When should we go? Oct/Dec 06 or Jan 07?

[denisekayt]

So hubby has agreed that our next family vacation is WDW! YAY! (His choices were WDW again, or an Alaskan cruise that he's been asking for....smart man he picked WDW!).

Anyway, my initial thoughts were that we'd go in January 2007 (2 years after our last trip to WDW, we enjoyed the low crowd levels when we were there last January)....but, DH then pouted that we "really" wouldn't be getting a vacation in 2006 then! LOL

Since we can't go in the next few months, and I don't want to go in the crowded summertime....my choices break down to these 3:

Late September/October: My DS has October off of school since he's on a track system. I'm guessing crowds are fairly light during this time, but a bit concerned about weather.

Early December (week of Dec 4th): It would mean taking DS out of school, but I'm really being drawn in by wanting to go to WDW for the Christmas season! However, I'm also worried we'll get crowds...most posts I've seen say that early December is good, but do I need to worry about Pop Warner Football???

Late January 2007: This is the time we went this year, crowds were great, weather was decent. But, DH will then "miss" a 2006 vacation!

Any advice? I'm really considering the Christmas trip, but would like some informed posters to make me feel better about the crowd situation

 

[jcriket]

Christmas season is always my first choice, the weather should be ok, and disney has a way of getting you in the mood for Christmas. Crowds haven't been too bad in the past.

 

[nomie74]

My DH and I have the same questions. We're ( ok I'm ) trying to decide between late october/ early november or the first week of December. I'm torn between food and wine festival or Christmas decorations.

 

[MainStreetFan]

I love the late September/Early October time. The crowds have thinned and the weather is still warm enough to really enjoy pools or water parks. It is also a little more predictable than January. You do have the hurricane issue, but you would be shocked how many people actually go to WDW when a hurrican is coming our way. They use the magic and treat you well.

 

[KittieKat]

06. simply because its closer. you will thank me later.

 

[haley's mom]

We just returned from a Sept29-Oct7 trip. The crowds were light, weather was warm (no hurricanes!) and we have the Halloween Party that was fantastic.

Our trip next year was between this time frame and December, I asked around while there and most agreed that the Christmas decorations were nice, but Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party was great!

Hope this helps.

 

[denisekayt]

Thanks for all the excellent advice (especially yours KittieKat, a woman after my own heart! )

Well, the final decision is early December 2006! And....I still think I'm crazy....but, I went ahead and reserved WL Concierge for our trip! I figure with over a year to scrimp and save and pay it off gradually why not make this into a totally awesome vacation! So, our official dates are 12/2 - 12/10 YAY!

(my devious thought is the obsessing/planning phase will be perfect since now I can read and obsess over everyone's experiences THIS year during the same time we'll be there NEXT year! Yes, it's official, I'm a Disney nut )