Help October or December!

[JENR]

I already have a one bedroom booked at Beach Club for Dec 6-13th. I am now having second thoughts b/c we always go in Oct and I am thinking of how much I am going to miss MNSSHP. Also my kids want to do Discovery Cove and I know we can't do that in Dec b/c it will probably be too cold. I can get a one bedroom at SSR for Oct 21-28th. Help me what would you do? Would you go at Christmas time to see something new or go in Oct for MNSSHP and Discovery Cove. I am so confused. I tried to get my DH to go to both but he refuses to go twice in just 6 weeks. My kids really want to do DC but we are going in May also so we can always do that then.

 

[ToddyLu]

Having gone both of these times...they each have their perks. We love MNSSHP and the weather. We have done Christmas the last 4 years in a row. So we decided to go in Oct--DH 's wish to do Party on Halloween. So I think either time is great for Disney....but if you have never seen it at Christmas...WoW..it is really worth it. Most people would agree that MNSSHP is a bit better than MVMCP. But there is snow on Mainstreet adn the backlot at DHS for Osbourne Lights. Then you can just have fun goin gto see the resorts all done up. Chocolate scene at CR with Pinocchio and Gepeto. Life size Gingerbread House in GF (buy the kids a shingle while you are there). Then the Carrousel at BC I think?? It is truly a great time to visit and I really think you would love it. THere are so many special things happening during that time. Everyone needs to go to Disney at Christmas just once in their life....just like my DH doing MNSSHP on 10/31. He can now say he has been there, done that and got a T-shirt to prove it.

 

[DebbieB]

I would keep what you have, give it a try. I love the Christmas decorations, the Christmas shows, Osborne Lights, MVMCP. I've been alternating trips between Food & Wine and early December.

 

[ccigliano]

I have gone both times as well as Feb, March, May and July. Let me say that I first visited Disney in early December 1997. I have gone every year around that time because it is just so much more magical to me at that time of year. The Christmas decorations at all the parks and deluxe resorts are a must see. The life size GingerBread house at GF is incredible, they sell hot chocolate and cookies (yes gingerbread) from inside the house. The decorations at WL are jaw dropping and nowhere can you feel as warm and cozy as sitting in the WL lobby near the fireplace. Now for the parks, the Candlelight Processional at EP is a must see. A guest narrator (celebrity) reads the Christmas Story from the Gospel according to Luke with a 400 member choir, and the 50 piece Disney orchestra - truly moving. Next is the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights as HS, then Christmas Around the World at EP where you learn how each country celebrates the birth of Jesus - great for the kids. You really need to experience it to understand when I say it is really magical squared.

 

[fers31]

My vote is for Christmastime as well. It's a very different (and wonderful) experience.

 

[dizfan]

We're very similar. We love MNSSHP. I have been to MVMCP, but my wife has not. This year, we're going in early December and will be enjoying the Christmas festivities.

I prefer MNSSHP, but love all the decorations and what is normally quiet parks. This year with the free dining, I'm not sure if December will be as quiet as normal.

Until you try it, you won't really know if you like it or not.

 

[goldenears]

We have been both times and as others have mentioned, both times have their pros. I would agree that MVMCP is not as great as MNSSHP, but the decorations at Christmas are spectacular and it absolutely adds to the magic. The weather is def. cooler, so make sure you pack lots of different things. We wore hats and mittens a few nights, but were also able to go swimming at SAB one day.
I would give Dec. a try. I don't think you will be disappointed that you gave up Oct. for one year

 

[thelionqueen]

We struggled with the EXACT same dilemma this year! We have gone to 8 straight MNSSHP's and decided to do Christmas this year. Since we are new BLT owners, we decided to do BLT & VWL from 12/13-12/24/09.

I TOTALLY feel your pain and don't exactly how I'm going to cope with celebrating Halloween without MNSSHP. I'm doing OK right now, but I know it will get REALLY tough as Oct 31st gets closer.

That said, I cannot WAIT for holidays @ WDW! This will be our first time to go in Dec and from all I've seen and heard its going to be amazing!! We went at the beginning of Nov in 2008 and the decorations were just being put up. It WAS a completely different feel to the parks and it was really fun. I know that going in the "heart of December" is going to be great.

My vote is try something new. Good luck!

 

[bobbiwoz]

We go to and enjoy both, however, the one that we wouldn't skip is the Christmastime celebrations. Since you've never done them, that's the one I would stay with for this year.

Bobbi