Mid Dec vs. Mid Jan - my experiences

mrsr2ro

Mouseketeer
Joined
Oct 8, 2010
Messages
350
I've done 3 trips to WDW in recent years. We did went in mid December, between the holidays, in '09 and '10. We just got back from going in mid Jan (1/11 - 1/19).

Hands down I enjoyed the January trip better. NOW, granted there are some other differences like the changes in FP. Also, we did the Dining plan on the Dec trips and did not this time (didn't do any TS meals). Here are my thoughts:

Yes, the Christmas decorations are great - everyone should do it at least once.

One thing I did not like about the Dec trips was how MVMCP really messes up the trip; making it difficult to do MK on those days if you are not doing the party. I liked how in January, MK was open until at least 8 each night of our trip with Wishes every night. I just felt it made the trip much more relaxed. We also didn't need hoppers on this trip and it worked out just fine. In '09 and '10 we got hoppers so we could do MK in the morning but then leave when the parties started.

Weather was about the same both times; anything from high in the upper 70's to lows in the 30's. The key to both times is to pack for anything.

Crowds just felt lighter in January than our December trips. We seemed to get a lot more done every day and walking around the park wasn't as congested.

Just wanted to share my comparison for those trying to decide which time to go :wizard:
 
One thing I did not like about the Dec trips was how MVMCP really messes up the trip; making it difficult to do MK on those days if you are not doing the party.

I agree. Especially now that they let anyone with MVMCP tickets in at 4:00 PM. So the park is only open until 7:00 PM for day guests, but you get that wave of MVMCP coming in at 4:00 PM which tends to quickly clog the whole park.

Back in the day, they used to close at 7:00 PM, clear the park of day guests, then re-open at 8:00 PM for MVMCP. That was much better for day guests as you got a full 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM window of a normal crowd day. Now, even if you go on an otherwise slow day, you basically have from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM before the park is completely swamped.
 


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