A whole new WORLD for us--how different will it be?

[Fargoman2]

After five consecutive glorious, but incredibly HOT and increasingly crowded summer trips to WDW, our family of five has decided we need a WDW change. So we are NOT going this summer in favor of a trip the week right after Thanksgiving.

For those of you who have been during both times of the year, WHAT difference do you think we will notice the most? And if you did make "the switch" to that time of year--are you glad you did? Why or why not?

Also, what planning hints for that time of year do you have?

Thanks in advance!

 

[MareQ]

I have been in late May and mid Sept - both hot times but probably not as hot as mid summer.

I have also been November(Thanksgiving week) January several times, Feb several times and March a few times.

Going when the weather is more mild is definitely the way to go. It's nice being comfortable, not planning my day based on where the next airconditioned attraction is located etc. We still get to swim although not as much as we did in the warmer months, the excitement is still very much alive during the slow/"cool" times as well.

As for being prepared - you need to bring shorts, short sleeved shirts, sweatshirt, light jacket, long pants and a poncho

 

[ReninDetroit]

Oh boy, you're in for a TREAT! That's the best time of the year to go, in my opinion. Christmas is great but too crowded. October, November, January, February, and early March - the best times!

If you're going AFTER thanksgiving, the crowds won't be that bad. They will probably be starting to decorate the world for Christmas. The weather will be beautiful, I'd suggest that you need a light jacket in the morning and evening and long sleeved t-shirts will be fine in the afternoon. Maybe a hoodie on some days. Should be around the 60's.

You may find that you don't need fastpasses as much. In that time of year, it's best to head for Splash Mountain and Big Thunder first thing in the morning. Ride Splash twice, then BT as many times as you want, then do some smaller attractions. Best to avoid Tomorrowland that time of year first thing in the morning. The crowds will slow down for Space Mountain in the afternoon and if you need to you can always get a FP.

 

[rie'smom]

We went at that same time,eg, right after Thanksgiving. There were hardly any crowds-practically walked right on almost every ride.It was a great time-all the Christmas decorations were beautiful.

 

[Grumpy's Wife]

I think one of the differences you will notice the most is that you don't need the afternoon break. When the park is not so crowded and you are not worn out by the heat you can keep going all day long. The park may close earlier than you are used to. Hey, but that's ok. You will walk on so many rides and the ones you don't wont have very long wait times. I think your family is making the right decision. Have fun.

 

[mjmcca]

You get the benefit of all of the Christmas festivities with a much lower crowd. You will be able to see the decorations do the MVMCP if you want. Candlelight Processional Osborne lights and everything else that is there for Christmas!

 

[dbm20th]

I also consider the weeks between Thanksgiving and X-mas to be the absolute best time to go. All of the holiday specialities are absolutely fantastic. You will love it...lucky stiff

 

[mjmcca]

I forgot to add be prepared for all types of weather. It can go from warm and sunny to freezing at the drop of a hat.

 

[knnrock]

We normally go the last week in October or the first week in November. I decided to go in June last year and I will never do that again. It was so hot I thought I was melting. I actually bought a $20 mister fan. You will definitely notice a difference in the crowds. It's great going in the fall, you hardly have to wait for anything, the longest line I encountered was a 30 minute wait and this was during Jersey week.

 

[Ginamarie]

I feel like once you go during a value week it's incredibly tough to go back during the summer! You should be able to get through the parks a LOT faster because the crowds will be lower and you won't need to take breaks to cool off.

You will probably miss out on water parks/swimming, etc. Also, you need to dress differently (in layers for sure). We love traveling to WDW in November/December, though every so often I miss the heat.

 

[mousiemom]

I will never go to WDW in the summer time. I know that's when a lot of people have to go because of their kids. I take my little girl(5) out a week in January. We would love to go the 1st week of Dec. to see the decorations. We just have so much going on that month. We went to the pool a lot @ night cause it was heated. We wore a lot of fleeces @ night and didn't have to wear a jacket. Jeans, sweaters, capris pants, light jacket. One day it was 55 degrees for the high and the low was 38. We had an awesome trip. can't wait to go back next Jan.

 

[need_a_Disney_fix]

Our family LOVES LOVES LOVES WDW right after Thanksgiving because the parks and resorts are gorgeous. Christmas decorations are everywhere PLUS the temperatures are so comfortable. That is the only time we wish to go. Go for it!!!!!

 

[TheresaNY]

We go for 3 weeks around the 4th of July. Whoa is it hot !! But fun !! We went this past Dec 2 - 10 for the first time since kids (they are 13 & 10 ). We really really enjoyed seeing the Christmas decorations and all the festivities that go along with it. We did MVMCP too. Really did enjoy it but it was COLD !! I prefer July. I know, it is extremely hot and more crowded however, I was freezing everytime it drizzled or rained. It was very chilly at night. We needed hats and gloves for MVMCP and most things at night. The parks are not open as late as they are in July. If I were to go again, I would go when it is much warmer - maybe April or May. If you have never gone to see the Holiday decorations then you are really in for a treat. They are not to be missed ! The Osbourne Lights, Christmas music, Gingerbread houses, Christmas trees, and on and on. But be ready because it is very different then summertime. A lot nicer in a lot of ways, and not nicer in some other ways. We finally got the kids on Indy Speedway since we didn't have to wait for an hour in the blistering sun - but we didn't do Kali or Splash because we didn't want to get wet because it was chilly. So, there's a trade off. I don't regret going in December but preferred our summertime visits.

 

[Feralpeg]

After Thanksgiving is a great time to vacation at WDW. You are in for a treat!

 

[Wendy1953]

Being a NY...Long Islander...it's great to go at that time of the year....not melting in the heat, however, as OP's have stated you do need to bring a few layers of clothing just in case it does decide to get colder.....never needed more than a sweat and lightweight jacket at that time of the year..however, with the ever changing weather patterns...be prepared....if you choose not to bring winter weather clothes...you may need to buy a few....but, the parks are decorated for the holidays....its a beautiful time to go!!! Enjoy the magic!

 

[BrerRabbit_fan]

We used to go in August and switched to January. We don't miss the heat but the parks aren't open as late and sometimes it's too cold for water rides/activities. Every season has its pros and cons.