Early Dec or Early Jan

[Bon1423]

We have a trip planned for Labor Day week but something has come up at DHs work making fall impossible and we have to move our trip . I have looked at TP and found a week in early December (like 180 days from today) where crowds look very low but I tried to get a dinner at chef mickeys and nothing was available until 9:20pm. Which makes me feel like it might be busier.

The other option is early Jan. Per TP I could get decent crowds if we went the 6-13. I'm sad we'd miss Christmas decorations but I'm wondering what those of you with experience have found to be a less crowded time of year.

 

[warrenz1963]

I don't think the difference is that noticeable, and we love Christmas anything, so I'd do December. But like you said, the booking windows are opening. That's not necessarily an indicator of how busy it will be, Chef Mickey's is pretty popular.

 

[AJA]

The weather will be a bit cooler in January. Some of your December dates might fall in the free dining time frame so ADR's might be a little more tough.

As to crowds, January crowds should be lighter except on marathon weekend so make sure you take that in to consideration. Also January may have more ride closures planned.

ETA: We have been twice in January. One time just my husband and I about 15 years ago and then again this past January. Between the unpredictable weather and crowds really not being much less do to closures, or in other words, fewer people but fewer places for them to go, we decided January isn't worth it if you are basing your decision on crowd calendars alone. Now if that's the only time you "can" go then of course there are good points to January lol.

 

[mrsR123]

There's free dining that runs into December, so that may impact reservation opportunities. January 6-13 will likely be less crowded, but you'll lose Christmas decorations and festivities.

 

[HelloMimi]

We were at WDW January 11-15th this year, and Christmas decorations were still up when we got there. They magically disappeared on the 13th (why a Wednesday?), so if their decoration removal schedule is consistent, you should still be able to see them for most, if not all, of your trip! The only other time we've gone is in March, so I can't really compare crowd levels, but lines were very manageable, and Epcot felt practically empty when we were there.

I do want to mention that the nights and mornings were REALLY cold when we went! The temperatures for that week were 50s-70s, but with the brutal winds, it definitely felt like 40s/30s whenever the sun wasn't out. The afternoons were perfect though! Despite not being able to feel our faces most nights we were there, we're still going back January 8-15th next year!

 

[TeamH5]

When is Free dining? We're planning a trip the 11-17th of Dec. Nothing has opened up as of yet (at least that I can tell) for dining.

 

[Bon1423]

When is Free dining? We're planning a trip the 11-17th of Dec. Nothing has opened up as of yet (at least that I can tell) for dining.

I thought free dining for December began on the tenth. I can't remember when it ended but should be an option for your trip if it's not sold out.

 

[CynBeth]

I would do Dec. I made our ADRs today as we are arriving 12/2 and got everything including a BOG dinner except for a Tony's dinner but booked lunch instead. A lot of times it is easier to get the ones you really want that are hard to get at the end of a trip. Good luck!

 

[Minniekins]

I'd definitely go with December for all the Xmas stuff! It's awesome! Plus, in most years past, they take down Xmas stuff in the days right after New Years, so the first few days of the month. It's more unusual when it's much later that that.

 

[TeamH5]

I thought free dining for December began on the tenth. I can't remember when it ended but should be an option for your trip if it's not sold out.

Yea it's the same week as our trip. We won't do it though as we utilize military discounts and tickets. I was just wondering when it was.