Early December planning questions

[Thomas_M]

Hello everyone,

I am planning a trip for the first couple of weeks in December for a 5 night stay.

I had a few questions that I was unable to find throughout the site and am looking for your help.
To start, I was unable to find details about the very merry christmas party regarding operating times.
I see that the park hours for days the party occurs has the park closing to the general public at 7pm.
On nights that the party happens, what time does the park close at for guests that have the special event tickets?

My next question is regarding taping of the christmas parade for TV.
Has it been confirmed whether or not the film date is Dec 5?
Do park levels tend to be higher on this film date? Is the parade stretched out longer then a usual parade afternoon or evening parade to ensure filming is completed?

My last question is regarding a third party website I recall seeing here previously on the trip planning portion. Obviously I can't remember it as I forgot to bookmark it. It's a site that breaks down park hours, EMH's and projected attendance. It would help in the planning process for people that would want to plan accordingly to avoid certain parks on certain days.

My concern during these two weeks I'm looking to go is if there is a preferable set of 5 nights in the two week period (Dec 1-13). Are there any other events happening during this time span that I might have missed.

I appreciate everyone's help, replies and suggestions.

Thanks

 

[Much-Pixie-Dust]

Hi @Thomas_M

I don't have answers to all of your questions, but here's what I do know:

MVMCP runs until midnight. Shops close later (or at least they did when we went in 2012). You can get into MK at 4:00 p.m. using your hard ticket for MVMCP and not using a regular day ticket. This gives you a few extra hours in the park.

I do not know the confirmation date of the parade. They usually have it to where they could film it on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday depending upon the weather. It is filmed in the day time. When we went, the bulk of filming was done on Friday. Crowds were heavier on Main Street and at the castle hub, but otherwise, a very light day. We did not participate in the parade viewing, but we did do all walk-on rides that day. It was great!

The other site that you are referring to is touringplans.com. It is a subscriber website to get full access to the site. It's inexpensive and definitely worth it. In my experience its wait times were more accurate than MDE, plus you can get touring plans for your visit.

We arrived the Wednesday after Thanksgiving and stayed through the following Monday. We visit Disney a couple of times each year and that is the least crowded trip we have ever had, and we have been in September just after school starts. We rode several rides multiple times without getting off because there was nobody waiting to get on.

The beginning of December is when Pop Warner comes to Disney. We have had no trouble personally with them in the parks, but some have reported them being very disruptive at the Values (mostly All Star Sports) and at the moderate resort they stay at (which can change from year to year).

Have a great trip! It is a wonderful time of year to visit with all of the decorations and holiday music.

 

[Thomas_M]

Thank you very much for your help pixie dust.
I appreciate it.

I did have a follow up though.
What is Pop Warner? is that the high school football/cheerleading group that I've read about through these forums?

Do they have events traditionally the first week of December or is it the entire two week period?

I don't think it would be too big of a deterrent as I wouldn't be planning on staying at the value resorts.

 

[Much-Pixie-Dust]

You're welcome @Thomas_M

Pop Warner is the football/cheerleading groups, but they range in age from elementary school and on up. They are at Disney this year from December 6 - 13th. They tend to be at the sports complex in the day and go to the parks at night.

On our last trip, we saw some cheerleaders from Pop Warner, as well as cheerleaders that were performing in the Christmas Parade taping. All were well chaperoned and behaving appropriately (no chanting or cheering). I did not see any football players during my stay. They do tend to stay at the Values and one of the moderates (which rotates.) So if you are booking a moderate and this is a concern, then inquire during your booking or visit the Pop Warner website to see if they have information about the resorts their groups are staying at. I have never heard of them staying at a Deluxe.

Like I said before, this is a great time to visit Disney. Crowds were so light that we rode some rides consecutively without getting off. DD loved it!

Plan some resort hopping time into your schedule, particularly at the Deluxes. They are decorated beautifully during the holdiays. GF has a life size Gingerbread house. The resorts at the Boardwalk area are fabulous, as well as AKL and WL.

Epcot has lots to do too. The Candlelight Processional and the holiday storytellers at the Pavilions around World Showcase are great, especially the Norway story!