When to go in December?

[GPC0321]

We'll be returning to WDW in December 2017 to see it in all its Christmastime splendor! We are hopefully going to be renting DVC points for this trip, and I already have been doing my homework about that and have a good grasp on it.

Our original thought was to go from Dec. 17 - 21 (Sunday through Thursday). But now I'm thinking about going earlier in December, either the 3-7 or 10-14, which are still Sun - Thurs. The reason for the Sun-Thurs thing is I'm considering flying Frontier airline and they only fly between RDU and MCO on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Plus, 4 nights is about what we'd want anyway.

Are there any benefits to going during one of the earlier weeks than our original 17-21 dates? Are parks likely to be less crowded? We're planning to do MVMCP on one night, and I'm thinking the earlier the dates the cheaper? We'll also be doing Candlelight Processional at Epcot, and I imagine we'll check out AK's evening entertainment and HS if they have anything Christmasy going on.

Interested mostly in crowds earlier vs later in December...both at parties and in parks in general.

TIA!

 

[Alesia]

The crowds get worse and worse as the month goes on. From about the 17th on, it will be insanely busy (and getting worse every single day.)

Go earlier in the month - the earlier the better.

 

[MaryKatesMom]

I would pick the 10-14. The 17-21 will be more crowded as it is close to Christmas. Although the 3-7 will give you a full week between the Thanksgiving Holiday a full two weeks is better. Just my thoughts.

 

[MichiganScott]

Yes.

 

[DekrRini]

I always go the Tuesday following Thanksgiving and it's been great for crowds. ADRs are more of a problem because of free dining, but other than that, I've found that time to be a good time to go.

 

[Alesia]

I would pick the 10-14. The 17-21 will be more crowded as it is close to Christmas. Although the 3-7 will give you a full week between the Thanksgiving Holiday a full two weeks is better. Just my thoughts.

The first week of December is noticably less crowded than the second. Thanksgiving weekend is busy, but the crowds are gone immediately after.

 

[Chantal91]

We will be there December 2-16 for our disneymoon. Also first trip to WDW

 

[margot31]

We went early in the month last year. We landed there on a sunday and came home on a friday. It wasn't horribly crowded.

 

[drusba]

You get all the same Christmas decorations in early Dec as mid to late Dec and crowds are better in early Dec. However, you mention renting DVC points. Be aware that the first week of Dec is the highest DVC demand time of the year at WDW and second week is close behind that. Owners of a particular DVC resort can reserve the resort they own beginning 11 months out from date of arrival. For that time of year, there are a number of room categories at near park resorts that book full within minutes after the 11 month window opens for online reservations at 8 a.m. exactly 11 months out. Moreover, for any rooms at near park resorts for any time in Dec, you should try to find an owner of the particular resort you want so the reservation can be made with the 11 month reservation window rather than the 7 month window when DVC members can reserve DVC resorts other than the one they own, since everything at near park resorts has a risk of being gone before 7 months out when seeking any dates in Dec.

 

[stinkpickle]

I would definitely go within the first two weeks of December, no question.

 

[Ziggie]

We'll be returning to WDW in December 2017 to see it in all its Christmastime splendor! We are hopefully going to be renting DVC points for this trip, and I already have been doing my homework about that and have a good grasp on it.

Our original thought was to go from Dec. 17 - 21 (Sunday through Thursday). But now I'm thinking about going earlier in December, either the 3-7 or 10-14, which are still Sun - Thurs. The reason for the Sun-Thurs thing is I'm considering flying Frontier airline and they only fly between RDU and MCO on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Plus, 4 nights is about what we'd want anyway.

Are there any benefits to going during one of the earlier weeks than our original 17-21 dates? Are parks likely to be less crowded? We're planning to do MVMCP on one night, and I'm thinking the earlier the dates the cheaper? We'll also be doing Candlelight Processional at Epcot, and I imagine we'll check out AK's evening entertainment and HS if they have anything Christmasy going on.

Interested mostly in crowds earlier vs later in December...both at parties and in parks in general.

TIA!

Imo, either is just as good/bad as the other. Some people will say the crowds are lighter earlier, while others will say it gets lighter towards actual Christmas Day (because people are looking to be "home for the holidays" as it were). We've been there every day in December (at one time or another) and... to be honest? One of my absolute favorite days at the parks was on December 25th.

I have absolutely no experience "renting points".

 

[geekbri]

We booked out trip Dec 10th - 13th. This also happens to fall within one of the Visa card holder discount period. MVMCP is happening and it'll hopefully not be too chilly. Seemed like a good time to pick to me!

 

[maltdizzy]

Typically, the crowds would be (relatively) low through the 21st on the average December (always lower in early December).

But because of the weekend Christmas this year, many schools will release for their winter break on Dec 16th. I know this is the case of almost all my surrounding counties. I would book within the first two weeks in December. All the Christmas splendider will be up and ready for you.

 

[robinb]

Be aware that the first 2 weeks of December are VERY popular with DVC members because the point values are so low and the Christmas decorations are up. If you choose to go early you should have someone set up and ready to book your vacation in January of 2016 when it comes available. There will be no availability if you wait too long. For instance, the entire first week of Dec 2016 is ONLY available in a 1BR at SSR. Everything else is at least partially sold out.

 

[SaintsManiac]

We had a wonderful time last year 12/7-12/14. Crowds were very manageable.

Next year we go 12/1-12/10 (Universal first).

Enjoy!

 

[disneyseniors]

Just beware that Pop Warner cheerleading events will be held the entire first full week of December. If these crowds of teenagers are a problem for you, then you might want to avoid that week. We go following that week and it is fine.

 

[GPC0321]

Just beware that Pop Warner cheerleading events will be held the entire first full week of December. If these crowds of teenagers are a problem for you, then you might want to avoid that week. We go following that week and it is fine.

Well, I'm a high school teacher, so while I'm used to crowds of teenagers, getting AWAY from them would be nice too, LOL!
Thanks to all who have weighed in. I'm still figuring it out. Obviously, as a teacher, my Christmas break coincides with most around the country, though ours seems to be a little later than the person who said schools in their area get out on the 16th. We don't get out until I think the 21 or 22 this year, and only have 8 days (plus weekends), so not even the full two weeks we usually get. Not too happy about that, but oh well. Luckily I have enough years in that I have the time I can take to go to WDW prior to our actual break. We're only staying 3 nights (I think...possibly 4). Frontier airlines is looking like the best deal for us from Raleigh to Orlando, but they only fly that route on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. So if we do 4 nights it will be Sunday-Thursday, but I'm actually thinking Thursday-Sunday for 3 nights might be better. I don't really want a long trip since I leave behind horses, dogs, and cats for someone to take care of, and it's a chore.

Re: DVC, I appreciate the heads up. I've got a good lead on an owner who is willing to work with me, so that's encouraging. I'm actually open to any of the resorts, but my parents are older and my dad especially has voiced his hope to avoid riding buses. He had to stand quite often when we were there over Easter, and it was hard on him. His idea of a great Disney Vacation is chilling in the Grand Floridian's lobby while sipping a drink and listening to the orchestra. Meanwhile, my mom and I are happiest being right in the middle of the hustle and bustle of MK. Put it this way...we go Black Friday shopping every year and rarely buy anything. We just love the atmosphere of the crowds and activity. Weird, I know!

Thanks again!

 

[teddygurl28]

we went the 6-12 last year and the first part of the week was great. by the 12th even the people mover had waits amd cast members holding signs showing where the line started- I was very happy to be leaving that day

 

[whiporee]

Just to warn you -- Frontier into MCO is rough. They have a lot of volume and not a lot of desk space. Baggage had been rough, too. Plus they don't participate in TSA Pre, so that can cause hassles.

I say that because they've been the only airline I've flown the last few years. By hey have a lot of great things, but MCO is a rough place for them.

 

[yeheyprincex2]

We are going Dec 4-10 this year and our main reason for picking this time of the year are the manageable crowd level and Christmas decorations. Its a wonderful time to be at Disney.