December vs February - help?

[usagibuffy]

I have been going round and round in my head all day about this and I just can't decide. I need help. We originally decided to go in February because we thought it would take us until January to save up all the money we would need. But through some unexpected changes, we will be fully funded for our trip in September. If you had told me in January when we started saving that we would have all our money by September, we would have started planning for December, no question. The problem is, when we decided on February, my parents asked if they could come along too. We said sure. They can't go in December though, so if we change our dates, it'll just be us.

My mom says they would be fine with not going, and we'll do something in the spring together. But…I know they've been looking forward to the trip for a few months. We all get along great, so that doesn't help me decide.

If we brought them along, it would mean more people to get on rides (so DH and I wouldn't have to ride alone), but that would also mean more fast passes used, as DH and I could use the single rider line on a lot of rides if it's just us.

Bringing them along would also mean more people to accommodate when it comes to meal planning. (Especially if my brother chose to come along too - regardless of what we choose timing-wise, I'm hoping he decides not to tag along on the trip). They also aren't at all into shows/parades, but our kids are and we plan to see as many as we can. They could, of course, go do something else while we see shows.

We're considering doing a couple days at DLR with them in the spring as a replacement for them going on this trip. Even if we stay at one of the resort hotels, it'll cost them a lot less than going to WDW. But it won't be for as long.

Argh! Why can't I decide!!!!!! If we're going in December, I want to book asap to get our ADRs. We love WDW at Christmas, it is so much more magical, and there are several seasonal things we would love to share with our kids. But I don't want to disappoint my parents. Ugh.

 

[wdwgoofydaddy]

I have been going round and round in my head all day about this and I just can't decide. I need help. We originally decided to go in February because we thought it would take us until January to save up all the money we would need. But through some unexpected changes, we will be fully funded for our trip in September. If you had told me in January when we started saving that we would have all our money by September, we would have started planning for December, no question. The problem is, when we decided on February, my parents asked if they could come along too. We said sure. They can't go in December though, so if we change our dates, it'll just be us.

My mom says they would be fine with not going, and we'll do something in the spring together. But…I know they've been looking forward to the trip for a few months. We all get along great, so that doesn't help me decide.

If we brought them along, it would mean more people to get on rides (so DH and I wouldn't have to ride alone), but that would also mean more fast passes used, as DH and I could use the single rider line on a lot of rides if it's just us.

Bringing them along would also mean more people to accommodate when it comes to meal planning. (Especially if my brother chose to come along too - regardless of what we choose timing-wise, I'm hoping he decides not to tag along on the trip). They also aren't at all into shows/parades, but our kids are and we plan to see as many as we can. They could, of course, go do something else while we see shows.

We're considering doing a couple days at DLR with them in the spring as a replacement for them going on this trip. Even if we stay at one of the resort hotels, it'll cost them a lot less than going to WDW. But it won't be for as long.

Argh! Why can't I decide!!!!!! If we're going in December, I want to book asap to get our ADRs. We love WDW at Christmas, it is so much more magical, and there are several seasonal things we would love to share with our kids. But I don't want to disappoint my parents. Ugh.

No sure if this will help but we have been both in Dec and Feb and also with a group of 14 during the xmas season, all at WDW. The park is magical during this time but also really, really busy. They tend to close the park at about noon due to capacity, so with a larger group during xmas you will have to start making your ADR in a few week. We will be at WDW this xmas and already have our ADR and FP+ plans all mapped out. We will just wait till the 180 day make and will be on-line at 6am to make our reservations.

Feb is much quieter but you will run the risk of attraction closure. You will still need to plan in advance too.

Our opinion would be to go with the larger group. Having the opportunity to go with your parents an other family will be very memorable. It will be memorable for you parent too. Not sure of their age but if they can handle to parks, then go for it. You guys may have more opportunities to go alone in the future but your parents may not have another opportunity to visit Disney with you guys again.

Just our 2 cents.

Good Luck!