When To Go - October or December?

[rlduvall]

I find that planning my vacations are as much fun as living them and since my DH said we should wait until NEXT year to go, I at least have to start envisioning it and I need some help from my fellow dis'ers. We can either go the 3rd week of October or the 1st week of December. Since I am waiting, I plan on staying anywhere onsite that I want to. I might rent points from a DVC'er, or I might stay at a Deluxe, or I might even go for POFQ because it is a delightful Moderate.

October:
+ DS(then 7) school takes 3 days off for Fall Break. He would only miss 2 days of school. DS loves to swim and the weather should be ideal for that. We could go to MNSSHP. Food and Wine Festival still going.
- Regular season; more crowds?

December:
+ Value season; possibly lower crowds; wonderful holiday festivities (I went last year with a friend at this time and it was a blast) Attend MVMCP, see the Osbourne Lights, go to Candlelight Processional.
- Weather has the potential to be cold and then swimming is not possible. DS would miss 5 days of school. Pop Warner is usually there at that time.

What would you guys do?

 

[stacy6552]

OK if you want to rent points, you will have more luck with an Oct trip. While Dec is off season, its a very busy time for DVC trips. If you love to swim, then Dec could be too late for that.

I think I vote for oct, based on your notes.

 

[PCFriar80]

We're lucky enough to go both of those times; 10/23 and 12/3 this year. You guessed it, no kids. Anyway, after full disclosure I would vote for the December trip. You can't beat the atmosphere of the Christmas decorations, Santa's in WS different countries, CP, and all of the lights. Last year they had the extended Illuminations with the loudest fireworks I have seen on Disney property!

Swimming is likely for your DS. I know my nieces will swim in any weather/temperature. The pools are temp controlled, so swimmable......it's the getting out of the water part that may be a problem. Good luck and keep us posted!

 

[llij]

I've been fortunate enough to go both the 3rd week in October (2003) and the first week of December (2004). While I absolutely loved both trips, my vote would go towards December. It is just simply magical during the holidays!

Whatever you do, have a wonderful trip!!

 

[matysgrandma]

If you've never been to WDW during the holiday season, then my vote goes to December. The decorations are spectacular and the Osbourn lights are truly unbelievable. We, too, will be going both times this year (yep, no kids)-the first week of October and the first week of December. But if I had to choose just one week, it would be our December vacation. Either way, YOU'RE GOIN' TO DISNEY!!! Can't help but have a great time!

 

[wld]

We have done both times as well. Once in October and 3-4 times in Dec. With kids and a similar situation to yours although it was 3 half days in October d/t parent teacher conferences. We found that the kids usually had less of a homework load in Dec for some reason, especially if it was close to their break, like maybe the 2nd week of Dec. In any case we never had trouble taking the kids out of school even when they were in high school as the teachers were very supportive and even gave them fun assignments to complete at WDW. So missing a week of school was never a problem for us. We find we can almost always swim in December, but then we are from Michigan so 65-70 is plenty warm enough to swim. Many times it has been near 80 the 1st week in December, at least when we are there.(I'll find out how it is this December)
The decorations and atmosphere is also wonderful in December.
Guess I'm voting December!!

 

[rlduvall]

Thanks for all the great advice. I guess I can only cross my fingers that it isn't too cold the first week in December. Last year 12/4 and 12/5 were pretty cool, then the rest of the week was perfect. Thanks again.

 

[Westcoast Gus]

I haven't been either time, but I most want to go in December to WL, because of the decorations. That's my vote. And points to rent there, obviously.