BLT trip - May, October or December?

[ems_mom]

I'm looking for advice on when to take our first BLT trip; May, October or December 2010. May has the Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot (never been and would love to); October has Food and Wine (caught the first day on a free dining trip a couple years ago) and December has... Christmas! We had a wonderful 5 night stay at AKV last year in early December. Loved, loved, loved the whole experience.

So this trip I want to stay at least 6 nights. We are 1 point shy of a 6 night MK view in May. The other options we wouldn't need a transfer for a 6 night MK stay.

So what to do?! I loved WDW at Christmas and staying so close to the MK would be awesome. But I also want to experience the world at different times of the year. (We have been in Feb., Sept. and Dec.)

I'm coming up on our 11 month booking window for a May trip. What would you do? All opinions are very much appreciated.

 

[wdrl]

I might consider making the May 2010 reservations as soon as the 11-month window opens up in June 2009. Then, in November 2009, when the 11-month window opens for October 2010, you can decide whether to keep the May 2010 trip, or cancel it and put your points toward the later trip(s). This approach would give you more time to decide which month you really prefer.

BTW: Be sure to consider how your Use Year will affect your points usage and your ability to cancel reservations without losing points or having your points placed in a holding account!!

 

[kenny]

been to all three. Have to say I agree with you, Dec is AWESOME. Nothing beats Disney at Christmas. We are going this Dec.

That being said we just came back from Flower and Garden and have to say it was really nice. Then again DW is a horticulturalist and DD while only 4, is following in her mothers footsteps.

All three have something unique to offer. If you are in to Flowers and gardening then thefestival is really something to see. Epcot in full bloom is spectacular. They also have concerts just like during food and wine.

Then again, Oct has food and wine, and not much beats walking around Epcot sampling all the wines and foods.

For as much as Christmas is our favorite time, since you just went last trip, my suggestion would be to do food and wine or flower festival. Both are great. Would probably lean towards flower festival because you have never been. While you don't have all the choices of food and wine, there are still tons of good food and drink to sample in Epcot all year long.

No matter what you chose, they're all great in there own way.

 

[Figment2]

Friends & I travel to WDW 2-3 times a year and you mentioned all the months we take our trips. Our longest trip (10 days) is in Oct. to take advantage of some of the extra dinners that are availabe during the Food & Wine plus Halloween is my all time favorite Holiday. May & December are usually long weekends (get there Thurs.,leave Tuesday). We love decorating our room for both Holidays!

If I had to choose one, it would probably be October with December a very close second. Of course, you can always try what we do - 10 days in Oct. and then a long weekend in December.

Good luck with your decision!

Cyn

 

[Simba's Mom]

I've also been all 3 times, and I'm going to go against the PP, and vote for October. December is nice, and very Christmassy (you can't beat the tree lighting ceremonies and the CP). However, it's Christmassy, not as much Disney-like to me. I love the Food and WIne festival, and all the foods from different countries.

 

[dozerdog]

I'm with the October vote!! We have been in December which is WONDERFUL, but colder and a lot more crowded. The Garden Festival is beautiful and you should really see it at least once, but for overall value and the benefit of F&W, you can't beat October. If you time it right the rates and crowds are better as well. See us there this year at MNSSHP

 

[ems_mom]

OP here, thanks to all for your well thought out advice.

I find myself agreeing with the general consensus that while December in WDW is awesome, we should try something different for our next trip.

I just approached DH to say that October has my vote when he informed me that work issues may (hard to say for sure more than a year out) interfere with an October trip.

So, May it is! I'm not an expert gardener but we do visit all the botanical gardens we can fit in on other trips, so why not WDW? All displays included in the park price plus we can wander with our camera and a glass of wine in the WS. Sounds like the best of all worlds.

Alas, we are 1 point shy of banking and borrowing for an MK view. I think I'll just go for the LV, since its just the two of us and we will most likely be out of the room at Wishes. (I don't think he cares about a view at WDW anyway). But I, the obsessed WDW planner, can't wait to stay at BLT.

Thanks again for your expert opinions!

 

[spiceycat]

just remember that May temperature wise is like your sept trip.

it can be hot and humdity.

have a great trip!!!