Disney in December?

[BelleLovesTheBeast]

My DH and I usually travel to WDW in the fall. However this year I was thinking about going the first week of Dec (his birthday). Any thoughts?

How are the ride wait times?

The weather?

Difficulty to make ADRs?

I know they have historically run discounts then. Anyone know what kinds?

Thanks for any info!

[Mousefan29]

Early Dec is great as far as crowds and wait times. All the Christmas decorations are up and they usually film the Christmas Day parade at the Magic Kingdom earlier in the month. As for weather, we've had it really warm, and a little chilly, so be prepared for both!

[dtootsie42]

We usually go in December...we have noticed over the years that it has gotten busier during the first part of December. I think the secret got out about lower crowds and many people want to see the decorations.

We have never had a problem with ADR's....we are pretty flexible so we usually have some kind of time in mind and if that is not available we usually ask what is and take the time closest to what we wanted.

No problems with rides and wait time. We thought we would have a long wait at EE in Animal Kingdom but the wait said 30 minutes and my daughters said it actually was more like 20-25 minutes. We have found that soaring is always long so we usually end up with a fastpass.

The weather is harder...we have been when it is blooming hot and we have been when it is cold and we actually needed to have gloves. We've been when it poured down rain and other times not a drop. So we usually pack a variety of clothing and hope for the best.

Dec. 1997---Contemporary
Dec. 1999--Poly
June 2000--Disneyland
Dec. 2001---Poly Concierge
Dec. 2003---Poly Concierge
Dec. 2005---Poly Concierge
Nov. 2007---Poly Concierge
Oct. 2008--DisneyLand
Next trip Dec. 2009--Poly Concierge

[faline]

Although this time frame has gotten more popular as time has gone on, it's one of my favorite times to visit the World. I've generally found crowds and wait times to be low to moderate. I'd still make dining reservations though, generally, you can still get last-minute seating if you're flexible with both dining establishments and dining times.

Weather at this time of year can be quite variable. Most of the time, the weather has been quite pleasant and we can even go swimming. Sometimes, though, we've hit a cold snap - even colder enough to require winter coats and gloves (particularly for evening activities).

Do be aware that Pop Warner usually takes place at the beginning of December. Its biggest effect, however, is on the value and some of the moderate resorts and doesn't have a big impact on park attendance.

[DisneyGlutton]

go!

[ibrowse17]

Agreed!! This is the time to go, but just be sure to gone a few days before Christmas. We have gone the week before Christmas the past couple of year, and have loved it!! The decorations are great, and the crowd on the light side. The closer to Christmas day, the more and more crowded it gets. We have left by the 23rd, and I would not want to be there any later than that. Disney really is best during Christmas

[PAYROLL PRINCESS]

I went in Dec 2005 and it was warm on some days and really cold one day. The crowds weren't bad at all. I can't give any advise on ADRs because we didn't have any that I can remember. The good thing was that all the decorations were up and we went to the MVMCP. That was a lot of fun.

[dixielandings]

DO IT!!!

I have enjoyed each time of year I've been to WDW but nothing can really compare to November or December. It's just...magical.

Remember to use the Internet to your advantage regarding weather. You can always get a 10-day forecast and sometimes as much as a 14-day forecast. We always do that before packing for any trip anywhere!

The ADRs that will be most important are in Epcot because of Candlelight Processional, which you should not miss. We ended up having to settle for a lunch in Mexico because that was all that was available. Turned out great anyway.

Enjoy!

[#1donaldfan]

.....we did this past year from Christmas through NYE and I would avoid it like the plague....actually, we had a great time and due to the fact that we've "been around the block" a few times, we managed the VAST crowds very well......but boy 'ol boy was it ever busy.....!!!