Halloween VS Christmas

[Hawkeyegirls]

I am trying to plan a trip in 2016 during either late September (Halloween Theme) or Mid-November (Christmas theming). For those that have been to both which was your favorite time?

Last year we went in November, the crowds were good and we Loved the decorations like the castle being lit up and the trees at every park and hotel. BUT We were freezing in November. I am worried about being disappointed about the décor at Halloween time, but the weather would be a lot warmer and nicer I think.

I also heard that the MNSSHP is a not miss event. Would that be the case if we are not a fan of villains?

Would love to hear your opinions! Thanks!

 

[Accident]

We love halloween so that's usually our #1 choice. Christmas is a little special with the decorations and really added to the family holiday last year.

 

[Bluegrrl]

I'm originally from Chicago, but I live in Florida now, and I really miss the fall. So Halloween/fall decoration are a real treat for me. If you haven't done MNSSHP, then I think it's something to try. It's not all villains; Mic, Min and others wear their costumes and there is lots of trick & treating. You also get to dress in costume, which is loads of fun!

Christmas/December is nice but cold! I've been there and it's chilly at night and you can't enjoy the pools. But there is the fun of bundling up in sweaters and wearing jeans. Ok, maybe not fun for you, but fun for me!

 

[ktlm]

You can't go wrong with either. We went the Christmas season 5 years in a row, and then we went Halloween/fall for 2 years. They are both fantastic. In the Christmas season, the Castle lights and the decorations are beautiful and with the music and festivities it will really put you in the Christmas spirit. The weather is unpredictable and it may not be swimming weather. In the fall, pretty much only MK is decorated, but the decorations are great. It will still likely be swimming weather every day. MNSSHP is fabulous. I am not much of a Halloween person and very much a Christmas person and I definitely think MNSSHP is a better party (although I do love MVVMCP). MNSSHP, the entire park has a party atmosphere since there are so many adult guests in costume. The Haunted Mansion area with the lights, characters and magic shots is terrific. Even if you are not much of a villians fan, just people watching all the guest's costumes makes for a really fun night!

Food and Wine at EPCOT in the fall is a lot of fun too.

I would say, since you have already tried Christmas season, you might want to give the Halloween/fall season a try. I know it is hard to give up that Christmas décor and fun though. The first year we tried fall, I was torn for months and had trips for both seasons booked until we finally decided to go with fall since DD would miss as much school.

 

[peg110]

We love going around Thanksgiving time. Actually, we the 2 times we went we would Check-in on Thanksgiving day at the Campground (Fort Wilderness). While that Tursday, Friday and Saturday (Sunday to a lessor extent) are fairly busy, we stay for the next week as well. Crowds aren't bad at all. I think it's actually classed as the second best week to go to WDW.

Anyway, the weather can certainly be a factor. Both times we went during this time frame, we had days we could go swimming and other days where we would need sweatshirts. For us with a camper, it was not difficult to pack for multiple seasons. Flying could pose a bigger issue.

We have in the past been in October too, although the year we went locals even said it was "Unseasonably Hot". While we still loved it (despite the heat) the decorations were awesome. Didn't do the MNSSHP, but we did do the MVMCP. in 2012, the party wasn't bad, but in 2014, you could barely tell that it was a "Limited Ticket" event.

I don't think you would necessarily go wrong either way though.

 

[han22735]

I agree that you can't go wrong with either. We like the Halloween party better for the parade and the weather. I'll take the heat any day over freezing cold we had last year at MVMCP.

 

[TiggerTrigger]

Tough choice. I think the Christmas decorations are far better than any of the Halloween and fall decor, but we prefer MNSSHP over MVMCP. I'm kind of indifferent about the weather. We've been at WDW when it was close to 100 and we've been there when it was in the upper 20s. Extremes aren't great on either end. Ultimately, if you've never done fall/Halloween stuff in the parks, why not go then just to try something new?

 

[sug78]

Last year we went for Christmas- this year we are going for Halloween. They are both such wonderful times I don't think I could pick between the two

 

[Jenna319]

We are going 10/31 - 11/7, so we will get to attend MNSSHP and by the end of the trip, we will get to see the MK Christmas decorations and Osborne lights!

 

[RachealM]

Even though we absolutely adore the Halloween festivities, I honestly feel that the fall decor can't really compete with the Christmas displays across the parks and resorts. Both of the special parties at the Magic Kingdom are festive and fun for their respective themes, but as far as a real "holiday experience", I'd definitely say the Christmas season has a stronger overall appeal.

 

[svecchitto]

My goal this year was to attend at Change over to experience both in one trip. My husbands schedule didn't allow that so we settled on fall. (September is def. our favorite time) The weather is awesome, the decor is amazing, and it's a good fit. I'm trying to convince him for a short winter stay go see the castle lights and Osborne lights but we will see. In the end my point is you will have fun no matter what and there is always next year to experience what you didn't get the year before or go for the gold and hope for a switch over stay.

 

[ElenaRN]

We love both. We usually go in Sept/Oct so have enjoyed the halloween stuff often.

If you have already been to WDW during Halloween, I would go to experience Christmas.

We have been in Oct when the temp was record breaking lows and a diff year record breaking highs. In Dec, the weather fluctuated day to day.

 

[Hawkeyegirls]

Thanks everyone! It doesn't seam like a tough choice, but it really is! lol. We have been there for Christmas last year but I didn't attend the party, but I loved the Osborne lights and the holiday décor everywhere.
Since I now have those expectations I don't want to be disappointed by either missing out on trying Halloween or that we should have chosen November. I am probably thinking too much and just need to flip a coin.

For those that love the Halloween party, did you find it good for a 5 year old? She does not like villain character...and we love doing meet and greets. I know she would love the trick or treating and dressing up though!