Which week is better?

[Lynn1030]

We currently have a few days booked in October, but we want to move it to December. We are looking at the following two weeks:

1st week: Sun 12/2-Thurs 12/6
2nd week: Sun 12/9-Thurs 12/13

The crowd calendar levels on Touring Plans are basically identically low for both weeks. But the first week is during Pop Warner football and the second week is during free dining.

The last time we went in early December, it was unusually busy. After we returned from our trip, we found out we had went during Pop Warner football and figured that was why it was so busy during a time everyone says is usually not busy, so we are hesitant to return during that time. But we also just found out that the second week is during free dining, which we do not get the benefit of as AP holders but would think that it would be busy during that week as well. We may only book 1 or 2 table service meals during that time, so us getting ADRs isn't a big factor in the decision.

So which is the lesser of the two evils?

 

[Princess7]

We always go the first week of December. The only big crowds we encountered this past December was during the filming of the Christmas parade at the Magic Kingdom.

 

[Pooh Lover]

I would imagine the closer to Christmas you get, the larger the crowds might be. I would probably choose the first week, especially if free dining is of no importance to you, so you will miss those crowds too.

 

[DisneyDebNJ]

I would imagine the closer to Christmas you get, the larger the crowds might be. I would probably choose the first week, especially if free dining is of no importance to you, so you will miss those crowds too.

Yep, I would have said the same thing. The decorations are all up, either week, but first week in December, for us anyway, the crowds are a bit less, and temps, are wonderful either week.

 

[bethymouse]

If you're not staying at an All Star Resort, or a value then the Pop Warner kids really aren't too much of a problem. It will be busier though since free dining is offered. Either week is nice- still have all the Christmas activities and such. Be sure to see the gingerbread house at the Grand Floridian.

 

[Lynn1030]

Thanks everyone for the input. I'm just hesitant since everywhere I search says to avoid Pop Warner like the plague, but didn't know how much busier the crowds are due to free dining. We will be staying at AOA.