December or January

mdennylusk

Earning My Ears
Joined
Jun 14, 2004
Messages
45
DH and I are trying to plan our next trip to WDW, but we're struggling with when to go. We're not sure if we should go the first 2 weeks of December or the middle 2 weeks of January.

December means we could go sooner, we could see the Christmas decorations, enjoy the Christmas festivities and do some Christmas shopping.

January would give us a holiday together alone after the family holidays and it would be over DH's 30th B-day.

We've never been there during either of these months, so we're trying to guess at what the weather and crowds will be like.

Any advice or opinions would be great!!

Thanks!!!!
 
We went the first week of January (left Jan 3) in 2002 and it was kind of cold! I think it was probably about 5-6 degrees C. We didn't take our winter jackets and that was a mistake because if we had done that, we would have been much more comfortable. However, I have to say that if we had taken our winter jackets, it would have been great! Much more comfortable than walking around in the blistering heat and humidity! You wouldn't be able to go swimming but at least walking around the parks would be easier and less tiring! The crowds were minimal too, so we walked onto a lot of rides without having to wait.

Haven't been to WDW in December so I can't say anything about that timeframe. In any case, you'll have a great time!
 
Just from checking out the board and such I think it's starting to get busier around the first of December. My vote would be January, even though it is cooler (Although I do love going the first 2 weeks of February) because the crowds are so light. Plus you're coming from Canada; anything above 0C is wonderful. ;)

mdennylusk said:
DH and I are trying to plan our next trip to WDW, but we're struggling with when to go. We're not sure if we should go the first 2 weeks of December or the middle 2 weeks of January.

December means we could go sooner, we could see the Christmas decorations, enjoy the Christmas festivities and do some Christmas shopping.

January would give us a holiday together alone after the family holidays and it would be over DH's 30th B-day.

We've never been there during either of these months, so we're trying to guess at what the weather and crowds will be like.

Any advice or opinions would be great!!

Thanks!!!!
 

We went end of January last time and we are looking to go early December this time.. I HOPE It is not busy... I really want to find a slow time.. hoping this is it.
 
Jan23-Feb10 last year...1st week, not so busy...then Superbowl, Cheerleaders..you name it:) Things picked up.. We found it as "busy" as our first trip in Sept-October03.

Year before..Jan15-Feb2..how many ways can you say "we were the only ones there"...at least it felt like it;) We did avoid MLK weekend at the parks, though.

Keep in mind, we're not park commandos, we hit it EARLY in the am, and we're out the door, usually by 11am..Weather was cool, but warmed up considerably by the time we were hitting the pools after lunch.

HTH!!

:sunny:
 
We did early Dec and loved it. It isn't too crowded and all the decorations are up and all the rides are open. I would highly recommend Dec.
 
How is the crowds compared to late January from early December? I went this year in late January and found it quite busy for the 1st part of the week, and then it died off.. the unoffical guide said we were there during a 3, and early December is a 1.. would you agree with that???
 
I would also vote for early December. The crowds are light and the holiday festivities are unbelievable. I just got back from a trip the first 2 weeks of April. Hated the crowds and the heat. Already trying to plan my next December trip. I don't think I'll ever try another month. OK maybe February for my birthday.
 
Never been in early December, usually go in January and have no complaints.

This year going the first two weeks of Jan, though Im alittle worried about the crowds the first week.

Which ever time you choose, Im sure you will have a great time.

Angela
 
:cool1: Just wanted to cast my vote for January,we've been at that time of year twice and love it......Very peaceful and quiet,lines and weather are just right,and the Xmas rush is over!
Our other favorite time is November........We'll be taking our 7th trip this November!
Have a great time whever you decide to go! pirate: :hourglass
 
mousy_in_canada said:
How is the crowds compared to late January from early December? I went this year in late January and found it quite busy for the 1st part of the week, and then it died off.. the unoffical guide said we were there during a 3, and early December is a 1.. would you agree with that???
Hi mousy in canada !
I have gone in January twice and early December once. For some reason January has picked up in the last few years, but December is pretty quite !...we walked on to rides like SM and TOT on our December trip. The Xmas decorations also make it a bit more magical. If you have never gone in December I would highly recommend it. (January also has the marathon) ::MickeyMo
 
I went once in December... over Christmas.. NEVER AGAIN.. need I say more.. now that we are going with the kids, we just don't want those kinds of crowds, it was ok with the two of us in our mid twenty's at the time..but not with the little ones.. thanks so much for giving me a comparison for the two I really appreciate it.
and yes Disney has really really nice decorations, I can't wait for the kids to see them
 














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