When should we go? November 08 or January 09??

[lovemy4sweeties]

All along we've been planning to go either Jan 09, April 09 or Nov 08 as a last choice. It all depends on when Dh gets his vacation approved. November will be the easiest for him, but Jan 09 is our first choice. I thought I'd bring this question to the experts .

Either Jan 1-15 or October 30-Nov 14.

What are the pros and cons of each?

 

[auntie]

I've never been during either time, and I'm only guessing here..but I'd think Oct. 30 to Nov. 15 would be my choice because I think it would be warmer..and I personally would prefer it that way. I'm thinking the January weather is bit more "iffy" and since my family enjoys swiming, probably more of a chance of their being able to do that during the earlier time period.

 

[AuburnJen92]

I would go for the November one. January tends to have the lull of right after the holiday season, where the November time is where everyone is getting ready for the holidays. IMHO.

 

[des1954]

Keri-

Both are great times to go!!!

Pro's for Oct-Nov - As Jen said, you will see incredible decorations & there are many events in each park for Halloween.
Con's for Oct-Nov - The weather can be unpredictably hot & humid. The parks are more crowded.

Pro's for January... The weather is typically cooler & dryer. The rates at FtW are cheaper after 1/1/09 & the parks are less crowded.

Con's for January... I really can't think of any. Dec/Jan is our favorite time to be at FtW!!

 

[wrongagain]

As I am from new england, I ask myself, would I enjoy driving in a snow storm, or before the usual snow season starts.
I vote for not driving there in snow and go in november.

 

[LONE-STAR]

Jan has less crowds but more rides are closed for refurb.

 

[Skyw]

Hi. We went to FW in Nov 07 and Jan 07. I will give you my thoughts.
(ages 41, 42, and 4)

Nov.- had more crowds then Jan. A few days were down right crowded. But I knew it was going to be that way. I got on a web site that gives you estimated crowds on certain days. The weather was warmer. You could get in the pools during the day and if you are tough, the evenings. We went during the second week of Nov. I think it was the tail end of Jersey Days. The Christmas decorations were getting put up.

Jan.- We went during the marathon week. It was empty. The weather was still beautiful but not as warm. The mornings were chilly. DS wore those shorts that zip to pants. I don't know if I would try the pool. They are heated but .......ugh too cold for me. The lights at Disney Studios were still up and there were some lingering Christmas things going on. One of the water parks was closed and one or two rides. I think the Disney site post which ones are closed.

I have been to other Disney property's during other times of the year...I would take Jan or Nov over the hot months that is for sure. As a matter of fact, after this last trip in Nov, we decided to go in Jan again.

Anyhow, that is just my two cents.

 

[ftwildernessguy]

Considering you are coming from the great white north, I would say the November time frame. We go mid to the end of October every year mainly for the warm weather - it makes summer a little longer for us. January can get a bit nippy for Florida, and if I'm going to Florida I want it warm and inviting, not chilly and unswimmable.

 

[lovemy4sweeties]

Thanks for the info. November will probably be better for us. I would hate for my kids not to be able to swim. But, I'd also really like to avoid the crowds. I heard about Jersey Week, so I'm thinking of changing the Nov 1-14 dates to Nov 14-28. Does anyone know of anything busy during that time frame?

 

[AuburnJen92]

I don't know when Tgiving is this year, but it is normally booked way in advance for that weekend.

 

[lovemy4sweeties]

Considering you are coming from the great white north

lmbo

 

[ftwildernessguy]

Thanks for the info. November will probably be better for us. I would hate for my kids not to be able to swim. But, I'd also really like to avoid the crowds. I heard about Jersey Week, so I'm thinking of changing the Nov 1-14 dates to Nov 14-28. Does anyone know of anything busy during that time frame?

That would probably put you in our Thanksgiving time frame, which is one of the busiest times at FW and WDW. I have been down during "Jersey week" and I think it's overplayed. I think the people from New Jersey just don't want anyone else coming down during that time.

 

[auntie]

What is Jersey week?

 

[ftwildernessguy]

What is Jersey week?

I guess a lot of the schools shut down during election week for a break and many take the opportunity to take a trip to WDW. If you listen to the NJ folks, they make it sound like it is an officially sanctioned holiday at WDW and the entire state moves to Orlando for the week. While I have noticed some larger crowds, I really think it's not as bad as a lot of people make it out to be.

 

[lovemy4sweeties]

When is your Thanksgiving? I know it's late Nov, but I don't know the date. Is it only busy for that weekend or for the whole week?

 

[LONE-STAR]

Whole week

 

[AuburnJen92]

I think Thanksgiving is the 27th of Nov. this year.

 

[lovemy4sweeties]

What is Jersey week?

Honestly, I don't know exactly, but from what I read, the New Jersey schools have the week off so everyone comes to Disney during that time.

 

[lovemy4sweeties]

Is it less busy the first 2 weeks of December? Or maybe I should go Nov 7-21st?? Boy, this is stressful!! I wish I started researching this a month ago, I would book for October, but now I'm too late for the 180 day ADR's.

 

[ftwildernessguy]

Honestly, I don't know exactly, but from what I read, the New Jersey schools have the week off so everyone comes to Disney during that time.

Read my previous explanation.