Toughest DVC question...Go or Not

[spruce]

Decisions, decisions......that's the headache with DVC. What size room, what season, which resort and should we go AGAIN?
That's my dilemma now. Should I use points and go to BWV between 12/29/02 and 1/2/03 or not. We've been down for NYE twice and the crowds are huge but (jingle bells music) "Oh what fun it is to have a Disney Day" and we love the holiday decorations.
I gotta decide and fast, I only have 26 days to get my redial finger in shape. What do you guys think.......spruce

 

[timC]

Amazing.... I was just looking at our School District 2002-2003 calendar and was considering the very same thing, when your post popped up!

Sorry in advance for keeping you on hold

 

[cgcw]

We were also contemplating the winter break for 2002-2003 and the crowds. I think we have decided to avoid it all together and go during the week of 12/15. Yes, our 7 yo will miss another week of school but we look at a family vacation as a wonderful experience too. The idea of going and having to deal with crowds just didn't appeal to us. We have never gone during peak season. We have only been in September when crowds are less and it still seemed busy at times. I can't imagine what a real busy day is like and I'm not sure we are ready to experience it yet. As long as the kids a little (7 and 2) and able to miss school without too much of a problem, I think we'll continue to go with taking them out of school. I know it's a tough decision because we just took the easy way out for us to get around it. Good luck with what you decide!

 

[jcodespoti]

I'd go a different time..but thats me.

Joe in CT

 

[Glinda]

I'd pick another time. You've done the NYE thing maybe it's time for another holiday. I'd love to be there for NYE but cringe at the thought of how crowded it could be. My fav holiday was St. Patty's Day

 

[Regina]

Spruce!!!!!!!!! Guess when we're planning on going?

Picture this, December 31, 1999. It's bright and early, and the first OKW bus to Epcot is packed. We wait for the next bus and get seats way in the back.

Sitting next to me is a lovely couple, and we start to chat. It was none other than Spruce!

Yep, we all were heading to Epcot for the Millennium celebration. It was spectacular, crowds and all.

We'll probably head to MGM this NYE since we've done the other two parks.

Crowds and all, I can't think of a better place to celebrate!

 

[AZKathy]

If you can, why not? But, I am not into those crowds, so I would look at the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas to see the holiday decorations and miss the huge crowds. Hey...what am I saying....I am supposed to reply "What???? Going AGAIN?????"

 

[dianeschlicht]

LOL, we were thinking about this too! We were there for NYE 1999/2000 and though it was crowded, we loved it and enjoyed the very quiet week from 1/1/00 to 1/8/00. We are leaving for WDW two weeks from today for 12 nights and have been making arangements with friends for our Jan. '03 trip. That got us to thinking about NYE again and thinking we might do the 12/31-1/11 schedule instead of just early Jaunary! The only problem is the weekend night in high point season!

 

[DVCJman]

I am a high school principal in VA. I have been thinking for weeks with Christmas and New Years both on a Wednesday next year that we would probably have two full weeks off next year. I have been giving serious consideration to trying to go to WDW next winter during the break myself. All of my previous trips to WDW have come during the summer with our standard school breaks there and taking vacation since I am a 12-month employee. I have never been to WDW when the Christmas decorations are out and would like to see it all then.....

great school minds think alike....*L*

 

[spruce]

Reg, We were thinking MGM as well since we did MK and EPCOT already. EPCOT was fun in 99. Your family was great as well. If we do BWV we won't see each other on the bus again.

AZ, Again, gotta go again.

Jman, The decorations are awesome, don't miss them.

Glinda, Mothers day with the flower show was fun.

Diane, We're thinking Sunday to Wednesday or Thursday night....no weekend points.

As for the crowds, a WDW vacation at this time of year isn't about rides, it's about the atmosphere.

Oh the tough choices we have with how to spend our points. It's a problem I like having....spruce

 

[stormkrow]

Spruce,

If given the choice, I'd try another time of the year. Our family has been in WDW for Christmas - it's absolutely magical!

But, you know, we love the third week in August, too. Living in the Northeast, our kids usually start school later than in the South. Those last two weeks in August are not as crowded and the parks are still open late.

I'm sure everyone has a special time of the yer to go to WDW for any number of reasons. The only way to find out is to try something new.

Good Luck!

 

[spruce]

I guess I should point out that this July/Aug we'll be in Satellite beach Fla for 3 weeks then OKW for 7 nights. Next summer we'll be in Orlando in July for a week then spend a week at OKW...11 days if we add BWV and skip a studio over NYE at BWV. NYE would be an extra trip in the middle instead of waiting a year and having an 18 day trip next summer opposed to a 14 day trip. With AP's, I'd schedule the summer trips to get both trips out of them, I was just thinking a shorter trip next summer with a middle trip at a time of year that's very crowded but also very fun.....or I could save the points.....spruce

 

[Regina]

Tell you what Spruce, we'll meet up at MGM and I'll buy a round.

If we can't get on the attractions, at least we can "celebrate."

 

[mickg7dyd]

Hi Spruce,
For what it's worth we just got back from New Year at BWV,yes it was very busy (210 minute wait if you wanted to ride Test Track!!)
But I think the great atmosphere made up for the crowds.We got PS at our resturant so we didn't have to wait in line and we went with the thought that perhaps we could give the most popular "rides" a miss and just enjoy "being there"
We had our evening meal in the Rose and Crown and at midnight UK time all the staff ran out to the square banging trays and blowing whistles it was great.
We walked round World Showcase twice and had a brilliant time.
I think the only drawback was the long lines for the bars and as I come from the UK I find it really strange they will only let me buy one drink at a time!!!
We are hoping to return next NYE so I may see you there,I'll be the one in the line at the bar!!!!
Mick.
Boston.
UK.

 

[Certifiable WDW Nut]

Jman, where in VA are you? We are in Loudoun Cty and the 2002-2003 calendar is already out. We go back to school on the 2nd. Seems kind of stupid to me, but compared to other things this county does, it is one of the more reasonable. Needless to say, DD will be absent on the 2nd and 3rd because it looks like we are spending New Years in WDW. Yippee!!

 

[DVCJman]

Cert...

the 2002-2003 calendar is in progress here in the mountains of VA. I haven't seen anything here as of yet on the calendar. I would hope that we do not go back on Jan. 2 next year. We did this year, but that made for a three day school week going back and that was OK...fingers crossed here, hoping for a two-week break....I am close to Roanoke.