The week before Christmas

They will be very busy during that point. Your best bet is to be at the parks at rope drop to avoid a lot of the families, and try to get in as much as you can before 10am-noon. Probably around 11am is when things start to pick up. Then you can either try to manage the crowd, or head back to your hotel to rest, nap, swim, so on... then head to a park later that evening. Try to avoid the park with the late hours that night because everyone will be at that one. So if its MK that night... maybe head to either HS, or Epcot.

Actually the crowds aren't too bad the week before, although take a look at touringplans they will tell you exactly

or this one as well
http://www.intercot.com/infocentral/weather/whentovisit.asp

First trip to Epcot - terrific! I would, as Mase suggests, try and get there for rope drop to do the FutureWorld rides that are most popular - especially Soarin'. I enjoy Test Track, though some feel like it's overrated. I can't tell you about Mission: Space; I've never ridden, although I've been to Epcot dozens of times. If you don't like spinny rides, I hear that you should start with the less intense side. I also love Spaceship Earth. It's the centerpiece of Epcot of course, but it's also narrated by Judi Dench, and has a fun interactive bit at the end. I wouldn't miss it if I were you.

The thing to remember about going to Epcot for rope drop, however, is that World Showcase does not open until 11am. So you may get there at 9am, but you can't do anything in the back of the park for 2 hours. If it fits into your plans, I would go for rope drop, then plan to go back later in the evening. Epcot is magical at Christmas time, with the evening Candlelight Processional, the decorations, the stories being told around the World, and the special treats that you can eat and drink while you stroll.

I hope you have a wonderful time! Can't wait to hear about it.

Make sure you get a processional dinner package asap, it's the only way to do the processional, which is an absolute MUST DO at EPCOT. They fill up fast, so get your adr as soon as you can.

I don't think it will be too bad especially the first few days of your trip. The Candelight Processional is a must do! And make sure you take time to see the Christmas decorations at resorts like the Grand Floridian and Beach/Yacht Club in addition to everything at the park!

Definitely take time to visit other resorts, the decorations are unbelievable and different at each resort. Boardwalk w the chocolate gazebo is a must see, and the Grand Floridian for sure. And don't forget the Osbourne family lights at HS, it's crazy but super awesome, especially if it's a little chilly, makes the snow suds a little more authentic here in Florida!

I hate to disagree with anyone, but...actually, we've been to the Processional twice (we're local) and both times without the package. We haven't had a problem obtaining seats. To be fair, they were both weekdays, and early in the season, though.

We saw Whoopi last year and people queued as the park opened! It was mental, we stood at the back in the end.
Then saw another show a few days later and walked in, in fact the regular line was much shorter than the adr's!

We went during that time frame back in 2005 (17th thru the 22nd). I am a teacher so it's either then, summer or Spring Break. Such options....it wasn't too bad the first few days but the closer to the holiday it got the busier it was. The earlier you can go in the week the better. I remember we left on the 22nd and the line for check-in at POP was almost out of the door it was so long. I was actually glad to be leaving!

This is some great info for me to store in my brain since we plan on doing our next trip sometime in December (sadly, probably not until 2013).