What would be better...WL in August or at Christmas?

[WildernessBride]

I am presently booked for WL Christmas week of 2008 and I have been thinking is this the best time to go, another possible option would be the end of August. What is your opinion, should I keep my current ressie or should I switch to August, besides being closer to now, do you think there are advantages to switching my dates? I can be so indecisive at times and need a push one way or the other...thanks in advance for any input to my dilemma.

 

[SusieBea]

You know, it really depends on the experience you want. Christmas week, IMHO, is THE most crowded, but it is also just beautiful. And the decorations at the WL are to die for. August is less crowded, traditionally. You'll "get more done" at a different pace. Oh, and it's still hot then. For me, the decorations and Christmas entertainment win out. We're going 12/27-01/02/08 with the knowledge that we have to have the right attiude. Good luck w/ your decision.

 

[WildernessBride]

Christmas does have that special factor of the decorations and the holiday spirit, plus cooler temps. I am just so worried about the mass of humanity which will also be there! I am leaning to Christmas but those crowds are my #1 concern.

 

[Questforthemouse]

If you've never been at Christmas then I would do Christmas for sure. Yes it is very crowded but if you plan properly (be at parks for rope drop, do the main attractions first thing and take a good afternoon nap) you'll be fine and you'll get to be in WDW at the best time of year IMHO. You'll also avoid the rain, heat and humidity of late August. We go at both times of the year and we would choose Christmas over summer but that's us. WL is also very beautiful at Christmas time. We don't have kids but if I had to choose between the crowds of Christmas vs the heat/humidity of summer with kids we'd choose Christmas. Of course, the ideal is to keep the Christmas ressie and squeeze a second trip in for the end of August

 

[roselark]

The crowds are high in August as well, but you also have to contend with the incredible heat and humidity. Considering the downtime to escape the heat at various times during the day in August, you will probably actually get more accomplished in December even with the larger crowds...just my opinion though

Also, WL is supposed to be one of the most beautifully decorated resorts during the holidays.

 

[twyla]

I've been wanting to stay at WL. I visit it regularly but have yet to stay there. I would definately go at christmas. I live in a climate very similar to Orlando and August is the worst month of the year (heat/humidity). The idea of goign somewhere and spedning a good bit of time outdoors is unthinnkable.

Yes, Christmas is crowded, but lovely. And cool crowds are much more pleasant than hot sweaty crowds.

 

[3for Me]

We had the same concerns as you two years ago. We were looking for somewhere to spend Christmas after Katrina. The last thing we needed was to fight crowds, but we also needed a happy place to go to.

We bit the bullet and did it. It was great!!! If you get to the parks early, make your ADR's waaaaaayyyy in advance, use TGM and the Unofficial Guide and of course THESE BOARDS, you will be FINE!

We were pleasantly surprised at the crowds in the days leading up to Christmas. Christmas Day and after you could tell a huge difference, but again, if you are prepared then you can do it and it is such a magical experience.

Good Luck!

 

[Questforthemouse]

The crowds are high in August as well, but you also have to contend with the incredible heat and humidity. Considering the downtime to escape the heat at various times during the day in August, you will probably actually get more accomplished in December even with the larger crowds...just my opinion though

Also, WL is supposed to be one of the most beautifully decorated resorts during the holidays.

Totally agree with this! We get more done at Christmas than in the summer. We eat more too (okay...so maybe that's not a good thing )

 

[ADisneygirl]

Definitely pick Christmas over August. The heat here is almost unbearable and I've lived here 15 years -- I'm still not used to it. (it's is Oct. 19th today and the temp. is 90)

Christmas at the WL is beautiful. And getting to see all the resorts decorated for Christmas is a real treat you won't want to miss.

 

[f7prez]

WL is great at Christmas. The atmosphere is sooo warm and cozy. The decorations are beautiful. But I would pick August. Christmas is too crowded, the weather can be to cool for swimming. Summer time we go early morning, head back to the resort for afternoon relaxing by the pool, head back to the parks after dinner. Plus, at the end of August most kids are either back at school or getting ready to go back.

 

[WildernessBride]

Totally agree with this! We get more done at Christmas than in the summer. We eat more too (okay...so maybe that's not a good thing )

I really would be okay with eating more too, it's funny I was just saying to my husband how much I look forward to the eating portion of our trip almost more than any thing else....I guess I am getting old, but there is just so much good food at WDW and eating is much more enjoyable when it isn't 110degrees outside.

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

We visited WL last December and it was very beautiful. We stayed at WL August 22-25 and it was wonderful. The crowds at the parks were almost non-existant. We did Epcot in 1/2 a day, although we don't do much in FW. We did MGM in 1/2 a day. We actually got to enjoy the resort more because of the smaller crowds. I have been a couple of times at the first of June and it was more crowded then. It was hot, but going from ride to ride you really didn't notice it that much. I live in Alabama and the weather is very similar, although WDW was about 10 degrees cooler than it was at home at that time. One day DH and I were the only 2 on the bus to MK. The day we left the crowds were beginning to pick up for free dining. I certainly don't think I would go for Christmas week, ever.

Suzanne

 

[simonkodousek]

I vote for August because the crowds are slightly less. Disney is crowded as it is, and who really wants longer wait times and larger crowds??

 

[EPCOTDUDE]

Christmas for sure.

 

[DizneyNutz]

I am presently booked for WL Christmas week of 2008 and I have been thinking is this the best time to go, another possible option would be the end of August. What is your opinion, should I keep my current ressie or should I switch to August, besides being closer to now, do you think there are advantages to switching my dates? I can be so indecisive at times and need a push one way or the other...thanks in advance for any input to my dilemma.

We have been the first week of September a few times and the first few weeks of December a few times. Can you bump your trip UP to the first two weeks of December. I would not want to experience the crowds of Christmas week, but I can also say that August is EXTREMELY hot and humid and you have to worry about looming hurricanes during that time of year along with rain almost everyday. Go for the holidays especially if you can bump it forward to one of the first two weeks of Dec .