October or December?

[scraptoons]

Hi!
We are planning our first family trip. We are willing to miss school a few days for smaller crowds and better weather.
We were looking at the first week in December, or first week of October.
We have 5 in our 2 adults, 3 kids ages 8, 6, and 3.
We are considering renting from a DVC member.
Any advice?

Thanks!

 

[KristiKelly]

We love going in October. We rented from a DVC owner a few years ago and stayed at Beach Club Villas. It was a very smooth transaction. We love the DVC resorts. Have you ever rented before? Warning, we are now owners, we really liked it. Epcot has the food & Wine Festival the month of Oct and it has become pretty popular, the crowds are still low but a little higher than what they here a few years ago. I have never been in December but want to go, maybe next year. If it were me, I'd try early Dec. the crowds would be less, the temperature lower and everything would be decorated for Christmas. I hope this helps.

 

[chrisann]

In 2004 we went in October, and in 2005, we went in December. Although the lights were nice around Christmas time, the weather was pretty cool and really put a damper on our trip. Needless to say, we're going back in Oct. Both weeks were very good for crowds being low.

 

[F1Julie]

I've gone in October twice and December once. I'd pick December. The weather is a lot more pleasant. In October, it's still pretty hot and there's always the threat of hurricanes. We went the first week in October last year and it rained everyday we were there. In December, the temps are cooler, it's drier and hurricane season is gone. The holiday decorations are nice too. We also preferred MVMCP to MNSSHP if you are weighing that into your decision as well. I also found the crowds lighter in December. The only thing to watch for in the first week in December is Pop Warner week. If you stay at a DVC resort or a deluxe, it shouldn't be a problem though.

 

[100AcreWood]

I would also pick October. I believe the crowds are lighter (especially early in October) and December while awesome due to all the decorations it can get really cool at night. It was tough planning what to wear because the weather was so different from one day to the next.

Also, I thought the first week in December was crazy! It was the most crowded time I've ever gone to WDW. (Feb, Sept., Oct., previously).

Kim

 

[scraptoons]

This sure helps to learn from you guys. It's great to get all the pros and cons to consider. Thanks for your time and answers.

 

[GatorGal]

I would also recommend October. We're typically down there during Thanksgiving week and it seems that holidays are right on top of you when you get home. Just my two cents.

 

[Lovemy3babes]

Is November a choice? That's when we're going. LOL!!

 

[HappyLawyer]

december

 

[angel's momma]

We were there Dec 11-21, 2004, and Sept 25- Oct 8, 2005.

It was more crowded in Oct., but not too bad. It rained a lot that week. It was even hotter the Sept week though.

The Dec. weather was much better for us, with the exception of a record breaking low of 35 degrees one night. It was actually warmer back home in IL that night.

When my parents offered to take the entire family for a trip in 2006, we immediately picked Dec. and booked the trip.

I said I'd prefer to not go back in the Fall, but the free dining has convinced me otherwise. The 3 of us are going down 9/26-10/3, and still get to go with my family in Dec.