October vs. December

[eporter66]

We just got back from a week at AKV's, and had a blast. Most of our WDW vacations have been in October, we love the weather, getting a little extra summer out of the trip, yet usually (we missed the 90's on this trip) not too hot for hitting the parks all day.

Anyway, my DW and I were talking about possibly going in December next year. We have never been to WDW at Christmas time, and have been told how amazing everything looks. Our DD will be in first grade next December, and we plan on taking her out of school for our trip next year (whenever that is). We are thinking we wont be able to do that to many more times.

Is WDW worth seeing at Christmas Time, is it something we should do? We are just a little concerned that we have had so much luck with our October vacations, it is hard to change.

 

[ohtarabell]

In a word, yes.

 

[SusieBea]

Do it; it's just magical.

 

[spiceycat]

see it for yourself

http://www.wdwinfo.com/holidays/christmas_world.htm

 

[BroganMc]

Well Grandpa Mohawk and I have settled into a regular travel schedule now. April/May (post Easter/pre summer/Flower & Garden), Sep/October (Halloween/my birthday/Food & Wine) and December.

We started in '06 by skipping October for December (went on a cruise with family in October instead). We missed the warm pool weather but loved all the Christmas festivities. If you think the Halloween decorations in MK are awesome, Christmas will knock you flat. It's as if elves descended on Disney and filled every nook and cranny with stuff. The music in the bathrooms play Christmas tunes!!!

After '06, we switched to a long trip in October and NYE weekends. Did that '07, '08 and will do it '09.

This year we just came back from our October trip with newbies (I'm still finishing the trip report) and I'm busy finalizing the December trip.

We're taking all three of my siblings and their families (that's 17 people) the first weekend in December just to see the Christmas festivities. I only managed to talk them into a 3-4 day weekend (none are keen on taking kids out of school). I'm hoping it's enough. At least there's a Christmas Party set.

We'll return for NYE weekend a few weeks later. Next year we've opted to pass up NYE for a longer early December trip. (Hoping to take our Senior Newbies down then.) Points are too high the next couple years for NYE so we'll save and return to a different schedule when NYE falls on weekdays again in 2012/2013.

Go while you can. Plan at least 5 days so you can have time to hit all the parks and some of the resorts. Plan a Christmas Party at MK, a day at EPCOT (with Candlelight Processional and Holiday storytellers), a night in MGM for Osborne (get there before it starts and your child might get picked to flip the switch and light the streets), and day to tour the Deluxe resorts.

We have tried to take in as much of the decorations as possible on our past 2 NYE trips. Osborne is a fav. The Christmas parade is done during NYE week. Only thing we haven't seen since '06 is the Candlelight Processional. I'm so looking forward to that this time.

 

[Crystal_27]

I think that everyone should experience Disney World decked out for the holidays at least once. Since you are going to pull your DD out of school, you can go in early December and beat the crowds, which would make your trip that more enjoyable. I think that the crowds really don't start rolling in until the week before Christmas. Happy planning.

 

[colonialtinker]

We absolutely love seeing the decorations at Christmas, we usually take a long weekend trip. Make sure you get a chance to see the deluxe resorts decorations, we take a day resort hopping.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Once we saw the Christmas decorations, in 2002, we've been down every year since. I agree that October is wonderful, so we do take at least a weekend trip then too, and a longer December trip as well.

Bobbi

 

[Simba's Mom]

We just got back from a week at AKV's, and had a blast. Most of our WDW vacations have been in October, we love the weather, getting a little extra summer out of the trip, yet usually (we missed the 90's on this trip) not too hot for hitting the parks all day.

Anyway, my DW and I were talking about possibly going in December next year. We have never been to WDW at Christmas time, and have been told how amazing everything looks. Our DD will be in first grade next December, and we plan on taking her out of school for our trip next year (whenever that is). We are thinking we wont be able to do that to many more times.

Is WDW worth seeing at Christmas Time, is it something we should do? We are just a little concerned that we have had so much luck with our October vacations, it is hard to change.

I was at AKV roughly the same time as you, and I've also been in December a couple times. I'm about the only one to go against the flow and say that October is much preferable, to me anyways. I love the F&W festival (the food part, I'm not much of a wine drinker) and although it was really hot a couple days this year, on other days, the weather was just perfect. Same as last year's weather. I remember it was so cold on some days in December. Also, I like hearing the Disney "bush" music (you know, the atmosphere music coming out of the bushes) rather than Christmas carols when I'm at Disney. Christmas carols can be heard anywhere (I think Disney uses Manheim Steamroller, at least at Epcot), but there's nothing like hearing the instrumental version of "Tomorrow's Child" in Future World, or whatever that song is from "Wall-E" on Main Street in MK. That's why I generally prefer October. My only regret about not going in December is missing the DVC annual meeting.

 

[eporter66]

Thanks for the pictures and all your posts. I guess I am torn because one of the things we love is the Food & Wine festival. We thought that once it got difficult to take our DD out of school, we might go the day after Christmas and stay through. But early december sounds nice with the lighter crowds.

I am stumped, but thanks for all of your input. I think we are leaning to December, but I am still not 100% on board yet

 

[MouseMomx2]

We alternate each year. We start with a trip in December and then go in October the following year. By doing it this way we get to experience our two favorite times at WDW and take advantage of Annual Passes which lowers our ticket cost. (After our October trip we let the passes expire and then buy new ones the following year, rather than renew and have the pass sit unused for 10 months.) If you get APs you will also be eligible for a TIW card, which can definitely help with your dining costs.

 

[bwvBound]

I am stumped, but thanks for all of your input. I think we are leaning to December, but I am still not 100% on board yet

Oh, don't do it. Why risk trying something new? What if you don't like it? December has far too many visual distractions, that cheery piped-in music everywhere ... and it seems everyone is wearing a pesky smile. Could so many people really be happy at the same time? Gotta be fake. Avoid Dec ... it can't be real.

 

[dizfan]

Oh, don't do it. Why risk trying something new? What if you don't like it? December has far too many visual distractions, that cheery piped-in music everywhere ... and it seems everyone is wearing a pesky smile. Could so many people really be happy at the same time? Gotta be fake. Avoid Dec ... it can't be real.

 

[ppony]

It's one of our most FAVORITE times to go (Dec. that is) and I plan on buying a UY to accommodate it in a big way! SOOO festive! It's pure magic!

 

[bama106]

We have been both during October and December. Nothing like WDW during the Holidays and we really recommend December.

 

[daisygirl902]

I must be the only person who felt that the trade off of having to wear pants and a long sleeved shirt most days was not worth the decorations...and Christmas is my favorite holiday by far....We went in the last week of Novenber, into December a couple of years ago and I found it cold! (and I'm a Nova Scotian!!!) Don't get me wrong - it was insanely beautiful...but when I go to Disney I want to be able to go to a fireworks show in shorts and a tank top!! i will reiterate however it was very beautiful, and having Christmas music playing by the pool was very cool...but I didn't even venture IN the pool cause every time I thought about it I got the shivers

OK, so you can all call me a huge wimp now....it's Ok, I can take it

 

[ccigliano]

I too have been at both times of the year and I have never missed a late November/early December trip. I sometimes feel that I am missing out on something when I visit at other times of the year. For me, Christmas wouldn't be the same without Disney as the first time I visited was in early December in 1997 and I have returned every year at that time since. Can't really say that for any other time of the year. Try it - you'll love it.

 

[Boardwalker]

You know what?
October is great.
But you have got to see it in early December, with the decorations and you need to enjoy having a bit more summer at THAT time of year. Experience one of the Christmas parties, and one of the extraodinary choir things in EPCOT.
And then, think of having it all to yourselves? Try mid January. You can walk on to any ride in any park... I have a picture of just my cousin and I alone in an elevator on Tower of Terror.
Want perfect weather but low crowds? Early May.
You have to try it all. What you are experiencing is the magic of Disney, and you are thinking that the magic will disappear if you change it. Instead there is even more magic for you to try. Then you will see that you really can not lose. The magic shines every time, just in different colors.

 

[eporter66]

You all make too much sense

Our first DVC trip was early May and we really enjoyed it. My wife went down a few years ago for the Disney Half Marathon in January and said the same thing - she walked on everything.

DW & I are talking and now leaning towards an early december visit next year. I will keep you posted - thanks so much for all the input and suggestions

 

[DenLo]

Our DD will be in first grade next December, and we plan on taking her out of school for our trip next year (whenever that is). We are thinking we wont be able to do that to many more times.

I think you said it all. Your little girl is growing up and wouldn't it be special to see WDW at least once with her at Christmas time? Seeing the looks on a child's face while at WDW is really magical. Wouldn't it be even more so when the Christmas decorations are out?