Mickey's Not So Merry Christmas Party??

[LottieDah]

This is my first thread, so I hope I'm posting in the right place!! (newbie alert) That said, here goes...

My family and I are in the process of planning our very first trip to WDW. I've been dreaming of going since I was a wee little tater tot, but haven't gotten the chance before now (I know, tragic right? I think so, too!).

I'm anxiously waiting for the 2015 dates to come out so I can get the ball rolling on some reservations. Right now 2015 seems like forever away, but I'm hoping it will get here quicker than we think.

Anywho, with all the different events available and resort rate fluctuations effecting our travel date decisions, my head is spinning with possibilities!

Priority 1: Cheapskates'R'Us
We have to aim for a Value season to get the best resort rates possible, we're planning for an 8 night stay--we want to hit as many wanna-dos as possible without killing ourselves and missing out on the little things.

Priority 2: Say NO to stranger cooties!
We're hoping to hit a time frame when the crowds are relatively low for WDW.

Priority 3: It's gettin' hot in hur...
We want to avoid the hottest parts of the year--the cooler the better.

With those three things in mind, the sweet spot seems to fall somewhere between mid-October and mid-November. This leads me to the question that actually prompted me to make my first post: When do they put up the Christmas lights?

Since we're staying 9 days, do we have an ice-cube's chance in Hades of catching both the Halloween party and Christmas lights?

Thanks!

Tracy (LottieDah)

 

[siskaren]

If past years' schedules are any indication, you can definitely hit both the Halloween and Christmas parties in a 9 day trip (I assume that's why your thread title is Mickey's Not So Merry Christmas Party ) - last year, the last MNSSHP was on November 1, and the first MVMCP was on November 8. The MK will be decorated for Christmas (including the Castle Dream Lights) in time for the first MVMCP (with the exception of the large Christmas tree). The Osborne Lights have been starting the same night as the MVMCP though, so you most likely would have to choose one or the other with an 8 night stay.

 

[jce2]

They won't have to choose because I believe last year was the last year for Osbourne lights.

 

[mesaboy2]

They won't have to choose because I believe last year was the last year for Osbourne lights.

Rumor only. There is no proof of this.

 

[larryz]

Oh, and ! I like your sense of wry.

 

[Jane Eyre]

We have gone several times in mid-January, because the crowds are very low. The weather can be a little cool sometimes, but I would rather wear a light coat or sweater than go in a different season and be too hot.

This year we are going in early December, expressly to see the Osborne lights and the BEAUTIFUL lights on the castle for the Xmas season. All the holiday lights are taken down in very early January. So that being said, perhaps for your first visit to WDW it might be best for you to go in November to see the lights. Hope you have a magical visit!!!!

 

[Momof2B2G]

They won't have to choose because I believe last year was the last year for Osbourne lights.

What?? No, no, no. This is my very first post. This was what I wanted to see on our very first night of going to WDW. And our very first trip to WDW..... Oh, no!!!

 

[ZoZo]

Priority 3: It's gettin' hot in hur...
We want to avoid the hottest parts of the year--the cooler the better.

With those three things in mind, the sweet spot seems to fall somewhere between mid-October and mid-November.

If you want to avoid hot weather, I strongly recommend that you don't go in October. I've been on five October trips, at different times throughout the month. Four out of five trips have been very hot and humid.

You might want to shoot for November instead. Or maybe try my new favorite time of year to go, the last week of February! That was wonderful this year; we even had a couple of days that it was warm enough to swim, but it never got too hot, and there was no humidity at all!

 

[siskaren]

What?? No, no, no. This is my very first post. This was what I wanted to see on our very first night of going to WDW. And our very first trip to WDW..... Oh, no!!!

You missed mesaboy's response to this post:

Rumor only. There is no proof of this.

 

[Minniekins]

This year the halloween party is on Fri the 31st, and the first Xmas party is on Fri the 7th of Nov. I think the MNSSHP is confirmed, not sure if the 7th date is confirmed yet. If it was like that next year, you could do a party on your first and last days and get both in! But both parties would be pretty crowded, I would think. And, most of your trip would be with the halloween decorations up. If you could stay one more night, you could fit in the Osbourne lights if they don't start until the same day as the MVMCP! We were going to do that this year on our trip, but my DD23 finally said she thought she'd miss all the Xmas too much that we usually go for, and I agreed! Someday though, we will make it to MNSSHP, lol!

I was under the impression that the Osbourne Lights would still be in DHS this year, with the rumor being more fiction than fact at this point, and I really hope so, though I could be wrong. The Lights are one of the biggest of the Xmas decorations at WDW and DHS really needs the crowds they bring in, so hopefully they continue for a long time!

 

[mesaboy2]

You missed mesaboy's response to this post:

Yep. The PP's response is why I despise rumors--they tend to get people upset for no reason. I will stamp them out if I can.

 

[AshleeH]

Big misconception about mid-October - it will not be cool. It won't be July weather, but we have seen many 90 degree days on our various trips. Average is always mid-high 80s.

As for crowds, I don't think there is a low crowd time at Disney anymore. Maybe February, but then you have to deal with some of the headliners that might be down for refurbishment.

Any time Disney is expecting low crowds, they roll out the discounts and free dining to get more people there - and it works.

Enjoy planning your trip! Keep in mind that Disney is built for crowds and they know how to work it - if you are there on a crowded week, they will be open with longer hours to compensate.

 

[vleeth]

We were there the last week of October last year. There were two or three mornings that were too cool to swim. It was warm every day, but not overly hot.

 

[LottieDah]

Yep. The PP's response is why I despise rumors--they tend to get people upset for no reason. I will stamp them out if I can.

First, good on you for trying to keep those rumors to a minimum. Nasty little things, aren't they? That said, I hope this one's not true. From what I've heard and read, those lights are a true favorite and really set the holidays off for people. I had also heard that rumor before but hadn't put too much stock into it because even if the contract does run out with the Osbourne family, I'm sure Disney would jump right into coming up with a light show of their own. It's too important and brings in too much revenue during the Christmas season. It would be a real shame to lose it and I can't imagine they'd let that happen.

Second, thanks to everyone for warning me about the October heat. My #1 pick for booking would've been late January or early February, BUT since we're paying the remaining balance of the trip off with our splendiferous, superfunktastic tax refund, I don't think there's any way we can make that happen. *pouts*

But I am definitely not bummed about going during the other Value season since it means I get to go to MNSSHP!! I am SO looking forward to that. That party is right up my alley and I cannot wait to dress up and get my Disney-nerd on! Already have my DH's and my costume planned out. I think my 16 year old son wants to go as a Jedi knight, because (of course) the force is strong with that one.

Hopefully we can beat SOME of the heat by going in late October. I know we can't avoid it completely (it is Florida after all), but I have a lot of mid-day breaks planned and am focusing on early mornings and evenings for park touring. (I have gone into commando mode with my planning...the spreadsheets are ridiculous. Ha! But that's how I'm getting my fix until I get there.)

The ONE thing I can't seem to figure out, though -- AIRFARE. My family has never flown and I find the multitude of websites and options beyond confusing. Does it seriously cost $350 to fly ONE person round trip from KY to FL??!! I would much rather skip the 12 hour drive, but if the three of us can't get there for closer to $200 per person (which is right around the break even point that I've estimated for our rental car and gas fill-ups), then it's way out of our price range. Can this be done? Or should I just get used to the idea of 12 hours of bickering, nagging and bad music?

Thanks again guys!

Tracy

 

[jimandami]

First, good on you for trying to keep those rumors to a minimum. Nasty little things, aren't they? That said, I hope this one's not true. From what I've heard and read, those lights are a true favorite and really set the holidays off for people. I had also heard that rumor before but hadn't put too much stock into it because even if the contract does run out with the Osbourne family, I'm sure Disney would jump right into coming up with a light show of their own. It's too important and brings in too much revenue during the Christmas season. It would be a real shame to lose it and I can't imagine they'd let that happen.

Second, thanks to everyone for warning me about the October heat. My #1 pick for booking would've been late January or early February, BUT since we're paying the remaining balance of the trip off with our splendiferous, superfunktastic tax refund, I don't think there's any way we can make that happen. *pouts*

But I am definitely not bummed about going during the other Value season since it means I get to go to MNSSHP!! I am SO looking forward to that. That party is right up my alley and I cannot wait to dress up and get my Disney-nerd on! Already have my DH's and my costume planned out. I think my 16 year old son wants to go as a Jedi knight, because (of course) the force is strong with that one.

Hopefully we can beat SOME of the heat by going in late October. I know we can't avoid it completely (it is Florida after all), but I have a lot of mid-day breaks planned and am focusing on early mornings and evenings for park touring. (I have gone into commando mode with my planning...the spreadsheets are ridiculous. Ha! But that's how I'm getting my fix until I get there.)

The ONE thing I can't seem to figure out, though -- AIRFARE. My family has never flown and I find the multitude of websites and options beyond confusing. Does it seriously cost $350 to fly ONE person round trip from KY to FL??!! I would much rather skip the 12 hour drive, but if the three of us can't get there for closer to $200 per person (which is right around the break even point that I've estimated for our rental car and gas fill-ups), then it's way out of our price range. Can this be done? Or should I just get used to the idea of 12 hours of bickering, nagging and bad music?

Thanks again guys!

Tracy

As far as airfare, I'm not sure where in KY you live but check Southwest out of Louisville. We only have one leg of our Oct trip booked because they haven't released past Oct 31, but it's somewhere around $109 each way right now I think (we used SW points so I'm not 100% certain).

 

[monique5]

First, good on you for trying to keep those rumors to a minimum. Nasty little things, aren't they? That said, I hope this one's not true. From what I've heard and read, those lights are a true favorite and really set the holidays off for people. I had also heard that rumor before but hadn't put too much stock into it because even if the contract does run out with the Osbourne family, I'm sure Disney would jump right into coming up with a light show of their own. It's too important and brings in too much revenue during the Christmas season. It would be a real shame to lose it and I can't imagine they'd let that happen.

Second, thanks to everyone for warning me about the October heat. My #1 pick for booking would've been late January or early February, BUT since we're paying the remaining balance of the trip off with our splendiferous, superfunktastic tax refund, I don't think there's any way we can make that happen. *pouts*

But I am definitely not bummed about going during the other Value season since it means I get to go to MNSSHP!! I am SO looking forward to that. That party is right up my alley and I cannot wait to dress up and get my Disney-nerd on! Already have my DH's and my costume planned out. I think my 16 year old son wants to go as a Jedi knight, because (of course) the force is strong with that one.

Hopefully we can beat SOME of the heat by going in late October. I know we can't avoid it completely (it is Florida after all), but I have a lot of mid-day breaks planned and am focusing on early mornings and evenings for park touring. (I have gone into commando mode with my planning...the spreadsheets are ridiculous. Ha! But that's how I'm getting my fix until I get there.)

The ONE thing I can't seem to figure out, though -- AIRFARE. My family has never flown and I find the multitude of websites and options beyond confusing. Does it seriously cost $350 to fly ONE person round trip from KY to FL??!! I would much rather skip the 12 hour drive, but if the three of us can't get there for closer to $200 per person (which is right around the break even point that I've estimated for our rental car and gas fill-ups), then it's way out of our price range. Can this be done? Or should I just get used to the idea of 12 hours of bickering, nagging and bad music?

Thanks again guys!

Tracy

As other person suggested, Southwest. I've always been able to find tickets $109 each way/ per person. Last year, $89. We drive 1.5 for the cheaper airfare, but for the low airfare, it's generally cheaper or we break even (cost of rental & gas).

However, our upcoming June trip, $760 for 3 tickets (waited too long & had to do $109 & $129) is $180-$200 more than expected cost of rental & gas, plus certain parking fees. It's $ well spent to shorten the travel time, more time in parks on arrival & departure days without worrying about a tired driver. And we get to ride the DME.

 

[disneyfantotheend]

The ONE thing I can't seem to figure out, though -- AIRFARE. My family has never flown and I find the multitude of websites and options beyond confusing. Does it seriously cost $350 to fly ONE person round trip from KY to FL??!! I would much rather skip the 12 hour drive, but if the three of us can't get there for closer to $200 per person (which is right around the break even point that I've estimated for our rental car and gas fill-ups), then it's way out of our price range. Can this be done? Or should I just get used to the idea of 12 hours of bickering, nagging and bad music?

Thanks again guys!

Tracy

If you want both the Halloween party and the lights, your best bet is arriving one or two days prior to the last Halloween party. That party will be sold out and pretty crowded, so beware, but otherwise there is a good chance the lights won't be lit yet when you leave. Even doing it that way, you may not see both. They have been starting them early the last couple years, but prior to that it was closer to Thanksgiving. Plus the later you go date wise, the cooler it gets.

As for airfare, try a site like Kayak that lists all of the different airlines prices and you can even pick to fly out of a nearby airport for better price options. Good luck! Our airfare this last trip was $300 per person from Pennsylvania. They have gone up so much in the last couple years.

 

[emksmama]

We drive from Indiana to Disney and its not too bad. Depends on what kind of car and number of passengers, but for our daughters (ages 10 & 11), its not too bad! We've driven to Florida 4 times, 2005, 2006, 2011 and 2012) and done it straight through twice, never again. Just too old! But for about $500 we can drive, get a decent hotel each way, and spend less than half of what airfare would cost.

 

[LottieDah]

As far as airfare, I'm not sure where in KY you live but check Southwest out of Louisville. We only have one leg of our Oct trip booked because they haven't released past Oct 31, but it's somewhere around $109 each way right now I think (we used SW points so I'm not 100% certain).

We're much closer to Lexington (about 45 minutes) than Louisville (about 1.5 hours), but for that kind of savings, I will definitely give it a look! We're less than half an hour from the TN line but it would be well worth bumming a ride from the mother-in-law to the airport in Louisville! haha

Thanks so much. It would be so nice not to have to work the stiffness and road-grumpies out when we arrive, not to mention the dreaded trek home! Any and all advice is so greatly appreciated!!

 

[jimandami]

We're much closer to Lexington (about 45 minutes) than Louisville (about 1.5 hours), but for that kind of savings, I will definitely give it a look! We're less than half an hour from the TN line but it would be well worth bumming a ride from the mother-in-law to the airport in Louisville! haha

Thanks so much. It would be so nice not to have to work the stiffness and road-grumpies out when we arrive, not to mention the dreaded trek home! Any and all advice is so greatly appreciated!!

You are welcome! Out of Lexington, you can also fly Allegiant pretty cheaply BUT the dates are sometimes limited and they don't fly into MCO but into Sanford so you then need transportation to WDW. If you are already planning to rent a car (we don't), then that option may work out. If not, we found that the money we would save on the flight would just go into the rental car or whatever to get ourselves to WDW. Plus, we just love the experience of Magical Express.