Early December 05 vs. Late January 06

[Pg 13]

Here's the deal.

Three couples (my family, my sisters family and a mutual friends family) have the opportunity to go to Disney World together this year. We went as a group last November and had a blast. The dillema this year is simple and yet very complex, should we go in December or wait till January.

Normally our jobs don't allow us to travel in December but THIS YEAR and THIS YEAR ALONE we aren't obligated to be at work during December so some of us (me and my wife) feel we have a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience Disney at very cool time. (We'd go somewhere within the first two weeks)

Others in my party (my wicked sister and evil brother-in-law) feel that even though we have the chance to go in December we should wait for January. They've a few times before in January and think it's absolutely the best. They also argue that they don't want to cram everything fun in the year into one short month. I could care less.

The other couple is leaning my way but would be up for either.

I would normally be totally up for January but the allure of Disney at Christmas is just too strong. Cookies. Carols. Parades. I'm tearing up just thinking about it.

So, give me your unbiased feedback. I want it all. I want to know how much different are the crowds early in December as opposed to late January, really. And please, don't hold back telling me that I'm definitely right and my sister and brother-in-law should just give in to me.

Thank you and let the games begin.

 

[disney queen]

we love early december! the parks/resorts are beautifully decorated for christmas. plus, all the great christmas activites are going. the candlelight processional is not to be missed; we like to combine it w/the CP dining package to make for a nice evening out. then MVMCP is just a ton of fun at MK. the weather is usually very nice, but once in awhile you might hit a cold/rainy snap. the crowds are very managable also. early december~go for it!

 

[GoofItUp]

Seeing Disney decorated for Christmas is not to be missed. I've done it twice now! Plus, I say EVERYONE should go in December and leave Jan 06 for me this year!

 

[arminnie]

I've done both and December wins hands down. It is just so incredibly special to see the parks and resorts so decked out - plus all of the special activities.

I also think you are more likely to have a cold snap in January than the first two weeks of December but it can be cold in December too. Last year I went for two weeks in December and the weather was perfect - shorts every day.

If you do go in January - try to avoid MLKing holiday weekend to avoid the crowds.

 

[daisy_77]

In my opinion, early-December is a better time to go. The parks are decorated for Christmas and there is a special spirit in the parks.
January

 

[Kata]

I love going in early December,the Christmas decorations are up,you have MVMCP at MK and The Candlelight processional at Epcot which are both awesome if you have never seen them. Early December is value season so rates are cheaper and the crowds have been fine the 2 times I went in December,so tell your evil sister and evil brother in-law that they have a choice , either go to Disney and truly get in the Christmas spirit and enjoy all the wonderful things Disney has to offer only 1 time a year and maybe they can find some really great Christmas presents OR they can be jealous of all the great pictures they get to look at when you get back from your trip.Sure you will get great pictures in January but will you have pictures of the XMAS parade and decorations or snow flying on Mainstreet no I don't think so, really if the chance to go in December is really as rare as you say you need to go no matter who you leave behind ,there will be future trips to share!!!!

 

[Carrieberry]

We usually always go the first week or two in Dec but this year we thought we would avoid the Christmas crowds and go the last week of January. Honestly, the crowds difference was not THAT noticable. Everything was still pretty much a walk on with 20 minute waits for the big stuff and of course a 30 min plus wait for Tower of Terror (just like when we go in dec). MK always feels crowded no matter what. I would go during Christmas time-it SO puts you in the Christmas spirit! Be sure to get extra tix for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas party! January was nice and a little less crowded, but there were a couple of days that were FREEZING with cold wind. One night we had to stay in and could not go to the parks due to cold rain and the wind. Go and enjoy the holidays-it truly makes for a magical holiday season!

 

[mickeysaver]

Definately go for December. While we are not overly religious individuals, we enjoyed it all quite a bit in 2003. MVMCP is too good to miss, especially the fireworks. There is nothing like the holidays at WDW. Maggie

 

[slk537]

I would say there is every reason to go in December...we have made it our family tradition to go for the weeks after Thanksgiving (although this year we're adding that day to our itinerary!) and we love it, love it, love it!!! But there is one thing to keep in mind and it's not as silly as it sounds:

You may spoil yourself for any other time of the year...honest! We also go in May, which is wonderful, but it doesn't compare to a Disney Christmas. My dad (who has not yet gone with us) summed it up when he looked at our video and photos:

"Disney takes Christmas and pushes it perfectly right up to the edge...without going over." And he is so right! I never thought I could feel the Christmas spirit in Florida, but now it just wouldn't be a true Christmas without half the season at Disney and the other half at home (we do need real snow...!)

Go to Allearsnet and search on Christmas and you will get more info than you can believe.

I'm sure January is wonderful, and I plan to take by best friend there someday for a "girls' weekend" but if you have the chance, try December!

 

[CPer'sMom]

And please, don't hold back telling me that I'm definitely right and my sister and brother-in-law should just give in to me.

Thank you and let the games begin.

You are DEFINITELY RIGHT and your sister and brother-in-law should just give in to you!
OMG!! There's not even a question there ~~~~

Early December is a fantastic time to go. You get to experience all the wonderful Disney holiday decorations and shows without the big crowds that will be there later in the month.

January is .... well, January is just January. Yes, small crowds, but still nothing "extra" special. You can always go in January ~~

The only problem I can see is that you'll have such a great time that it'll be hard for you to not go back to the World in early December the next year

 

[becky1960]

We went last year Dec 05- Dec 10, this was first time in Dec. The weather was in the eighties and kids swam every day. The MVMCP as night was great with Snow falling all evening on Main St. USA. We are going back again this year, we usually go every June. Make your reservations Now! for parade it fills up fast. By the way all the park rides were walk on all week.

 

[John's Mom]

Christmas decorations and better weather than January! December is better!

 

[Muushka]

Note to wicked sister and evil brother-in-law

READ THIS THREAD!!!

PS In case you can't tell, I am a big proponent of December trips to WDW.

Disclaimer:

The weather is Dec is not always warm. It can also be very cold.