November/December vs. January/February

[jrasmom]

We thought we were coming in September but that has been postponed.
So then we were thinking the first week fo February THEN I read about the SuperBowl and I think I'd just rather avoid that, just in case it does get crowded around those dates.

So I looked up value rate season dates and wonder if you could offer some opinions? I realize the dates for 2009 may chnage (along with prices) but I'm just using what I can for estimation purposes.

Disney Value Resorts from $82*
(1/1 - 2/13)
(8/3 - 10/1)
(11/30 - 12/18)

What about the last week of November/first week of December? Is this a slow time to go, really? I thought it was all busy time around the Holidays? Are the decorations already out then too? What about that parade thing with Regis & Kelly, I don't want to be there then when is that usually?

Comparing first of December to January (not marathon or MLK weekend) which comes out on top for lower crowds? What about weather wise, one over the other?

It would probably have to be the first week of December before we could go, I'm pretty sure my dd will have a big ballet performance the end of November so we'd have to wait until after that.

Thank you guys so much, I joined here before our first trip in 2006, thinking we'd never make another one but learning SO MUCH from you all. I appreciate all your help now!!

 

[Stacy's a freak]

I love the week just after Thanksgiving (Last week of November/1st week of December). It is not crowded, the holiday decorations are up, the weather is generally good (high 70's for day and 60's at night), and it's the beginning of value season. It is NOT all busy around the holidays. Certainly avoid Thanksgiving week and 1-2 weeks before Christmas. But those 2-ish weeks inbetween are terrific!

Yes, generally the parade taping is the Friday and Saturday of that week, but I haven't found that to be too problematic for me. I always get a park hopper so if I go to the MK on the parade day and it seems to crazy, I get out of there and go to another park. But I have never felt that I had to leave as much/all of the taping activity is just in the Castle Forecourt area or on Main Street.

 

[disneyfan2]

We always go in Feb and the crowds are great, low, and good deals on air. Plus if you plan for after 3rd week of Jan you should hope for a P&P party? It was awesome!

 

[jrasmom]

We always go in Feb and the crowds are great, low, and good deals on air. Plus if you plan for after 3rd week of Jan you should hope for a P&P party? It was awesome!

In all likelihood if we go in Jan/Feb we are leaning more towards February.
With the Super Bowl beign February 1st I was thinking we'd wait until the following weekend and come in from like February 9-13. We were just planning on 4/5 days this time.

In November, well it'd probably have to bafter December 5th. I'm not certain of dd's ballet schedule next year but if it follows this past years schedule she'd have a performance that first Friday night of December. So we could be in and out of there before the 18th.

Air isn't a factor as we usually drive. Not to say we won't take a good deal on airfare if we can get it but they are hard to come by from out little regional airport.

 

[disneyfan2]

With the Super Bowl beign February 1st I was thinking we'd wait until the following weekend and come in from like February 9-13. We were just planning on 4/5 days this time.

I think this is a good plan i wouldnt want to be there during Superbowl weekend. This is the week i went last year, and it was great. And it is still value season.

 

[jrasmom]

I think this is a good plan i wouldnt want to be there during Superbowl weekend. This is the week i went last year, and it was great. And it is still value season.

What were the temps. like that week?

 

[tkoran]

subbing

 

[RFrank9504]

Florida ressie here-Nov/Dec its beautiful still warm & thry decorate early for the holidays. Thnksgiving it gets crowded. Jan/Feb-chilly-40s & 50s less crowds-stay away Martin Luther King Jr. weekend and Pres day weekend-crazy packed. Good luck-hope this helps.

 

[Morello4]

We were at the GF January 6th of this year and the weather was beautiful and no crowds at all. It was a great week.

 

[vargas17]

In all likelihood if we go in Jan/Feb we are leaning more towards February.
With the Super Bowl beign February 1st I was thinking we'd wait until the following weekend and come in from like February 9-13. We were just planning on 4/5 days this time.

In November, well it'd probably have to bafter December 5th. I'm not certain of dd's ballet schedule next year but if it follows this past years schedule she'd have a performance that first Friday night of December. So we could be in and out of there before the 18th.

Air isn't a factor as we usually drive. Not to say we won't take a good deal on airfare if we can get it but they are hard to come by from out little regional airport.

This sounds just like us. We plan on getting there the 6th and leaving o the 13th. We would like to fly but with me, dh, ds, dd , mom, and sister airfair is adding up. I am also still kinda worried about the weather then. Some say is is freezing while others say it is good.

 

[lynn46356]

We've been the last two years in February. We arrive the Saturday before President's Day weekend and leave the Friday of the beginning of President's Day weekend. It has really worked out well for us. The weather has been enjoyable. Both years we were able to swim a few days and get in a water park. Of course, our 9 year old son could probably swim in 50 degree weather. Lines weren't bad until the last Friday. This year we left Magic Kingdom prior to the lines getting bad which was by noon. I would definitely recommend going at this time if you have a chance. We had to take our son out of school for four days but it was well worth it. It beat the summer heat of June and July which we hopefully won't do again. Hope this helps.

Lynn