Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel, Dana!
You have asked about my personal favorite time to visit Walt Disney World Resort, which is the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas. The theme parks and Resort Hotels are all beautifully decorated for the holiday season, there's Christmas music playing everywhere, and of course,
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party and the
Epcot International Festival of the Holidays are both in full swing by then. I think the atmosphere at this time of year is hard to beat, and it's always my first choice when my family is deciding when to go on holiday.
I have been lucky enough to have visited Walt Disney World Resort in both the first and second weeks of December in the recent past, and I can say that personally, I don't feel much difference in the crowd level between those two weeks. If you've visited during the second week of December before for sporting events at
ESPN Wide World of Sports and you'll be visiting in the first week of December this year, I think you'll find that those weeks feel about the same. You'll be able to enjoy the beautiful weather, the gorgeous decor, and all the great food that will be available at the Holiday Kitchens in World Showcase. The Mongolian Beef Bao at Shanghai Holiday Kitchen in the China Pavilion has been my favorite in the past, so have one for me if it pops up again this year!
I hope this answers your questions, Dana, and let me know if there's anything else we can do to help you plan your magical vacation.
Jessica