When to go: early Nov, early Dec, or late Jan???

[camouseketeer]

I am planning a trip to WDW for late 2006 or early 2007. This will be the first trip to WDW for me, DH, DD3, DD4 (ages by Nov 06). We want to go when weather is comfortable and crowds are low. I've narrowed our time frames to first full week of Nov, first week in Dec, or late Jan. From these boards I've learned the following pros and cons for each time:

Early Nov:
+ still warm enough to swim (but we're not big swimmers)
- possible leftover crowds from Halloween
- Jersey Week (and possible larger crowds)
- still might be too hot for us

Early Dec.:
+ Amazing Christmas decorations
- Decorations may overwhelm us since it's our first visit to WDW
- shorter daylight hours
- shorter park hours

Late Jan:
+ definitely not too warm (we HATE being hot)
+ low crowds
- cool/cold weather possible
- longer wait until we can go

So what do you suggest we do???
We'll be staying in a FW cabin, if that makes any difference in your advice.

Thanks so much!

 

[Anomalied]

I'd go with the first week of December if I were you. The decorations and music are lovely, and the weather is perfect, warm enough for t-shirts and shorts during the day and cool enough for sweatshirts at night. If you do go in December, be sure to see the Osbourne lights at MGM; they truly are spectacular.

My only gripe with December are the park hours, which you already mentioned. Epcot is the only park that stays open until 9.

 

[Lancer]

I vote for last week in january to first week in february. In addition to the points you make,

pro + value season so resort prices are cheaper
+ Being later in january, it will seem like an actual break as opposed to all the time off many already have around xmas/new year

con - park hours are shorter
- there are always a few attractions among the parks closed for refurbishment"for your future enjoyment"

I think the pro far out weigh the con, and the weather most of the time during the last 8 years has been sunny and 70 -75. You will read about all the variuos cheerleading compititions around that time, but it doesnt affect much other than resort availability epecially in the moderates.

 

[Bashful2]

I'd say early December. The crowds are low which offsets the shorter park hours and the decorations are beautiful.

 

[sharonW]

Definitely the first week in dec. Your experience will most definitely
be more magical seeing all the wonderful decorations and the holiday
festivities. MVMCP is not to be missed.

 

[Maria395712]

yes early dec and get the tickets for the xmas party that would help with short hours for MK
maria

 

[mickey0216]

I vote for early December. That way you'll be able to see "The Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights".


Click here to see my pictures of the Osborne Lights from last year!

 

[Laura_Lewis]

We've visted in both early December and late January. After visiting in early December, my husband and I agree that we will never go at any other time if we can help it. Of course if I got the chance to go in addition to our December trip, I'd take it. Although the parks were less crowded in late January, the holiday happenings at WDW can't be beat. Counting down to our November/December trip.