When to go? Oct.? Nov? Jan?

[kelleigh1]

We originally wanted to go back to WDW at the same time as our last trip, which was the week after Thanksgiving. It also coincided with hubby's bday, so he loved that time. But now, with his job, everything is blacked out from Thanksgiving through year-end, so he can't take that time off. (Sure am glad we know this now before we go too deep into planning.

So now we have to pick a new time to go.

Do we wait until January when the rates are at their lowest? If it's anything like this year, we will be dying to get away, but that could also mean cold weather in Florida and that is peak time for attractions being shut down for refurbish.

Do we go in October, a time of year we have never been before? There is the Food & Wine Festival and it is Halloween, so it could be fun.

Or do we just go earlier in November (not Thanksgiving week) so we can still have a chance of seeing the holiday decorations?


Anyone have a favorite time? Any advice? There will be a budget for this trip, although it's not as tight as it used to be. This is going to be our Celebration of No More Debt trip. (We should be out of debt in the next couple of months and then we start saving for the WDW trip.)


TIA!!

 

[ThePrincess&TheJohn]

I have only been to Disney in January and it is fantastic! While it can get a little chilly, by noon it was always warm (at least 60). The wait times for rides are nonexistent (in the mornings) to short. Lots of great photo opps. Highly recommend this time. Decorations are up until around the 9th. Avoid MLK day and weekend before it, if possible.

 

[kelleigh1]

We have also been in January - that was our first trip together.

And we've both been in the summer, but not together.

 

[lpizzuro123]

I would recommend October. We love this time of year. We really enjoy the Food and Wine Festival and MNSSHP. The weather is usually great.

We also love November and all the holiday decorations but as you have been there in November before and probably saw all the holiday decorations I would suggest October and attending MNSSHP.

January is nice but it can definately be colder. We were just there one week ago and the weather was definately cool. We were in jeans and sweatshirts for a few days. Finally this past Saturday was nice and we went to TL and it was nice enough to enjoy the water.

Linda

 

[The_Banking_Scot]

Hi,

I have been to both.

October 2010 -no rain for two weeks, very nice tempreatures. Magic Kingdom had all the halloween decorations up and of course the MNSSHP.

January 2011- Christmas decorations are up , Osborne family lights up at DHS until the 3rd. The Disney marathon weekend and generally lower crowds in the 2nd week ( esp in the morning) .It was very cold for a couple of days in the 2nd week ( struggling to get above 50 one day) but by the 15th it was up to 70s

Regards

TBS

 

[saintfan]

October easily MNSSHP decorations very short lines great weather.

 

[angryduck71]

I have been to both October and January. I liked the October weather better. Crowds seemed just as low both times to me (well, though, now that I think about it, it was just after Sept. 11 that we went, which could've caused the really small crowds then too). But, I think MNSSHP would be AWESOME. We're going this year at the end of Oct and staying 10 nights. Hoping to hit first Christmas party as well. But, if you can't stay that long, I'd suggest early October. GORGEOUS weather!

 

[TXHauntedMansionFan]

We went in October 2010 and the first week of January 2011 and would recommend October by far. October had the Food and Wine Festival, Halloween decorations and the MNSSHP.

January had more crowds, Brazilian tour groups galore and the parks were closed by nine every night basically (DHS was usually closed at 7).

We won't go back in January again but are already trying to get a trip planned for October!

TX

 

[Pakey]

I've done all 3 times, mostly January (leads with 11 trips). I much prefer October over the others. October will be warm (or hot) but the combo of MNSSHP and F&W make it the ideal time to go.

The crowds in October are not that much worse than January anymore. We used to love January when the parks were empty but the last 3-4 years have seen more and more people. I'd rather have guaranteed warmer weather in exchange for a bit more crowds (but longer park hours).

 

[kelleigh1]

I talked to hubby during lunch. Originally he said January because that's when we went last time. But as soon as I mentioned that Oct. is Food & Wine Festival he said "that's it then". And then he was excited at being there for MNSSHP because we've never done that either. So it looks like it will be October. Right now I'm looking tentatively at Oct. 28-Nov. 4, 2012.