Help me please. . .first time Disney

[cjshamrock]

OK, here is my dilemma. . .(and my first time ever posting. . .)

hubby and I booked my first ever trip to Disney world (I am 38), and his second (last one was 12 years ago or more). . .for early November. I am a guidance counselor who will have to miss 2 days of work, and we will be staying 5 nights but getting in late on Tuesday.

We are thinking of switching to a Dec 29-Jan 5 trip instead to have more time, and to ease my guilt about missing work. (My principal is pretty cool about me leaving, but. . . .) Anyway, I know its going to cost more, and crowds will be larger during the holiday, but we are leaning to this?

Will we be disappointed due to the crowds? Will it lighten up a bit after the New Year (we can stay until the 6th)?
Is it too late to make changes? We are hoping to stay at CBR since that is where we are booked for November.

Any thoughts of yours would help. . .
Thanks

 

[Disneyolic]

cj - the crowds are extremely high during Christmas and New Year. In fact, I believe New Year's Eve is the busiest day of the year - or maybe it's Christmas. Regardless, I would not change your reservations. You will enjoy your trip so much more without the crowds. Also, I have heard that the resorts are usually booked for New Year far in advance. Good luck with your decision. If you have any questions about CBR, just ask me. Have an absolutely great time in WDW. You will love it!!!

 

[tomi]

You may also want to consider the weather. It is quite a bit warmer in early Nov. than after Christmas. I know that when I go, I want to be warm! Also - don't worry about missing work. I have been teaching for 20 years so can understand your hesitation. However - go and enjoy it . I am sure you deserve it!

 

[angelina]

Hi, CJ. My family went to WDW this past Jan. 1-7, and were a bit surprised by the size of the crowds. A lot of schools were still out, and lots of people had the same idea about going after New Year's Day. This was my second trip in January, and both times it rained a couple of days. It's not like summer rain in Florida where it may rain heavily for a few minutes, then the sun comes back out. This was all day, cold rain. Then there was an unseasonably cool snap and we were under a freeze warning a couple of mornings. I think the weather in November/early December may be more pleasant.

On the other hand, if you go in Dec/Jan, you will be able to see the beautiful Christmas decorations, and other seasonal favorites like the Osborne Lights and MVMCP and CP.

 

[Bstanley]

The first time I visited WDW (the trip where I caught 'Mickey Fever' I stayed offsite and visited between Christmas Day and News Years Day. ALL WRONG IMHO ;-) Since then we've visited at various times of the year (in other words, been there done that) and tried to stay onsite.

The difference in WDW crowds between early November and late December is literally like the difference between night (30,000 people at the MK) and day (100,000). Since most school breaks won't be ending until the 5th of Jan (just like your's it won't be particularly different after the 1st (after the 5th it will be great - sorry).

To put it in direct terms, in early Nov you will have 15 minute waits (or less) for popular attractions/shows. In late Dec you will wait at least an hour for the same things. In fact there have been times in recent years (not last year, but that was unusual) when they have actually closed the gates at parks because it was so crowded. Restaurants will be crowded, etc, etc.

Some people don't seem to mind the crowds (Personally I think those folks are all from New York City and just rave about staying at WDW during the Christmas - New Year's week. WDW recognizes that they need to do special things because of the extreme crowds so they keep the parks open late, have special shows and parades etc.

Oh - the final kicker that turned me against that last week of Dec. is that hotel prices will skyrocket over the early Nov price. CBR for example lists for $133 in early Nov (Value season), and lists for $194 during late Dec. (Holiday season). Considering that it is not uncommon to get CBR for $94 during Value season, and that it is very uncommon to get a discount in Holiday season it is probable that the exact same room will cost you more than twice as much!!

If I'm going to spend $194 a night at WDW there will be a monorail gliding past my room and ukelele music playing 'cause I'll be at my fav - The Polynesian!

Anyway - there's my $0.02 worth

 

[B3LM]

I'd have to recommend sticking with your original decision to go in early November. You won't see the Christmas decorations, but you'll find the crowds to be much more managable. We went last November and just got back from another trip. While we still had a very good time, the waits for most popular attractions were 60-120 minutes as opposed to 30 minute waits in November. Thank goodness for fastpass!!!

JMHO
Beth