Need some help choosing dates...veteran who hasn't been in 3 years

[Mickey Fliers]

Hey all. We are a pretty seasoned WDW family but we haven't visited since we moved to Japan three years ago. We are returning to the states this summer and would like to book our first trip back. Our dates are limited and really a "lesser of two evils" is in effect. Oldest two kids will be a Senior and Junior in HS, one in MS and littlest in the first grade. Here are our choices:

1. Dec. 25 - Dec. 31
We would literally get going after Christmas morning and head to the World and leave NYE day and head to see family in SC.
Pros: It's a great time of year to visit for decor. We could squeeze in a trip to family for New Years. We could sell it as part of the kid's Christmas gifts. If we go again after the oldest graduates, the trips are several months apart. Wouldn't have to host my Mother-in-law for Christmas.
Cons: SUPER busy. Points are expensive. Did I mention the massive crowds? Probably cold. We would be squeezing a lot into a small amount of time.

2. March 19ish - March 26ish
Pros: Less points for DVC. We could spend a bit more time. Potentially better weather and crowds.
Cons: Still a busy time of year. No Christmas decor. Another trip in June would seem awfully close. Would have to host my Mother-in-Law for Christmas and find another time to go see family.

That's it in a nutshell. We haven't visited since the implementation of FP+, so that is a bit daunting as well. While I don't know if I really have a preference, I think my husband would like to go in December.

Give it to me straight.

 

[ammag]

Are you sticking to school vacation times and is that the only option for you?

 

[Lucius Best]

Congratulations, looks like Easter is March 27, I think you might have managed to pick the two busiest weeks of the next year!

If you are possibly going again next summer, then I would vote Christmas to space the trips out. Besides the decor, the parks are open super early and late, if you're veterans you should have less problem with rope drop and navigating around the crowds. I wouldn't say "probably cold", I would look at it more as "definitely not hot and humid" which can be a plus. Average high is around 70F. We've been in early January several times, it can be up in the 80s and occasionally down in the 30s the same week. Just need to pack/plan for wide range of temperatures.

 

[sharonabe]

IF you can get those teenagers up early (and I mean EARLY), those 7 am EMHs at MK are golden during Christmas week. Get park hoppers and plan to hit MK almost every morning. You will probably get everything you want done in those first 3 hours, hitting different lands on different mornings once the park opens completely, and then hop to one of the other parks. You'll only need one evening at MK to see the entertainment, and if you're not doing any attractions, you can get in and stake out your spot early. This would allow you to plan your FP+ at the other parks. You will need one morning in EP unless you plan to hop there two different days in order to get both Soarin and TT done.