Help! November vs December?

[Obscurus]

Hi guys. New member here.

I went to Disney many, many years ago, when I was in elementary school. I'm nearly 30 now. My family is looking to make another visit, this time to both Disney and Universal (I'm a HUUUGE Harry Potter fan). We've never been to Universal before.

I've done a lot of research on best times to visit - crowd levels, ride closures, hurricane season/weather.... But I confess I'm still having some issues.

I think I've narrowed it down to two potential time periods (listed below). My mother, father, and sister most likely want to stay for ONE week. I may extend my stay to TWO weeks. I'm just not certain yet, because I don't know how much time I'll want in each park, between Disney and Universal.

November 3rd – 18th

December 1st - 16th

Does ANYONE have any recommendations on which may be the better time between these two options, and why? I still need to do a lot more research, but I often find that talking to frequent visitors is one of the most helpful things.

Thank you!!!

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

We like the first two weeks in December. Love the resort decorations for Christmas and catching a MNSMCP. The parks look amazing and the atmosphere is great before it gets too busy.

We either go for September and Halloween theme with food and wine or Christmas. I am sure Harry Potter will be great as well December week.

 

[Obscurus]

Thank you for your input!

I was attracted by the low (estimated) crowds in September, but the potential for rain/severe weather seems higher then. I do love Halloween though.

 

[nkereina]

Not a huge difference. Some things to consider are that your December dates will have Christmas decor up. Your November dates at Disney will catch the end of the Food & Wine Festival at Epcot. Your November dates may have slightly warmer temperatures and slightly longer daylight. At Disney, your November dates coincide with Jersey Week which is typically blacked out for promotions and has elevated crowd levels. Your December dates coincide with the Christmas parade taping and Pop Warner. The parade taping will impact MK for a day, and Pop Warner will impact value and some moderate level resorts. Candlelight Processional will also be going on in December. As far as Universal, less to consider IMO.

I've been both times and it's a coin flip for me. I'd probably go with November, unless you really want to experience the holiday decor and events that go with it.

 

[Obscurus]

Hmmm... Does Pop Warner bring in a lot of rowdy teens or anything like that?

Thank you!!!

 

[nkereina]

Hmmm... Does Pop Warner bring in a lot of rowdy teens or anything like that?

Thank you!!!

Yes, but they really only impact the resorts they are staying at. Typically, that's the All Star resorts and I believe it was Coronado Springs last year. I think Caribbean Beach is in the mix sometimes too. If you will not be staying at one of those resorts, it's not really an issue. You'll see some of them in the parks, especially later in the week as teams are eliminated from tournaments, but they don't impact wait times or anything.

 

[nkereina]

Forgot to mention that your November dates include Veteran's Day, which may have slightly higher crowds as well especially since it overlaps Jersey Week. Veteran's Day falls on a Saturday this year, so schools and companies may get a long weekend out of it. Not a huge deal in terms of crowds, but just something else to consider.

 

[Obscurus]

Yeah, I'm not sure which specific dates within the time periods I listed we'd be going, but that definitely is something to consider.

I'd certainly try to avoid any hotels those kids are at. LOL. But we'd probably be staying at the cheapest hotel possible at Disney, so...they might be as well. I just want a bed to sleep in - don't require anything fancy whatsoever.

I hate to be a stereotypical "DARN TEENAGERS! STAY OFF MY LAWN" adult, but boy.... Lately I can't step outside my door without encountering rude, obnoxious, or downright destructive kids. Argh.

 

[nkereina]

I'd certainly try to avoid any hotels those kids are at. LOL. But we'd probably be staying at the cheapest hotel possible at Disney, so...they might be as well. I just want a bed to sleep in - don't require anything fancy whatsoever.

I hate to be a stereotypical "DARN TEENAGERS! STAY OFF MY LAWN" adult, but boy.... Lately I can't step outside my door without encountering rude, obnoxious, or downright destructive kids. Argh.

I hear you! Pop Warner has some horror stories. If you go with December, Art of Animation is typically safe from them.

 

[Obscurus]

Oh crud. It does? Maybe I'll do some Googlefu here.... See what people have said. I don't want teens ruining my vacation.

Thanks for the tip on the hotel! Appreciate it.