Help me figure out when to go

[Iowamomof4]

Mod: Please move if this is the wrong forum for this type of post. I wasn't sure where it should go! Thank you!

I'm planning our family's second trip to WDW. We have nothing hindering us from going at any one time, so I would say we can go anytime from the week after Thanksgiving (though that would push it a bit for us to get the money saved in time) through May 2017. Our first trip was in September 2015 and, though the crowds were manageable, the weather was so stinking hot - I think I'd like to try going when the weather is cooler. I would say crowds are still important though, and we'd like to go during the best week possible crowd-wise. We'll probably do a Tuesday through Thursday of the following week. My running favorite options are:

1. Jan 24-Feb 2, 2017
2. Nov 29-Dec 8, 2016

Touring plans says the crowds will be lower during that Nov/Dec trip than they will be for the Jan/Feb trip. I find that difficult to believe! I'm also concerned it'll cost significantly more to go in Nov/Dec than in Jan/Feb.

What would you recommend?
Should I do a later date in 2017 in the hopes that Pandora could be open by then (again, latest I'm willing to wait is May, 2017 so as to avoid the heat of the summer).

 

[Hootch]

Of the two dates you laid out, I would do the second one. Weather should be better. Crowds will be probably a little lower in January but there are usually more attraction closures.

That period usually has higher rack room rates

 

[CynBeth]

I'd say Nov/Dec so you can experience all of the holiday stuff.

 

[AllieBoo]

Of those two options, I would pick the second one. If you won't be able to save up enough by then, what about early May? I think crowds then are comparable to your second option.

 

[larissawbb]

May can sometimes get really hot. I can understand wanting to wait for Pandora though.

 

[LovePug]

I LOVE early December, so the second one has my vote.