Should we 1st or 2nd week in Dec?

[brandip22]

I've reserved our SSR studio for Dec 2-10. Now, I've been reading about Pop Warner and am wondering if we should change it to the second week in December? What do you all think?

[tjkraz]

I was under the impression that the Pop Warner people really only impact guests at the All Star and some Moderate resorts where they are staying. Most of their time during the day is spent practicing or playing in games. Then at night they terrorize the hotel guests. ;)

I'm sure they do have some park time mixed in, but I don't think it will be as bad as you are envisioning.

[cobbler]

Ok we were right in the thick of them at ASSports in 2004. NEVER AGAIN!! Yes they do impact the values quite a bit and I guess now some of the moderates but never the deluxes.

We didn't have impacts with them on the bus but we did leave 2-3 days into their arrival so maybe they just didn't hit the parks yet.

I haven't read that much on park impact, just resort impact mostly. There may be a few instances where you may run into them at the park but I think where most of the complaints come in is at the resort level.

[Debbie in Seattle]

Isn't that something that we're all in the height of 'kid land' (WDW) and want to know what dates to avoid all the kids??? We do the same exact thing! LOL This past December we went the Monday after Thanksgiving and it was sure crowded, to add to the Pop Warner concerns, have to also contend with all the kids in the choir for the Candlelight Processional. From a few we had to contend with from that, think I'd rather deal with the Pop Warner crew!

I know, how about an adult only WDW?!? I'd be first in line.

Seriously, it's the Value and Moderates that'll be affected. Been there one year for the cheerleading competition-imagine that one-all those cheerleaders.

Hope this helps.

[brandip22]

LOL Debbie! No, I have a kid, so it's no tthe kid thing that bothers me, just wanting low crowds. We have been so spoiled so far! Oh, and I was one of those kids for a few years when my dance team went every year for our competitions! Those poor people who had to put up with us!! I'll just let fate decide. Dh just told me that the trip may not be up to us, as his friend wants to "take us" not just us all go at the same time. Dh thinks the friend is getting a grand Villa. We shall see. I don't think I can handle not being the planner!

[jaysue]

I would not worry about moving - stick with 1st week to increase chances of better weather

Cheers
jaysue

:grouchodi

[ryanmilla]

I can't really comment on the 1st week in Dec with the Pop Warner crowd, but we were there this past Dec for the 2nd week and it was EMPTY. Yes, there were people all around, but we never waited longer than 5...maybe 10 minutes for a ride. And we never even used a FP once. Even for Soarin'. Granted, we made sure to be at the parks at all of the openings, but still even into lunch time the crowds just weren't there. And besides it being a little cold, the weather was great. No rain and the temps were in the low 50s in the morning, but going up to almost 70 by lunch.

I understand you may not have a choice, but if you do, my vote would be for the 2nd week. However, like many people have said before me, crowded or not, you'll be in WDW and what could be better than that. :D

[ILuvDVC]

I would keep the first week. We go the first week of Dec. each year and the crowds are low.

[DSNY FN]

Just go for the first 2 weeks it takes the guesswork out of things that is what we do. Pop warner really isn't that bad teh parks seldom see any of the kids and parents as they are busy with activities of thier own while they are there. The majority of thier time is spent out at the wide world of sports complex.

[DSNY FN]

Ok we were right in the thick of them at ASSports in 2004. NEVER AGAIN!! Yes they do impact the values quite a bit and I guess now some of the moderates but never the deluxes.

We didn't have impacts with them on the bus but we did leave 2-3 days into their arrival so maybe they just didn't hit the parks yet.

I haven't read that much on park impact, just resort impact mostly. There may be a few instances where you may run into them at the park but I think where most of the complaints come in is at the resort level.


We have stayed at the All Stars on every trip and have never had an issue with teh Pop Warner crowd other than some rowdy parents but the kids were all really great. We wouldn't hesitate to stay at any of the resorts they are at during that time plus they are hardly ever there. We have also seen them staying at WL and BW and a few families were at OKW in 03.