Late September or post-Thanksgiving--please help!

[jenfromnj]

My DH and I are debating whether to plan our Disney adventure for late September (to coincide with his 30th birthday) or late November into early December (right after the Thanksgiving crowds have died down). I'd love to go sooner rather than later, but we're a bit concerned about the weather, given last year's hurricane season. If you've been during one (or both!) of these times, please share the benefit of your wisdom and experience. TIA!

 

[Piglet42]

I can't speak for Nov or Dec, but we went to Disney World on our Honeymoon last Sept and it was great. We rained for about 20 minutes on two different days, but it was light rain. Only one day did it actually get really hot, most of the week was probably high 70's, low 80's with a breeze. It was perfect. We missed all hurricanes but one, we left a day early due to Jeanne coming in. I think last year was a once in a many years type of thing, let's hope! We are going again this Sept and braving hurricane season again.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot- the crowds were very light. We got an early start almost every morning, and the most we ever waited in line was probably 20 minutes. We were able to come back to the hotel and rest around 2:00 every day before going back out.

Hope this helps! I'm sure you will have a great time either way.

 

[Gooofy-Blade]

After years of going in June we did a week in September last year - in between the hurricanes- and loved it and will always go back in September now. The low crowds were unbelievable and granted, the hurricanes may have affected the crowds, we NEVER waited in line at all - honest!
We even rode a few rides twice without having to get off the ride! By the way, this was labor day week 2004 and we are doing again in 2005!


Oh, wait a minute..........September was awful and we waited in line for hours and the weather - 20 degrees and snowed every day!!!!!! ( gotta keep those crowds away for this year)

 

[DisneyWisher]

Our family goes in Sept and after Thanksgiving. Depends what you are looking for. The crowds are a bit bigger after Thanksgiving (but nothing compared to Spring break or summer) but seeing everything ready for Christmas is so beautiful, not to mention the cooler weather. I don't think late September is as slow as the week after Labor Day which is probably the slowest time of the year (oops I mean busiest, yeah the busiest! ). Late Sept offers MNSSHP while after Thanksgiving you have MVMCP. Its a difficult decision which is why we go for both. One of the perks to living in FL. But After Thanksgiving would get my vote because of the cooler weather, you do still have the chance of rain because of cold fronts. But its better than heat, humidity, and thunderstorms.
I don't think I was much help. Sorry.
Either way you will love it and have a great time.
Shirley

 

[kimisabella]

Definatley go after Thanksgiving. The last time we went after this past Thanksgiving, the weather was beautiful, low 80's, the crowds weren't so bad, and the decorations are gorgeous. You can go to MVMCP, and other holiday related things occur all over the parks, it's such a great time to go.

 

[DawnCt1]

I would take my chances with hurricane season. The last time we went to WDW it was over Thanksgiving and we froze!

 

[sherry8253]

We always go in early Dec or Jan. Crowds are low, value season, MVMCP & decorations in Dec. We love it then!

 

[tessqt]

My last 4 visits (I think it's 4) were the week after Thanksgiving, we are going at that time again this year. I love that time of year do to the holiday decorations,value season, less crowds and weather.

I would go anytime, but I do love that time of year!

 

[J and R's mom]

I've never been in September but I really like going at the end of Nov and early Dec. I took the advice of the Unofficial Guide book and went during the first two weeks of December for two visits. The crowds are very light during this time of year and the Christmas decorations are gorgeous. Plus, you can go to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (MVMCP) which is very neat--just buy your tickets to it early if you plan on going during this time...they tend to sell out pretty quickly.

We've been lucky because we've had very nice weather the two years that we went during this time. I even had to buy an exta short-sleeved shirt on one of the visits b/c it got a little warm.

 

[jenfromnj]

Thanks everyone! It looks like there are advantages to both--maybe I can convince my DH to do both!