Dec 2020

[mickeymouseears]

Hi !
We are thinking of going to WDW the first two weeks of december for my 40th birthday, thinking of staying onsite in order to secure fastpasses.
Can I ask a couple of questions?
Is the temperature warm enough to go in the pools and water park or is it offputting?
Is this a busy time to go?
When do you think the prices are out for this time of year?
Any recommendations from your experience?
Thanks
Charlie

[beaky2808]

We went in December 2016 so can answer a couple of your questions...
We used our villa pool quite a lot during the day and it was warm enough to do so but we didn't go to the water parks as I don't think we would have wanted to wander round in swimwear for the whole morning/afternoon as not that warm. It was shorts and t-shirt weather mostly but there were some cooler days when I wore jeans and the evenings of the fireworks I did have a cardigan or jumper on sometimes.
We were there from the 9th till the 23rd December and I thought it was a great time to go, it wasn't noticeably busier until around the 20th when it did pick up a bit. Didn't wait significantly longer for anything than on other trips in June or September though.
Definitely do Mickeys Christmas party as it was a fab night and very festive which I loved!

[mickeymouseears]

Thanks!

[returnplanning]

Have done a few trips in December. Water parks are doable on some of the hotter days (although of course depends on your idea of hotter - if you are from the North of England/Scotland, I suspect that you might be ok prety much most days, if you are a softie Southerner like me that feels the cold intensely, not so much!. Remember you don't have to have all day at a waterpark - we did 4 hours at TL last year, so it can be mixed with a shopping/relaxing/ other activities such as minigolf day - or even go to the main parks afterwards!

Early December is not so busy although again, that is relative, and some people say that there is no such thing as a really non-busy day.

Incidentally, if you have a car, December is a great time to drive up to Crystal River and see the manatees!

[mickeymouseears]

Great, thanks. Is this period usually in the "free dining" promotion? I understand with Star Wars etc this may or may not be there in the coming years. When do you book for December?

[returnplanning]

I believe that the usual end time for free dining is the last day in November - however as long as the start of your stay is in the free dining time, the whole of your stay counts e.g. 2 weeks starting from 30/11 would still be eligible for FD. To book you would have to book in April 2019 (assuming that the FD is being run).

[mickeymouseears]

Thanks, very useful re FD, did you actually swim with the manatees?

[returnplanning]

We did, and it was wonderful - we do it every time we go. we hire a boat, but if you are not confident doing that, there are lots of companies that offer guided tours and a chance to snorkel with the manatees.

[mickeymouseears]

Wow, brilliant ! Will bear that in mind, sounds amazing!

[mickeymouseears]

I was wondering, what happens if you book Discovery Cove and it turns out to be a cold day, do they refund you - or is it best to avoid in december?