Halloween (October) or Christmas (Early December) 2020?

[tehSAC]

First off, if this is the wrong sub forum, please move. My apologies in advance. Which would you choose?

A little history and basis of asking the question, and hopefully information to help us with our decision. My family is not the type of family that goes every year, or multiple times a year. Last time the entire family was there was back in October 2017 (Report Here) and we only hit up 2 parks and the Halloween Party. I was there in May of last year, again, only two parks. However my BIL’s family is an avid Disney family and they recently bought into DVC. They are already going to be on a cruise next fall, so using their points next year is out. They have graciously given us an opportunity to use their points either in October or December. Since this would be my youngest’s second trip we would like to hit up all of the parks and do a party night as well. Being that Christmas decorations in the parks is something we have always wanted to see, we are leaning towards that. Also the first week of December has my youngest’s birthday within, we could make it be a trip for her birthday as well. She would be turning 6 at the time, and the oldest would be 13.

However I honestly don’t know much about that time period. Would you lean towards that week to visit, or would you just push it back to mid October and experience the Halloween party again? Basically what are some pro’s and cons to both?

 

[disneygolfer1985]

I have never been over Halloween, but have gone many times over thanksgiving and Christmas. Personally, I think more is going on over the Christmas holiday. The first week of December shouldn’t be too bad, but that is usually around pop Warner week so the resorts will be crowded. However, the parks may not be that crowded during the day. I think there are plenty of things to do that centered around the holidays that even if it was crowded it wouldn’t be too bad.

 

[Wild4Walt]

With your situation, I'd go with the 1st week of December. It'll be something the kids will always remember and Christmas time is great at WDW.

 

[tehSAC]

I have never been over Halloween, but have gone many times over thanksgiving and Christmas. Personally, I think more is going on over the Christmas holiday. The first week of December shouldn’t be too bad, but that is usually around pop Warner week so the resorts will be crowded. However, the parks may not be that crowded during the day. I think there are plenty of things to do that centered around the holidays that even if it was crowded it wouldn’t be too bad.

Good to know. I wasn't sure what crowds would be that first week. I know going during christmas week isn't ideal.

With your situation, I'd go with the 1st week of December. It'll be something the kids will always remember and Christmas time is great at WDW.

 

[TheSouthernBelle]

Since you've already been during October, I would go for early December based on what you mentioned above. I love the christmas decor, the castle lights and the weather. It can be warm but not hot or a little chilly but it's great park weather. We just skip swimming since we're from the south and if it's below 75 we freeze.

Also, you can do a christmas party if you like or not. I've been when the cheer events have gone on and it's busy but if you aren't staying at the all stars or POP which if you're using DVC points, your aren't, I don't think it's as big a deal. It would be a great time to go IMO.

 

[Harambe]

Come down with us!!! We will be there Dec 2-7, 2020! Can't wait to see all the decorations, especially the gingerbread houses, and experience the Candlelight Procession.

Weather - "winter" can be crazy in FL. We have gone multiple times in January, and it can be beautiful, 80s one day, and 50 the next day. Just bring appropriate clothes to cover both, so you don't end up buying a $75 sweatshirt that you really didn't want to buy, just because someone is freezing!

 

[tehSAC]

Since you've already been during October, I would go for early December based on what you mentioned above. I love the christmas decor, the castle lights and the weather. It can be warm but not hot or a little chilly but it's great park weather. We just skip swimming since we're from the south and if it's below 75 we freeze.

Also, you can do a christmas party if you like or not. I've been when the cheer events have gone on and it's busy but if you aren't staying at the all stars or POP which if you're using DVC points, your aren't, I don't think it's as big a deal. It would be a great time to go IMO.

Oh I totally forgot about the cheer events. eh not going to worry about that. Is the Christmas party wort it?

Come down with us!!! We will be there Dec 2-7, 2020! Can't wait to see all the decorations, especially the gingerbread houses, and experience the Candlelight Procession.

Weather - "winter" can be crazy in FL. We have gone multiple times in January, and it can be beautiful, 80s one day, and 50 the next day. Just bring appropriate clothes to cover both, so you don't end up buying a $75 sweatshirt that you really didn't want to buy, just because someone is freezing!

Oh for sure. I go to the Rolex 24 hour at Daytona every January and you never know what the weather is going to be. This past year it was awful!

 

[mickeyfanachey1999]

First off, if this is the wrong sub forum, please move. My apologies in advance. Which would you choose?

A little history and basis of asking the question, and hopefully information to help us with our decision. My family is not the type of family that goes every year, or multiple times a year. Last time the entire family was there was back in October 2017 (Report Here) and we only hit up 2 parks and the Halloween Party. I was there in May of last year, again, only two parks. However my BIL’s family is an avid Disney family and they recently bought into DVC. They are already going to be on a cruise next fall, so using their points next year is out. They have graciously given us an opportunity to use their points either in October or December. Since this would be my youngest’s second trip we would like to hit up all of the parks and do a party night as well. Being that Christmas decorations in the parks is something we have always wanted to see, we are leaning towards that. Also the first week of December has my youngest’s birthday within, we could make it be a trip for her birthday as well. She would be turning 6 at the time, and the oldest would be 13.

However I honestly don’t know much about that time period. Would you lean towards that week to visit, or would you just push it back to mid October and experience the Halloween party again? Basically what are some pro’s and cons to both?

Our lone December trip is probably my favorite of all of our family trips. The crowds were low, the weather was perfect and the decorations are wonderful. One of these days we are going to hit that week again. If it wasn't for school and the wife teaching school that would be our yearly target vacation date.

 

[tehSAC]

Our lone December trip is probably my favorite of all of our family trips. The crowds were low, the weather was perfect and the decorations are wonderful. One of these days we are going to hit that week again. If it wasn't for school and the wife teaching school that would be our yearly target vacation date.

Thats awesome! I'm hoping that will be the case for us as well.

 

[nkereina]

What is their home resort? I ask because Fall/early December is generally the busiest time for DVC. You'll have the best shot at getting the dates and room type you want during either month if you book early at their home resort.

Between the two timeframes, my opinion is that December would have a bit lower crowds but the weather can be hit or miss. We've had it be downright cold that time of year, to the point where I wore a jacket with a hoodie underneath. Temps were in the 50s and 60s. The sun and high temperature didn't peak until late afternoon, so evenings and rope drop mornings were cold making outdoor rides were miserable. It also means pool time is iffy. With October, you're inclined to see higher crowds with the popularity of the Fall events and the comfortable weather that time of year. So, I guess I would choose based on what's more important - better weather or lower crowds. I might also let DVC availability dictate as well.

 

[tehSAC]

What is their home resort? I ask because Fall/early December is generally the busiest time for DVC. You'll have the best shot at getting the dates and room type you want during either month if you book early at their home resort.

Between the two timeframes, my opinion is that December would have a bit lower crowds but the weather can be hit or miss. We've had it be downright cold that time of year, to the point where I wore a jacket with a hoodie underneath. Temps were in the 50s and 60s. The sun and high temperature didn't peak until late afternoon, so evenings and rope drop mornings were cold making outdoor rides were miserable. It also means pool time is iffy. With October, you're inclined to see higher crowds with the popularity of the Fall events and the comfortable weather that time of year. So, I guess I would choose based on what's more important - better weather or lower crowds. I might also let DVC availability dictate as well.

Their home resort is Rivera. The girls would like to swim, but I think seeing the parks during Christmas would outweigh that.

 

[nkereina]

Their home resort is Rivera. The girls would like to swim, but I think seeing the parks during Christmas would outweigh that.

Swimming is not out of the question in December, it's just more of a 50/50 chance than other times of year. So still a possibility.

If you're good with staying at the Riviera, you should have your choice of either timeframes. If you were hoping to stay at a different DVC resort, you'd have to book at the 7 month mark and you may need to be flexible on dates and room types.

 

[tehSAC]

Swimming is not out of the question in December, it's just more of a 50/50 chance than other times of year. So still a possibility.

If you're good with staying at the Riviera, you should have your choice of either timeframes. If you were hoping to stay at a different DVC resort, you'd have to book at the 7 month mark and you may need to be flexible on dates and room types.

We have stayed at the AKL before and loved it, but Riviera is A-Okay with us.