Best time to go before Dec. 22

[mattb]

Hello all! I have a seasonal pass and want to go to WDW again (even though I just got back!) sometime before my blackout date kicks in on Dec. 22. When I went recently, the parks were packed (this was on a Thurs. - Sun. trip). What day(s) would be the best time to head over there to avoid the crowds? Weekdays are okay--as long as it probably won't be crowded.

TIA,
Matt

 

[doop]

Basically the first two weeks of December are very good times to go. Crowds are excellent. I was there three years ago in the first week and it was great. Enjoy your trip!

 

[tigger248]

Early December is great! The first few weeks, up until the schools start letting out, which is roughly the week before/of Christmas (depending on when Christmas falls). When I worked there in 2002, attendence skyrocketed overnight. One day, was typical slow early December. The next was a complete madhouse because schools let out and everyone headed to WDW. So, I would recommend just making sure you decide to go sometime before schools start letting out for Christmas.

 

[lukacseven]

Based on my experiences, the weekend of Dec. 3-5 is a great time to go. I'd imagine the same for the following weekend. In 3 years of visiting during that weekend, the longest wait time for any attraction at any park was about 10-15 minutes. Christmas decorations are all up by then, and the weather is usually very nice.

 

[Buzz Lightyear]

What do you think the crowds will be like Dec. 17-23??? :xmas:

 

[swimmom]

What do you think the crowds will be like Dec. 17-23??? :xmas:

Although I can't speak from experience, I am going to remain optimistic that the week before Christmas won't be too bad since I will also be there from the 17th-23rd! However, the last time I checked park hours, the MK will be open until 10:00 or 11:00 pm each day during that time with the exception of the 17th (MVMCP). So it looks like they are anticipating higher attendance that week. I guess we can look on the brighter side that it won't be as crowded at the week between Christmas & New Years!?!?!?

 

[tigger248]

The week before Christmas will probably be significantly busier than the earlier weeks, but probably less crowded than the week between Christmas and New Year. Expect waits to be similar to summertime waits. Possibly like anywhere from 45-90 minutes for the e-tickets (if memory serves correctly, though that is just a rough estimate ). I spent New Years Eve day in MK and it was very crowded (I think they closed to capacity at one point), yet still doable. Utilize fast pass and arrive early. There's nothing more magical than WDW at Christmastime. Though crowded, it's a great time to visit.

I hope everyone going at this special time of year has a great time! :wave:

:xmas:

 

[Buzz Lightyear]

Thanks for the input. I'm not expecting no crowds but hoping for reasonable. Anyway, even if it is very crowded, that will not kill the spirit. Just think, the Disney spirit with the Christmas spirit!!!! :xmas: