December Crowds at Disney World how do they compare to summer

by Katie Smith
(United States)

Hello Dad!

I have a question about December Crowds at Disney World and how they compare to summer crowds.

I have been to Disney World several times in the summer as well as in the spring and I decided to plan a trip in December this year to celebrate Christmas. I am planning on going December 17-21 and I have read many many mixed reviews about what the crowds are like during this time. I looked over your crowd calendar but I was just wondering how specifically you could let me know about what the crowds will be like during these dates.

I called Disney and asked them and they said that it was pretty light during these times because kids are not out of school yet and that it wouldn't pick up until about the 22nd so I would be fine, but I would like outside opinions.

Would you say that it is more crowded during these specific dates than it is in June or July or is it about the same? Also, do you know approx. about what the weather will be like? Thanks!

Dad's sometimes Disney doesn't know best Answer

Katie,

First let me say, you've come to the right place. Dad certainly knows December Crowds at Disney World. We've been to Disney World the week before Christmas more than any other time. It's our favorite time to visit Walt Disney World.

The truth about mid-December at Disney World. You've read about horrible crowds at Disney World in the middle of December, so have I. But, I've also read posts the same days that say how small the crowds were at Disney World. Some people expect to have the parks to themselves and if they have to wait 5 minutes for Space Mountain then the crowds are out of control.

Disney probably goes the other way. No, crowds are not "light" until the 22nd. Yes, the aren't nearly as big as the summer, or Christmas week, they will be moderate.

Dad's December Disney World Crowds page

If you want day by day historical crowd estimates and predictions for each park check out Touringplans.com. They produce daily predictions on how big the crowds will be at each park.

About the weather, no I can't give you any idea of what the weather will be like. We've been there when it's 30 degrees, we've been there (yes, in December) when it's 80 degrees, we've been there when it's raining, we've been there when it's absolutely beautiful.

Last time we were there, the first 2 days the high temperature was 42 degrees. The last day the low temperature was 65 degrees. Needless to say, you have to look at the forecasts when the time comes closer.

Dad's Bottom Line

December Crowds at Disney World in the middle of the month are smaller than summer crowds, but they are bigger than the very slow months. It's still the best time of the year to go.

Dad's Christmas at Disney World page