Another "When To Go? Thread"

[RedSox1974]

Our family (Self, DW, DS-10, DS-6) is planning a trip for either early this December (3rd - 15th) OR in January/February 2007 (staying offsite). We have chosen these times frames in order to avoid crowds. My concern is the thought I have heard mentioned frequently; that WDW really no longer has an off-season.

Mousesavers.com gives the advice of:

The best times to go to Walt Disney World are:
• First three weeks of December. The weather is usually cool but pleasant, the Christmas decorations are up, special events are running, and the parks are usually pretty uncrowded.

• Early January through mid-February. It's cool (sometimes even a bit cold) at this time of year. This is probably the least busy time of year, and hotel prices are lowest. However, usually some rides will be closed for refurbishment at this time of year.

• Entire month of May. The weather is warm in May, but usually not unbearably so. Crowds are low and hotel prices are moderate.

Touringplans.com has the December 3-15 times frame with crowds of 4-5.

Intercot and All Ears web sites differ slightly on THE best time to go (in relation to crowd levels)


I am curious as to the opinion of whether these estimates are accurate. We (DW, DS-10, DS-6) last went to WDW Feb. 22-March 3, 2005 are there were NO crowds. We went to MK, AK, MGM, and Epcot and the longest we waited in any line was 15 minutes. And yes, we got SO spoiled by that we really want to avoid crowds at all costs.


Any thoughts, ideas or suggestions would be appreciated, as to which way you would lean as for dates to go.

We are also interested in renting a home. Have been on VRBO.com. Any other sites that have owner direct listings?

Thanks in advance.


GO Sox!

 

[princess22]

I would go for mid Jan. It is less crowded than the beginning of December. I guess they have pros and cons. December would be nice because of the Christmas decorations, Disney at christmas, is amazing! But I think it is still a little more crowded this time, than Jan. I've been in Jan, and a lot of times they won't open fastpass because the lines will be a walk on! So, if you want the decorations and the amazing Christmas at Disney experience, go in December!

 

[tink1978]

We always check in on New Years Day. The parks are usually crowded, but not too terribly, on the 1st and 2nd. By the 3rd, they are clearing out. I have never had a problem at this time of year.

 

[Karnak]

I doubt that you will have much of a problem with either of the two choices mentioned. I guess the crowds might be a little less in Jan/Feb, but the Christmas goings on in early Dec. might easily offset that.

Either way ... methinks you will enjoy yourselfs.

 

[homber]

Jan is a very good time as long as you avoid the marathons not too bad in the parks but it does affection going to and from the parks.

 

[RedSox1974]

Bump Bump

 

[DisneyClay]

I am in the same boat, I am trying to plan for my tripI have two weeks off work vacation time coming to me. I am thinking July 4th week or a week in June. I dread the crowds though.

 

[blessedby3]

I would vote for December. We went last year the week after Thanksgiving and stayed until Dec. 3rd. We had no crowds. Some rides we didnt even have to get off of (BTMR, SM to name a couple) because there was no one waiting to board. We never had a problem with crowds and had a blast. The Christmas decorations and party are a big plus for going in Dec. We are heading back this Dec. again and cant wait.
DisneyClay- you couldnt pay me to go to WDW in the hot summer months!! I cant even imagine dealing with that kind of heat not to mention the crowds. I did go once in July in 1992 for one day (just passing through the area) and it will never happen again. Good luck and drink lots of water!!

 

[RedSox1974]

Thank you for the responses and suggestions.

As of now, we are considering December 3rd - 15th OR January 28th - February 10th. Still undecided.

We would really enjoy the Christmas decorations as we have never been at this time of year. We are also considering bringing our 10 yr. old nephew who has never been to WDW and his birthday is Feb. 1st, and what better B-day than to spend it at WDW. But our main consideration is avoiding crowds, which will ultimately determine when to go.

 

[kbmoo]

I like your choices. I went the last few days in Dec-mid first week in Jan. last year and the crowds were terrible! I went mid March this year and it was still really crowded. I'm with you, avoid the crowds. You will have a much more relaxed time if you do!

 

[ugadog99]

I'd choose December, because you cannot beat Christmas at Disney. There is MVMCP, candlelight Processional, special shows/parades, etc. The decorations at the parks and resorts are also incredible.

 

[danny1649]

First part of Decemeber each year since 1992.It is our favorite time because of low crowds and all the parks decorated for Christmas.Add all the special holiday shows and nice weather it is great time to visit.

 

[heatherlynn444]

we arive second week in january for our honeymoon, right after the marathon (the reason it is crowded first week of jan) is finsihed, so we are hoping everyone will be cleared out by then and the parks will be empty! good luck!

 

[RedSox1974]

Thanks for the responses. The DIS is fantastic.

 

[EjandMD]

We were there last year around Dec 10...my opinion, having gone many times is that this time of year is getting much more crowded And I have been there in Mid January. I vote mid January.

 

[MARY-IN-OH]

I let my kids choose the time (In December) that we would go. Since they will be pulled out of school, they chose the week before their Christmas break, because that week, is mostly parties and not much schoolwork going on, so they most likely will not be missing too much schoolwork. We'll be in Disney beginning December 10th (for about a week and half), and will go to visit family afterwards in Ft Myers for the holiday. Have a great time planning your vacation! - mary

 

[FOV]

First part of Decemeber each year since 1992.It is our favorite time because of low crowds and all the parks decorated for Christmas.Add all the special holiday shows and nice weather it is great time to visit.

My thoughts exactly. Early December is a *great* time to go. We have never encountered big croweds that time of year.

A birthday trip would be awesome but just tell your nephew that you will celebrate early! He will be blown away by the light display at MGM. You will not regret it!!!

The best thing about December is you will get the opportunity to attend MVMCP!