Late September or Early December

[rlduvall]

When should I go? [rooms already booked, but need to cancel one by tomorrow]

Should I go late September - stay at SSR - enjoy a few days of Food & Wine Fest; great flight times, cheap airfare and rental car; or

Second week in December - stay at AKV - Mousefest and Holiday Decorations; not-so-great flight times, more expensive flight and rental car.

I have been before in December and September, but never experienced F&W. Thanks everyone.

[I'm going to also post this on the Theme Park Attractions forums]

Edited to add: While my region doesn't get too much bad weather, last December on the day I was supposed to leave - but had already cancelled due to a death in the family - the airport was closed due to an ice storm. That's made me paranoid about December.

 

[bgraham34]

Seems to me by what you said that Sept is the better option. Saving money now allows a great Dec. trip next year, plus you see Food and Wine.

 

[El&Asmom]

I'd try food and wine if you don't mind the higher temps in Sept. Although I would rather have the hot than take a chance that it will be too cold.

I would really love to see the x-mas decorations though.

Sorry, I'm not much help.

 

[jekjones1558]

Have you checked on room availability in Dec.? You may not have a choice on when to go.

 

[Inkmahm]

Have you checked on room availability in Dec.? You may not have a choice on when to go.

That was going to be my comment. If you plan to stay DVC chances are there is no room in the inn. December at that time has been waitlisted by many for months.

 

[rlduvall]

Have you checked on room availability in Dec.? You may not have a choice on when to go.

I'm already booked in December for AKV. I agree, would not be an option otherwise.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I'd do December. We have done September twice, and both times it was so oppressively hot! No more. I love the cooler December temps and the lack of rain then.

 

[bgraham34]

I'd do December. We have done September twice, and both times it was so oppressively hot! No more. I love the cooler December temps and the lack of rain then.

I wouldn't say oppressively hot! but its hot. Usually upper 80's which I can handle. But this year is the earliest I am going on the 12th. Usually i dont go till the 20th or later.

 

[TK Brown]

I would go in December. It still can get hot, but the humidity is much less. You also dont have to worry about hurricanes!

 

[bobbiwoz]

I like the Christmas festivities better that F&W. However, we too have been in December when getting home was a true hassle because of weather. That was a nightmare!!

So, since it's less expensive for you, and not only are there F&W activities, but also MNSSHP, I would do late September this year. We were at WDW in late October last year, and I thought the MK was much better decorated for the Harvest Festival and Halloween, than later when it was decorated for Christmas - except for the Castle Lights, if you haven't seen them, then that would tip the scales for me, go in December.

Bobbi

 

[DTrippie]

We food and wine last year on opening weekend and December 2 years ago and this coming year as well. I guess you really can't lose in matter what you choose to do! Both times of the year are great! For my money though..... I'm all about new experiences and food and wine is something that is truly a fun time.

 

[spiceycat]

you have tried dec - so now go for Sept.

see what the concerts are - you might like to do one. (they should be annouced by now)

they are
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/guides/epcot/events/index.htm

 

[rlduvall]

Thanks for all the great replies. I'm still undecided - I drive myself crazy. I have stayed at AKV before, so it's kind of about if I am willing to give that up for SSR and go in September - which the grounds look beautiful. I could waitlist for AKV, but I know how that is right now.

 

[CarolMN]

I think you should go in September - because you haven't yet experienced the Food & Wine Festival.

I love the Holiday decorations 7 activities, but F&W is a fun time, too. I think you should try both if you able. FWIW, reservations for some of the special F&W events begin on August 25. We really enjoyed the Sweet Sunday event we attended last October.