Begining of December?

[Norm The Skull]

How are the crowds in the begining of December?We are planing a trip next year and our first trip was during July 4th 2005. This time we want smaller crowds because this might be our last trip for a long time.I know Thankgiving next year is late (Nov 27th I think) SO we where thinking the 8Th of December 2008.And does anyone know about any rehabs around that time.Thanks to all of you and have a Magical New Year

 

[happymom52003]

That is one of the least crowded times of the year, and my personal favorite.

 

[Master Yoda]

The first and second weeks of December are the best time of year to go. Crowds are smaller then normal, weather is typically favorable and all the Christmas festivities are in full swing. Pop Warner is there the first week of December which has little effect on the parks but can turn the value resorts into a living hell. If you are there that week look into the option of staying in a moderate or better resort.

 

[brkgnews]

The first and second weeks of December are the best time of year to go. Crowds are smaller then normal, weather is typically favorable and all the Christmas festivities are in full swing. Pop Warner is there the first week of December which has little effect on the parks but can turn the value resorts into a living hell. If you are there that week look into the option of staying in a moderate or better resort.

"Living hell." Well put. :lol:

 

[bgraham34]

I wish I went the last weekend in Nov. this year. I bet it would have been a great time to go.

 

[sally woodward]

just returned

hi we flew the 9th of dec returned 31st of dec.only just getting over get lag due to a six hour delay and then a very bad flight.seat belts on most of the way home at one piont air steward was sat on the floor because turburlance was so bad she couldnt stand.anyway back to your question . we got to florida the 9th had 10th and 11th chilling then hit the parks .we hardly qued at all.one kids ride we did que for allmost an hour because the kids decided they wanted to do it just as we were about to leave the park a couple of days before christmas.most rides were under a 15 mim wait ,even when it said 30 mins we were on in less time than that. did use fass pases alot got one as soon as got in park then another as soon as we had use that.even mananaged to see all the shows and parades only turned up 10mins before had fantastic time.even went epcot xmas day didnt due rides just enjoyed wondering round.
sally:xmas:

 

[pacochran]

the last three years we go around that time, and it generally is really good. The only thing is usually the first full week of December is the Pop Warner Football and cheerleading championships so it picks up a little bit. With Thanksgiving so late this year I don't know if it will be held the week of December 7th thru the 13th or what.

We are planning on being down there the 3rd thru the 10th.

 

[ddrongowski]

Just got back (22DEC07 thru 30DEC07), crowd levels were fine. From everything I found here, I thought that the crowds were going to be huge. But that did not happen. The longest we waited for any ride was rockin roller coaster (90 minutes), all other rides in all the other parks we waited no longer that 20 minutes. The only complaint I have is the non use a deoderant by people (B.O. REALLY BAD IN THE PARKS).

 

[Cinderella1976]

In my opinion, it is the best time of year to go. Crowd levels are low and the weather is nice, not to mention all of the holiday decorations are up and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is alot of fun. This year will be our third year in a row. We plan on going December 2 - 9th this year. Last year we went Nov. 29 - Dec. 7th. The longest line we waited in was Soarin for 45 min. Never rained once during our stay and the temps were in the 70's. We use to go during the summer months but didn't enjoy it as much due to heat and the crowds.

 

[WIX]

We are there each and every year at the time and absolutely LOVE it. But, shhhh don't tell and it will be our little secret :animwink:

 

[eroyee]

We always go from the 9th to 16th of Dec. that is after the parade taping, the POP warner kids and before the christmas rush. On the 16th when we left it was getting kinda hectic fast. be sure and get tickets for MVMCP and see the Osborne lights and all the resort decorations. Its a truly magical time to go to WDW........

 

[mickey&me]

We were there this year rom Dec 5 til Dec 11, and we stayed at ASMo. We had a great time (low crowds, no wait times), and didn't experience any of the Pop Warner trouble that went on. However, the kids were a concern, and MGM had a party for them one night, so the park was closed to anyone not involved with Pop Warner. Another poster mentioned the value resorts, but just so you know, there were Pop Warner teams at some of the moderates as well. We will return after Pop Warner is over next time.

 

[KeithVH]

Slight dissent here. We were there from Nov 25th - Dec 2nd. Normally we go the first week of December but the oldest had final exam conflicts this year. For ten years. We've also been to both DW and DL in July so I can contrast.

OK. Personally, I thought it was somewhat crowded. I will admit that, except for Peter Pan, Pooh, and Pirates, every other ride in all four parks were basically walk-ons/< 5 minute waits for us, including EE and Soarin'. But we also had a plan and experience to know when to go and what to do. Maybe we were just lucky? On every ride.

I guess I just felt the parks in general were crowded. Compared to even a couple years ago, I'd estimated an increase of 25+% (I'd kill for 2002-03 crowd levels). Main Street was just busy and cramped every time we showed up. AK wasn't much better. Epcot and MGM were OK but by later in the day, yeah, they filled up too. And even though we never had an ADR seating problem for our given time, I can assure it we saw others who had big time problems (why do they have to take it out on the hostess?).

Maybe it's just me. Except for my wife, none of us are enochiophobes so I really can't attribute it to that. Maybe I'm one of those who can't let go of the past and can remember better, less-crowded times. So take what I say with a grain of salt. But, if as was pointed out to us that the Poly has been pretty much booked solid since August (and other hotels too), there is some truth here.

 

[Norm The Skull]

Thank you

Well thanks everyone.Now I just have to figure out when Pop Warner will be and I will be all set.Thanks again

 

[mattfusf]

We have gone the Monday immediately after Thanksgiving and stayed about a week for the past 3 years. It is a great time to go, crowds usually aren't too bad. Depending on the weather, it can get a little crowded on the weekends, and you have to watch for the Xmas parade taping, which is usually that first week in December...the MK is a bit nuts on those days.

Its nice to see everything decorated for the holidays, and still not be caught up with long wait times. ADR's for table dining are still needed, but you can usually squeeze in if you are willing to eat a little early or late around "normal" meal times.

--Matt

 

[danpam1024]

We used to go in October, but went for the first time in December (last month). Love December, it's our time from now on! It did seem a little more crowded than the end of October, but we never really waited too terribly long for anything. Don't miss the Osborne lights, they were magical

 

[rob45]

I'll be there the Friday after Thanksgiving this year. I love it cause the Thanksgiving crowd thins out during the weekend and crowds are some what light the first week of Dec. Have a great time.