Mickey's Not So Merry Christmas Party??

[jimandami]

I have been there both if those times and the week before Thanksgiving is less crowded, IMHO. We went the first week of Dec this year and while I wouldn't call it crowded, there were certainly more people there than I anticipated. The only thing you lose by going early is a bit of the Christmas decor and the Candlelight Processional, which was awesome BTW.

 

[itchin2go]

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.

So true. We have been twice in October, and we strongly prefer January. Maybe the difference in temp is not that much, but it felt SO different to us. It was downright HOT this past October. If you're looking for milder temps, aim later in the year, or early in the next one.

 

[LottieDah]

I have been there both if those times and the week before Thanksgiving is less crowded, IMHO. We went the first week of Dec this year and while I wouldn't call it crowded, there were certainly more people there than I anticipated. The only thing you lose by going early is a bit of the Christmas decor and the Candlelight Processional, which was awesome BTW.

Yeah, I think this is the way to go for us. It's really the humidity we're trying to avoid, I can handle a little warmth as long as I can breathe! And hopefully November won't be as bad but we'll still have a few days warm enough to do a little swimming (watch it rain the whole week lol).

As for the Candlelight Processional, I think we'll be okay without it for our first trip. Since we're newbies, we're going to want to spend as much time as possible just checking out attractions and learning our way around the parks. The CP (from what I understand) is a huge time commitment, and I think we probably won't miss it too much this time around.

I'M SO EXCITED I can't stand it. Waiting until NEXT November is going to feel like eons. I'll never make it!!

 

[trainingupmy4princes]

If we can manage to fly, we might rent a car in Orlando for a day or two to try it out since the rates are lower in Orlando. For instance, we're planning to go to Hoop-Dee-Doo one evening and it would come in useful then (or we might just take a cab).

But for the most part, I think we can safely rely on Disney transportation as long as we remember to always give ourselves plenty of time for bus travel. While I'm thinking about it, any suggestions on what time to leave our resort to make rope drop? I was thinking 8, is that early enough or do the buses take even longer?

I have tried super hard to think of everything (even though I know this is impossible) to make it easier on us. However, since we've never been, and are unfamiliar with the area, I know we will run up on stumbling blocks. It's to be expected.

*This is the part where I hear Pete chanting in my head to "BE FLEXIBLE".*

I've resigned myself that if we don't get a certain Fast Pass, or if Hoop-Dee-Doo is all booked up that week, or if Big Thunder is down for refurb, I won't DIE. haha I'm just gonna be super stoked to be there! And something like that is only an excuse for me to pester the DH (who is not jazzed about this trip at all) to bring me back again.

The Hoop Dee Doo includes alcohol with the meal so I would suggest the bus or cab over driving. We have encountered many tipsy people coming out of the Hoop as well as the Luau. As confusing as it is to drive around there, I wouldn't want to do it after a few glasses of wine.

 

[trainingupmy4princes]

There is a transportation forum on the boards. You might get more info on flying/busses/DME over there.

 

[LottieDah]

The Hoop Dee Doo includes alcohol with the meal so I would suggest the bus or cab over driving. We have encountered many tipsy people coming out of the Hoop as well as the Luau. As confusing as it is to drive around there, I wouldn't want to do it after a few glasses of wine.

Excellent point. I believe I read somewhere they serve Sangria..... hmmm.... A cab is sounding better and better.