Nov. or Jan.?

[Sunnyday3]

We currently have a six day trip scheduled for Nov. 11. We may be able to change it to Jan. 18 (MLK day) to the 24th.

I've only ever been to WDW during July and August. I am NOT a fan of crowds or heat. With that being said - would you prefer a Nov. or Jan. trip, especially considering the dates I've mentioned? I'm really looking forward to the Christmas experience, but I'm wondering if we will get better crowds during that Jan. date. I'm guessing we can swim a bit in Nov., but not so much in Jan.

Decisions, decisions...What would you do?

 

[goofy78]

November. We went in 2013 and it was awesome! Weather was a little on the chilly side a few days so I can only imagine in January it would be even colder. I like it on the warmer side.

 

[Sunnyday3]

November. We went in 2013 and it was awesome! Weather was a little on the chilly side a few days so I can only imagine in January it would be even colder. I like it on the warmer side.

Was it during FD? I'm concerned the crowds will be up then. I'm really hoping for a slower time.

 

[wareagle57]

Was it during FD? I'm concerned the crowds will be up then. I'm really hoping for a slower time.

I'm pretty sure MLK weekend is pretty crowded. I would go during November either way though.

 

[Indio]

November!!! That is a perfect week! Perfect weather and very low crowds! It can get cold in January in Florida. We went that week in January a few years ago and had to have sweatshirts, coats, gloves during the day. And it was very windy too! MLK weekend is also more crowded due to schools being out.

 

[Sunnyday3]

I'm pretty sure MLK weekend is pretty crowded. I would go during November either way though.

All of the Christmas decorations would be nice...

 

[disneybilly24]

November!!! That is a perfect week! Perfect weather and very low crowds! It can get cold in January in Florida. We went that week in January a few years ago and had to had sweatshirts, coats, gloves during the day. And it was very windy too! MLK weekend is also more crowded due to schools being out.

Went in November 2013 and loved it. It was the perfect combination of crowds, weather, decorations (Christmas), and open rides. Don't a lot of rides shut down for refurbishment in January and February? I might be making that up, but I thought I read that somewhere.

 

[AAPDisney]

Definately November. I went in January a few years ago and it was so cold, I vowed neevr to go back in January again. Yes, the crowds are very light in January, but they are also fairly light in November. We're going in November this year.

 

[Sunnyday3]

Definately November. I went in January a few years ago and it was so cold, I vowed neevr to go back in January again. Yes, the crowds are very light in January, but they are also fairly light in November. We're going in November this year.

Can anyone compare summer crowds to the November crowds? I cannot seem to find past crowd calendars for the years we've gone, so the November numbers really don't mean too much to me.

Thanks for the responses - this is really helpful!

 

[got2sammies]

Been in August many times and went on November 2010.. We are arriving the same day! Nov 11!! Back in 2010 the crowds were lighter plus we did the MVMCP.. The park hours are not as late as august so you will be back to your resort prob earlier than you normally do. Daylight saving ends the weekend before so It will get dark and cooler faster...During the day swimming would be ok the morning and evening may be a little cool (at least for me anyway).. January normally has a lot of refurbs going on..

 

[patches07]

November, That is a perfect week! Perfect weather and very low crowds!
My family and I will be ther the first week in November.

 

[nkereina]

You November dates coincide with Veteran's Day crowds, which will disperse after your first few days there. We arrive on 11/14, and also arrived on this date last year, and had great luck last year with crowds. Which is why we are going the same week this year.

IMHO, though January has a high probability of discounts and very low crowds, you also run into a lot of refurbishments during this time. In addition, it can be straight up cold - to the point where people where gloves and winter jackets. Pool time may be tough. And lastly, with light crowds and daylight being short this time of year, park hours are shorter as well.

Only con we had about November was that the weather was tough to predict - some days were very warm, some were cool where we needed hoodies, intermittent rain and not the quick passing kind of rain. We had to pack clothes for all weather types.

 

[Aliceacc]

Not sure where you're from. But in NY, we're probably a LOT more likely to face weather related flight delays and cancellations in January.

 

[OfTheWind]

I'm going in Nov but I wish I'd chosen Jan instead. Yes, it's going to be cold, but it will also be less crowded and value season. With Food and Wine, Christmas parties and free dining (I feel for anyone who is going during a free dining week and thinks they can book dining or even resort reservations a month in advance), Nov isn't exactly a slow season anymore. Besides it would be nice to take a vacation in Jan after all of the holiday commotion.

 

[nkereina]

I'm going in Nov but I wish I'd chosen Jan instead. Yes, it's going to be cold, but it will also be less crowded and value season. With Food and Wine, Christmas parties and free dining (I feel for anyone who is going during a free dining week and thinks they can book dining or even resort reservations a month in advance), Nov isn't exactly a slow season anymore. Besides it would be nice to take a vacation in Jan after all of the holiday commotion.

It solely depends on when you go in November. IMO, the only true 'quiet' week is the week before Thanksgiving. The first week of November still sees Food & Wine crowds, then Jersey Week/Veteran's Day week begins. Then there's the "calm before the storm" week before Thanksgiving which is quiet. It has been annoying to plan around MVMCP, but its worth it to see the Christmas decor.

FWIW, January often has free dining offers as well.

 

[Sunnyday3]

Not sure where you're from. But in NY, we're probably a LOT more likely to face weather related flight delays and cancellations in January.

I'm near Buffalo...so...highly probable with the flight delays.

 

[Sunnyday3]

Ahhh! So much to consider! Thanks for the responses!

 

[Ilovemyprincesses]

Wow. A lot of Buffalo people going down to Disney in Nov.

 

[Mamabolt]

We went in January last year, and I was disappointed at how crowded it was. With January being in Brazil's summer break, there were a lot of BTGroups. A CM told me that they didn't really have those quiet weeks anymore. We are looking forward to trying a November trip ourselves this year!

 

[ljmclin]

Definitely November!! We usually go in early December and have always loved that time of year. We love the decorations and lower crowds and we always have either free dining or room discount. We went in January last year and I swore never to go back that time of year. We usually swim in December, but it was very cold in January, no more Christmas decorations were up and the crowds were heavier. If you have the choice between November and January, my vote is for November. Our next trip is planned for November 2015!!! Good luck with your decision!