May or December?

[runnermama78]

I'm trying to plan a trip for 2018. The top contenders for months are early May and early December. (Also kind of thinking about September.) The last time we took the kids was in December (2015) and we loved it. However, I haven't been during Flower and Garden Festival since 2002, I think. So, what are some pros and cons for each time?

 

[CAS239]

I'd take December. Better weather, Christmas decorations, holiday feel in the park.

Flower and garden is nice as well, but it can be brutal with this heat

 

[kniquy]

I personally love the Christmas decorations, so if it were my choice i would pick Christmas. I did Flower and garden this year. It is nice there are many different food carts to try, so if you are a foodie then you will be happy. But keep in mind that is only at Epcot. The weather will be warmer in May, so if heat is a problem then take that into consideration. Christmas time every park and resort is decorated so there is a lot to see everywhere. Both times i believe are lower crowd times, but i believe they tend often do free dining at the beginning of December so that might making dining reservations a little tougher to get.

 

[LSUfan4444]

The only problem I see with December is that being so close to Christmas it can make budgeting a little harder for some people. Yeah, you miss the booths at Epcot but good food and drink can easily be found other places. The better weather and Christmas decorations, parties, etc trump the longer park hours that May brings.

 

[runnermama78]

Yeah, the only con for December that I can think of right now is that (at least based on our other December trip) it's a little chilly to swim. And we're from Maine!

 

[Chrelaine]

We went the first week of May 2 years ago and absolutely loved the weather and crowd size. Unfortunately DD is in school now, so no more May trips. August weather just isn't the same!

 

[Ambehnke]

I would pick December! Love Christmas time at Disney!

 

[Spork24]

Yeah, the only con for December that I can think of right now is that (at least based on our other December trip) it's a little chilly to swim. And we're from Maine!

Pretty much all wdw pools are heated, meaning the water isn't freezing, so if you have a warm day which is somewhat common in early dec. you can absolutely hit the pool. I've done it before.

 

[kniquy]

it's a little chilly to swim

This might be the only negative for December, but i do recall being there fore NYE and the kids had no problem going swimming (One foot in was enough for me).

 

[minniegirl19]

Another Vote for December. 1. Because of the atmosphere 2. Because toy story land is rumored to be opening in mid 2018 (hopefully will find out the official date at the D23 expo) and i wouldn't want to miss it by a few months if I chose December I would see it

 

[MommaBerd]

One strike against December is all of the MVMCPs. It really limits your opportunities to see HEA, and your overall time in MK. Also, even though calendars are always subject to change, I would compare park hours between the two months.

 

[sharonabe]

I'm going to vote for May mostly because you've already done December. The kids need to see it without all the Christmas stuff. You also don't have to worry about what to pack and can pack much lighter since you don't need the layers that are called for in December.

We went the first week in May several years ago, and it was gorgeous. The summer humidity hasn't yet moved in, but it's definitely warm enough to spend some time in the pools or the waterparks.

 

[margot31]

December. Better weather and the decorations are AMAZING.