WDW newbies date options

[SeansMom]

We have two potential months we could plan our first trip to WDW. October 2018 but with fewer days, and January 2019 with more vacation days.

So between October or January, if you were advising your favorite sister or favorite cousin, given the October trip would be shorter, what would you recommend?

We would value an experienced WDW travelers opinion!

Thanks in advance!

 

[StacyStrong]

January. Because longer.

Unless it's only like a day longer and you're really into Halloween.

What specific dates? It matters a bit.

 

[NH-to-FL]

I would opt for January. Depending on where in the country you are coming from a few days in Florida in January can be very pleasant. Acknowledging that January travel can be a bit more stressful. That is not to say October is without it's weather uncertainty, being in the middle of hurricane season.

I would also prefer a longer visit. If I was going to invest in the travel I prefer to get the most out of it.

A plus for October is that the Food and Wine Festival makes for a fun adult experience. And the water parks will be much more attractive in the warmth of October.

There are pluses and minuses for each month.

So for me it comes back to having the most days at WDW. And I do like January in Florida!

 

[Jadyreen1282]

October. It was 40-50 degrees when where were there in January

 

[kbmartin]

If we had some more info, we could give better advice. How much longer in January? When in January and October? What are some of the activities you want to do? For example, are you trying to do all of the parks or some of them? Do you plan to relax by the pool? Do you want to have some days in which you don't need to plan so much? Are you interested in Disney Springs or the water parks? Where are you coming from (general area)?

 

[Queen of the WDW Scene]

Kinda depends on specific dates and what decor/events you're interested in.

I'd say October if you can avoid Columbus Day week, want Halloween Decor, want to go to MNSSHP, want to do F&W, want warm/hot weather.

I'd say January if you can avoid marathon week, early January if you still want Christmas decor, want to avoid MK closing early several times a week, if you want cold/cool/warm weather without much rain.

 

[gharter]

Lots of variables.
October is generally warmer. Food and Wine Festival is going on during that time as well if you are interested. MNSSHP is also there to see at MK if you wish. Can be crowded in October.
January can be cooler to cold. Often not as crowded. You could hit the marathon weekend when it is busier. Often shorted park hours.

 

[mshanson3121]

Much like others have said, factors to consider:

1. How much longer in January vs. October?
2. Weather will be warmer in October, but also rainier and more humid since it's still technically hurricane season. In January, the temps will be up and down. You can have days in the 70s and 80s, or days in the 40s and 50s. But depending where you're coming from, you may not care. Example, in January where I live, it can be as low as -40F with the windchill. So yup, I'm just fine with a 40 degree day, even if it is a bit rainy.
3. Depending on where you are coming from, travel may be touchier in January due to winter storms.
4. Fall crowds are really picking up and October can be crowded due to Food & Wine Festival, and the Halloween Party (which can also wreck havoc with touring plans since you have to work around party nights).
5. October can be a beautiful time to visit because of the fall decor, Food & Wine Festival and the Halloween Party... lol.
6. In January you'll want to avoid the first week since it's typically still Christmas vacation for many schools and will be busy, as well as marathon week. But, if you have several more days available to you this month, then it makes it easier to just take a resort day or a Disney Springs day, or explore some of the many other great attractions in the area, and avoid the crowds that day.
7. In January typically one of the water parks, and some rides will be down for refurbishment, so that may be a factor, as well.

 

[g-dad66]

We have found October to still be too hot and humid for us (though not as bad as August, of course).

January can have some chilly weather, but nothing that a jacket can't solve. We are much more comfortable in Orlando's winter weather than in October.

 

[SeansMom]

If we had some more info, we could give better advice. How much longer in January? When in January and October? What are some of the activities you want to do? For example, are you trying to do all of the parks or some of them? Do you plan to relax by the pool? Do you want to have some days in which you don't need to plan so much? Are you interested in Disney Springs or the water parks? Where are you coming from (general area)?

Flying from Washington state.
Flexibility on dates so I don’t know, need to pin down a month first.
As many as five more days in January.
Not interested in water parks.
At least one rest/resort only day.

 

[Vertical]

I would choose January with those extra days. WDW is huge and you can't do the whole thing in a short trip. Is this a "once in a lifetime" trip? If you think you'll be able to get back another time to do the things you didn't have time for, then October can work.

 

[kbmartin]

Staying five more days is significant, so I would pick January. Just be aware that there will be cold days - in fact, your entire trip could be cold. My DH and I visited in mid-December. We had one really hot day, followed by the rest of our trip being in the low 60s as the high and high 30s in the lows. Yes, lows in the 30s. Watch the weather and pack accordingly - my DH did not bring a coat, him being a real "macho" guy (hahahaha) and stating that a sweatshirt would be just fine! Well, by the end of the trip, he had a fever. Sigh. With that said, it was nice to have the option to dress warmer rather than the alternative of us going at a very hot and humid time with no relief from the weather. In December, we were comfortable most days - it was just night time when it got rough. We enjoyed going in the hot tub at our resort with the cold weather, and we would get hot cocoa in our resort refillable mugs at the pool bar for the walk back to our room. It wasn't all that unpleasant, considering. You can get a lot more done at the parks with the weather feeling cool and comfortable rather than being miserable and heat-sick.

If you do not plan to return to WDW, I highly recommend taking time for rest and relaxation. My DH and I have visited Disney together four times now - this trip in August will be our fifth. In the earlier trips, it was all about "getting everything done." While that was really fun, doing the parks every single day was exhausting. I have flat feet; walking for more than 13 miles every day takes a huge toll. My DH and I both regularly had shin splints by the time we returned to our hotel. I enjoyed my trips most when we didn't park hop like crazy. My ideal trip would involve doing a park every other day. On the off days, sleep in, visit Disney Springs, go mini-golfing (some packages receive free mini-golf), enjoy the hot tub, check out the Boardwalk (at NIGHT - not during the day), etc. One thing that we love to do is watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks outside of Magic Kingdom. We once went to the Polynesian, shared a Dole Whip, and watched the fireworks on loungers on the beach - it was sooo relaxing and magical. They even turn down the lights and play the fireworks soundtrack all around the resort. Our FAVORITE, though, is treating ourselves to a fancy meal at Narcoossee's at the Grand Floridian. We get a reservation right before the fireworks and can watch from our table or the dock just outside the restaurant. They also turn down the lights and play the fireworks soundtrack. We usually opt for a full steamed lobster (we don't get fresh lobster too often in Wisconsin) and a steak and share the meals. For you, coming from Washington, maybe you wouldn't be as wowed with the lobster, but who knows?

One last thing: I know from research that some attractions are closed for refurbishment in January. You may want to research this and see if there is anything scheduled that would be a deal breaker. If not, I would definitely pick January over October - lower crowds and more comfortable weather would always win for me!