When is a better time to go to WDW??

[mask_w03]

We are planning our first trip down as a family to WDW and might stay at our home resort or Contemporary (due to that being on the monorail and having a 20month old at that point).

We are looking at going the week after Thanksgiving so 11/26-12/1 Or going down 12/3-12/8. Which would be the better time to go crowd/weather wise?

Thanks,
Margaux

 

[beccasmom]

Crowd-wise, probably December IMHO. The weekend in November you are contemplating is Thanksgiving weekend, albeit the end of it. We have found the first week in December to be a nice one, not too crowded.

As for weather, all bets are off. We were in WDW the beginning of December a few years back for our Disney cruise and the weather was great.....a few years before that it was colder in Orlando than home in Philly! We just visited WDW last month and the humidity was exceptionally high. During that time of year, it pays to be prepared either way. Bring a light jacket/sweater and also some t-shirts for warmer weather.

 

[CarolMN]

We alternate going those weeks (to get two trips out of our APs). IMHO, there is no significant difference in crowd levels between the weeks. The Thanksgiving crowds pretty much disappear on the Sunday after (which is 11/26 in 2006).

As far as weather goes - it's just luck of the draw. We've had nice weather and not so nice weather both weeks. My advice is to pick the time that works best for your schedule and hope for the best.

We've been going this time of the year since 1998. This time of year at WDW is so special that I just have to be there - I think you are going to love it, too!

Best wishes -

 

[MiaSRN62]

We went the day after Thanksgiving through Dec 11 one year. Weekdays, the crowds were all about the same, but the weekends during that time period were particularily nuts----especially the MK. Weather-wise, we lucked out with temps 77-84 and only 10 min of rainfall the entire 2 weeks. We were able to swim and visit the water parks the entire trip. But, it can get very cold during that entire time period. We've been to WDW in early Nov and found it dropped to 40 at night. Friends of ours went in early Dec one year and needed coats/gloves/hats. Be prepared for anything. Have fun planning your trip.

 

[crazywig]

i have stayed at the contemporary with 2 small children under 3 and i would still rather stay at a DVC resort than there . the monorail is only going to get you to MK and epcot.

if you want to be close to mk stay at VWL and boat over.

or stay at BC or BWV and walk/boat to mgm and walk to epcot, taking the bus to mk is quick and easy. plus you cannot beat a villa, even the studio has a kitchenette and i find it invaluable with the kids.

 

[Paticake]

We have traveled the Saturday after Thanksgiving many times. The crowds have been very managable with alot of people leaving to go home Satuday or Sunday. Point wise it will be alittle cheaper to go the first week in Dec. Some years we have never even needed a sweatshirt other years we wore winter coats to the Candlelight Processional. Either week I think you'll be fine. If you plan on doing MVMCP try to do it on a weekday as the weekend parties are always very crowded. Have a great time planning ! I'll be arriving on 11/25!