First 2 weeks of December...question

[TakeMeThere81]

Who's been there the first 2 weeks of December? Are the crowds really lower? I'm noticing it seems things are booked up already...that to me says huge crowds. We want to see the Christmas stuff and have booked for the 6-13 of December. I'm nervous that the crowds will be "summertime busy".

 

[erstwo]

I tried to book those weeks too, and couldn't get a room. I don't know if it will be "summertime busy" though.

You have to consider that in addition to all the people staying on property, there are also tons of people who drive in to Orlando for a day or two (or even just a day trip) while their kids are on summer vaction who wouldn't come the first two weeks of December.

That being said - it is the happiest place on earth! So there will always be some sort of crowd!

 

[eroyee]

We went Dec. 9-16 last yr. and it was a perfect time. wasnt crowded at all. we did notice that by the 15th it was getting more crowded. we were kind of glad to be leaving at that time. will go a little earlier next time. enjoy the christmas decorations. its awesome!!!

 

[bayoumoon]

Pop Warner Football is during that week, however according to touringplans.com the only days that look really busy our Sat 6th and Sat 13th. We'll be there almost the same time as you. I haven't had a real hard time with ADR's or any of the "extras". Relax and enjoy.

 

[krankenstein]

Take a look at TouringPlans.com. Len Testa and The Unofficial Guide crew track the expected crowd levels. They prove to be extremely accurate.

 

[betteratmk]

:xmas: we will be there Dec.8-13 as well. I was worried about the crowds too because it was so much harder to book rooms than during spring break when we usually go :veryconfu I guess I expected less of a crowd :shrug:

 

[happymom52003]

Don't worry, the crowds will be nowhere near summertime crowds. We went the first week of December a couple of years ago and it was great. Even though crowds have increased over the years during that time, it is still one of the least busy times of the year to go.

I also agree with other posters that the crowd calendar on touringplans.com is a great resource if you are concerned about crowds. We've used their info to plan the dates for our last few trips and our upcoming trip, and they have been very accurate.

The resorts being booked up really does not reflect how crowded the parks will be. Alot of people are under the impression that there is a correlation between the two (and understandably so....that would seem to make sense), but it really is not a prediction of how crowded it will be.

 

[disneymojo]

My family and I have been to Disney every other year during the first 2 weeks of December since 2001. The crowds are not bad at all. The only time we saw tons of people was if we went to a park the had EMH at night, and the weekends got busier. Other then that it was not bad at all. I hope you have a great time, it really is a great time to go!

 

[PintoColvig]

Don't worry about the crowds. The off-season times are growing in attendance but I wouldn't expect the crowds to be unbearable. You've picked our absolutely favorite time to go! Christmas decorations will be up, the weather mild, and the crowds manageable. Enjoy!

 

[dvcnut39]

My only concern would be the Pop Warner crowd. From what we experienced 3-11DEC05, they're a pretty rough crowd.

 

[PintoColvig]

My only concern would be the Pop Warner crowd. From what we experienced 3-11DEC05, they're a pretty rough crowd.

Yep, those 8, 9, and 10 year olds with their tattoos and chain smoking, can be a problem. :lol:

Seriously though, the only place I've encountered the Pop Warner crowd was at the All-Star resorts. The pools and the Food Courts were overrun and there was a lot of noise beyond midnight. Oh, I did see a gang of them throwing back pints at the Rose & Crown pub. :drevil:

 

[imamouse]

I think Disney sent a strong message to the Pop Warner crowd when they evicted an entire team from their resort rooms in the middle of the night last year.

I've gone to WDW during the 2nd & 3rd weeks of Dec many times and have not encountered rowdy PW kids or cheerleaders. I think they're pretty busy over at WWoS during the day and have (or are supposed to have) curfews since they are competing and need their sleep.

 

[disneynut4u]

We went last year from 16th to 22nd. The crowds weren't bad until about the 20th. That was when the Christmas crowds started rolling in. The closer it gets to Christmas, the worse it gets. Have fun the first 2 weeks, though. That should be great!

 

[TakeMeThere81]

Thanks everyone!! I guess it makes a lot of sense that the crowds are hugely affected by summer break and locals.

And we're staying off-property so I'm not worried about the sports crowds. I'm getting so excited for all the Christmas fun...especially since it is turning into fall again...

 

[slappy magoo]

just a theory, could be wrong, but aside from the word being out about the first half of December ("it's gonna be empty let's go" x a million families = yikes ), don't forget that Thanksgiving this year is as late as it gets, reducing the "holiday season" almost a week compared to last year (where Thanksgiving was the 22nd, the earliest it can be...and my birthday ). That may result in a holiday crunch.