Newbie Question: January or October?

[Palm_Tree]

New to this forum. My wife and I have just started talking about taking our two kids (girl 7, boy 5 1/2) to WDW for the first time. We are looking at two possible dates: Wednesday, October 3 - Monday, October 8 (Columbus day) in 2007 or Wednesday, January 2 - Monday, January 7, 2008. Any opinions as to which time is more advantageous? We have read that it can be hot in early October - not sure if this is a good thing (as we can relax by pool in the late afternoon and perhaps try the water parks; we are also from Monteal hence the warm weather may be nice vs. "cooler' in January) or, if the heat and humidity will knock the young ones out. I am sure there are other factors as well to consider which we would love to hear about. Any feedback will be much appreciated!

 

[dpic]

First off, welcome to the Disboards

Next, my favorite time of year at WDW is October. The weather is great, the crowds are manageable, and our family loves the Halloween party--MNSSHP. We can't go until January this year, but with the fall season approaching I wish we were going in October. Yes, it can be warmer in Oct. However, even if it's hot during the day there's plenty of air conditioning. Hot afternoons are a great time to go back to the hotel and nap and swim. Then you can take full advantage of great night-time hours when warm nights will feel great. Also, with children your ages, I would highly suggest MNSSHP. It's the best event at WDW.

No matter when you go, though, WDW is a fantastic place. Enjoy.

 

[Amy&Dan]

I would also vote for October. I have been that first week of January before and while it was wonderful, at times it was very cold. And I'm from Colorado so I know about cold, it just was a bummer to be in WDW wearing fleece coats and gloves! Some good things about early January, the holiday decorations are still up, including the Osborne Lights at MGM. Crowds I am thinking would be about even. Columbus Day can really bring them in but the Christmas/New Years crowds can still be a factor into the first week of January. I agree that MNSSHP is wonderful. And October can be hot but unlike the summer in Florida, the evenings are pleasant and the humidty is not as bad. You would definitely have more swimming opportunites in October although we swam most days in January too! Good luck with your decision.

 

[BTown]

I've been during both months, and I have to throw my vote in for October. Crowds are generally pretty low during both months, but they seem to be lower during October. The weather of course is cooler in Jan, but October is still very nice. Plus, going in October, you can take part in Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at MK and the International Food and Wine Fest at Epcot.

 

[nluvwithmickey]

Another vote for October. The dates you have chosen for January, I think that the parks will still be really crowded from the holiday vacationers. Had you chosen another time in January, I would have suggested that month because the crowds are pretty low after most of the kids back in school. We have visited Jan 11-18th and the weather although downright chilly at times, was beautiful and the crowds non-existant.

As for Oct....we are heading down soon. We cannot wait! It will be hot, but we know about the heat. We have traveled in July a couple of times and are ready.

Besides, you'll get a chance to do MNSSHP, that's sure to be a hit with your kids.

 

[rkandmjsmommy]

We are HUGE fans of January, been twice in 2004 and 2006, crowds are NON EXISTENT, weather for us has been wonderful. But we are leaving in 23 days for our first October trip, we are VERY excited about MNSSHP and the Food and Wine Festival. Both have pros and cons. What I have heard is Colombus day week can be crowded so keep that in mind

 

[dixiedizfan]

The first week of January is VERY crowded, plus it can get pretty cold ... too cold for enjoying the pool and water rides such as Kali. October sounds great!

 

[INdisneyfamily]

We have been both months. The weather in January can be very hit or miss. I would definitely recommend October!

 

[keishashadow]

don't forget January usually is when they close down a few attractions for rehab & 1 waterpark (this coming year it's Splash Mt., RNR @ MGM & Typhoon Lagoon).

the first week in Jan. books up with left over holiday crowd & marathon attendees, I'm told MLK weekend is busy too.

We're trying Oct. this year, week of columbus day (I'm told it'll be nearly as hot as June), rooms were easier to book 6 or 7 months ahead of time & there were discount codes available.

My worry is the weather & the lousy rental car rates so far.

Have you considered early Dec. - it's very nice then, planning on returning next year...whatever you decide, enjoy!

 

[Palm_Tree]

Wow! Thanks everyone for all of your feedback and comments. It has really helped us in trying to determine when is more ideal to go. We are definitely leaning more towards
October 3 - 8 (Cloumbus day) and will now also consider the week before as it seems like that week and weekend before would be even quieter than the Colombus day weekend.
Thanks again everyone for your help!

 

[tacomaranch]

How about both?