When does Dec get bad?

[The Grumpus]

Listening to the Christmas podcasts again, I realized that I really want to see the World all decked out in its holiday finest. I was just about to book the last week of September for Free-D plus F&W festival, but the fiancee just said she could get the week before Christmas off...

I looked at the Touringplans website, and they show 4-6 for all those days, but I'm a little skeptical. Can anyone make me feel good about my decision?

Thanks!

-TGr

 

[*NikkiBell*]

The week before Christmas isn't as wildly insane as Christmas and NYE week is, but there will still be crowds. The best time in December is usually early in the month. If you go with the mindset of seeing the holiday festivities and anything else done is a bonus, you will be fine!

 

[noladave]

I had a friend go this past year, and he booked the 1st weekend in December, and couldn't book a Saturday night (all sold out) - he left the parks Saturday evening (at closing time). So, be careful of the weekends. It didn't bother him that much - he took off from work, and went Tuesday - Saturday. If your weekends are critical to your trip, that might be an issue.

As for the week before Christmas, I haven't heard. The week between Christmas and New Year's is the absolute busiest.

 

[OKW Lover]

Don't forget Disaplozia (or however you spell it) December 10-14th. We'll be there!

 

[jcb]

In years past, I have been the first/second week (including Pop Warner and Mousefest) of December (08), the week before Christmas (03 & 07), and 5 nights before Christmas to 12/26 (01). I think we can forget my 2001 experience (which was not bad) as being an atypical year.

I enjoyed them all - in terms of crowds, the 03 and 07 trips worked best for us. In 07 we left 12/24 and by Saturday (12/22/07), the parks were getting pretty crazy by 11 am. (Even then, getting to the park early made a huge difference).

Of course, what 2009 will be like if WDW runs a promotion is anyone's guess. I thought 08 was very busy (especially DHS in the evening) but then DW doesn't like to get up "early" so that might have colored my perspective.

If I had my choice, I would go mid-December after Pop Warner and Christmas Parade taping but in time to do the DIS event (which is worth it no matter how crowded the parks are).

 

[MrandMissVacation]

In '06 we went Jan 2-9 and it wasn't until the last few days that the decorations came down. As far as crowds (and I'm not the best judge) I think they were very manageable and we utilized getting there early and using fast-passes. It was chilly though some days..needed sweaters or light jackets and we could (and did) only swim one day.
HTH

 

[The Grumpus]

Thanks to all for the feedback. Due to the Grumpette's schedule, we would be restricted to the specific week before Christmas. I think I need to ponder it a little more.

Thanks again!

-TGr

 

[Halbleib1]

Go with a plan and you should be ok. This past Christmas the crowds didn't really start coming in until the Saturday before Christmas. Except for Magic Kingdom that was pretty busy on the 15th but it was also EMHs and it became more managable as the week went on until Saturday. On the 24th while we were heading to the ME bus their was a crowd of people checking in so I can imagine that Christmas and beyond is very very busy as has been reported many times on the boards. The week we went disney actually had pin codes out for free dining which is the reason we were lucky enough to go. So they were expecting low crowds during that week or they wouldn't have released pin codes. We went with the plan to see everything for Christmas and if we didn't get some of the regular stuff done it was no big deal. Even with our whole family getting sick and spending more time than normal in the room we managed to see just about everything for Christmas plus some. We have decided that there is no better time of the year to go. The only downside is its too cold most days to go swimming or to a water park. That is the only thing that might get us back down at another time of the year. We did not go to the Christmas party because they show all that stuff on Saturdays leading up to Christmas and than the Saturday going into Christmas week they start showing it everyday. So make plans for this if you do not go to the Christmas party. We did not see a reason to spend the extra money when we could see it all with reg. park admission. And be sure to make adrs for the Candlelight Processional dinner pkg. in Epcot-the only way you are guranteed a seat for the show. They do a great job. It was one of our favorites.

Go and enjoy it. I think you will find that with a basic plan and adrs you will be fine.