Disney in December

[PurpleRose]

I have always wanted to go to Disney at Christmas and it looks like this year I'm finally getting my wish! Looking to spend two days in the parks (with park hopper, thank God!) on Dec 12th and 13th. Anyone have an idea for me on the traffic levels we might be experiencing? Also how is the Mickey's Christmas Party? Worth the ticket? Thanks for the info.

 

[erstwo]

Color me jealous! I love Disney at Christmas.

I just checked Touring Plans and it looks like you couldn't have chosen better days. Currently December 12 is a 2 (out of 10) crowd wise and December 13 is a 1!

Never done the party - we're 'saving' it (not sure why other than we're cheap.) But everyone gives it rave reviews!

Have so much fun! :xmas:

 

[HouCuseChickie]

We were there the 7th-13th of Dec last year and crowds were pretty light. We also did MVMCP on our last night last year. Our kids were in a mood, so we didn't really get to do as much as we'd hoped; however, the parade was awesome, fireworks incredible, and I still dream about the cocoa and cookies. :slurp: WDW at that time of year as a whole is just stunning. :xmas:

 

[rsoxguy]

I'll be there the 18th through the 23rd. I have always experienced heavy crowds around Christmas, but I would not say that it has ever been oppressive. Properly managing the day between attractions, events, sightseeing, and meals is key. My attitude always centers on the fact that I'm blessed enough to be at WDW, it's the holidays, and I'm not at home watching a DVD of It's A Wonderful Life. What could be better?

I have never attended MVMCP, so I can not lend an opinion. I will not be trying it this year either, but I'm generally not interested in these special events.

 

[erstwo]

I'll be there the 18th through the 23rd. I have always experienced heavy crowds around Christmas, but I would not say that it has ever been oppressive. Properly managing the day between attractions, events, sightseeing, and meals is key. My attitude always centers on the fact that I'm blessed enough to be at WDW, it's the holidays, and I'm not at home watching a DVD of It's A Wonderful Life. What could be better?

I have never attended MVMCP, so I can not lend an opinion. I will not be trying it this year either, but I'm generally not interested in these special events.

Amen.

 

[disneygirl76]

Someone already gave you the Touring Plans info so I won't repeat that. But I will add my first hand experience and that time of year was really light crowd levels. We were able to walk on most all the rides. Its really an excellent time to go.

 

[Est1971]

We go every year around the second week or so of December and the crowds are awesome! Not much waiting alot of strolling around and taking it all in... Then head back to our hotel to watch Disney movies and classic Christmas movies! Even though it is Florida don't be fooled as it has gotten very cold some past years... Enjoy!!!!

 

[lynnkatherine]

We are going in December, also....crowds always turn out a little heavier than is expected. The Christmas Party is wonderful and the park and resorts are amazing. My favorite thing to do though, is the Epcot Candlelight Procession. You will surely go home in the Christmas Spirit. But, yes, it can be downright cold in December.:xmas:

 

[Little John]

We are surprising our girls with a trip to the world from Dec. 9-13. We are going to the Christmas party. My wife and I went to the Christmas party last year while in WDW for the F&W festival. It was awesome. The parade was great. The fireworks were fantastic. Walking down main street eating cookies and drinking hot chocolate, while listening to Christmas music really puts you in the Christmas spirit. Beware the hot chocolate and cookies. They are giving them out everywhere in the park. There is an endless supply. I didn't do a good job of pacing myself. Ended up with this crazy sugar high by the end of the night.

 

[lynnkatherine]

Great tip, Little John. ...don't know if it's possible to walk by those cookies, though. :animwink:

 

[PurpleRose]

I'm still torn about MVMCP. I love fireworks and the parade is cool but I am not sure if that will keep my hubby happy about the cost of the tickets. Are the meet n greets of rare characters? I have heard Uncle Scrooge use to come around but now that Toon Town isn't there, I haven't heard anything about him.

 

[CaptainShortty]

The weeks between the week after Thanksgiving and the week before Christmas are THE BEST weeks to go! Except beautifully decorated parks and resorts and little crowds and wait times! Extra good news for you since it'll be a quick one. (Been there, done that. Better to go for a short one than not at all!) Have fun!!

 

[lynnkatherine]

I'm still torn about MVMCP. I love fireworks and the parade is cool but I am not sure if that will keep my hubby happy about the cost of the tickets. Are the meet n greets of rare characters? I have heard Uncle Scrooge use to come around but now that Toon Town isn't there, I haven't heard anything about him.

The cost of the tickets is something to consider. There's so much to enjoy at Christmas, you won't feel like you've missed out if you don't go this year. If you don't think you'll be back at Christmas again, though, I would go. Are your children old enough to take advantage of the extra time on the rides???

 

[harryk]

The cost of the tickets is something to consider. There's so much to enjoy at Christmas, you won't feel like you've missed out if you don't go this year. If you don't think you'll be back at Christmas again, though, I would go. Are your children old enough to take advantage of the extra time on the rides???

Have not always seen 'rare' characters except in the MVMCP parade, which to me is one of the best that WDW does throughout the year. Yes the tickets are worth it. We have not missed this event every year we go - am looking forward to it again this year. We shall be there the same time as you are - It has become an annual event for us over the past 10 years.

 

[mickey2008.1]

We were there last year between the 12-20, and crowds were light to moderate. Mk had the longest wait times, with PeterPan being at 75 mins, space mountain was at a 120 one day! So it's hit or miss. As for the party, kind of a rip off. Watch the fireworks from the Contemporary, awesome! And its snows over at Osborne lights in DHS, which is free. Buy a cookie and hot chocolate and have the same experience, just my opinion. Keep an eye on the weather, as last year at that time it was 25 degrees at night and a high of 45 for the week.

 

[PurpleRose]

The cost of the tickets is something to consider. There's so much to enjoy at Christmas, you won't feel like you've missed out if you don't go this year. If you don't think you'll be back at Christmas again, though, I would go. Are your children old enough to take advantage of the extra time on the rides???

No children. Just me and the hubby. I would dig the parade and the fireworks but still unsure if the price is worth it for us. The extra time may be though...still debating. :xmas:

 

[lynnkatherine]

No children. Just me and the hubby. I would dig the parade and the fireworks but still unsure if the price is worth it for us. The extra time may be though...still debating. :xmas:

Without kids...I might choose to tell hubby....I'd rather spend the time with you on the beach of the Poly....bring a bottle of wine and a blanket...watch the fireworks.... and make "special time". But... that 's just coming from someone married 40 years. : )

 

[ncdisneyfan]

Christmas time is very MAGICAL

You will love going at that time. We have gone 8 times at Christmas & have gone about every week other then the week between Christmas & New Years. The time you are going you will love the crowds (or should I say lack of crowds). As far as the Christmas party, we did it once & did not think it was worth it. The crowds were unbelievably large & we waited in lines longer then when the park was open to the general public earlier in the day. The 2 must sees (both are free) are the Osborne light show at DHS & the Candlelight Processional at Epcot. If these 2 events don't put you in the Christmas spirit then you are Scrooge! Enjoy it, we will be there Dec. 15th through Dec. 23rd.

 

[MinnesotaFriar]

My attitude always centers on the fact that I'm blessed enough to be at WDW, it's the holidays, and I'm not at home watching a DVD of It's A Wonderful Life. What could be better?

Why choose one or the other? I love both! :lol: