December or May dilemma

[cat1258]

My family wants to plan our trip for December 17-22 this year. We've also been considering May 20-26. I love the Christmas decorations, but am a little nervous about crowds and weather that time of year. Would love some advice about which time to go.

 

[SleepingUgly]

I can't give any advice about your December dates, but this year, we went from May 21-29 and it was just lovely. No rain at all, and the crowds the first 5 days or so (Sat through Wed) were very manageable. Towards the end, as it neared Memorial Day weekend, the crowds were much more noticeable, but since we had been able to get all the "must-see's" out of the way those first few days, the crowds didn't bother us much. Weatherwise -- like I mentioned above, we experienced no rain (except for the first Sat night that we were there -- it rained for five minutes, which cleared out the parks, so by the time we got to MK, it had stopped raining AND it was nearly empty so we were able to walk on just about every ride in Fantasyland.) The temps every day were in the mid-80s. The first few days, it was extremely sunny, but towards the end, it was partly cloudy everyday, which made it more tolerable, and which was nice considering that it was more crowded in the parks.

Early to mid-May is a great time to visit WDW. We would definitely go during that time again!

Linda

 

[txdznydude]

Both times are great but I would choose Christmas. Christmas at Disney is magic on top of magic! Attend Mickeys Very Merry Chistmas Party if you can.

 

[CarnotaurDad]

We were there last year the week before the week of Christmas...it was fantastically empty but as soon as Friday and Saturday hit and all the schools were out whammo! It got crowded. It was cooler than everyone expected but we had a fantastic time. I told my DH to make it stop...everyone was just too magical. DD got handed pins...CM gave me a free plush because she thought I had waited too long (I didn't) and wanted to make sure I had a great Christmas.

If you love swimming this may not be the best time for you but I would recommend a Christmas trip at least once. Walking around the parks and not sweating was lovely too.
Either way how can you go wrong.
Karen

 

[TammyAlphabet]

I went the went before christmas last year and loved it. I am planning on going for thanksgiving this year but staying long enough for MVMCP on 11/27. I loved going this time of the year. With the decorations and cool weather, low crowds and special events, it can't be beat. I have never been in may but the Flower and Garden Festival would be really cool. Can't you do both?

 

[cat1258]

I went the went before christmas last year and loved it. I am planning on going for thanksgiving this year but staying long enough for MVMCP on 11/27. I loved going this time of the year. With the decorations and cool weather, low crowds and special events, it can't be beat. I have never been in may but the Flower and Garden Festival would be really cool. Can't you do both?

Tammy

Would love to do both but sadly, it's not possible. We've been the first week of December before and the weather and the decorations were great! We've also been around the end of May. It was pretty hot, but not too crowded. Since I'd rather be cool than hot any day, and would love to see the Christmas decorations again, I'm leaning toward December. Thanks to all who responded for the great advice. Love the DIS boards!!!!!

Cat

 

[michaelwilliammidd]

DW and I loved going in May..........until...........we went in December. Now we are hooked on the decorations and the weather. It can already start to heat up in May and we just loved how cool it was in Dec. This year we are going end of Nov. first of Dec. but in the past we have gone around the dates you are going and the crowds were fine.....I wouldn't stress over that at all. They start to get larger towards Christmas but, with leaving on the 22nd you'll be golden.