August or December??

[Jason2]

Hi,
We are planning a trip for 2010, and have narrowed down to either last 2 weeks in August or Xmas (i.e. last 2 weeks in December).

Obviously aware that either option will be crowded (school holidays ruling out quieter periods), but does anyone have recommendations of one over the other, in terms of crowds, weather, general experience for 2 adults and 2 kids (will be 6 & 7 at the time).

Any tips greatly appreciated.

 

[orangetiggs]

we went last year and this year last week of aug 1st sept and found it great

we also have been 1st 2 weeks of dec but much prefer aug as the weather is better, its hot but we didnt fnd it that hot and we got married there during beg of sep

Aug will be cheaper i would imagine than christmas

 

[loobylou44]

We are going this year 14th to 28th Dec, like you its difficult to know when to go because of school, but we are taking the children out of school for the last week of term. We've never been before at Christmas but from what I have read our first week (14th - 19th) will be ok, but then the crowds will build and 25th to 31st is the busiest week of the year.

 

[JohnnySharp2]

December will be busier, especially Christmas week.

August crowds tend to ease off from the middle of the month, however the Disney Dining Plan makes that harder to predict, in theory crowd levels should not be that bad and certainly July & early August will be more crowded.

I would base your decision on whether you prefer really hot weather, temps touching 100 degrees at times in August v. alternatively cooler conditions and the parks with the Christmas decorations.
I have never been in December but it can be very much on the cool side at times, especially in the morning & evening.

 

[wayneg]

Been 5 times at Xmas and 4 times in August.

August, we love the weather 90-100 every day, too hot for others. Crowds way better than Xmas.

Xmas, can be way too cold our 1st Xmas we had ice on car every morning, some days can be perfect but its very unpredictable. Crowds from Xmas thru New year are worst of year, New Yews Eve upto 6 hour lines for popular rides. They close parks some days its so busy. BUT its an amazing time to visit if you don't want to do rides all day and appreciate the decorations, go around the resorts and see all trees, decs, ginger bread house etc.

Neither is perfect depends what type of holiday you want.

 

[WiganTony]

We've been three times in August (2005/7/8) and yes, it can be very hot and humid, but having been at Easter this year, it's worth going in August to avoid the crowds - I imagine Christmas would be similar to Easter!!

The other downside with the weather in August is that you can get heavy showers, but these generally only last a short period and are dried up very quickly thanks to the heat. More serious is that it is the hurricane season, but we have yet to experience one (although we just missed out on our first visit in 2005!!).

Another advantage of mid to end August is that if you are planning on staying at a WDW hotel, there is the free Dining Offer available if you book Moderate or above hotel and tickets through Disney. We've booked for early August next year and the accommodation is working out at approx £35/night for the three of us after taking off the cost of the free dining offer.

 

[jen_uk]

Ive been both of those times and I much prefer August, the heat is manageable and the crowds tail off from Mid August, December was just too busy.

 

[Jason2]

Many thanks for sharing tips and experience - much appreciated!

Any further advice gratefully received.

 

[crabbie1]

Been 3 times in november dec and once late july into august. Love love love the christmas period.Went 9th till xmas eve last year and would never do from the 19th onwards again.Unbelievable crowds.We used to get there early and by 11 you could not move and we ended up leaving the parks .Touching shoulders.Up to the 18th the crowds were low and great to do everything with minimal waiting. We went last week julty first in auguat 07' and weather ewas really hot for us BUT the crowds were not as bad as expected.Bonus of free dining the second week.thinkin of going last week in aug first in sept next year so unless you could go earlier in dec to avoid the stampeed do the august hols.Christmas at disney is magical though and if you want the magic at christmas then take the plunge and just plan well.Good luck