Should we do WDW early August or late December?

[IvyandLace]

My family is in the process of deciding on a trip to WDW and 4 day cruise in 2004, and because we have three kids and a high school teacher to worry about, we have to go when school is out. With that in mind, when would you go? What are the pros and cons for each time period?

Thanks for any help!

IVY

 

[nativetxn]

Well....early August is very hot and humid but late December is one of the busiest times of the year. Personally, I would choose the August trip. The parks have longer hours and although it is busy it isn't anywhere near as busy as late December. There is no chance of a sudden cold spell, either.

On the other hand, if you go in late December all of the decorations are up. the resorts are all magically decorated and the Osborne lights are at MGM....hmmmm....decisions, decisions.....

I would still vote for August. I don't think I could face the crowds of late December.

I imagine there are other people who will say the opposite. It's such a personal thing, really. As long as you get to go, I think that's the really important part.

Enjoy planning your trip!

Katholyn

 

[travelbug]

I think that nativetxn summarized the pros and cons very well. It basically depends if you would prefer crowds or heat. I have very little tolerance for heat and humidity, so I would choose late December and then make full use of EE mornings and fastpasses in order to manage the crowds. In fact, I was down there for the last week of December this past Christmas. The decorations were gorgeous, and we did manage the crowds just fine by using EE and fastpasses.

It's also true that the weather is "iffy" for late December. We lucked out with beautiful, sunny, and mild weather for the days we were there this year. We got in lots of pool time because it was definitely warm enough. But I'm sure it isn't always that way.

So I'd say to weigh the crowds vs. the heat, and then make your ressie. You'll work around the drawbacks in order to have a fabulous time. Good luck with your planning!

 

[nisiemouse]

I have done both and I would vote for August. Of course, when we went the last week in Dec the year before last we had a very cold spell along with the crowds. Have a great trip whatever you decide.