Choose my week! Pros and Cons

[100acreHiker]

I am trying to decide between November 10-16 or December 1-6. We'll be staying on-site. I have two kids under age 10 and a hubby.

Here's what matters to me:
-as low crowd as it can get (yes, yes I know--not what it used to be!)
-I need some kind of discount, either room-only or FD (I prefer room-only, but will take FD)

Which week is a "better" week to go? I am really torn! Here's what I've come up with. Would love to hear from others who have any other Pros and Cons and experience to add to this-- Thanks!

November Pros:
-warmer weather is likely, so we might swim
-we can go for 6 nights instead of 5
November Cons:
-went at this time last year and it was surprisingly crowded, I think due to FD promotion
-it's not yet Christmas in Disney (other than the party)
-a bit more expensive than Dec.
-Veteran's Day will likely be crowded

December Pros:
-historical crowds show it was somewhat less crowded than Nov week
-it's Christmas in Disney!
-Pop Warner seems to start the last day of our trip
-a bit cheaper than Nov.
December Cons:
-we'd have to stay for one less night (5 instead of 6)
-cooler, so no guarantee of swimming

 

[wendy1974]

I would vote for December. I was there that week in November last year too, I did the Wine and Dine half marathon in Disney and stayed a few days after to go the parks. I was surprised at the high crowds. I think the people there after the half marathon, Jersey week and the last week of Food and Wine festival combined to make it crowded. The half marathon falls the weekend before your November dates again so I would avoid it if you can.

 

[Wood Nymph]

We've stayed the first week of December and there were a lot of people there. It no longer has the low crowds it once had. We had decent weather, mostly mild to cool, and only a few days were warm enough to swim.

I wouldn't worry about Pop Warner unless you are staying in one of the resorts that they are in.

There hasn't been free dining for this week in a few years and it is excluded from the 2015 room only bounce back, which is often, but not always, an indicator of future general public discounts. But the Christmas decorations and activities are really nice and worth seeing.

 

[Disneylover99]

I would pick December for the Christmas decorations. Weather is unpredictable. You could get a nicer week in December then November. The only con I see is one less day in Disney.

 

[100acreHiker]

Thanks--I, too, am leaning towards December. I just love the whole Christmas thing. Would have to squeeze more in to those days than I'd like, though. 5 nights just seems kind of short.

 

[sharonabe]

One more pro/con for December depending on how you look at it is the taping of the Christmas parade at MK will be that first weekend of Dec, so your last two days. It doesn't make a huge difference, but they will be doing individual acts on one day, and then the actual parade on another. Parade day blocks off Main St. If it rains, they move everything back a day. Last year, they moved the whole thing to that first Monday (you would be gone), so there's always a possibility that they liked it that way and will do it again.

 

[chefmb]

I would also vote for December for the Christmas decor. If it makes a huge difference in the price, then go in Nov. and take some of the savings and do the MVMCP one night to help make up for it

 

[mggeary]

A vote for Nov. Crowds will be heavier 11/7-11/9, but lighter 11/10 on vs 1st week of Dec in my opinion. Also lesser chance blacked out discounts. Weather is the final clincher.

 

[tinkerbella16]

I love November and it is the only time I go... But I also went during that week last year and it was a lot more crowded than I thought it would be and this is coming from someone who goes in November every year. It was managable, but annoying only because I remember what it used to be like during that time in Nov. I miss those days! The only time I REALLY enjoyed myself in a park was during MVMCP and that is what makes the party worth it to me... I walked on everything over and over, lines for characters weren't even that long as it got later. I am going this year Nov 5-10 and I pretty much already know what I'm in for lol. It is a longer trip and I am going at a more relaxed place being it is my solo trip and can. But for you... I would go in December. That week in Dec will probably be blacked out for FD but you'll probably be able to get a room only discount.

I mainly love Nov because of the weather. We have been spoiled on our trips in Nov. Last trip it only rained on our last night there. The rest of the week was gorgeous everyday! No humidity, high 70's to low 80's and sunshine! Perfect where you're not sweating all day and perfect at night to wear jeans and a hoodie. December also has nicer weather. I know rain is unpredictable but it is nowhere near the summer months and September where it rains nearly everyday.

 

[itchin2go]

I would go with December. I personally like the cooler weather. We have been in October and it was blazing hot (may have been an anomaly). We went Thanksgiving week and the temps were better - still nice enough to swim. The truth is, we went several years in January and swam on those trips - not every day, but there were days warm enough.

It's so festive when there's a chill in the air at night and you can get hot chocolate (or other hot drink of choice) and take in the decorations. It's still warm during the day - we're not talking subzero temps.

The standout for us that time of year was Osborne Lights. Holy crap - I'd seen pictures, but it was just .... Wow. SO festive.

So, yeah, between the 2, I'd go for December! If crowds were WAY lower in November and/or prices were WAY lower, maybe November would make sense, but all things being equal - December every time.

 

[RustManFan]

I love visiting in November right after my fellow New Jerseyans with school age children have headed home

 

[WDW-WOW]

November, no question! 5 nights isn't that long of a trip, so the additional night makes November well worth slightly larger crowds. Plus, although I agree weather is unpredictable, it's more likely to warm in November than December.

Just come up with a good touring plan and you'll be fine. It's not like it will be Christmas or Spring Break crowded.

 

[chloelovesdisney]

December!

 

[mchelle77]

I've done both, I'd go again in November but (now that I've gone during Xmas) will most likely never choose to go back in December. MK was mobbed for the two days we went, rides were broken down constantly (Splash, Peter Pan, Test Track THREE times, Haunted Mansion three times) ... it was just annoying. The November time we went (11/1-11/12) was great in terms of crowds and I wouldn't hesitate to go back at that time.

 

[Minniekins]

December!! I mean, it's Christmas all over! There's extra things you can see and do during this week that are really wonderful, fun, and special!