Considering Dates... Christmas or first of Jan?

[spgoad]

Hey all, my wife and I are working on planning my first full WDW vacation (I've spent one day in Magic Kingdom before and that is it). We got married in August, but were only able to take a brief honeymoon, so we've been considering our Disney trip our extended honeymoon (several months later).

I'm looking at two dates for the trip - Dec. 21st-27th or Jan 1st-7th. We both think WDW would be amazing at Christmas time, but of course I also know that is the busiest time of the year for the park. We would also save over $400 if we went in January. So, I'm curious... for you experienced Disney travelers out there, is Christmas time worth the crowds, or do you think we would have a more enjoyable experience in Jan?

Also a random related question... we are calling this our "honeymoon", but I wasn't sure if I should refer to it as such when talking to Disney. Since we are going to be months out from our wedding, I felt a bit odd claiming it as the honeymoon.

Thanks for any advice!

 

[Goofy4]

I would much prefer Jan 1-7 (and I think you would too). Unless you don't mind ginormous crowds or you know how to work around them, then definitely January.

And, yes, call it a Honeymoon. Many people wear the "birthday" button if they happen to have a birthday sometime in the current year

And, welcome to the boards!

 

[ILoveDisney&Cruising]

I would go for January!

For what it's worth, I've heard that their Christmas decorations stay up until the 1st week or 2 of January - so you would still be able to see them (I think!). They are GORGEOUS!!!!!!

I would definitely 'claim' it as your honeymoon! My only regret is that WE didn't honeymoon there. If I knew then what I know now ....... but alas ... we didn't discover Disney until we had been married about 10 years.

 

[Metro West]

 

[spgoad]

Thanks for the welcomes and advice! The January dates were what I was leaning towards as well, but it is good to hear that confirmed from some Disney veterans! Now I've just got to look at some more details and figure out what exactly we want to book. Thanks!

 

[chiamarie]

As a local/regular. I avoid all theme parks Dec 20-Jan 3rd like the plauge. It's just not worth all the hassle with how busy it is. It's like, headach busy. You won't get to do nearly as much because of how crowded it will be. I'd strongly suggest the 1st of Janurary.

 

[PrincessTiffany]

OMG, please pick the January dates! It will be much less crowded.

Also, go ahead and call it your honeymoon, that's what it is

 

[SweetMissy]

Wow....I'm so glad you asked this question. We've decided we'll be going down Jan. 1-6....sounds like we made a good choice with the dates. I must ask...how are you saving $400?

 

[Disn3y]

 

[spgoad]

Yes, very glad I asked this question! Since asking it, I've discovered the "Unofficial Guide" and their touringplans.com site. Their plans look great, and their "Crowd Factors" have more than confirmed the suggestions for January dates. All Christmas week they have a 10 on the crowd factors, and for that first week of January it is more in the 2 to 4 range. So yeah, if anyone else if trying to figure out dates, touringplans is a great resource.

SweetMissy - We are saving $400 just because of the difference in hotel room pricing for those two dates that I was consider. Much better choice of dates I think.

 

[SweetMissy]

Oh ok, that's good to know. Plus since you're going the same week I am, you should be able to get the free dining plan. That's the main reason why we chose that week. We didn't do the dining plan last time, so figure we should give it a try since everyone raves about it. Good luck!