Calling all December Visitors!

[MillerPoppins]

For those of you who traveled to WDW the first week in December, what were the crowds like? Did you find it cheaper to go during that time period (rates and dining offers)? I'm contemplating passing on our normal October travel time to give December a shot for it's value time and Christmas stuff. I've never gone in December and I know that the first week is considered a "value" season.

Thanks!:wave:

 

[Unomas]

From what I have read. That time of year is consistently among the best times to visit the The World as far as crowds and value.

 

[travelgip]

Ive been in the beginning of December - I think it's a great time to go. All the decorations are up, prices are low and crowds were low to moderate, definitely not crowded. The MVMCP was very crowded however, so beware of that, otherwise, it's my favorite time of the year to go!:xmas:

 

[mickeysshoes]

If you have not seen WDW all done up for Christmas then its a must do!!!!

 

[splashmtnfan]

I LOVE going to Disney in December! We were there Dec 2-11, 2010. The crowd levels were higher than I remember. (I have not been in Dec. for several years) If you are in the Magic Kingdom during the parade filming....it is very crowded! That first week is also Pop Warner week at the world. There were a lot of cheerleaders in the parks. We stayed at POR and some groups were staying there as well so the hotel was crowded. They were well behaved compared to some other reports I have read from people who stayed at the All Stars...

Our trip was booked before I found out we would be sharing the hotel with the cheerleaders. It turned out fine. We didn't find the crowds to be too bad in the parks. As I said, larger than I remember from years past. We still managed to get on just about every ride we wanted. Missed out on TSM...all fastpasses were gone by the time we got there. Oh well, maybe next time. MVMCP was crowded but we still had a great time. They have a set number of tickets for each party and most sell out but it is still less than a normal crowd. It is not to be missed. The Candlelight Processional is another one not to be missed. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that show!

This year it was pretty cold in Florida when we were there. It got worse after we left. I have been many times in December and this was only the second time I have been where I needed a winter jacket. If you do go, pack for all types of weather. It can be cold but it can be warm.

Enjoy! whatever you decide.

 

[chmgreenwood]

We went last year in the last week nov and first week dec, we could walk on most rides or only have a short wait. It was the brilliant time to go :xmas:

 

[rsoxguy]

I have stated this before, but it is my opinion that there is no better time to go than December. The decorations are beautiful, the holiday shows are great, and the general "feel" is pure holidays. Yes, the parks can get congested with people, but the cooler weather and holiday perks more than atone for the extra guests. Go!

 

[stillgoofy]

Great time of year to go. Been there that time of year in 2008 & 2010. Crowds were low & Christmas decorations were awesome. Weather is questionable. We froze this year but it wasn't too bad in 2008. December in Florida can bring any type of weather.

 

[PhilharMagician]

December is a great time of the year to visit WDW. As a few people have mentioned, the first week is typically Pop Warner week and can get a little crazy. This past year we had no issues with them, however in the past we had some run-ins with some very roudy and obnoxious kids.

Also keep in mind that the WDW Christmas Day Parade is being tape on I believe December 2 - 4 2011. This will make MK very busy and I would recommend staying away those days. It typically does not effect any of the other parks.

The weather is definately cooler, even more so this past December. December 2010 proved to be quite cold and had highs in mid 50's many of the days we were there this year and lows in the high 20's on a few nights. I recommend bring a winter jacket, gloves, hat and scarf. You just never know what the temps will be.

Now the decorations and holiday spirit are what it is all about and it is flowing. The characters dressed up in their holiday best with poinsetta's decorating flower beds all acroos the property. Trees and garland around every corner. It is amazing! I would recommend scheduling a Candlelight dinner package and also get tickets to MVMCP one night. They are both fantastic ways to enjoy the holiday happening around the WDW.

 

[Dads 2 Boys]

My last 2 trips were during the week you're referring to and I highly recommend going. The weather can be a crap shoot though. In 2007, everyday was in the upper 70s to mid 80s and gorgeous but in 2009, the temps were in the 60s and rainy. From what I heard, last year was really cold so.....

The crowds are light but I recommend avoiding the MK on the parade taping day (1st Sat in Dec). IMO, the park is a dumpster fire.

It is a value season and the rates are the cheapest you'll find I believe throughout the year.

One of the best times to go....Christmas in Disney is spectacular. Also, it's Merry Christmas, not Happy Holidays throughout the world which makes it that much better.

 

[disneygirl1]

For those of you who traveled to WDW the first week in December, what were the crowds like? Did you find it cheaper to go during that time period (rates and dining offers)? I'm contemplating passing on our normal October travel time to give December a shot for it's value time and Christmas stuff. I've never gone in December and I know that the first week is considered a "value" season.

Thanks!:wave:

We have went the 1st week in December on 2 seperate ocassions. Crowds aren't too bad... I will say that I noticed a definite increase from Dec 2008 to Dec 2010 in crowds though, but still totally managable.

The first week in Dec is Value Season so it tends to be cheaper, and the last few years Disney has offered free dining and/or room only discounts that week.

I will say that I love going in December with all the Christmas decor up, but this past year it was SO cold, that I am highly debating going in Dec again. It was go too cold to really enjoy the whole vacation. Thinking mid to late November for our next trip. Hope this helps! :wave:

 

[wdwfan4ver]

I was there from Nov.30th to December 7th. The Temperatures were cold for December 1st to the day I left for night time. It was in the low 30 to the low 40's for the most part. Daytime was in the 60's or 50's.

I think the cold weather caused problems for Cast members checking in terms of people that are supposed be at Mickey's Christmas Party on December 2nd. I saw people at the party that didn't have any proof that they are supposed to be at the party because I didn't see those people have wrist bands on.

The MK taping day was a nightmare for Epcot. I was in Epcot in the Morning and it was very packed in the morning.

The Decorations are nice, but I wouldn't go back for the holiday for another 5 years despite being from a city near lake Michigan. Part of that is caused Walt Disney World for hard to enjoy in the cold despite being accustom to very cold weather.

 

[Huglife]

My friends and I went the first week of December in 2009 and are going December 1-11 this year. I think it's a great time to go. There were big crowds at times but we never had to wait in a long line (used fastpass for TSM, soarin', etc). The weather fluctuated so you have to bring jeans and jackets as well as shorts and tank tops. We went to the water parks on two days, but we're from Connecticut so what may be warm enough to us may not be to others. We had no problem with pop warner at all. Barely saw them. We also went to MVMCP on a weeknight and the park was EMPTY aside from Main Street. We were able to walk onto every ride. The holidays at WDW are a must see. It's a magical experience.:xmas:

 

[MillerPoppins]

Thanks for all the input!

 

[marcriss]

We've been going that first week for the last 6 years. It has definitely gotten more crowded over the years but it's a great time to visit.

One thing I'll mention that is new this year, December is no longer Value season. This year it's in the slightly more expensive ($25-35 more per night at a deluxe) "Fall" season. Because of Pop Warner the discounts have diminished too. The recent pin codes excluded the timeframe we wanted (12/3-12/13), and this past December that general timeframe was excluded from many of the offers as well. We had booked a bounceback in 2009 for 2010. There wasn't an offer this year, consequently we have not booked a trip yet .

But for atmosphere it's a great time to visit.