Columbus Day weekend or early December for trip?

[Kteacher]

I'm thinking of taking a quick weekend trip with my son, and the two weekends I'm looking at are Columbus Day weekend and the first weekend in December. I've never been to WDW during these seasons. Any advice? I know Columbus day will be more crowded, but will the weather be nicer than early December, and will the park hours be longer?

 

[sunking]

i would go the first weekend in december...the crowds from the thanksgiving rush should be gone and the xmas decorations will be up...easy choice for me....

 

[Magic2000]

I would also pick the first week in Dec (in fact, I will be going at that time!!!)

Christmas is my favorite holiday - and to see the parks all decorated for Christmas is wonderful!!! You would still get to do MVMCP and the Candlelight Processional, if you wanted! We've been three times the week AFTER Thanksgiving - weather is nice. Sometimes, rather cool though! (No swimming for us!)

Last year, we did go the week of Columbus Day - and the crowds weren't bad at all! The first couple of days was nice and warm, the last couple it turned rather cool - too cool for us to swim! We did MNSSHP and my DD had a great time.

 

[mommyflower]

I'm not sure which weekend you should choose. We went last year durning the first week of december into the first weekend. Up until the weekend it was very nice, low crowds. However on the weekend they were taping the Very Merry Christmas Parade in the Magic Kingdom on Sat & Sun mornings. Main street was packed and was difficult to get through. Once you got through the rest of the park was fine. On Saturday night it was too crowded for us. I think it was a combination of all the people who had come to see the taping of the parade who stayed, a later night in Mk, and a weekend that made it so packed. The other parks were fine. I'm not saying not to go then, I just want you to be prepared for some crowds in the MK. I have heard that the first weekend in december is when the do the parade taping every year.
I don't know much about Columbus day weekend, but I will be finding out this year. We are doing a surprise small family reunioun with my DH's family. Good luck with what ever you choose.

PS- the weather was nice, low 70's, until the weekend when it was in the 40's in the morning. It was cold in the morning and at night. It was only warm enough for us to go swimming on one day that week.

 

[clutter]

I've done both.

Which holiday do you love more, halloween or crhistmas? Base your decision on that. Both times are wonderful for the decorations. Columbus day is definately more crowded. December weather is more iffy. Just make sure you do MSSHP or MVMCP.

 

[ILuvTinkerbelle]

For me the weather is more agreeable in Dec. We were also there last year during the taping of that parade but if you avoid MK on Saturday you should be fine.

I LOVED going in December and we are doing it again this year, good weather, low crowds and great decorations!

 

[mansionfan]

Early December, whithout a doubt! It is fantastic!

 

[bounceytigger]

The decorations are FANTASTIC! It will totally get you in the mood for the holiday season!