Two trips planned - Which would you choose?

[Mickey-4-Me]

Trip #1
September 15th - 22nd, 2008
2 adults, 3 children ages 13, 7, 3
All Star Music Family Suite
8 day tickets with Park Hopper and Free Dining
Total = $2800.96

Southwest Airfare Total = $866.00

Dining ADRs:
9-15 Mama Melrose Fantasmic Package 3:40p
9-16 Garden Grill 11:00a; Le Cellier 5:45p
9-17 Tusker House 8:20a; Yak and Yeti 4:00p
9-18 Cinderella's Royal Table 10:05a; Chef Mickey's 9:15p
9-19 Liberty Tree Tavern 5:15p (MNSSHP)
9-20 San Angel Inn 5:30p
9-21 Crystal Palace 5:10p

Average Temp 74 - 88 degrees


Trip #2
December 10th - 17th, 2008
Same Family Size
All Star Music Family Suite
8 day Base Ticket with Basic Dining Package
Total = $3499.01

Southwest Airfare Total = $1146.00

Dining ADRs:
12-11 Garden Grill 11:05a; Biergarten 6:35p
12-12 Grand Floridian Cafe 6:30p
12-13 Chef Mickey's 6:20p
12-14 Teppan Edo Candlelight Processional 5:30p
12-15 Mama Melrose Fantasmic Package 4:10p
12-16 Cinderella's Royal Table 8:20a; Liberty Tree Tavern 5:35p (MVMCP)
12-17 Tusker House Breakfast 8:10a

Average Temp 55 - 72 degrees

 

[Frankiesmom]

I think I'd take the free dining and save the xmas trip for next year. JMHO.

 

[tammy1210]

September trip sounds best to me - lots of good free dining!

 

[Neesy228]

I'd also do September, but we always choose the best bang for your buck.

 

[GoofyFairie]

I'm way too busy in December to take a vacation. I'd go in Sept to save money too.

 

[SharpMomOfTwo]

I'm way too busy in December to take a vacation. I'd go in Sept to save money too.

Durring their Dec dates, its not busy at all - its acutally one of the slowest times of the year. Also, I don't understand why its more expencive for you in Dec since that is a value time and Sept isn't - is it just because of your getting the DDP? I LOVE saving money, but December in Disney is so magial, or so I hope since I'll be there then!!! Hard decision.... I vote December... nice, cooler (to cold at times) nice lights and decoration.... December here. And if you do go then - Were staying at POFQ - see ya there!

 

[miceli20]

the only way I would go in december is if everyone understood this is your christmas present. that's how we did it in 2006 and our kids loved it. they thought mickey had sent the tickets to us and this was early from santa. I did purchase 2 small under $20 gifts to give them at home. hope this helps

 

[cogero]

I love going in December. September is the start of school and activities so I would never do that

 

[mom2aredhead]

As much as I am not normally one to jump on the bandwagon, (especially the free DDP one) I would also have to say September.

We went in December and loved the low crowds and cooler weather, but the the weather was crazy. One day it was in the 80's, 48 hours later it was in the 30's...we literally went from bathing suits to hats and gloves overnight. Although with September being hurricane season, I'm sure the weather could be crazy then too. I also felt like (this is going to sound crazy) there was almost too much special holiday stuff going on and I was being pulled in several directions at once...the Epcot Santas, Osbourne Lights, Castle lights, MVMCP, CP, resort decorations...all on top of the regular park attractions....it was a little overwhelming.

My deciding factor, however, would have to be MNSSHP. We've been to both MNSSHP and MVMCP and we LOVE LOVE LOVE the Halloween party.

 

[moonpie85]

Those December dates will be Pop Warner Football.

 

[jacksmom]

I voted for Sept! Saving money is always good!

 

[tam626]

I would go with September.

 

[squirrel]

I vote September!

 

[Hayloburger]

Tough choice!
I would have to take into other factors: school? once in a lifetime trip or will you be going back soon? cost?

If it was once/lifetime I would do December. But if you know that you will go back, then take advantage of free dining this time(what if they don't offer it again???) and do the December trip next time.

We are doing a December trip this year, we have never been during December, and I want my girls to see the Christmas magic before they are too old. This will probably be our one and only December trip...after this we will stick to January. I like the cooler weather, the humidity gets to me.

Also, if the cost is a factor, you could include the trip as part of their Christmas presents; therefore reducing the amount you usually spend on Christmas. That may make up for the price difference.

Whenver I am planning/worrying about our ADRs/hotel choices etc, my husband tells me "quit worrying, it's Disney, we'll have fun no matter what!". He's right! Let us know what you decide!

 

[~*~Michelle~*~]

I voted for Dec because of the cooler weather & less crowds. That's worth the $ to me.

 

[nessz79]

I would go with December for the better weather (it's still very hot in Sept. despite the average temps given- it's not unusual to still have 90's late in the month or more).

You definitely get more bang for your buck in September but I dont' know how you feel about taking the kids out of school so early in the school year. I wouldn't love it, personally....they're just getting going at that point.

 

[livie1205]

DECEMBER......we are going in December and I cant wait! no really we go to wdw every other year in dec for christmas...we have a blended family and every other year we do not have 2 of the kids on christmas so we go to wdw a week or two before (tree,lights and everything). I always buy small gifts there a wrap them from mickey and put them under the tree.BUT this is our christmas....they will not be here so dh and I may get each other something for under the tree and our dd2 a few small things but the trip (we go all out) is everyones gift.We have done this a few times already and they all like it alot. OH and you can not beat the weather at that time of the year...it was soooo nice and we haave yet to have problems with crowds...

 

[Doc CW]

September the weather may be warmer, but x-mas is more expensive and as noted before Pop Warner Football will be there. Go in September.

 

[sk!mom]

If cost wasn't a big factor then I would choose December. I've always wanted to go then. If cost is a big factor then I would take the cheaper Sept. trip.

 

[poohfriend]

but I have to admit that I'm swayed by the desire to have a December trip myself!!