November or December

[karenkelly]

The last time I went was mid-November and some of the Christmas decorations were up, but none of the special stuff - Processional or Osbourne lights. I also have been the week before Thanksgiving, still low crowds but you get all the decorations and the Holiday "specialness", which to me is what Disney is all about.

[rphillips14]

We've noticed that the last day for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party in 2010 was December 19th. Why doesn't this event last the week of Christmas and are there other things going on the week of Christmas besides the normal stuff (Osborne Lights, Candlelight Pros. etc)?

[Polynesian Princess]

We've noticed that the last day for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party in 2010 was December 19th. Why doesn't this event last the week of Christmas and are there other things going on the week of Christmas besides the normal stuff (Osborne Lights, Candlelight Pros. etc)?

I would guess that because of the large crowds right at Christmas, they want to keep the Magic Kingdom open later for everyone. On Christmas Party days, the Magic Kingdom closes at 7 pm to regular park guests.

[BuDz211]

I've heard someone say on a podcast that it took him three hours to get out of Epcot on New Years Eve. I assume the Magic Kingdom would be worse. If I had the choice, I would go in November this time and plan a future vacation for early December if I really wanted to see the Christmas events (which I do). Crowds can get too crazy late December and personally, I don't think it's worth it.

"However, that's just my opinion and I could be wrong."

[horizons1]

I went the second weekend in December and it was the sweet spot for resort pricing. It was amazing how just arriving a few days before or after this period had significantly higher rates. It was moderately crowded but not in any way bad.

[Satchel T]

My brother and his family go every year during December and the only way they're really able to enjoy the trip is if they go during "extra magic hours" ... not really worth the money to always be fighting very large crowds and having to stay up until 4am just so you can enjoy the Magic Kingdom during extra magic hours then be really tired the next day ... so you sleep in and go to the parks late. Just doesn't sound fun at all ... So I would say go in November.

[Satchel T]

I've heard someone say on a podcast that it took him three hours to get out of Epcot on New Years Eve. I assume the Magic Kingdom would be worse. If I had the choice, I would go in November this time and plan a future vacation for early December if I really wanted to see the Christmas events (which I do). Crowds can get too crazy late December and personally, I don't think it's worth it.

"However, that's just my opinion and I could be wrong."

Completely agree ... certainly not worth your hard earned money that you've saved up just for Disney only to be mad the entire time about so many people.

[Satchel T]

The last time I went was mid-November and some of the Christmas decorations were up, but none of the special stuff - Processional or Osbourne lights. I also have been the week before Thanksgiving, still low crowds but you get all the decorations and the Holiday "specialness", which to me is what Disney is all about.

That's a good word ... Having lived there and going all the time while I lived there I can say that the week before Thanksgiving is probably your best bet when it comes to going closest to Christmas without all the crowds.