Any differences between these sets of dates? Past experiences welcome!

[amg35]

We are looking at either 10/26 -11/3 or 11/1 - 11/10 in 2017. I know the Halloween party would be over with the second set of dates. We were there for it late October 2014 and had a blast.
But crowds, weather should be about the same?
Anything else I should consider?
Do they start Christmas music in the parks that fast? I don't know if I would miss the regular park music!

Thanks!

 

[Freiden8]

It's worth considering that last year the free dining promo was blacked out the first week in Nov. So, if the same applies for this year and next, your first dates would qualify but your second dates would not.

 

[loves to dive]

Unless there is a difference in rates I think it's pretty much 6 of one half dozen of another. I'm pretty sure the xmas decorations will be up.

 

[jaceraden]

I like when the dates go on both sides of Halloween.

MK is literally Fall splendour one day and Christmas the next.

 

[amg35]

Thanks all! While free dining would be nice, it's not a make or break thing.

Sounds like not much difference. Does anyone know historically when the Christmas decorations go up in parks? If we are there until the 10th ( a Friday ), do you think we may have a shot at a Christmas party since we would miss the Halloween party with those dates?

I'm leaning towards all November dates because I would be able to close out end of month at work if I chose those.... and it seems like we may still have warm days for the pool.
Plus we did end of October last time - and I have to say, it was perfect.

 

[mjkacmom]

The second week will probably more crowded with Jersey week.

 

[amg35]

I read that Jersey week doesn't really make a huge difference? And now with fall breaks, October is hit or miss with crowds too! I'd be leaving the Friday of Veterans Day weekend, so would miss that bump in crowds.

 

[LumosQ102]

I have done the last week of October and the first week of November twice in the last 3 years (Brit - we tend to vacation for at least 2 weeks).

The crowds are comparable, but Jersey week does have an impact. In my experience, the last week of October is quieter. But not by much.

Christmas really does happen over night. Even more so last November; I was taking photos of the pumpkins on the evening of November 3rd, on the fourth the Christmas decorations were starting to appear and the music had switched over. It does take a few days for all the decorations to go up, but it is quite an experience to see the transition.

The weather isn't a given. Last year we packed for the changeable weather and it was scorching hot, comparable to our June trip. In 2013 we had a few days that were a little chilly and we needed a sweater and long trousers and night later in the trip.

i'd make my decision on whats most important - halloween or christmas. Although, you will probably see the last halloween party on 1st November. You might not see the first christmas party though, so don't bank on that one. It started the second sunday of the month whereas in previous years it had been as soon as the first friday.

whatever you decide I hope you have a fabulous trip!

 

[siskaren]

If we are there until the 10th (a Friday), do you think we may have a shot at a Christmas party since we would miss the Halloween party with those dates?

I'd make my decision on what's most important - Halloween or Christmas. Although, you will probably see the last Halloween party on 1st November. You might not see the first Christmas party though, so don't bank on that one. It started the second Sunday of the month whereas in previous years it had been as soon as the first Friday.

I don't think I've ever seen the Christmas party start later than November 8th. Last year's first party was on the second Sunday, which was the 8th, and while 2014's first one was on the first Friday, that date was the 7th.

 

[kam1011]

This past Christmas, the MK decorations went up on Nov. 4th.