Dec. or Jan. for my first trip?

[Praise2Him]

I live in Alabama and have been to WDW over 40 times, but never to DL. My DS is planning to move to LA in August, so we're planning to come visit him and of course go to DL!

Trying to decide between going in early Dec. for the holiday decorations and stuff, or waiting and going sometime in Jan. or Feb.

I'd LOVE to see all the holiday stuff, but for my first trip I'm thinking I should probably see it in it's "regular" state and then plan another trip for the holidays. Any opinions?

 

[sonnyjane]

I'd LOVE to see all the holiday stuff, but for my first trip I'm thinking I should probably see it in it's "regular" state and then plan another trip for the holidays. Any opinions?

NO WAY! I'd DEFINITELY try to see it at the holidays, that's when I think the park is at its finest! I'd pick the early December dates. The only two rides that will be different will be Haunted Mansion and Small World. Other than that, the decorations and, more importantly, the GOODIES are so great around Christmas! Don't go too late in December when the crowds are hectic, but if you could go in those first two weeks it would be quite pleasant!

 

[Sherry E]

December December December December!!! Once you get there you will understand. There's nothing like it. It's not just the aesthetic appeal and beauty of it all; it's an overall feeling that sort of spreads over the whole Resort. It's the sights, the sounds, the smells, the goodies! Every inch of DLR is pretty much transformed into a holiday playground - it is highly detailed and immersive. "Magical" doesn't even really begin to describe it. Seeing the nighttime Winter Castle, draped in "icicles" and incandescently glowing throughout the park at night, as well as the jaw-droppingly beautiful colored lights of It's a Small World Holiday at night, is worth the trip alone, and that's not even counting everything else to see and do (like the Haunted Mansion Holiday, for example).

December December December December!!

 

[disney-super-mom]

I would NOT go in January. Both the Haunted Mansion and Small World will be closed to take down the holiday layovers. Stick with either December or Feburary.

December will have more going on with all the wonderful holiday layovers/activities/decor. Expect light-moderate crowds the first three weeks, but by December 17th and 18th (Friday and Saturday before Christmas) I would expect much heavier crowds. The earlier in the month the better.

Feburary will have smaller crowds.

Since you are a WDW vet, and know all about park touring and fastpasses....I would DEFINITELY GO IN EARLY DECEMBER!

 

[mommy2allyandaveri]

The xmas decorations are beautiful, you can't go wrong in December!

 

[skiingfast]

I'd say Febuary. The crowds will be lightest and the weather a hair warmer. You be able to enjoy the parks at a slower pace which will be key. I'm sure you will want to notice all the details as DL is more detailed than MK.

 

[spacemermaid]

I'd say...December. But EARLY in the month, befor the crowds get really crazy. As Sherry E said, once you get there, you'll understand!

 

[Canadian Traveler]

Hello,

Well when you go should also depend on how you feel about crowds.... We have always gone in the off season to avoid to much heat and crowds. This year we are going at Christmas because we want a new experience as this is my 6th time and 4th time as a family...