Need Advice... Nov vs. December

[Txcharisma]

I am planning a 4 night/5 day trip to the World sort of last minute.....

We have non-negotiable travel dates & two possibilities to choose from:

November 19-23 (2011)

vs.

December 17-21 (2011)

The travellers will be myself (female, 25), my daughter (5) and my mother (46). We've all been to the World before, and all particularly love MK. We will be staying offsite (at a friend's home).... So in terms of crowds, parking, etc. which week would you all suggest? Thanks for any and all opinions. I just registered but I've been a lurker here since my first adult Disney trip! (back in 2008!)

 

[MamaJessie]

According to easywdw the Nov date crows levels are 6,7,8,8,9

The Dec dates are listed as 7,7,8,8,7

So they are predicted on that site to be pretty similar.

Have fun!

 

[wtrmlnlabs]

I am certainly no expert, but I hear so many say that Thanksgiving is so busy, I'd avoid it at all costs!! We did go the times in Dec you have listed, well we left the 19th I think, and it was busier than I liked, but doable. It was getting busier by the day, but looks like you'd be out before it got really bad. I'd do December....

 

[a742246]

November's weather should be better, if that makes a difference to you.

 

[WDWLODGE]

Both dates will be pretty busy. It's hard to say which one will be less busy because Christmas falls on a Sunday. The closest we have stayed to Thanksgiving was when we left the Saturday before Thanksgiving and it was really crowded. I think we waited close to 45 minutes to ride the Haunted Mansion at 10AM.

 

[BW0922]

Kind of a toss up in terms of crowds. too bad you cannot predict the weather. My vote would be for right before christmas. Nothing like the Disney magic to segway you right into the holiday.

 

[bah782]

I concur that both date ranges should bring similar crowds and weather. Either should be a great time and the weather is very nice.

 

[lpizzuro123]

I think it also might depend if you want to do any of the Holiday things at Epcot.

The MK will be decorated for the holidays and MVMCP will be starting November 8. The Holiday version of the Parade at AK starts in mid November. At DHS the Osborne Lights begin November 10.

The holiday things at Epcot do not start until the day after Thanksgiving - so if you go earlier in November you will miss them.

We go to WDW alot this time of year and love all the Holiday things. I would definately wait until December when you can catch all the things at Epcot.

Epcot - The Candlelight Processional , a Disney tradition now in its 41st year, is a moving presentation of the Christmas story in readings by a celebrity narrator and music by a Mass choir and 50-piece orchestra. This event takes place in the America Gardens Theatre in World Showcase in Epcot. This year, the Candlelight Processional begins November 25, 2011, and runs every evening until December 30. Shows are approximately 40 minutes. Each evening there are three shows -- 5, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m.

There is also the Holiday Storytellers in each country in Epcot and they add a special ending to IllumiNations from the day after Thanksgiving.

Linda