What to expect in December

[Autumnly]

My husband was in Orlando on business just two weeks ago, and the people at his hotel told him that everything is packed for the whole month of December. We'd planned a trip for the second week of December, and I thought that was one of the better times to go for crowds. Most of the websites I've found list it as a low-crowd season, as long as you don't get too close to Christmas. Who's right? On a Monday, second week of December, what can I expect?

Also, I've never been while holiday decorations are up. Is there anything in particular I should be sure not to miss? We'll only have one park day (I live close enough to get away with this) and we will most likly be only in the Magic Kingdom, plus meals that we may take in other parts of the "world."

 

[Master Yoda]

There is no such thing as a slow season at WDW anymore. You might have a few off days or weekends here and there but Disney has done a great job at filling in the attendance valleys of years past. The first two weeks of December will be less busy than the last 2 weeks but the parks will not be slow by any stretch of the imagination.

 

[njBadLands]

My wife and I went the 2nd week in december in both 2006 and 2007 and found there to be barely any crowds. most rides we just walked right on to and even the big ticket rides were 25-30 min tops.

great tiem of year with the decorations as well!

 

[EvilQueen-T]

we go at the same time of year that you're talking about and like others have said it's less busy than the last two weeks of december but it's getting more crowded every year. we're going again this year and have been watching park hours and they've recently extended emh...a sign that they expect heavier crowds. just my thoughts.

 

[HouCuseChickie]

We went Dec 7-13 last year and crowds were pretty light. That's not to say you'll find an empty park, but I didn't feel like it was nuts with people and waits weren't too bad.

As for things to see...Osborne Lights in DHS is AWESOME!!! We didn't really do much of the Christmas stuff in Epcot (i.e. in the WS), but I know people enjoy it along w/Candlelight Processional. We did MVMCP in MK and had a good time. We also liked the trees at WL, AKL & GF + GF has the big gingerbread house. Each park had nice trees and decorations. We also upped our hot cocoa consumption during the trip - which really made it all feel festive. :xmas:

 

[dreamfinder]

Early December is less crowded than late December. There are large crowds during Pop Warner week (usually something like 3-8 or there abouts) but in my experience, they don't affect the parks that much, mostly the resorts they are staying at. But as Yoda said, WDW has spent lots of time developing things like F&W and Flower & Garden fest to help bring in people during slow times, and building relationships with tradeshows and groups like Pop Warner to help keep the resorts full, even if the parks aren't.

 

[Brewer]

Can I jump in this thread rather than start a new one - is there generally room discounts available for the first two weeks in December? The rates here in the UK seem to have shot up for next year and are just trying to work the dollar out!

 

[DizneyPryncess]

I was there the first week of December, but it was 5 years ago. But at that point, there was no waits & very little crowds. It was one of the lightest crowds I've ever experienced in Disney.

 

[Chezman1399]

My Fiancee and I have gone either early December or late January every year during the last 4 years and have never had issues with crowds. That's part of the reason we chose to get married there the second full week of December this year! Of course, we are following it up with the Disney Cruise and then staying at the Poly on Christmas Eve and Christmas, so we'll see crowds by the end of our trip.

Also, for things not to miss:
If the Christmas Party is going on that night and you don't plan on actually going to Hollywood Studios or Epcot, I suggest going to the Christmas Party. A lot of the decorations will be up during the day, but until they get closer to Christmas they hold off on a lot of the Christmas stuff (parades, fireworks, etc.) until the parties. Not that they rush you out, but they just may not start up a lot of the more Christmassy elements until right as you're leaving.

If you do check out another park, the lights in Hollywood Studios are amazing and there are Christmas things to see in every country in Epcot.

 

[Autumnly]

Chezman--Congrats!!

Brewer--they are offering discounts at the resorts in early December. When you go to the website, under the Parks and Travel tab, click on "Special Offers." Here's what I'm seeing there now:

* Special Offers Enjoy a FREE dining plan with this great offer!
* Get a FREE dining plan when you purchase a non-discounted 4-night/5-day Magic Your Way room and ticket package at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels, valid for select arrival dates from January through March 2012!

Rooms
* This holiday season, save up to 30% at select Disney Resort Hotels when you book through November 19, 2011 for stays most nights October 30 to November 18, 2011 and November 26 to December 23, 2011.
* Save up to 35% at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels when you book through December 21, 2011 for stays most nights January 2, 2012 to February 20, 2012. Book now, rooms can sell out fast!
* Members of the U.S. Military: Save up to 40% at Select Disney Resort Hotels

Tickets
* Members of the U.S. Military: $138 4-Day Park Hopper Tickets

Golf
* Play 9 Holes by 11 a.m.
* Disney's 2-Round Pass – for Twice the Golfing Fun
* Resort Guests Get Complimentary Golf Club Rental

Recreation
* Get Hooked on Fantastic Fishing Excursions!

Other
* Disney Rewards® Visa® Card from Chase - Learn More
* Get special vacation financing with the Disney Rewards Visa Card.