August vs December?

Elk Grove Chris

DIS Veteran
Joined
Aug 31, 2011
Messages
5,617
We were planning on an August 2015 trip, but we just got a big wrinkle. DW is likely getting a new job that is fairly restrictive on vacation slots, lots of summer deadlines.

We can still probably go in August but probably not for the 10-12 days we had envisioned. Christmas time is much easier for some reason to get vacation time at the new place, fortunately I can pretty much set my own schedule.

So is WDW super busy the week or so before Christmas like Disneyland is?

We would like to target a week or so before depending on the kids finals schedule. So we would like to target December 8th through maybe the 18th. I hope that would miss the worst of the crowds. Plus, I am sure the daytime temperatures will be much more pleasant than August. Daily thunderstorms?

This is our first trip to the World, we have been to DL 25+ times. We have been to DL during the Holidays and love the decorations. For us, seeing the World in its normal state is not that big of a deal versus getting in a nice long leisurely trip.

We expect it to be busy, but is it insane?

Do you tour differently, as in wait longer to take a break when the crowds swell? Do you still take breaks around lunchtime and come back in the early evening? Or does something work better for your group at that time of the year?

I know there are a lot more extra offering at WDW compared to DL when it comes to the Holidays, so I will have to study up on that as well if we decide on December.

All advice welcome, thanks.
 
I really enjoy going in December and think that you would have a better time as well.

The crowds are usually very light for the dates you are looking at. I will be there from the 7th through the 14th myself. Since WDW is themed for Christmas it provides a fair amount of extra activities and things to see. The weather is so much nicer in December than in August.

I think you would be very happy with a trip in December.
 
The 8th through the 18th won't be bad at all and if you have the opportunity I think it is a MUCH better option than August

dec14-v2.jpg
 
We were planning on an August 2015 trip, but we just got a big wrinkle. DW is likely getting a new job that is fairly restrictive on vacation slots, lots of summer deadlines.

We can still probably go in August but probably not for the 10-12 days we had envisioned. Christmas time is much easier for some reason to get vacation time at the new place, fortunately I can pretty much set my own schedule.

So is WDW super busy the week or so before Christmas like Disneyland is?

We would like to target a week or so before depending on the kids finals schedule. So we would like to target December 8th through maybe the 18th. I hope that would miss the worst of the crowds. Plus, I am sure the daytime temperatures will be much more pleasant than August. Daily thunderstorms?

This is our first trip to the World, we have been to DL 25+ times. We have been to DL during the Holidays and love the decorations. For us, seeing the World in its normal state is not that big of a deal versus getting in a nice long leisurely trip.

We expect it to be busy, but is it insane?

Do you tour differently, as in wait longer to take a break when the crowds swell? Do you still take breaks around lunchtime and come back in the early evening? Or does something work better for your group at that time of the year?

I know there are a lot more extra offering at WDW compared to DL when it comes to the Holidays, so I will have to study up on that as well if we decide on December.

All advice welcome, thanks.

8-18 Dec should have light park crowds. Pop Warner is during that time, but that affects certain hotels more than overall crowd levels.

I'd go in Dec. Low crowds, great temps, Christmas decorations. Sounds like fun.
 

I really enjoy going in December and think that you would have a better time as well.

The crowds are usually very light for the dates you are looking at. I will be there from the 7th through the 14th myself. Since WDW is themed for Christmas it provides a fair amount of extra activities and things to see. The weather is so much nicer in December than in August.

I think you would be very happy with a trip in December.

War Eagle! I'll be there at the same time.
 














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