WDW in September or December

[princesscrazydaughte]

I need help from the vets. Which month is better for a week visit? Thanks.

 

[helenk]

For the past two years I have gone to WDW in December and I love it! The resorts are decorated the parks all have beautiful decorations. There are also special events like Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party and the Candle Light Processional that are a must see.
December is a wonderful time of year to go. I have gone the first week and then the middle of the month and both times the crowds were light, hardly any lines.
I am going back this September only because I wanted to take advantage of the good deals that were being offered.

 

[pstepka]

Swimming is a big part of our vacation so we would not go in the winter months. (Just something to consider if your family likes to swim). We've been there the end of Sept/beginning of October and it's still plenty hot for swimming. I know, though, that December can be chilly so we wouldn't vacation then.

Pam

 

[webray]

Either times are excellent, however...I think I would prefer December.

For the same reason the other poster said. The holiday decorations are up, the special holiday activities are going on...a very special time to be at Disney.

Also, as far as swimming goes...I know, you roll the dice as far as weather...but, it can be warm in Orlando (it can also be very chilly) in December... the pools are heated.

So, I guess it depends on what type of experience you are looking to have. September will be the normal park experience...December will be the magical Christmas plus regular park experiences.

 

[n2mm]

Been there during both times. I would choose December, esp. if it's early during the very slow time. While September is hot, it is also hurricane season, so your trip could be completely rained out. In December, you may have some cooler nights 50ish, it is usually wonderful during the day 70s-80s. Still pretty warm to swim. Plus you get the added bonus of the possibility of e-ticket nights, not something available in September it seems (the past couple of years). PLUS, PLUS, you get to enjoy the holidays decorations and shows. Both are value seasons (if early Dec.).

 

[princesscrazydaughte]

Thank you all for all your thoughts. Any more ideas or considerations?

 

[jwfla422]

One great thing about September is that it is one of the least busy times at WDW but I totally agree with ncmm, it is hot and it is peak hurricane season. Even if there's not a hurricane it is a very active month for tropcial weather which means several hours or sometimes all day or even worse sometimes several days of rain. When we were there in 9-01 we had tons of rain for hours and hours. Many things were cancelled and it was coming down in steady buckets.

We've been there one year in September where it was really nice but other years it has rained a lot.

December on the other hand is usually beautiful although we did have one day last year when it was cold and rainy but the next few were beautiful! And, the real treat then is the holiday decorations and events-it is just such a magical time to visit. But, I'd recommend going in early December when it the crowds are not bad. We'd be going this year but we already have plans in November-we'll be sure to go next December again

 

[princesscrazydaughte]

Thank you all for sharing. we were planning on going Sept 19-26 but we have been having second thoughts and we are STRONGLY considering rescheduling until Dec. 14-20 (I have great ressies at AP rate on hold). With 2 young kids I am beginning to be afraid that Sept. is going to be too hot. August has been brutal this year in the south. Also all the activity in the Gulf is making me a little nervous. But my DD is so-o excited that we hate to put our vacation on hold for 3 months if it isn't for a good decision. However we will save about $600 between our AAA rate in Sept. and the AP rate in Dec.

Any more thoughts or advice?

 

[tinawv]

Hi princesscrazydaughte. We are going to WDW Dec. 13-20. All the feedback that I have heard during this time of year has been great. Low crowds, Christmas decorations & activities, etc. Our last trip to WDW was three years ago in September. The weather was hot and the love bugs were heavy. We lucked out and only had rain one day though. Even though September is normally a "low crowd" period, what I have been reading lately on the boards is that it may be more crowded than normal this year. I think that is mostly based on the FTP that was offered this year, and people feel better about the economy.

You will have a great time no matter when you go. After all, you are in the most happiest place on earth!

 

[princesscrazydaughte]

Do you know if Dec. 13-20 is before the holiday crowds hit? Everything I read suggests going in early December because of crowds, but I can't find any definitive info on when the crowds start to get bad. I couldn't get the AP rate I was looking for until Dec. 14. Thanks again for your insights.

Melanie

 

[tinawv]

Melanie, I have posted a few questions on this, and most posters said that this is a "low crowd" period. The crowds start to arrive around the 20th of December and thereon. Also during this timeframe, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is offered at least three different dates. Of course the downside is you never know what the weather is going to be like. I think the average temperature during mid December is around the low to mid 70's during the day, and the 50's and 60's during the evening. Last year I think they had unseasonably cool weather. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for an unseasonably warm winter this year. lol

You will have a great time no matter when you go.