Considering a nov. or dec. trip, never been during this time of yr

[PoshMom]

We've always gone during june, which is great for us, just very hot. Thought we might try week of Thanksgiving or week after Christmas. We did water parks last summer and loved them. I need any tips as far as crowds go. As far as weather, would we be able to do water parks and pools? How difficult would it be to book resort on property? What about dining reservation availability? Any tips as far as weather, parks, anything greatly appreciated.

 

[StlJoe]

Thought we might try week of Thanksgiving or week after Christmas

November at WDW is great but the two weeks you've mentioned are some of the busiest times at the park. I've been twice the week after Thanksgiving and it was amazing! Good weather, smaller crowds and the parks are all decorated for Christmas which is really amazing to see. We stayed on property both times without any problems with availability.

This was several years ago but from what I've seen on the various crowd calendars there is still a big difference from week of Thanksgiving to the week after. Just something to consider...

 

[sharonabe]

Christmas week is the busiest week of the entire year, so you will have very, very crowded parks and restaurants. Thanksgiving week is not as bad, but in the top 5. If you're looking at this year, you need to get busy. You should still be able to book a room and ADRs, but not necessarily your first choices. Water parks will be hit or miss that time of year. Temps can range from 50s to 90s. One of the water parks will be down for refurb.

 

[amcnj]

Aside from the above caution about crowds, the weather is not a guarantee so far as swimming. It is possible to experience temperature dips with a cold front that sweeps down the entire east coast, making swimming a tad chilly. It isn't a sure thing, and if it does occur, won't last more than several days probably, but be aware it could happen. Anyone know the frequency of these dips at that time of year?

 

[sndral]

Christmas week is the busiest week of the entire year, ... Water parks will be hit or miss that time of year. Temps can range from 50s to 90s. One of the water parks will be down for refurb.

I've not been in November, but do go a lot in Dec. and 3xs have run into freezing temp.s - as in 32F and lower frozen foliage cold. Other years it's a balmy tropical 80ish w/ no rain. You just won't know until just before your visit.

 

[Klayfish]

Until 2015, our family had made 5 or 6 trips to WDW. Each and every one was in June or early July. Last year, we bought annual passes, so we spent both Thanksgiving and Christmas there for the first time. It's busy, more than it is in June. But it's not unmanageable. Only Christmas Day itself in Magic Kingdom is absolutely insane. Beyond that, just use FP+, rope drop, and have a bit of extra patience and you'll have a great time. The crowds, especially in the parks other than MK, aren't horrendous. We had the best holiday season ever and can't wait to go back.

Weather is really variable. We got lucky. Thanksgiving week was in the low 80's. We could have gone to a water park mid-day, but probably not in the morning. Christmas was one of the warmest on record. If I recall, it was 87 on Christmas Day, I was sweating. But I've heard it can get into the 30s at night and 60s during the day during a cold snap in Nov or Dec (Jan and Feb are the coldest of the year).

 

[lustergirl]

I am taking my first trip in November coming up.

 

[jsk61006]

We went the first week of December 2014 and it was awesome. The crowds were fairly nonexistent, especially in the mornings. We wore jeans and t-shirts every day and only needed a jacket on some cooler evenings. We didn't even bring swim suits because we didn't think it would be warm enough for us to swim, which turned out to be a good call. We loved seeing all of the Christmas decorations up and went to an early MVMCP. It was a very enjoyable trip and we can't wait to plan another one around the holidays. This year, we're leaving in 23 days to experience 2 weeks of late August/early September weather!

 

[anniemae]

November is my absolute favorite time to go. Low crowds, fantastic weather, Holiday decorations are up. Just beautiful in every way. You just avoid Thanksgiving week. The first 3 weeks are amazing. There are a few events like Jersey week, and a marathon that can increase crowds a little bit, but all in all it's a great time to go.

 

[SaintsManiac]

We went 2nd week of December last year and it was a really amazing trip. The crowds were low for the most part and the weather was great. We were going to do it again next year, but decided not to take our daughter out of school. We moved it up to Thanksgiving week instead and I am really looking forward to it.

If you do a quick search on Thanksgiving you'll find some good info on the boards. I refuse to be intimidated by people saying the crowds are insane. Just have a good plan and you'll be fine.

 

[Satchmo128]

Early in December (first couple weeks) are great. The week between Christmas and New Years? No thank you.

 

[CynBeth]

I would do early Dec because that way you can be sure all of the decorations are up. There is no MVMCP during Thanksgiving Week and the CP plus Holidays Around the World at Epcot don't begin until the day after Thanksgiving so that way you will get to experience those as well if you are interested.

 

[ariane37]

Just my thoughts on Thanksgiving week. We did it last year and are doing it again this year While we've never done Christmas in WDW I know Thanksgiving is less crowded, but still crowded. However, it's completely manageable and we had a great time. I feel RD is fairly important this week (unless you're completely anti-RD) and FP's are best used after 12. If you do decide to go Thanksgiving week this year, as a pp said you need to get moving asap on ADR's and a resort reservation

Weather-wise is hit or miss for pools and the water park. Last year as @Klayfish said, Thanksgiving week was mainly low 80's during the day. My boys did swim a couple times and I assume a water park would have worked well. In 2012 we arrived on Thanksgiving day and stayed for 10 days; I don't think the temp during the day got above 77 and many days was more like 60. The one time our kids swam on that trip they got out of the pool shivering lol.

Good luck and have fun whatever you choose!

 

[PoshMom]

We went 2nd week of December last year and it was a really amazing trip. The crowds were low for the most part and the weather was great. We were going to do it again next year, but decided not to take our daughter out of school. We moved it up to Thanksgiving week instead and I am really looking forward to it.

If you do a quick search on Thanksgiving you'll find some good info on the boards. I refuse to be intimidated by people saying the crowds are insane. Just have a good plan and you'll be fine.

You're right. It's either stand in the sweltering heat to wait in line and fight the crowds or wait in cooler weather. I would rather do the latter. Just don't think we can stay quite as many nights. And concerned about ard's at this point...little concerned.

 

[SaintsManiac]

You're right. It's either stand in the sweltering heat to wait in line and fight the crowds or wait in cooler weather. I would rather do the latter. Just don't think we can stay quite as many nights. And concerned about ard's at this point...little concerned.

I would definitely take crowds over heat. I live in south Louisiana, so I know exactly what kind of heat it is and I will NOT deal with it.

 

[soniam]

We are going the week after Christmas through New Years Day. Touring Plans lists most of these days at 10 out of 10. It's busy, very busy. This will be our first time going during this time. We are doing an adult only trip. I just don't know if DS could handle the crowds. We probably won't be riding nearly as many rides, and we won't be doing rope drop on days where we stay very late, like the 30th and 31st. ADRs might be hard, but you can go at off-times and go to less popular places. Have you tried the Touring Plans ADR finder? It might be helpful. If you are wanting to do something special on the New Years Eve, then keep an eye out for stuff to be released. Good luck.