Holiday crowds-December Planning

[CarolynFH]

We are trying to decide which week works best for us, it would be our first trip to DW, we normally go to DLR. It's between December 5 - 13, December 12 - 20, or December 26 - January 3. We think that the week after Christmas would be awesome but worry because flight prices go up so huge. December 12 - 20 has two people in our groups birthday's so that would be very fun. December 5 - 13 would also be great because it gets us back home in time to make our house prepped more for Christmas. We are really having trouble deciding. We have a Disneyland trip booked for December 12 - 18 but if they don't announce opening dates soon we will switch to Disney World.

Any thoughts on these dates for first timers to DW?

Traditionally, crowds would be lightest December 5-13. The week between Christmas and New Years is usually the busiest week of the year, so I’d avoid it if I could. Given the two birthdays you’d celebrate on a December 12-20 trip, and based on the likely crowd levels (probably not much more crowded than the week before), I’d pick that week. It’s always special to celebrate a birthday at WDW!

 

[hereforthechurros]

Darn, now I'm having 2nd thoughts about MK for Christmas day. Woke up this morning dreaming of AK for Christmas. I do love the Safari ride, (among others of course), and I'm thinking it would most definitely be less crowded.
Also, we have the 7 day ticket. Two days in each park except for most likely AK. I had previously made MK our last park day which would more or less be a half day due to travel. With that and Christmas being the other, we might miss out a lot. Hmm, maybe MK on Christmas eve then. Wish I knew if hours are going to be extended, since we're staying at CBR I was thinking Epcot would make a good last day, having the Skyliner and all, but as it doesn't open until 11 ...
Sorry for thinking out loud.

We did AK the day after Christmas in 2019 and it was a dream, least crowded park during a VERY crowded week. Weather was gorgeous, animals were active, we toured the tree of life trail and didn’t see anyone else. Drinks at Nomad to end the day.

While crowds will be different this year, if you want a relaxing Christmas Day, avoid MK which will be hectic regardless I have a feeling. Even if capacity is low-ish, rides running at limited capacity and less dining options, shows, etc. it can feel crowded even on a low crowd day.

 

[Vern60]

We did AK the day after Christmas in 2019 and it was a dream, least crowded park during a VERY crowded week. Weather was gorgeous, animals were active, we toured the tree of life trail and didn’t see anyone else. Drinks at Nomad to end the day.

While crowds will be different this year, if you want a relaxing Christmas Day, avoid MK which will be hectic regardless I have a feeling. Even if capacity is low-ish, rides running at limited capacity and less dining options, shows, etc. it can feel crowded even on a low crowd day.

Thanks hereforthechurros, and more I thought about it the more I like the AK idea, so yep, I switched them. Now I have MK on Christmas Eve and AK on Christmas day. I think you are right, AK might be the least crowded that day allowing us to see most of the attractions. And ... why not a Christmas dinner at Yak & Yeti ... Being that my wife is asian we like that just as well if not better than a traditional one. Anyhow, thanks for the input!

 

[kikismom]

Traditionally, crowds would be lightest December 5-13. The week between Christmas and New Years is usually the busiest week of the year, so I’d avoid it if I could. Given the two birthdays you’d celebrate on a December 12-20 trip, and based on the likely crowd levels (probably not much more crowded than the week before), I’d pick that week. It’s always special to celebrate a birthday at WDW!

Thanks! I agree the birthday week would be the most special. Plus that's the week we originally had planned at DLR. Now I just need to cancel our DLR trip and book this one in the next few weeks.

 

[JM23457]

I realize that a lot of the normal holiday activities won't be available, but what do you think they'll still have?

Full Christmas decorations at parks & resorts, including a lit-up castle at night (probably with no lighting ceremony, though). Snow on Main Street at times. Probably a Christmas themed scavenger hunt at World Showcase.

 

[yulilin3]

Full Christmas decorations at parks & resorts, including a lit-up castle at night (probably with no lighting ceremony, though). Snow on Main Street at times. Probably a Christmas themed scavenger hunt at World Showcase.

I doubt we'll have snoap

 

[Ksquared]

We are trying to decide which week works best for us, it would be our first trip to DW, we normally go to DLR. It's between December 5 - 13, December 12 - 20, or December 26 - January 3. We think that the week after Christmas would be awesome but worry because flight prices go up so huge. December 12 - 20 has two people in our groups birthday's so that would be very fun. December 5 - 13 would also be great because it gets us back home in time to make our house prepped more for Christmas. We are really having trouble deciding. We have a Disneyland trip booked for December 12 - 18 but if they don't announce opening dates soon we will switch to Disney World.

Any thoughts on these dates for first timers to DW?

If it were me, I'd go Dec 12-20th. You get to celebrate 2 birthdays, the crowd levels shouldn't be much different than the week prior plus it's the same time as you are scheduled now. Plus, you have the cost of airfare to consider and I would think it will increase after the 20th. I would make up your mind sooner as opposed to later to make sure you get the park reservations you want, secure decent airfare etc.

 

[Ksquared]

This Christmas will definitely be different than the usual. Less visitors, less entertainment, maybe less time in the parks. More flexibility to go on rides, more space to walk around, more chances to relax and experience Christmas.

This is my hope for this year. We've been twice during Christmas/NYE timeframe and while it was crowded, I approached each trip knowing what to expect etc. I think the same can be said for this year. Will it be different? Sure. I will approach this trip knowing what to expect and hoping to be able to slow down and enjoy the magic of the season. Every Disney trip gets me excited and this one is no exception, maybe even more because we had to postpone an earlier trip. But we get to go at Christmas so I will have fun no matter what.

 

[disneyseniors]

We are trying to decide which week works best for us, it would be our first trip to DW, we normally go to DLR. It's between December 5 - 13, December 12 - 20, or December 26 - January 3. We think that the week after Christmas would be awesome but worry because flight prices go up so huge. December 12 - 20 has two people in our groups birthday's so that would be very fun. December 5 - 13 would also be great because it gets us back home in time to make our house prepped more for Christmas. We are really having trouble deciding. We have a Disneyland trip booked for December 12 - 18 but if they don't announce opening dates soon we will switch to Disney World.

Any thoughts on these dates for first timers to DW?

Hi: We have gone the first part of december several times. In fact, it was our go to time each year, usually the 4th thru the 12th. It was a perfect time to experience all the Christmas fun and decorations. We weren't concerned with doing Christmas at disney, as we always like to be home for the holidays. We found that the crowds (pre-virus), were reasonable. However, they have increased over the years. This early December time frame gives you time to be prepped for Christmas and not be too worn out. Any time will be fun though