Week Before Christmas

[Checkers]

We will be there 12/16-12/21 and have never been to WDW this close to Christmas and was wondering how the crowds are the week before Christmas. I know that the week of Christmas is insane but thought maybe the week before might not be that bad. Anyone been there at this time of year? TIA

 

[bobbiwoz]

Our first big family/friend trip, with 14 people, was December 18 through 23 one year. Things were busier the closer we got to Christmas, but it wasn't bad in the beginning. It was a very cold Decmeber, so be prepared, it could be more than chilly!

Enjoy your trip!

 

[sarahk0204]

We've been twice around that time frame.

In 2010, we were there 12/17-12/22. The first couple of days weren't bad. 12/21 (a Monday), we were in the MK, and it was a bit crowded - not crazy Christmas week, but longer lines than when we usually came in the summer. On 12/22, we decided to go to Epcot, as that larger park can handle crowds better. We saw several of the storytellers in WS, and it wasn't too crowded.

In 2011, we were there 12/12-12/19. Much less crowded overall. Our only issue was trying to do Osbourne Lights on Friday night and drive to DHS. Parking was a nightmare, as I think many locals came that night. We should have taken the bus.

 

[TinkandGoofy'sMom]

Our closest to that was the 12-19th a couple of years ago. It was fabulous! Crowds, weather, and decorations were all fantastic.

 

[Rest&Relax]

Crowds really starting picking up around the 21st. Since you will be there during the week it will be very manageable. Your last day on Friday will start getting very busy between Florida residents and people starting to come in for Christmas week. Have a great time!

Love all the decorations at the parks and resorts!

 

[twinklebug]

We will be there 12/16-12/21 and have never been to WDW this close to Christmas and was wondering how the crowds are the week before Christmas. I know that the week of Christmas is insane but thought maybe the week before might not be that bad. Anyone been there at this time of year? TIA

Yup - week between Christmas & New Years is insane. We do it anyway.

I do love getting down there a few days beforehand though - the crowds are much lighter and you can feel the difference in the crowds from day to day as Christmas approaches. We get all our must-do rides in right up front and relax and enjoy the seasonal decor and music once those lines and walkways explode out of control.

You'll have a great time the week before

 

[Nomad70]

We were there 19-24 Dec of '09. It was very cold to us (live in lower Alabama), think 45* in am and 60* during the day. I recall commenting about how crowds were not as bad as we had imagined. Hoping the same is true this year, dd and I are going those dates as well.

 

[MOM POPPINS]

We have been the same week leading up to Christmas. We are going again this year Dec 13-21 DD's bday is on the 15th. You only turn 18 once and she wanted to be at Disney! I thought the crowds were great when we went this week in the past!

 

[NeedMorePoints]

The family and I stayed at BLT 12/19-12/24 in 2010 and 12/18-12/24 in 2011. Parks were not too crowded with the exception of MK once the afternoon Mickey Christmas Parade started. Had a great time both years. We will be there again at that time this year also.

Have a swell time!

 

[Checkers]

Thanks everyone for your replies. I am encouraged that the crowds won't be as bad as the week between Christmas & New Year's. Really looking forward to all the decorations and seeing the new Fantasyland! To all those headed to WDW, have a great trip!