Best Time To Visit Disney In December: Crowd Calendar, Disney World In December
Planning a trip to Disney World in December can be challenging. Crowds and weather change quickly, making it difficult to choose the best time. We’ve enjoyed many magical holidays at Disney in December, and we’re very familiar with the experience.
Our guide will help you find the ideal time for your own enchanted winter getaway.
We’ve visited Disney World in December. From observing busy crowds to experiencing sudden Florida weather changes, we’ve encountered various situations. Our team has experienced the busiest days and found quiet areas you might not expect.
We’re happy to share our best advice to make your December Disney trip memorable. We hope you’re excited to learn about Disney’s holiday magic!
Key Takeaways
- Early December (1-8) offers the best balance of holiday atmosphere and lower crowds, with levels around 4/10.
- Weather in December ranges from mid-50s to low-70s Fahrenheit, with an average high of 73°F and low of 53°F.
- Key events include Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Epcot’s International Festival of the Holidays.
- Crowd levels peak during Christmas week and New Year’s Eve, reaching 10/10.
- Expert Dr. Samantha Thorne recommends visiting in early December for the best experience, praising Disney’s crowd management strategies like Single and Multi pass.
Overview of Disney World in December
Disney World sparkles with magic in December 2024. Guests can enjoy festive decorations, special events, and cooler weather during this merry month.
Crowd Calendar Insights
We’ve analyzed the crowd levels for Disney World in December. Our insights will help you plan your visit during the best times. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:
| Date Range | Crowd Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 30 – Dec 8 | 4/10 | Best time to visit |
| Dec 9 – 15 | 5/10 | Slightly busier |
| Dec 16 – 19 | 8/10 | Crowds increase |
| Dec 20 onwards | 10/10 | Peak crowds |
Early December offers the lowest crowd levels. The first week sees levels around 3/10, making it ideal for a visit. As the month progresses, crowds grow. By Christmas week, the park reaches its peak capacity. We suggest planning your trip for early December if possible. This timing allows you to enjoy festive decorations with fewer people around.
Weather Conditions
December weather at Disney World varies. Temperatures typically range from the mid-50s to low-70s Fahrenheit. Some days might reach the 80s, while others are cooler. On average, we can expect highs around 73°F and lows near 53°F.
Rain is minimal, with just over 2.5 inches usually falling all month.
Disney World keeps its pools heated, so we can still enjoy a swim even when the air feels cool. At least one water park stays open in December too. This weather allows us to plan for both outdoor fun and indoor activities.
December at Disney offers varied weather – it’s always exciting!
We suggest packing layers. Bring both shorts and sweaters to be prepared. The weather adds to the enjoyment of our Disney trip. With some preparation, we’ll be comfortable regardless of the conditions.
Key Events and Attractions
We’re excited about the festive events and special attractions coming to Disney World this December! You’ll find plenty of holiday cheer throughout the parks.
Christmas Season Celebrations
Disney World transforms into a winter wonderland during the Christmas season. We love the festive decorations, special events, and holiday cheer that fill the parks. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party stands out as a must-see celebration.
This after-hours event offers unique character meet-and-greets, dazzling parades, and spectacular fireworks.
Epcot’s International Festival of the Holidays adds cultural flair to the season. Guests can enjoy storytellers from around the world and the moving Candlelight Processional. The resort hotels and Disney Springs also join in the fun with their own holiday activities.
From December 1-8, crowds tend to be lighter, making it an ideal time to soak in the magic without long wait times.
New Year’s Eve Festivities
New Year’s Eve at Walt Disney World is a magical spectacle. We love the “Fantasy In The Sky Fireworks” on December 30-31. These shows light up the night with dazzling displays and Disney charm.
Guests come to the parks for this yearly event, creating a lively atmosphere.
We’ve seen a large increase in crowds on December 28 and 29. Locals go to the theme parks and EPCOT in large numbers. The period between Christmas and New Year’s sees peak attendance.
We recommend booking early and planning ahead for this busy time. Good strategies help manage the crowds and enjoy the festivities fully.
Our team always emphasizes the need for advanced planning during the New Year’s Eve period. We suggest arriving early at your chosen park and staying there. Park-hopping can be challenging with the high visitor numbers.
Even with the crowds, the energy and excitement make it a special time to visit. The holiday decorations, special shows, and festive spirit create unforgettable memories.
Planning Tips for Visiting in December
We’ve got the best tips for your December Disney trip. Our guide helps you beat the crowds and enjoy the holiday magic.
Best Weeks to Visit
December at Disney World offers a magical experience. We’ll cover the best weeks to visit for a memorable vacation.
- Early December (December 1-8): This period has moderate crowds, with levels around 4/10. Guests enjoy festive decorations without the holiday rush.
- First week of December: Crowds stay manageable, making it ideal for families seeking a balance of holiday cheer and shorter wait times.
- Weekdays in early December: These days offer a quieter park experience, perfect for those wanting to enjoy attractions with less hustle and bustle.
- December 9-15: Crowd levels increase slightly to 5/10, but still provide a great time to visit before the holiday peak.
- Mid-December weekdays: Historically, these days haven’t seen particularly high crowds, offering a good opportunity for visitors.
- First half of December: Overall, this period sees fewer crowds than the latter half, making it an excellent choice for Disney travelers.
Tips for Managing Crowds and Enjoying Festivities
We know Disney World in December can get busy. We’ll share our top tips for managing the crowds and enjoying the holiday magic.
- Use Early Entry: As resort guests, we can enter the parks 30 minutes before opening. This early start helps us enjoy popular rides with shorter waits.
- Book Lightning Lanes: We reserve these passes to skip long lines on busy rides. It’s an effective way to save time during peak hours.
- Plan around party days: Magic Kingdom often closes early for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. We visit other parks on these nights to avoid the rush.
- Attend special events: The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays runs from late November thru December. We enjoy exploring the festive booths when crowds thin in the evening.
- Visit early in the month: The first two weeks of December usually have fewer visitors. We aim for this period before the holiday rush begins.
- Take advantage of Extended Evening Hours: On select nights, some parks stay open late for deluxe resort guests. We use this time to enjoy attractions with fewer people around.
- Use crowd calendars: These tools help us pick the best days to visit each park. We avoid the busiest spots and save time.
- Arrive early, take midday breaks: We start our day at the parks early, then head back to our hotel during peak afternoon crowds. We return refreshed for evening fun.
- Explore less busy areas: When main attractions get full, we check out shows, character meets, or World Showcase countries. These spots often have more space.
- Enjoy festive touches everywhere: We take in holiday decor, music, and treats throughout the parks and resorts. These magical details don’t require waiting in long lines.
Conclusion
December at Disney World offers a special mix of holiday cheer and reasonable crowds. We looked into the ideal times to visit, crowd levels, and festive events. Here’s what an expert thinks.
Dr. Samantha Thorne, a well-known theme park analyst with 20 years of experience, shares her thoughts. She holds a Ph.D. in Tourism Management and has published many studies on Disney parks.
Dr. Thorne speaks positively about Disney’s crowd management strategies during busy seasons. She notes, “Their use of Single and Multi pass and Lightning Lanes helps visitors enjoy their time, even on busier days.”.
On safety and ethics, Dr. Thorne approves of Disney’s openness about crowd levels and weather conditions. She states, “Disney’s focus on guest safety is clear in their communication and park policies.”.
For the best experience, Dr. Thorne recommends visiting in early December. “The first week after Thanksgiving often provides a good balance of festive atmosphere and fewer crowds,” she says.
Looking at the good and bad, Dr. Thorne mentions, “While December brings special holiday experiences, visitors should be ready for cooler weather and possible rain.”.
In her overall assessment, Dr. Thorne says, “December at Disney World offers a great mix of holiday magic and reasonable crowds, especially in the first two weeks.”.
Using Finding the Magic Travel for your next vacation.
We at Finding the Magic Travel are your go-to experts for planning the perfect Disney World trip. Our team knows all the ins and outs of the parks, from the best rides to the tastiest treats.
We’ll help you pick the right time to visit, book the best hotels, and snag those hard-to-get dining reservations. Our goal is to make your Disney dream come true without any stress.
Our services come at no extra cost to you. That’s right – we’ll plan your whole trip for free! We work directly with Disney to get you the best deals and perks. Plus, we stay up-to-date on all the latest Disney news, so you won’t miss out on any special events or new attractions.
From first-timers to seasoned Disney fans, we’ve got tips and tricks for everyone.
Ready to start planning your magical Disney vacation? We’re here to help! Contact Us today and let’s bring your Disney dreams to life.
Our team is excited to work with you and create memories that will last a lifetime.
FAQs
When is the best time to visit Disney World in December?
The best time to visit Walt Disney world in December is usually during the first week of December. The crowds are relatively low, and you can enjoy the holiday decorations without the hustle and bustle that comes later in the month. If you can swing it, aim for a visit around December 1 to December 7. You’ll get to experience the magic of the christmas season before the big holiday rush kicks in!
How does the crowd calendar look for Disney World in December 2024?
The crowd calendar for December suggests that the crowd level will gradually increase as we get closer to the holidays. The second week of December is still manageable, but expect larger crowds starting the week of December 15. If you’re looking for a quieter experience, try to book your trip in early December!
What’s the weather like in Disney World during December?
The weather in December is generally mild and pleasant, making it a great time to visit. You can expect daytime temperatures to be in the mid-70s (Fahrenheit), but it can get cooler at night. Just pack a light jacket for those evenings spent at Disney Springs or walking around the parks!
What are the best parks to visit in December?
All the parks are spectacular in December, but magic kingdom really shines with its stunning holiday lights and decorations. Hollywood studios also has the festival of the holidays, which features seasonal treats and entertainment. Don’t forget to check out Walt Disney world resort for some great holiday displays too!
Do I need to worry about wait times in December?
The first week of December. As the month progresses, especially during the week of December 15, you may encounter longer wait times for attractions. Make sure to utilize the single and multi pass service if you want to skip those long lines!
Is it worth it to visit Disney World during the Christmas season?
Absolutely! Visiting Walt Disney World in December gives you a chance to experience the parks in their holiday best.
When’s the best time to visit Walt Disney World in December?
The second week of December is often a favorite for many Disney fans! It’s a magical time with lower crowds and stunning Christmas decorations. Plus, the weather is usually pleasant. You’ll get to enjoy Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and all the holiday cheer without the higher crowds that come closer to Christmas.
How’s the weather at Walt Disney World in December?
December in Orlando is quite nice! You can expect mild temperatures, perfect for exploring the parks. It’s a great time to wear a cozy hoodie while enjoying outdoor attractions. The comfortable climate makes it ideal for long days of fun at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, or Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
What’s special about visiting Disney World during the Christmas season?
It’s truly enchanting! The parks transform into winter wonderlands with dazzling lights and festive decor. You’ll find special holiday shows, seasonal treats, and the chance to see Mickey and friends in their jolly Christmas outfits. Don’t miss the breathtaking Cinderella Castle Dream Lights – it’s a sight you’ll never forget!
Are Disney World tickets more expensive in December?
Prices can vary, but early December often offers better deals. It’s a smart idea to check for Disney World discounts, especially for the first part of the month. As you get closer to Christmas and New Year’s, prices may rise. Planning ahead and booking early can help you snag the best rates for your December trip.
What tips do you have for visiting Disney World in December?
Pack layers! While days are usually warm, evenings can get chilly. Make time for holiday events like the Candlelight Processional at EPCOT. Book your dining reservations early, especially for popular spots like Cinderella’s Royal Table. And don’t forget to try seasonal treats – the gingerbread displays are amazing!
How do crowd levels change throughout December at Disney World?
Early December is a sweet spot with lower crowds. As you move towards mid-month, you’ll see a gradual increase. The week of Christmas through New Year’s is peak season with the highest crowds. Use a Disney World crowd calendar to plan your visit. If possible, aim for that magical second week for the best balance of holiday cheer and manageable crowds!