An interesting thing I figured out this weekend

[Masonmj84]

For our family, the cost of the following 2 WDW vacations are virtually identical:

Vacation 1:
Dates: Dec. 10-16
Resort: Beach Club
Dining: Deluxe (upgraded from Free Dining)

Vacation 2:
Dates: Dec. 26-Jan 1
Resort: All-Star Music
Dining: Quick Service

While the Disney component for Vacation 1 exceeds that of Vacation 2, the difference in airfare (from where we live) essentially cancels this out. Granted, Vacation 1 also includes at least a couple hundred dollars in restaurant tips but this may be offset by a yet-to-come-out room discount that beats free dining.

So let's see, for the same approximate price, we can stay deluxe, dine deluxe, and enjoy relatively uncrowded parks or we can stay value, dine quick service, and endure park crowd insanity (while seeing the same Christmas decorations in either case).

For me, this added some clarity as to why guide books often suggest that it's worth it to take the kids out of school for a week as opposed to going during Christmas break.

 

[DisneyFreak06]

For our family, the cost of the following 2 WDW vacations are virtually identical:

Vacation 1:
Dates: Dec. 10-16
Resort: Beach Club
Dining: Deluxe (upgraded from Free Dining)

Vacation 2:
Dates: Dec. 26-Jan 1
Resort: All-Star Music
Dining: Quick Service

While the Disney component for Vacation 1 exceeds that of Vacation 2, the difference in airfare (from where we live) essentially cancels this out. Granted, Vacation 1 also includes at least a couple hundred dollars in restaurant tips but this may be offset by a yet-to-come-out room discount that beats free dining.

So let's see, for the same approximate price, we can stay deluxe, dine deluxe, and enjoy relatively uncrowded parks or we can stay value, dine quick service, and endure park crowd insanity (while seeing the same Christmas decorations in either case).

For me, this added some clarity as to why guide books often suggest that it's worth it to take the kids out of school for a week as opposed to going during Christmas break.

Wow! That's nice... If only the teachers could travel during the off season too, then maybe I could get to stay at a Deluxe again!

 

[kddisney502]

Also, the crowds will be much lower dec 10-16 than over the xmas holiday. So you'll spend more time having fun and less time in lines

 

[owl0306]

stormalong is amazing and sometimes FL is still hot enough in Dec to swim. Plus they heat the pools

 

[mousefan73]

Wow where we live you cant pull kids out for vacation. Truancy. Dont know what grade your kids are in, but mid/end dec are often finals.

 

[njmom76]

That would be nice (big BC fan here)! I agree with a PP - I wish teachers could take time off - always having to visit Florida in the summer or over Winter Break is not ideal, but still worth it!

 

[msmith07101]

Yep...I know in the past when I have priced it for when the kids were off school for Christmas break..or spring break, it was crazy expensive..plus I knew it would be crazy busy. So yes...I am one of those who has pulled the kids out of school for a few days to take a trip...usually 4 days. I know it is a hot topic, but I have no regrets. I truly believe the education of my kids did not suffer because they missed a few days of school, where we made some great memories. And...there are different trips and such that are school related where kids miss...different things for band or various clubs...so I just don't stress about it.

 

[njmom47]

That would be nice (big BC fan here)! I agree with a PP - I wish teachers could take time off - always having to visit Florida in the summer or over Winter Break is not ideal, but still worth it!

What about Jersey Week?

 

[Bettie]

Yep. Our first trip we went during spring break/Easter week, and paid rack rates for a peak period. We stayed at Pop. Went back the following January, stayed at the Poly, and actually paid just a little less for the same number of days. (We did DxDP both times, so no difference there.) Never going during peak season again if I can help it!!

 

[EvilQueenT]

if your kids aren't problem students then a week out won't hurt anyone, if they struggle then maybe not. maybe remind them that this is a condition to the trip if they're older. that time of year is generally holiday related for the little kids but can be finals for middle and high schoolers depending on your school district. personally, i'd do the week out with a deluxe stay. the crowds are getting heavier each year at that time but far less crowded than during christmas through new years. we've been going at that time each year for years. i think you'll love it.

 

[jennabcassell]

The week after Christmas is mass chaos!!!! I would go with your first option. Better hotel, better dining, same decorations, better crowd levels (as in really really low), more relaxing!!! I'd make sure you already have you dining reservations now!! Have fun!

 

[Hooked On The Mouse]

That's a pretty clear choice! And it's also why we always pull our kids out of school for Disney. 2 weeks a year has never been a big deal academically, and that stress-free family time at WDW is golden.

 

[gijules123]

I agree go with the first choice...better hotel and better dining! We are lucky I live in south louisiana so we have mardi gras each year and go during mardi gras week because kids normally have a few days off that week!

 

[Butterflygirl35]

I live in Florida so I plan to go during teacher planning days.. The kids are off... Low crowds and better deals!!

 

[moobar25]

Go with option 1- BC is awesome!