkins Pancakes from the Disney Movies hotel ??

Thanks for any replies =o)

 

[jwfla422]

We were there in 2001 and was warm enough to swim. Last year though it was rainy and cold (50s for highs). Since the suits take up little room, pack them, you never know.

Cold fronts are popular in FL that time of year. It can be 85 one day and a front can come through and it can go down to the 40s that night.

I do believe that the water parks are opened intemittantly in the winter (they close for refurbishment) and open only on certain days- I would still pack a suit you can use at your resort pool.

The last 2 years it has not been crowded during that time. We like to go this time because of that reason and we can see all of the holidaydecorations. Keep in mind that the first Sat. in December they usually tape the Xmas parade (for Kelly and Regis). This changed the parade times & fireworks times for that night and we didn't know till we arrived at the park that night.

As far as Universal is concerned I would just test them out at some of the Disney park attractions. My dd also doesn't like the dark rides and I know that Universal has a lot of them like that.

Most of the Disney transportation can run from 10-20 minutes in the afternoon and then add the time to get to where you are going. You may have to transfer buses at another park or at DTD.

 

[BadgerBruce]

Blizzard Beach is the park that is usually open then & it is very close to the All-Stars. It also has much less shade than TL, which makes it a great choice for the cooler December weather. They have a great family raft ride & the floating creek is wide & sunny. If time is a factor, kids that age may be just as happy using the resort pool whenever you're lucky enough to get a warm day. The first week in December is great & hasn't been busy when we've been there. Have a great trip!

 

[tebright]

We will be there the first week in December also and we will venture to Blizzard Beach. We're from the Northeast so we know what cold is...lol.

Our last day there will be the first Sat in December. That would be really cool to see Regis. Does he interview people? I'm assuming this is in MK though.

 

[laceemouse]

I have 4 kids and they have never been really scared of ANYTHING at Disney! They don't all do the big thrill rides, but things like dark, noise, and the 3D shows have been fine with all of them at all ages. I feel, however, that the attractions at USF are much more intense. We have friends who kids freaked out during every rain storm for months after seeing Twister. We love the beach and things like Jaws would not be the best idea for ours. In general, Disney is much more fantasy like and Universal seems much more realistic. I say, try everything at Disney first and see how they do. I personally will not go back to anything at USF or IOA until my kids are teens, if then!