When to go?

[Lesley]

Does anyone else have trouble deciding when to schedule their DVC trips?

Right now we're planning for next fall...and initially planned for September. We've saved up our VWL points so we can stay there in a 1br....though we're still going to have to use some of our BWV points if we want to stay more than 4 nights there.

The thing is, I'm sort of considering going in Dec. instead of September.....but I'm worried that we won't be able to get the VWL nights on BWV points at 7 months because it will be booked up. This is only going to be a 5-7night trip so we don't want to move around. The VWL is just so special at Christmas....though if we go in late September into Oct. we might be able to catch the first MNNSHP (maybe....) and be conveniently located. Plus, we've never really had the chance to use the WL pool (we pool hopped once and it started storming 15 min. after we got there!...the other times it was too cold!)

So, I guess I'm asking what everyone else would do in this situation. We want to go in Adventure season because we're rather borrowed out on points right now and are trying to catch up. We will be at OKW for a weekend this Dec. and at BWV in May for 4 nights....and were just at WDW last week. If it were possible I'd cancel this Dec. trip to save the points....but to make a long story short, we have to use these points by March anyway. We homeschool, so we're pretty much free to go whenever we like otherwise.

Any thoughts? I think I'm just being really indecisive....and I'm not getting much input from the rest of the family!
But my booking window for Sept. has already passed by....so I need to make this decision soon!

Oh, and Sept is the only month we haven't been at WDW (not counting Feb, March and April which we're avoiding....) so I think part of my apprehension is not knowing what to expect in September! I'd be hoping for low crowds, mostly.

 

[spiceycat]

september has low crowds

I would go in October - especially if you want the MNNSHP - it doesn't start until October - go the middle of October and the wine and food festavial are at Epcot.

December - if you really want to go in December to VWL then find someone who owns at VWL to trade points (reservations) with you.

VWL is really something in December - but BWV is very nicely decorated too.

are you during the Candlelight Procession or MVMCP this December?

 

[Lesley]

We actually found it a bit crowded for our tastes this past week....and earlier in Oct. when we made an unscheduled visit. That's why I was sort of thinking to just go the last week of Sept and possibly catch the first MNNSHP...though its not a huge priority. We are curious what the party is like on a night that's not sold out, like the one we attended on the 30th. Honestly though, I'd rather just do an enight! I love Food and Wine....but we'll do that when we stay at an Epcot resort.

We haven't decided what we're doing in Dec! I think we want to do the CP, if they're doing the merchandise discount with the dinner package again. My dh and ds don't care for the show itself....but the dinner package was still a pretty good deal because we took advantage of the discount to do a fair amount of holiday shopping. I think we'll skip MVMCP this year...we did it last year and just did the Halloween party.

Thanks for helping my clarify my own thoughts!

 

[Lexxiefern]

Hi Lesley, we are going both those times next year. I guess I vote for Sept. We were there this past sept and it was pretty quiet (not as quiet as january though). And since you are already going in Dec this year - plus if I were you I would not be able to wait a whole year to go again!!

And if you book the last week of sept, we will be there the same time!!

 

[MinnieGi]

Originally posted by Lexxiefern
And since you are already going in Dec this year - plus if I were you I would not be able to wait a whole year to go again!!:

That is my same reasoning too and why I'd pick Sept. if I were you!! I know I'd just be in agony waiting a whole year for another trip!!!

We're actually planning the last week in Sept. too into the first few days of October. We're also planning to stay long enough into Oct. that we can attend a MNSSHP. (hoping for an early one) We had a great time on the 30th but would also like to experience a less crowded version of it. We usually like going later in the fall but DH's work sent a letter home detailing no vacation days permitted in October or November next year due to a big project roll out.

Good luck deciding!

 

[Maistre Gracey]

We have been to WDW in almost every season. This was our first trip in October, and it was BY FAR our favorite. We loved the Food & Wine Festival, and MNSSHP. The crowds were large enough for everything to be open, but not too large where the lines were unbearable. The weather & temperature was absolutely perfect. Points are not too high. I truly find October to be my favorite month, and will be back in October as often as possible. Next October, look out.... my boss (wife) gave me permission to do something very special...

MG

 

[Lesley]

I think we've decided on September...staying until Oct. 3rd. The first MNSSHP was on the 3rd, which was a Friday, this year....so perhaps the first one will be on the 1st next year....though we won't rely on it.

The party on the 30th really was very crowded (after all, it was sold out)...which I don't think I'd mind if it were just me and my dh...but the kids get really overwhelmed and I can't really carry my 3yo when she needs it these days. And next year there will be an infant with us.

I really think the crowds bothered me last week because we have turned into "mid-day" tourists....though we actually managed early entry twice without too much trouble we were in the parks mostly in the afternoons. If we could manage our old early and late schedule I don't think it would be a problem....but the kids aren't that flexible. If we're out late, they won't get up early (well, the little one anyway...completely not worth attempting it!) In the future it may be the perfect time to go....but that could be 6-10 years from now. But we also don't know what the temperament and peculiarities of the baby will be....

I think my problem is that I see the pro's and con's of every time of year we've visited....and so far, no one time has really taken on a special place for us.

And don't worry, we won't be waiting a whole year....we have a trip scheduled for May as well! With a 2 month old! Wish me luck! I just can't wait to be able to ride the coasters again! The Flower and Garden Festival is beautiful and we're hoping for a Star Wars Weekend (or, should I say, the guys are!).

But we'll give September a try...late August was quite nice when we did that before and hopefully it will be just a bit cooler!