september or december?

[wishinonastar2goback]

I'm planning a bit for the next trip, and am torn between two things. Anybody have any ways to decide on this?
We're a home-schooling family, so we can go pretty much when we please. Part of me likes the idea of early September ...low crowds, still quite warm so we can enjoy water parks, pools, as well as the parks. The other part of me likes the early December idea, to see the decorations in the parks, but then it's a bit cooler, so the water isn't as fun, and I'm guessing the crowds are bit more at that time.
Those who have been at either or both times, what would you do with such a choice? Why or why not?

Sincerely,

Torn between a soft rock and a softer hard place...i.e. two good things, which is better?

 

[nowellsl]

That's a hard choice! Luckily we usually go during both times. I love September because of the low crowds and if you haven't been much you get a lot more done. Christmas is beautiful! We went early in Dec. last year and it seemed pretty crowded to me. We usually go during slow times. The main deciding factor for us is the crowds.

 

[HLAuburn]

That would be an easy choice for me - December. Especially if it's early Dec, you can avoid the crowds and hopefully have some nice weather. I'd take cool/cold over Sept heat any day though. We went the week of Labor Day a few years back, and even though the crowds were non-existent, the heat was pretty bad. I wouldn't go again when its that hot.

 

[WDWorBUST]

We have went in September three times and this upcoming trip will be our 4th December trip. I would vote for early December - and if you are staying at a value resort I would do it the week before or the week after Pop Warner. This past September we swore off September in the future because the heat was so miserable - I went 32 weeks pregnant in 2003 in September and don't remember the heat being as bad as it was this year. And in our experience December has always had beautiful warm weather - although I know you can't always count on that.

 

[beattyfamily]

I've done Sept twice. I've done December 4 times counting this year's trip.

Pros to September:

Still hot
Low crowds

Cons to September:
RAIN
Hurricane season
No festive attivities

Pros to December:
Very Festive time to be at WDW
Not too hot, not too cold
Still somewhat low crowds
no rain (not much anyway)
MVMCP, Candlelight Processional, Osborne Lights, Santa etc...

Cons to December:
Can be cold
a bit more crowded then September

 

[GPALANGE]

I've never been in either month, but I'd avoid Hurricane Season, Geez it's been terrible down there these past few years, and from what I've heard the hurricanes are going to continue for a few more years yet.

 

[isla bonita]

Personally loved both for those reasons. Not the deciding vote Sept. my kids are water rats and the decorations do not doit for them as much. Thats just us. What ever you decide have fun.

 

[Pinkprincessmom]

In 2004 we went the day after Thanksgiving into early December. The crowds were very low. We had the Cinderella breakfast and a CM commented that you could actually see pavement between guests.

This year we went the last week of September. It was much too hot after going late November. I would even say it was more crowded than when we went the previous year.

So my vote is early December. We still enjoyed the hotel pool all days but one rainy day.

Either way, I'm sure you'll have a great time.

 

[go cowboys]

In 2004 we went the day after Thanksgiving into early December. The crowds were very low. We had the Cinderella breakfast and a CM commented that you could actually see pavement between guests.

couldn't agree more. We go the same week every year and love it!

low crowds, decorations, no hurricanes and less expensive during low season. We leave in one week!!

 

[jockey]

We have been in Sept and Dec and I much prefer Dec!! Sept is still quite hot-I prefer Dec as its cooler, less busy and I love the decorations!

 

[luvdisneytoo]

We went the week of Labor Day two years ago and it was sooooo hot! And I am use to being hot because I live in the south. The crowds were thin so the Fast Pass machines were closed down. You didn't have to wait but 5 to 10 minutes in any line. We thought that it might be crowded and booked lots of character b/l but because it wasn't crowded, there wasn't a problem meeting any of them in the park. I just remember sitting and watching the Tarzan show with sweat pouring down my back. Never again!

Jennifer/Mobile,AL

 

[cruiserkaren]

We went this past September the week of Labor Day. The crowds were non-existent, which was great with a 2 year old. However the heat/humidity were brutal. Literally, 2 steps out of our hotel room and we were soaked with sweat. (lovely, huh?). I had told my DH before we left for WDW that I would be getting ready (makeup, hair) a bit before going to the parks b/c I didn't want all our pictures with me in them looking just awful. Yeah, right! I tried a bit the first day we went to MK and by the time we walked over from CR I was a complete sweaty mess. I loved the crowds (or lack-of) but the heat was almost unbearable. Now I'm stuck as to when to go again. I'm almost scared of getting caught in big crowds and not being able to do anything (especially since now it seems to be busy there ALL the time) but I don't want to deal with that heat/humidity again either.

 

[karenbaco]

My Husband and I went for Labor day one year in the late 1990's, the heat was unbearable to me. We own a pizza restaurant with no a/c and we thought being in Disney was much hotter than standing near our oven on a hot August day. We're going the 2nd week of December mostly for the Xmas decorations although it'll be a bonus not to be sweating the whole time.
Good luck

 

[kidcruiser]

One word ..........................November

 

[kidcruiser]

December

 

[dman11]

That's an easy one... December. After being there last this past week (we just returned Tuesday) we decided that our next trip will be in December again. The decorations and activities at this time of the year are spectacular and should not be missed if you can get there to see them.

 

[kldmom2000]

Well, we've been in December now every time we've gone after our Oct. 1994 trip... Last year, we took our girls for the first time (December) and as much as I LOVE Disney at the start of Dec. with the festivities, decorations, etc.... I was a complete wreck leading up to the trip.... we lucked out with good weather, but the week before we were there and the week after we were there it was downright chilly.... also, I've become such a germaphobe (LOL!) and I was so paranoid that one of us was going to get sick before or during our trip in December.... next time we go, it'll be early October 2007 (still too many hurricanes for my liking in September) GL in your decision and have fun!!!!

 

[bear74]

we went in sept.29-Oct 6 in 2002 for our honeymoon. and we are thinking of going same time next year(note ticker) the only thing that worries me is the hurricanes. I am from Texas so the heat and humidity wont bother us very much.