Week before Christmas Crowds??

[kath1210]

We are thinking of going to WDW December 18-24. How are the crowds at this time? How is the weather? Would it be better or worse to go during Thanksgiving week?

Thanks!!

 

[LilMagic2000]

The parks do tend to be more crowded during the holidays, and they are about the same as far as Christmas vs Thanksgiving go. While we have been during the holidays (however, never so close to Christmas) for some reason, I didn't notice it as crowded as it is during the summer.
This might have something to do with the fact that I wasn't as easily aggravated by everything around me due to the cooler weather (when I am hot and sweaty, Happiest Place or Not-I can be a "Villian").
After we went in December, however, I would never complain if all of our trips took place in December as opposed to any of the summer months.
When you go, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party will be going on, and naturally, the park is going to be crowded on these nights, but the crowds are very much worth battling just to be able to go.
Over all, yes, the parks will be crowded-I don't think you will see a huge difference in Christmas vs Thanksgiving-but it is, in my opinion, much more tolerable than the summer crowds! And not as hot!!!

 

[kath1210]

Thanks, Lil. I am right with you about the weather! I hate the heat! We went in November 2003 and I was expecting coolish weather - but it was in the low 90's almost every day! I am very excited to be going at Christmastime - I can't wait to see all of the decorations. We did get tickets for MVMCP.

 

[Mady/Sophiemom]

Check this site out. May give you an idea:

http://www.touringplans.com/BestDays.htm

We are going earlier in Dec. We did the Christmas thing years ago, before kids, and the crowds really wore on us, but we were there the 24th, thru 1/1. According to that website- the crowds steadily build, but for the first few days of your trip-looks managable.

Our kids are still young enough to miss a few days of school, so a quick trip to go to MVMCP, and see decorations is their Christmas present. Hopefully th parks will be uncrowded, and we can accomplish alot during our 5 days.

As for weather- I'm packing a bit of everything. I was hoping for no big suitecases this trip since it is shorter- DH reminded me that jeans, and sweatshirts take up much more room, and shorts, and tees. UGG!!

Have a great trip.

 

[kath1210]

Check this site out. May give you an idea:

http://www.touringplans.com/BestDays.htm

We are going earlier in Dec. We did the Christmas thing years ago, before kids, and the crowds really wore on us, but we were there the 24th, thru 1/1. According to that website- the crowds steadily build, but for the first few days of your trip-looks managable.

Our kids are still young enough to miss a few days of school, so a quick trip to go to MVMCP, and see decorations is their Christmas present. Hopefully th parks will be uncrowded, and we can accomplish alot during our 5 days.

As for weather- I'm packing a bit of everything. I was hoping for no big suitecases this trip since it is shorter- DH reminded me that jeans, and sweatshirts take up much more room, and shorts, and tees. UGG!!

Have a great trip.

Thanks so much for that site! I think it will make my husband feel better about going at that time of year. We'll do the parks earlier in the week and chill out later.

 

[CPer'sMom]

We are thinking of going to WDW December 18-24. How are the crowds at this time? How is the weather? Would it be better or worse to go during Thanksgiving week?

Thanks!!

We have been to WDW 3 times at Christmas, always during the time frame you are considering. In our experiences, it's a great time to go. Crowds are virtually non-existent during most of that week; you'll see the crowds start to build the closer you get to Christmas Day. The 24th is always our last park day. If we're staying until the 25th or 26th, we use those days to shop, play mini golf and just relax before heading home. Christmas Day dinner is at one of the resorts.
We love going at that time of year ~~ Christmas at Disney is magical

 

[CPer'sMom]

We are thinking of going to WDW December 18-24. How are the crowds at this time? How is the weather? Would it be better or worse to go during Thanksgiving week?

Thanks!!

We have been to WDW 3 times at Christmas, always during the time frame you are considering. In our experiences, it's a great time to go. Crowds are virtually non-existent during most of that week; you'll see the crowds start to build the closer you get to Christmas Day. The 24th is always our last park day. If we're staying until the 25th or 26th, we use those days to shop, play mini golf and just relax before heading home. Christmas Day dinner is at one of the resorts.
We love going at that time of year ~~ Christmas at Disney is magical