Week before X-Mas vs the week after??

[renessa]

I am planning in my head for Christmas 2004. I have the possibility of the week before and including Christmas (on Saturday) which would be a little longer than normal park hours, but regular season hotel rates. The second possiblity is the week between Christmas and New Years. Much longer hours, but with Holiday rates. I know all the Chrismas decor, parades, shows will be up both weeks, and love the idea of the first week. My question:
Is there that much difference between the crowds in the two weeks? What other things am I missing out on? What else should I consider? Thanks, Renessa

 

[tink88]

We were at WDW staying at the BWV 12/19-22 in 2002. All the holiday events were being held and the park hours were not bad. As we left on the 22nd the hordes of people were checking in and CM's were gearing up. We loved the ''calm before the storm" and did not feel we missed anything by being there before x-mas-and didn't wait in line. I think your decision comes down to how much any extra park hours mean to you, how much will you use them, and are you willing to fight the crowds.

 

[XStAnt]

Go the week before Christmas. The crowds are MUCH less and all the holiday events and decorations are up. You'll get a lot more done that week.

 

[TreeOfLife]

We've been there the first week in December, right after Thanksgiving and it is d e a d empty.
This year we'll stay onsite from Dec 18 - 24. Taking advantage of ee mornings should help us cover plenty of the attractions. And then we'll stay at the Hard Rock Hotel for three days, to visit Universal. With the front of the line privilege for their hotel guests I am sure we'll do very well right during the holidays.

 

[Bill3]

We were at WDW from 12/29/02 to 1/04/03 the crowds were the biggest i had ever seen. Although we had a great time it would have been overwhemling to a first timer. We were there about 5 yrs ago the week before and the croeds were considerably less.

 

[keystone minnie]

I was wondering as well, how crowded is it before Christmas. We were there the first week in December in 2000 and it was fantastic. The longest we had to wait for anything was 20 minutes and most waits were much less. We were able to do everything we had planned so we didn't even miss the earlier closing time -- actually, we enjoyed being able to get to bed early!
What about others? How is the week before Christmas?