When to go...Nov. or Jan.?

[colleene24]

HI! We have been planning to go to WDW the end of Jan. but now I am thinking that mid Nov. may be another option? Can anyone give me some advice on when would be a better time to go? Do you know know of any deals that are going on in Nov.? I know Jan. specials are not out yet.
Also, is it decorated for Christmas at that time?
I am slowly finding out that one could drive herself crazy just trying to plan a WDW vacation. At least I have my hotels narrowed down to POP or ASMo.
All you great Disney vistors have the best opinions! Thanks so much!

 

[kelleigh1]

Well...I've been in Jan., but not Nov. so I can give you a January opinion.

Hubby and I were there this past January the week of MLK day, and while everyone said it would be terribly crowded that day, it wasn't quite as bad as I'd expected. And the rest of the week was fabulous. Temps can be somewhat unpredictable for January. We had a few days in the 60's, 70's and 80's, so packing can be an adventure. But since I don't love the heat, these were perfect for us. We just made sure to bring sweatshirts and jeans along with t-shirts and shorts - LAYERING was a big word for us that week.

And we were also their during value season, so the price was right too. We said we would go again in January, but are considering September (after the kids go back to school) for our next trip just to see how the temps are then and so we can take more advantage of the pool and the water parks.

 

[SandrainNC]

Hi! Our last two trips were November 25 - December 4 2004 and January 21-30 2006. We had great weather for both, but January (we thought) was a bit more crowded. However, we think the reason for this was we hit it right when the Expedition Everest preview was going on for I believe it was Disney Vacation Club members or season pass holders (or both - I can't remember), so I'm sure that brought in more people. We are doing November again in 2007. It was also nice to see the Christmas decorations since I had never been at that time of year before. But I would definitely consider doing January again. It wasn't at all crowded compared to summer or anything like that even with the preview.

Sandra

 

[antmaril]

We were at WDW in January this year and are planning another trip for January, 2007. We thought it was fantastic. We walked on to everything and the weather was perfect - sunny and 70's. It just doesn't get any better IMHO!

 

[kelleigh1]

Oh, and I forgot to mention that the holiday decorations had been taken down before we arrived. I believe they come down around January 6, but someone else could confirm that, I'm sure.

 

[brandt79]

We went last year the day after Thanksgiving for a week - the crowds were absolutely fantastic, the weather was low 70's during the day and low 60's high 50's in the evening, and it was their value season, so the cheapest hotel rates you can get.

That said, because of scheduling, this year we're going the week before Thanksgiving, leaving for home the day before. I'm expecting the crowds to be a bit heavier, especially as we get closer to Thanksgiving, but the weather should be the same. It is during regular season as far as money goes, but I absolutely love this time of year. I've never been in January, though, so this gives you half a perspective

 

[colleene24]

Thank you all for your words of wisdom. Does anyone know if there are any deals for November right now? I went in 2000 in Jan. and it was amazing. That is why I was thinking of Jan. again. Stayed at ASMo at that time and love it. I am thinking of trying POP this time though.
I am driving myself crazy as to if I should book now or what a couple months to know what promos come out.
For any of you that have stayed in Jan. did you by chance stay at a value? I am just wondering if there was any large groups at those times?

PS- just got back from seeing "Pirates". LOVED IT!!!!

 

[SandrainNC]

I cannot wait to see that movie!!

Anyway, I was not at a value so no info there. I think it is early February when the cheerleaders stay there.

What I like to do is go ahead and book the room and then just wait and watch for promos. That is what I did last time. I booked POR and then I got an e-mail code and just switched it to AKL.

Sandra

 

[ccw]

I went last year the first weekend of Nov. and it was PERFECT in every way. Relatively light crowds, superb weather and (the reason for going then)enjoying every minute of the Food and Wine Festival at EPCOT! Plus, amazingly enough, there WERE some Christmas decorations already up! I would guess that January weather is more iffy than November but the lighter crowds might make it worthwhile. The only time of the year I refuse to go again is July...just a little too much heat and too many people for my tastes.

 

[Kay7979]

I have been in both January and November. November weather is more likely to be sunny and warm. It was high 70s, low to mid 80s when we were there. January is definitely unpredictable, so if you want the better odds of being able to swim and get some sun, I would be inclined to pick November. Crowds are not bad as long as you avoid Thanksgiving. Either time is very good compared to summer. I know that people with kids in school, which is the majority of people, need to come during school vacation, but it is sooooo much nicer to come when the weather is comfortable.

 

[MinnieGirl33]

January's weather & crowds can be so unpredictable.

I'd go in November.

 

[zippnby]

I would definately go in January.

In the middle of November, most of New Jersey converges on the Sunshine State (especially WDW). The kids in public school are off for 3 days this week (one for election day and two for for the state convention for teachers). So parents don't feel bad about pulling thier kids out of school since it is a light week.Some of this traffic does spill over into the week before and the week after.

I have gone on January. There are no crowds. Longest line we stood on was about 10 minutes. With that said, the parks do close early (around 7 pm). So you would need to do some planning around extra hours schedule. The weather is cooler. When we went, I only packed shorts for my family and we did run into a couple of days were pants should have been worn. It would be warm (80's) one day and 50's the next.

So you just have to weigh the pro and cons-

 

[colleene24]

Thanks again everyone! I think I have decided on January. I am also leaning more towards PoP but that may be overthrown by my family. I know we want to do the dining plan, so all that is left now is to wait to hear about packages for Jan.
I know I am obsessing (I think I am driving my husband nuts) but we have waited 7 years to go to WDW again, and I want everything to be simply magical. I can't wait!!
Thanks again.
Colleen

 

[Cmbar]

I would definitely go with November especially since you said MID november. If you are thinking of the week of 11-18th then the decorations for the Mickey Verry Magical Christmas Party is on November 13th, which means Magic Kingdom will be decorated and ALso the Osbourne Lights at MGM start that week. The "jersey week" is the week before. Weather will definitely be better in November. January can be pleasant, but it can switch so easily. Also, we live in the Northeast and I don't like flying in and out of snow storms. We went first week of Feb and it was too cold and had to pay extra to stay in Disney (ah poor ME) because we had a stinking blizzard in Baltimore. Oh yeah, I had a towncar driver tell me that this particular week is one of the best at Disney. It is the week Before the Thanksgiving rush and there is very little crowds. But hey, he may say that to everyone!

Maybe let the discounts help you. Book for January and some great deal comes out for November change your plans, if you can that is!

 

[emh1129]

We were at WDW in January this year and are planning another trip for January, 2007. We thought it was fantastic. We walked on to everything and the weather was perfect - sunny and 70's. It just doesn't get any better IMHO!

Do you mind if I ask what week in January you were there? We're planning to go from the 2nd-12th and didn't know if it might still be crowded from the holiday crowds and marathon