12 women need vacation advice

[CarpentersAndKings]

Hi,
We are 12 people going to Disney World, hopefuly at the end part of this year. We are wondering where to stay and when to go. Some think that October would be nice, but a few are concerned about huricanes. Others think December would be fun, but some are afraid it would be to cold to swim.
There will be 12 of us, all adults, and we're hoping to either stay in 6 rooms or a few suites. We are not sure what would be to our advantage.
We are all women from the same graduating class, '78, and figured this would be a fun getaway 4-5 day weekend.
Any Suggestions? Are there Group Rates?

 

[zulaya]

Welcome to the DIS!

Let me address some of your questions:

October - VERY nice time of year to go as weather is still warm enough to swim and hours at the parks are still a little longer into the evenings. Hurricanes are a minor concern. October is at the latter part of hurricane season, which ends Nov 1, and WDW has only closed once for a hurricane. The most WDW usually sees is downpours so I don't think that should worry you. If you go over Halloween you can take in Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, which is fun for all ages.

November might actually be the best time for you. There's the Food and Wine Festival at Epcot, which I haven'tg been to yet, but am dying to go at some point. Many different countries showcasing their culinary specialites along with the excellent food Epcot already has is great!! Weather is still pleasant. Crowds are dwindling. And I believe Value Season (cheaper resort rates) starts November 3.

December - if swimming is important to you, December's weather can be very unpredictable. Some weeks it can be in th 40s and 50s. Other weeks the 70s and 80s. If you want more stable temps, then December might not be for you. I personally love Dec because of the Holiday decorations and happenings.

If you all want to stay together, I'd suggest looking in to a villa at one of the DVC resorts. They are expensive but with 12 people splitting the bill, it might be just what you are looking for. Group rates aren't available unless you are reserving more than 10 rooms at a time, I think.

Have fun planning!!

 

[MJames41]

I agree with what Zulaya said, although December is our favorite time to go (right after Thanksgiving). The crowds are way down and all the Christmas Decorations come up the Friday after Thanksgiving. As for swimming, all of the pools are supposed to be heated, except at the water parks (the only water park open then is Blizzard Beach). I remember swimming on an overcast day, and the pool (we were at the All Star Sports then) was fantastic. Regarding the group rates, you might want to call Disney just to make sure on that. Enjoy your trip.

 

[Buzz2001]

In 2000, we went in November and had great weather. We were there the first week of the month. It was 85º+ each day of our stay, which was said to be above normal. We did enjoy the Food and Wine festival during our stay.

The only issue I can think of was that thr park hours were less than other times we had been there.

 

[MKingdom]

We normally visit WDW in October...the favorite month for us because of the beautiful weather and reduced crowds. We've been going to WDW around this time of year for years and we've never been rained out...maybe a passing shower at night, or one "umbrella day," but no more than that.

 

[Nadine and Fred]

last November with 6 women friends. the weather WAS PERFECT; it was warm enough to swim during the day but a sweater was needed at night. The Food and Wine Festival was fun. We stayed off premises (something I personally would not do again ..there is a plethora of options available on site) but I think you can find similar accommodations with the DVC. I will let you know that that is a large group to get a consensus with. You may want to explore the option of "little groups" if you cannot get everyone to agree on things like restaurant choices. Suprisingly, our group did great together. Have fun, whenever you go...

 

[susy]

Remember that October is not value season. I would go in December. The pools are heated and there is much more to do in Disney than swim! If two people got AP's, you could use AP rates (I believe the limit is three rooms that you can book if you have an AP). We stayed at the ASMo in Jan and it was great. the rooms would be fine for two adults and it would be very cheap . I would split up according to which of you are commando types and those that want to sleep in and are laid back. Make any PS's way ahead of time. Have a great time whatever you decide!!!!

 

[Grumpy92]

You have already been given some great advice from the above. October, Novemeber and the first part of December are great times to go. Just depends on you. I have to say we love the Food & Wine Festival. You eat your way around EPCOT, they have marvilous seminars and the special dinners are incredible. Shoot we went to EPCOT during hurricane Erin. By the time they get inland they are mostly rain. If you are interested in Xmas then Dec is when to go. Not only are their decorations but a plethora of holiday activities.
Resorts: DVC can sleep up to 12 including kitchen and laundry. Beach, Boardwalk, WL and OKW all are DVC resorts. There are also villas at the village area.
PSs will be key, make sure you make them before you leave home.
As for the ladies you might enjoy a day at one of the spas. Facials, massages and soaks are sooo relaxing.

 

[anne60]

Hey, I graduated in '78... can i come too!!! Seriously, though, I have been in early November, days were warm enough for shorts and tee shirts, then in the evening we put on a jacket or sweatshirt. We were at Port Orleans, and the pool was not all that warm in the evening...air temp was in the high 50s once the sun went down. It was a LONG walk back to the room after our evening swim! Now, we were in Key West over Columbus Day weekend, and that was truly beach weather, sunny and low to mid 80s every day.

 

[karebear1]

If you can go the week or two after Thanksgiving you'll be very happy. Weather is wonderful, Christmas decorations are up and special Christmas stuff is going on - Candlelight Processional, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Parade, Osbourne Lights at MGM. Stay onsight if possible- it's such fun and the hotels are decorated so beautifully! It doesn't matter that the parks close earlier then usual- there are no lines- you can go through the rides twice and still have plenty of time to do lots of things!! We've gone in November 3 times and love it!

 

[CarpentersAndKings]

Wow
Thank you so much. It does seem that December has a value season and would be pretty. If the weather is acceptable that may be a nice time to try for.
Now for the 'lodgings'.
It would be nice to be somewhere that had nightlife on site. It also would be good to have somewhere with 12 beds and/or couch/beds. I was looking at the Boardwalk links and am thinking that may be an area to stay. But, 6 rooms at the Inn is too much. Possibly 3 - 2 bedroom suites, that way there is space and we would only have to fight about who slept where.
I guess a big problem would be being able to secure all the suites. Also annual pass or disney club or as stated renting.
I would be leary about renting from somebody I don't know. I am begining to think we should have started planning earlier.
Thank You Again

 

[babus1]

Being of about your age, I would opt for the Swan/ Dolphin. Close to the boardwalk and very nice. I would get teacher discount if possible, are one of you a teacher? I definitely would go in october or maybe September. I wouldn`t worry about the hurricanes. I was there for Floyd and they only shut down for 1.5 days. A very rare occurance. Only a bit of rain. I like 80+ weather and November and December could be cold(50). What about transportation? If not driving, a monorail hotel would be nice. You would need 3 rooms, I think. I sure wish Iwere part of your group. Sounds like a great time.

 

[Barbruka]

The Boardwalk is a great place for adults. There is constantly something happening out there by the water. My last trip there in January, we spent hours just walking around checking out the little acts everywhere. Tons of great restaurants and night clubs (if that is your scene). Never a dull moment there. And you can walk to Epcot which has even more great restaurants.

Personally, I wouldn't stay at Swan / Dolphin. Not a lot of themeing there. I felt like I was in a circus tent. Nothing but conventioners walking around everywhere. You can tell it isn't owned by Disney.