July or Nov????

[DDreneeT]

We were at WDW in July 2003, we want to go back either Nov 2004 or July 2005. If we go in Nov, it would arrive on Thanksgiving Day and stay 6 nights. If we go in July again, we would stay for 7 nights. My question is: This trip we are going to take our DS also. He will be 2 1/2 in Nov or 3 in July trip. Which would be the best. My DD will be 8 for this trip. We did fine in July with the heat, but we didn't have our DS on that trip. What is the weather like at Thanksgiving? And the crowds? And can people get in the pools?

Thanks to anyone who can help!!!

 

[CarolynFH]

Thanksgiving week used to be our favorite time to go -- until they changed the school schedule so that our kids don't have the entire week off!

We found that the crowds weren't bad at all early in the week, but lots of folks start arriving on Wednesday, so the rest of the week is very very busy. The MK often closes by 11:00 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day, but we've usually gone to Epcot and it hasn't been that busy. (Now that Mission: Space is open I don't know if that will still be true, but Epcot's so big it can hold a lot more folks.) I don't think the parks clear out until Sunday, when most people have to go back for school/work on Monday. So you would be doing the reverse of what we did, and it should work out fine. The week after Thanksgiving is one of the least busy times of the year!

The weather can be warm or cool, but yes, folks can and many do swim -- the pools are all heated.

Personally, I would go in November. The weather is much better (especially for a 2-3 year old), and also the Christmas decorations go up Thanksgiving week, so you can enjoy them too. We've been in June and September, and it was way too hot and humid for me to want to go in July.

Have a good trip! Wish we could go with you!

Carolyn

 

[jordgubben]

I have been both in July and November and I would definitely choose November over July. For me the heat was a big factor though you said that didn't bother you. The other huge factor is the crowds which I think are much better over thanksgiving then in the summer.

 

[WDSearcher]

DEFINTELY November!

 

[moinab]

Another vote for November. The July heat will be tough on your little guy. Also, If you go in July, you'll have to pay admission for him. If you go in November, he gets in free!

 

[bobcat]

I love late Nov / early Dec at WDW. I wish I could get enough time off to go during that time. The Christmas decorations are great.

However we usually go during late July/ early August since I teach and can take as much time as I want. I love this time of year as well.

 

[CarnotaurDad]

Oh my gosh,

November all the way! We have gone the past two Nov. with our DD 2 1/2 and then 3 1/2. The crowds and the cooler weather just make it great. There isn't as great a line to do any of the toddler type rides and fewer people crowding the characters. Also the holiday decorations make it seem extra special.

I would be happy to answer any specific questions about travelling at this time.

Have fun whenever you go.
Karen

 

[kild]

I agree with ^^^^ November is the better time to go. We went Nov before last and had a great time. Not too crowded, short lines, if any for rides, and the weather was perfect.

Now, we only go from Late Oct through Feb.


Well, the wife and I are sneaking away for a few days this month.

 

[pixieprincessmom]

I also vote for November, as a matter of fact we'll be there. We were there for Thanksgiving week 2 years ago. MK was a little crowded, but the rest of the parks were nice. If you are going to be there through the weekend you may even be able to go to MVMCP. I think they start it the Sunday after Thankgiving. I've never gotten to go (I teach and would not take off for vacation- even a Disney Vacation), but I heard it's great. I'm sure you'll have a great time no matter when you go!!

 

[avsfan]

crowds are worse in July
most days too cold for the pools

 

[chessie]

I would vote for November. Everyone should have the chance to experience Disney during the Christmas season. The weather can be very unpredictable though. It can range from the 80's to the 40's. We went the first full week after thanksgiving this past year and the weather was quite nippy. I would still trade the chilly weather for the Christmas decorations and the low crowds.