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Mom With Kids After RunDisney; Mickey Fantasia Hat; Donald Duck Hat; Goofy Hat
  • On Feb 22, 2008
    Christoper from CA Asked Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.

    Experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    My family and I have heard and seen a lot about the Holidays in WDW. When is the best time to go and enjoy all the magic of the holiday season, but also avoid the crazy crowds that happen between Christmas and New Years?

    Christopher,

    I had the same question myself, and we have decided to go the week after Thanksgiving. 

    Holiday decorations tend to be installed by early to mid November (it has been getting earlier over the last few years).  I am sure the crowd levels would be fairly light the week before Thanksgiving, but I just can't be in the full holiday spirit until after Thanksgiving.

    The week of Thanksgiving is one of WDW's peak times, so I wouldn't recommend that week.  My understanding is that the crowds will stay around until approximately the Sunday after Thanksgiving.  After that the crowds will decline significantly, and then slowly increase throughout the month until the week of Christmas, which is probably the busiest times of the year at WDW.

    A few things to be aware of in early December:
    - "Pop Warner" football and cheerleading activities are scheduled for early December.  I think they begin later in the first week of December.  These don't tend to affect the park crowds too much, especially early in the day (they have their activities early in the day, and sometimes go to the parks later in the day).  They also tend to stay at the value resorts, which can lead to some difficulties with noise at night if you are there.
    - Mousefest is scheduled for Dec 11-15 at WDW (earlier they have a Disney Cruise).  This is an event organized by the WDW fan community for WDW fans.  It has grown in size every year, and now includes almost a thousand people, but it also doesn't tend to have a significant impact on park crowds, unless you happen to time an attraction for the exact same time that their group scheduled it.  If you Google "mousefest" you will be able to find an updated schedule for their activities as you get closer to December.

    So, considering all of the above, we decided that the first week of December is a very good option.  Hopefully you can keep this just between you and me - OK?  ;-)

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Meet the Panelist: Bret,

As one of the dads on the panel, I have fun helping all Walt Disney World planners who want a dad’s perspective. Learn More About Bret

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