What are the crowds like in December?

[spectrecat]

I've been looking at all of those Christmas pictures!!

How are the crowds in December? I know right around Christmas it's supposed to be very busy, but what about the first or second week of the month?

My dad took us over Thanksgiving week when I was high school, and we thought it was perfect...I don't remember the lines or crowds being that bad...and this was pre-FastPass.

 

[RMulieri]

Well, in the past the first and second weeks in December were perfect and the parks were completely dead.This has since become a very popular travel time.I have gone every year the first week of December since 1999, and have decided not to do it this year.The parks are still doable,and it is definitely not crazy busy.But for those of us who have always gone during this time, the parks are noticeably more crowded. I think that because the weather is so perfect and the parks are all festive and decorated , plus the idea that the parks are quieter have attracted alot more people than it used to.

 

[SharpMomOfTwo]

We will be there from 12/9-12/16 and from everything I've read it is the slowest (and cheapest) time of the year. I can't wait, no crouds, money saved, and no dying in 105 degree weather. The only downer is the fact that it can be in the 30s in the mornings!!!! But it always warms up to at least the 70s-80s.

 

[Princess Roo]

We were there 2nd week of December two years ago and it was a GREAT time to go. It certainly wasn't 'empty', but the crowds were lighter than our other visits and Fastpass return times were soon enough to be very convenient. The parks do close early those days, which was perfect for us with a toddler, because it meant early fireworks. (Others may wish to purchase Christmas party tickets to stay longer.) Definitely wear layers, as it starts out chilly and warms up a good bit. We definitely want to go back in early December sometime soon, when we aren't traveling with teachers who can't get those days off!

 

[devalsam]

Well, in the past the first and second weeks in December were perfect and the parks were completely dead.This has since become a very popular travel time.I have gone every year the first week of December since 1999, and have decided not to do it this year.The parks are still doable,and it is definitely not crazy busy.But for those of us who have always gone during this time, the parks are noticeably more crowded. I think that because the weather is so perfect and the parks are all festive and decorated , plus the idea that the parks are quieter have attracted alot more people than it used to.

What is the weather usually like the first week of December?? We've always traveled in May or October but this year we will be traveling down the first week in December. We're staying at the Beach Club and I would hate to not be able to enjoy that pool at least once!! Plus I'd like to have an idea of what types of clothing to pack for my DDs (8 & 9). TIA!

 

[RMulieri]

What is the weather usually like the first week of December?? We've always traveled in May or October but this year we will be traveling down the first week in December. We're staying at the Beach Club and I would hate to not be able to enjoy that pool at least once!! Plus I'd like to have an idea of what types of clothing to pack for my DDs (8 & 9). TIA!

It truly depends.I have been down there that week when it was mid eighties all day and low 70s at night, and I have been down when it was mid fifties during the day and 40's at night.This is the downside of this time.you really need to pack to cover all contingencies.You should be able to swim though.

 

[bamajenn]

It truly depends.I have been down there that week when it was mid eighties all day and low 70s at night, and I have been down when it was mid fifties during the day and 40's at night.This is the downside of this time.you really need to pack to cover all contingencies.You should be able to swim though.

This is so so true. Pack for every possibility if you're going anytime between December and March. As a former FL resident I can tell you that the weather is screwy during the winter and you will indeed have weeks where on Monday the low is 62 but then by Friday it's 42. Pack well.