Another when would you go question!

[tink2]

OK- we are in the early- I mean early stages of planning a trip for next year. We went the first week of Dec. last year and loved it. We are thinking the first week of Dec. next year (2006) but then DH threw in that he might like to try for Jan. or Feb. of next year (2007) b/c of lower crowds. Our previous trips were over Thanksgiving week so we thought the first week of Dec. was wonderful. However, now DH is thinking even lower crowds. Now, I know the week of President's week is out b/c of crowds. When would you go? We love WDW at Christmas- I don't think it can be beat! The decorations, MVMCP, and just the Christmas spirit! The one thing I worry about Jan. or Feb. is weather. I realize early Dec. can be iffy on weather too, but I'd think Jan. or Feb. would be even iffier! What do you think? Are the crowds that much lower in Jan. /Feb. that it makes it worth it? Is it too cold or rainy? Opinions please of those who have gone during these times!
TIA

 

[Pixiedusttravel]

Hi there! Our family has gone a couple of times in Jan & the 1st week of Feb. and we've had a great time! The weather is a little unpredictable. One day it can be mild(highs in the upper 60's) and then the next day it can be really cold. We went one year and the high was 56, but the wind chill was about 35! Try going onto Splash Mountain like that!! Yikes! We had to wear pochos on the water rides. But, the good thing is that crowds are light and you're not sweating to death!

 

[Mike&Kris]

Hi Pixie,
We actually went the last week of Feb. this past year and the weather was a little chilly, and it did rain quite often. We are from Boston...so we are used to the cold weather, but honestly it was a little disappointing because I was hoping for it to be nice, warm and sunny...but it was just like spring weather up here. But the week before we were there I think the weather was a little nicer (so you never know!!)

The crowds were moderate, and there seemed to be a lot of tour groups there. There were some long waits for rides, we were at splash mtn. for over and hr. and when we went in the wait time said "20 mins",
but it was worth it . It was also ESPN the weekend when we were there so that could account for some of the people.

Anyway, whenever you go I hope you have a magical time!!

Kris

 

[GuardMusic]

I've been a few times in Dec., Jan., & Feb. Of course Dec. CANNOT be beat because of the holidays! I have to say that even I am staying away from MouseFest week! Jan./Feb. weather is definitely unpredictable. I've been bundled up (from Indiana!) and nearly blown right out of EPCOT because of the wind; hardily anyone was there that day in Jan./Feb. However, 2 years ago in Jan. there were record highs in the low 80s everyday - go figure. I'll be there Dec. 12-16 and then Land/Sea Jan. 19-26, so we'll see!
The Jan./Feb. crowds are always a lot thinner, but giving up the holiday decorations... tough call!
Gayle

 

[jtdl]

We went Feb 5 - 12 this year and it was extremely busy. Historically it is a slower time of year but last year it just happened that Mardi Gras was around that time and apparently many people from New Orleans headed to WDW, the cheerleading competions, the football thing in Jacksonville (sorry I'm not a sports fan & can't remember what it was) and the Nascar races in Daytona were all taking place around the same time. So there were unusually high crowds at WDW. I would love to go the first weeks of December in order to see the decorations but just can't afford it with Christmas!

 

[tink2]

OK- I'm convinced. I'm going to let DH read this thread to see for himself. I'm thinking we'll stick to the original plan of the first week of December. We don't want to be cold at WDW- I know you can be the first week of Dec. too, but chances are greater in Jan. and Feb. and sounds like it rains a lot. I think we'll going Dec. 3- 9. Due to work schedules, this is about the only week in Dec. we can go until right before Christmas- when it is busy. Mousefest is that week, but they will be on a cruise until the 9. I'll just watch what park they have planned for the 9th and avoid it. I'm quite sure Pop Warner will be that week too- just will not stay in a value. We had such a wonderful time last year in Dec.- WDW at Christmas is even more magical.
Thanks for the opinions!
Anyone else???