Dilema, June or December 2010

[fireman17]

Okay, here's our dilema. We are putting off a 2009 visit to have more points in 2010 and we are trying to figure on either a June or December trip.
Reason being is we have four children the first three have been to WDW during the holiday season but the youngest will be two and it would be a first trip for him, he was four months old for his very first trip and cruise in October but both my wife and I agreed that he probably won't remember it.
Now in June it would be during summer vacation and if we go during December we would have to take the other three out of school for the week.
So, I'm asking my fellow DVC'ers for some opinions about our situation which would you pick?

 

[tiggercrew]

As much as I love WDW at Christmas, we stopped taking our children out of school for our trips when the amount of make-up work just got to be too much for them to finish. When they were younger (lower elementary grades) we would go in early December and just loved it, but at ages 16 and 12 the work load is much heavier. My daughter, now 16, would rather miss out on Disney at Christmas than make up all of her assignments.

I think it is truly a personal preference...guess it depends on your children's ages and how quickly they could make everything up.

Enjoy your planning!

 

[bobbiwoz]

Do you think your children would enjoy a swimming vacation more than the Holiday things? We were at BCV before Thanksgiving, and it was the first time we didn't do lots of swimming. The DGC enjoyed Epcot and DHS for the first time. Before this trip we were strickly AK and MK and swimming. Definitely different kinds of vacations for us. I'm glad the family's next trip will be in warmer weather.

Bobbi

 

[wildernessDad]

June - hot.
December - not hot.

 

[LSchrow]

June - hot.
December - not hot.

DH would prob agree.
imho,
june ~ basking in the warm sun
dec ~ shivering in coats & gloves


as others said, a personal preference (i'll prob never go to WDW in dec ; waking up to 30 degrees once (in late oct) was enough for me.....soaking in the sun means we're on vacation ).

 

[gtrist4life]

I'd recommend a June trip, with one full day for relaxing at/in the pool.

Peace-G4L

 

[BroganMc]

It seems to depend on a few factors, all entirely up to you to interpret. Can your three older kids handle being away from school in December? Consider the amount of homework they'll do. I've taken my sister's boys during October and gone on a cruise with my brother's kids same time of year. Each time the kids were in gradeschool (Kindergarten - grade 5) and the kids had school packets to complete. It worked best when we made daily homework part of the day and a day post-trip to finish up the leftovers. Also worked best if the kids liked homework and didn't put up too much of a fuss. Teachers were mostly supportive of the trip.

The festivities at Christmas time are more interesting than your usual Disney fare in the summer. Weather is cooler but can be downright cold. Early December the crowds are low (but DVC is busy so you need to book at 11 mos.). The Osborne Spectacle of Lights are a must see for us. Christmas Party has great fireworks and parade (though we still prefer Halloween for the costume and treats).

But can your two y.o. handle the overstimulation at Disney? I know my nephew (at 6) couldn't handle the fireworks. Osborne is stunningly beautiful but is extremely busy with the blinking lights and there's always a crowd milling about.

My dad and I are not fans of summer because it is so hot (not good for his health) and we do not like crowds. Also once you experience some of the special events Disney puts on, you find it kinda dull during the regular seasons.

Swimming is easier and more enjoyable in the warmer months. I've yet to swim during my December or March trips, but usually do in April/May - Sep/Oct. But it all depends what you're looking for in your Disney vacation. If a key factor is a day enjoying Storm Along Bay, for instance, June would probably be better. If it's rides, decor and fireworks, then December is more special.

 

[fireman17]

Well DVC'ers after taking the opinions here and talking it over more with my DW we have decided on a June 2010 trip. We did a 2006 trip in December and also MVMCP and enjoyed it all and thought it would be too much for our youngest.
I know June will be hot but in 2007 we were in the world and I don't think it will be as hot in June as it was in August there wasn't a day it got below 105.
So we're going to do seven days and just enjoy every part of SSR and take it easy knowing that we'll be back home whenever we can.
Thanks for all your help. Now the planning begins!!!

 

[BroganMc]

Congrats on making a decision. Just remember if it does get too hot for ya, SSR has one of the best Community Hall programs in DVC. GM and I really enjoyed our heat escapes there last Spring.

I hope the trip goes well for you!