We used to go every year, but have skipped it the past 2 since free dining was offered and we went the last week of September.
We really enjoyed it although once my son turned 3 I thought the price was getting outrageous for what it was. I think because we have been so many times. Like others have said though, the decorations are gorgeous. The parade is my favorite. The cocoa and cookies aren't nearly what they used to be, but still fun. It has gotten increasingly more crowded since we first went. We went usually the first weekend in December. Once we went to the last one they offered, it was about the 19th, that was so much more fun. I think it seemed more like christmas then.