Nov. or Jan.?

[monaleigh70]

Been to WDW in both November and January. Once it snowed in November!! And once is was so cold in January the iguanas were falling out of the trees. It's also been gorgeous in November and the Christmas decorations were up and I am a sucker for that. IMHO, the best week is the week before Thanksgiving. That's when we're going this year. The best thing to do is bring layers, because the days can be warm but it really cools down since it gets dark early.

 

[tinkerbesh]

I'd lean towards Nov for all the reasons listed above.

If you want a detailed crowd calendar analysis, I always trust easywdw.com

 

[alc571]

My vote is for November. Although I've never been in November, that is when our trip is booked this fall. We went last January, and it was awful! It was freezing cold, rainy and windy. We are from Canada, and we still had to wear our winter coats/hats/mitts wondering around the parks. I will NEVER go in January again. Low crowds or not, it's not worth it. Florida is warm weather to me! Looking at the temps from last year November, it looks like pretty nice weather to me!

 

[HopperFan]

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!

THIS January through beginning of February (and it is a couple of countries who do this right of passage). If you will stay at WL in January you should at least be spared the hotel and bus nightmares. In the parks you can try to avoid them but there will be thousands there - all teenagers with basically no supervision. A couple adults to 50+ kid groups who themselves instigate the bad behavior. Chanting, singing, pushing, being rude. Two years in a row now for me ............ after taking a break from it. If I return it will be at a deluxe or off-property. Jan/Feb you have to pack everything from shorts to coats. One year we needed hats and gloves! One year we were laying at the pool. You just don't know. We've done both in one week's time.

LOVE November there, great weather that is more predictable and the holiday decor!

 

[Tx_Belle]

I'll be taking my first November trip this year!

After doing loads of research on crowd levels, we decided November was a pretty safe bet. If anything, it'll be worth it for the weather alone. No too hot, probably not too cold. (I'm in Texas, and Florida weather is pretty much the same as ours).

At least the heat index - and humidity - won't be over 100 degrees.

 

[maryj11]

November !!!

 

[Babsy]

November is definitely the better month to go. We went in November last year and Jan early this year. It was so cold in jan that I got very sick and had to leave to go home early. Freezing cold and raining almost every day.

 

[MIGrandma]

I'm thrilled to be seeing so many suggestions for November.

We will be there January 21 - 29th with extended family/inlaws. January has always been a good time for us to go as we're in Michigan and it's wonderful to get away from the bitter cold, snow and ice for a few days. Yes, January may have cooler weather in Florida, but even 60's is still great to us. We have always been able to wear shorts and t-shirts during the daytime, then maybe throw on jeans and a sweatshirt for evening. I do remember one year at night we could see our breath and I was wishing for gloves but we still had a great time and since the crowd was non-existant we just ran all over riding everything we wanted to, it was awesome!

The last time I was there in January was 2 years ago and I honestly don't remember having any trouble with Brazilian tour groups. Either we just happened to be where they weren't, or there weren't many of them there, I don't know. One year we encountered a few rude ones but it didn't stop us from still wanting to go in January over any other month.

I've gone in March (spring break, a ton of cheerleaders, ugh) and September (hot, humid and rainy) and I would choose January over those months.

 

[Nutbean]

I would prefer to go in November over January.

Reasons being...

1. greater chance of a better discount (ex. free dining vs. stay/play/dine)
2. usually the weather is more comfortable (neither too hot or cold)
3. Christmas decorations (I've only ever been in September so this appeals to me greatly)
4. Food & Wine festival goes in to the first week or so of November

Have fun either way!