Halloween or Xmas Dilemma

[nibbo]

Hi Everyone

First post on here. Having been to WDW twice before at Halloween and just before Christmas, we're in a real dilemma as to when to go next year. We thoroughly enjoyed both times but with the warmer weather (and a hurricane thrown in for good measure!) we prefered Halloween time more. The main problem though is the kids. October half term time is quite expensive and we don't really like taking them out of school for too long, especially as they are now in secondary school. If we go in December, we're thinking of going on around the 8th december and styaing there over Christmas until about 28th. This still works out cheaper than October half term week. I know it means taking the kids out of school for a couple of weeks, but they don't do much at that time of year anyway.
Does anyone else face these dilemmas and what do you do? We don't like the big crowds, hence going before Christmas. Hopefully by the time the crowds pick up, we would have had a couple of weeks there, done everything and would be able to relax and soak up the atmosphere of Christmas for the last few days.

Nick

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

We're doing the same thing this year - go 9th December for 3 weeks. As you said hopefully we will have done most of the thing we want to before the real crowds kick in.
if you are taking them out for 2 weeks & want warmer weather why not go at some other time in September or October?

 

[Cyrano]

Welcome to DIS

 

[Scottish-Helen]

What a nice dilemma to have!

 

[Miffy2003]

Hi Nick and welcome to the Dis


I would plump for October myself - we went in December 2004 from Dec 9th to Jan 1st and although I think we were unlucky with the weather, it took the shine off the holiday (no pun intended ) that we had many days that needed jumpers and some days, hats and gloves. The cooler temps do suit a lot of people and as I say, we were unlucky that it was unseasonably cold too.

Having said that there are a lot of great things about December, some of which you've already mentioned: low crowds and all the Xmas decorations and attractions (Osborne Lights, MVMCP (Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party), all the decorations, the Candlelight Processional etc)

 

[Julia Ann]

As we just got back yesterday (4th Nov) and did all the halloween stuff we are planning another halloween trip in 2008 - we did talk about a xmas visit but we (the UK) do xmas here but not halloween so that's what made our mind up. We have no kids so dont have the problem with the schools though.

 

[nibbo]

I'd love to go at Christmas just to experience it. To be honest, the weather isn't the main consideration, but the crowds are. Is it really extra special staying there over Christmas or a bit of a letdown due to it being so busy? How far ahead would I have to book for a table on Christmas day at the Crystal Palace at MK. If anyone has stayed there over Christmas and would like to give me their views on their experiences I would be most grateful.

Cheers

Nick

 

[feistyblue]

Our first trip was 21-28th Dec 2003 and we loved it. We managed to do everything we wanted except most of Epcot because our Epcot day was Christmas Day and we were too exhausted by then!

I honestly don't think the crowds were that bad at all, in fact we experienced worse crowds in Disneyland Paris this August bank holiday.

We simply made sure we were at each park before opening and followed the touring plans from the UG religiously - we rode every ride we wanted to in MK, AK and MGM. We also did SeaWorld and DTD and shopping.

I thought it was really special staying there at Christmas and I spent most of childhood Christmas's on holiday in various places and WDW was the best! The atmosphere was fab and we'd love to go again at that time of year but now that I'm running an online toy shop December is out for holidays!

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

We are lucky enough to have been at Christmas twice with our 3rd Xmas trip coming up.
I really love the decorations, atmosphere and all the carols and characters in festive dress.
To book adr at CP you would have to ring on the 180 day slot or 180+10 if you stay on site. This year we have booked CG at night & are hoping to see the fireworks from the balcony at CR.
There is so much to see & do whatever time of year you go you will have a great time.