October or December

[mguilford1]

I am so confused now. I am taking my 8 yo granddaughter to WDW in 2014. Was going first week in December for the Christmas lights and low crowds, renting DVC points at AKL. Now I am rethinking this! We do not like the cold and we like to swim. It sounds like first week in December might be a busy time now? Am I better off going end of October for her birthday and staying at all- star resort with hopefully free dining with an upgrade from quick service to regular plan? I have stayed at both AKL and Music, she has never been. I think we might be to busy to really enjoy AKL. Any thoughts or help would be appreciated

 

[timandjanl]

I think that week is generally slow but it is a popular week for DVC members. I have gone the week of thanksgiving and it was warm enough to swim during the day but cold at night. If you are doing AKL I would probably stick with that instead of switching to a value. But if you went in October you could do the Not So Scary Halloween party. I've heard it's lots of fun.

 

[plumsiren]

Depends on your definition of 'cold'

 

[karriealex]

I would go and stay at AKL. I think she would enjoy it much better than a value. Also as the poster said it depends on what you think is cold. I live in Florida so when it gets to 70 here I am cold. People from the north however often wear shorts down here when it is 50. Also the AKL pool is heated. When we were there last we watched it steam in the morning because the water was warm and the air was cold.

 

[mguilford1]

We are from Maine so even though we are used to cold weather I dont want to have to wear sweatshirts or coats. If DVC is busy first week December will I have a hard time getting studio Sav. view at 7 months? I am sure value studio will be out of the question! I will go with whatever seems to be the most suggested because I am no Disney expert and I just want my granddaughter to have as much fun as possible because this will probably be her only trip! We are also going to Universal (on site), Seaworld and possibly Discovery Cove.

 

[Wood Nymph]

It is more likely to be nice and warm in October than in December. But I wouldn't worry about the difference in crowds for those two periods. They are probably similar. Just decide if you would rather go when the Christmas decorations are up or the Halloween decorations are out. There is a great Halloween party she might like.

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[darkwing818]

It is more likely to be nice and warm in October than in December. But I wouldn't worry about the difference in crowds for those two periods. They are probably similar. Just decide if you would rather go when the Christmas decorations are up or the Halloween decorations are out. There is a great Halloween party she might like.

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Agree

 

[NC Disney Fan]

I am so confused now. I am taking my 8 yo granddaughter to WDW in 2014. Was going first week in December for the Christmas lights and low crowds, renting DVC points at AKL. Now I am rethinking this! We do not like the cold and we like to swim. It sounds like first week in December might be a busy time now? Am I better off going end of October for her birthday and staying at all- star resort with hopefully free dining with an upgrade from quick service to regular plan? I have stayed at both AKL and Music, she has never been. I think we might be to busy to really enjoy AKL. Any thoughts or help would be appreciated

First, I wasn't sure if you had seen this for the parks so here is some help with that information
http://**************.net/2011/09/12/disney-world-crowds-in-2013/

I think as most have said it is about the same crowd wise for both weeks. It should be pretty good. With that said, having lived in FL my whole life, I can say that December is a crap shoot as to whether it will be warm or cold. For our family who now lives in NC and loves the pool aspect of Disney, October would be my choice. Normally the weather is still relatively warm. Here is another link for you regarding that.
http://www.weather.com/weather/wxclimatology/monthly/graph/USFL0372

Now, in terms of the events in October, the park is dolled up in fall/halloween colors and decor. it is nice but nothing to get overly excited about. We go there every year in Sept with free dining and the MNSSHP is in full swing. We have never gone becuase of the extra expense of $50+ a person which just doesn't seem that worthwhile to get some candy, see a parade and maybe have a bit less of an evening crowd. But I am sure there are people that love it.

Regarding December, for an example, we went the week before Thanksgiving 2 years ago. By then the Christmas lights had just gone up and they were spectacular! Remember while there is the extra charge Holiday party as well, there is the Osborne family lights with snow at Hollywood Studio and that is free!!!! It was magical. But regarding temps--it was so typical Florida! For a couple of days, i was wearing a heavy jacket and hat. However, by later in the week, I was wearing jeans and a t-shirt while my kids were wearing shorts. They also swam (but I wouldn't at that point--a bit nippy having had that cold snap). Oddly, my neighbor went right at the beginning of Janurary just about a month and a half after I left and her family wore shorts the whole time as the temps were in the low 80's. With Florida you never know. All you can do is decide which of the decor and or festivities you would rather see more. The weather can be tricky so you can't base it on that. Additionally, the crowds will be about the same. So take a family vote and run with it! Good luck.