WDW during Christmas season.

[caryrae]

Finally getting a chance to go to WDW during Christmas season for the first time. We are planning on going in 2017. When is the best time to go for crowd levels? I know week of Thanksgiving and Christmas is the worst so would any week between those times be the best? We will stay at a value resort, so is one better than others during this time for Christmas theming or are they all pretty much the same (we have stayed at POP and ASMovies in the past). Also would doing parks and Christmas party during the weekdays instead of weekends be the best way to go? Will be just my wife and I.

 

[LovePug]

I'd plan for the 1st or 2nd week of December, with my preference being the 2nd week. I'd definitely do MVMCP on a weeknight, also.

 

[disneygolfer1985]

If you don't go over Christmas, then you need to go to the party to be able to see the Christmas wishes and parade. Usually, they film the Christmas Day parade the first week of December. I would also recommend seeing the candlelight processional in Epcot and enjoy the holidays around the world.

 

[gap2368]

Yes the second week of December and do MVMCP. As fair as hotels either one

 

[caryrae]

Good advice already. Thanks

 

[OLIVIA'S DADDY]

Definitely the beginning of December, crowds are at their lowest and the temps are mid seventies- mid eighties. As far as resorts go, probably pop century, they have a great bus system, when we stayed there the buses were very quick and we liked the food court and the pool was never really crowded. I would just request a room close to the lobby so that you are not too far away. It's a pretty big resort.

 

[caryrae]

Anybody know when Disney will release pricing for 2017? I've read June but not sure if that's true. Already been saving money in my Disney vacation account.

 

[mommyarewegoingback]

I love first / second week in Dec. Perfect weather, crowds and decorations. Like someone else said you'll have to do MVMCP to see the parade. They use to film Christmas show then too. They changed it last year. Don't know when this year is.

 

[W.E.D.]

Would this be running into Pop Warner season for the OP? Our last trip we went the week immediately after Thanksgiving for ten days. It was a ghost town for the most part until the last couple days when the Pop Warner crowds started showing up. And don't they usually stay at the Values? Just some thoughts.

You should love the weather, and MVMCP is fantastic!

 

[DemoBri1]

I think I'm in the majority here, but I think the 2nd week of December might be a better pick. The first week of December in the past had the MK Christmas Parade taping on that first weekend. Now last year they moved it up to November, and I haven't heard if they are sticking with that or not. I think you're relatively good with crowds during the 2nd week and maybe even into the 3rd week of December. Just be ready to be out of there by the time Christmas week hits.

 

[caryrae]

So the 2 weeks to pick from for next year would be Dec 2-9 or Dec 9-16. Do most people think 9-16 is better?

Also is this Pop Warner thing around the same time every year? I see this year it said it is Dec 3rd-9th so would it be Dec 2-8 in 2017?

 

[sharonabe]

I see this year it said it is Dec 3rd-9th so would it be Dec 2-8 in 2017?

Probably, which would make the 9-16 the better week to go. However, unless you're needing to book early to get cheap air fare, I'd wait until Pop tells the world what dates they are going to make your decision. You may also fall into the dates for free dining (if they offer it) if you can wait until that is announced.

 

[buteraa]

Pop Warner is usually the first week of December. We have always gone the 2nd or 3rd week and it's been great. This year we are going over Christmas. If you have never done the Christmas party, I would suggest it at least once. It's really a beautiful time of year to go!

 

[Serenebean]

I really loved going the Sunday after Thanksgiving. It was very Christmassy and not crowded. I think there was check in availability for free dining as well for 2016, so maybe it will be the same next year. If I recall, just your check in date needs to fall within the promo and you get credit for the entire trip.

 

[Karabear15]

I've actually heard that Thanksgiving week isn't nearly as bad as the week of Christmas or New Years. We went the day after Christmas and stayed until after New Years...and I definitely will never do it again, and will not recommend it to anyone. The fireworks were amazing, but I'm still not sure if they were worth the loss of my sanity. Unfortunately I have to work with public school schedules, so I have to travel during peak seasons...we are choosing to go for Thanksgiving this year with the hopes that it won't be as crowded as New Years.

 

[MrsJamesPSullivan]

I love the week after Thanksgiving. We fly down on Saturday and Sunday is our first park day. That week is practically empty. Pop Warner people show up Friday afternoon and evening and are usually in MK on Saturday but it's still not bad on Saturday other than you notice the noise level doubles! We've done a Sunday party and it wasn't bad at all.

 

[Accident]

Finally getting a chance to go to WDW during Christmas season for the first time. We are planning on going in 2017. When is the best time to go for crowd levels? I know week of Thanksgiving and Christmas is the worst so would any week between those times be the best?

I really like the week after thanksgiving but thanksgiving weekend itself will be swamped but the week after is usually really nice and everything christmas has started.. Also it usually is the week they tape the WDW portion of the dec 25th tv show parade so added bonus (last year they did it earlier in nov though).

We will stay at a value resort, so is one better than others during this time for Christmas theming or are they all pretty much the same (we have stayed at POP and ASMovies in the past). Also would doing parks and Christmas party during the weekdays instead of weekends be the best way to go? Will be just my wife and I.

It's minor decorations at values and moderates (not but missing). moderates are more lobbyish/food courts only. Deluxes is where you see more of a touch with wildernress lodge being my favorite with the largest tree on property being inside the lobby. nov you want to watch the news and blogs on where the gingerbread houses are being setup, they are huge and interesting to see.

 

[mister morrow]

the Christmas Parade taping is the first weekend of December as well as the Pop Warner Football Championship and cheerleading competitions which make things crazy. I'd avoid the first weekend and go the second week of December. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party officially starts at 7 pm, the party ticket is valid for park admission starting at 4 pm. Arrive early, eat, and do a few attractions BEFORE 6:30 pm.

You should also check out:

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights (idk if this will be affected by construction, prob. not)
Illuminations: Reflections of Earth Holiday Tag
The Candlelight Processional

As far as resorts go, nothing really is set up at values, but I know that POFQ and most deluxe resorts have a really beautiful christmas vibe

have a good trip!

 

[Accident]

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights (idk if this will be affected by construction, prob. not)

It's gone, permanently.. huge announcement last year that it was going away.

 

[mister morrow]

It's gone, permanently.. huge announcement last year that it was going away.

wow, that's a bummer!
i never heard that announcement