When would you go?

[tracyl921]

Pre-planning our next trip and I can't decide when to go. We love the Sept because the crowds are so low; but we also love to see the holiday decorations. So when would you go: Sept 24-30 or Dec 2-8 and why!

 

[dianeschlicht]

If I had to choose between those two times (and I often do), I would choose early December every time. First of all, I HATE the heat and humidity of September, and the prevalence of rain during that time and possible hurricanes is also a deterent for me.

 

[bobbiwoz]

I voted for the December dates as well. You may be able to get to one of the business meetings during that week, and that would be interesting. We plan to go to WDW every December because we really do like the holiday happenings. This year we stayed at BWV, and the decorations there were outstanding and during some of the evenings there were community groups singing carols on the Village Green. No matter which DVC you stay at in December, the extra festivites make the stay extra special.

Bobbi

 

[thmar]

I understand the love bugs are enmass in September.

 

[get_us_to_WDW]

I only went once in early September and it rained (a lot) every day - the crowds were nice though - virtually none.

Early December also has low crowds. The only downside is the cool weather if you enjoy swimming - we were able to swim most afternoons in early December but evening swims weren't possible - it was too cold.

With rain being the main deciding factor - I'd go in early December.

 

[Granny]

I think the crowds are relatively low at each of the periods in question. Assuming that to be the case, the Christmas decorations, parades and shows would tip it to the December trip for me...not even close!

 

[jdvm]

Any reason there is not a "both of the above" response????
That is the right answer, after all.
John

 

[TenThousandVolts]

I was at wdw End of Sept this year (start of food and wine and free dining promo) It was hot and crowded. I have gone early Dec. a few times and it was spectacular.

 

[ahorrigan]

I pick early Dec. The weather is much better during that time than in Sept. Although, I have to agree with get_us_to_WDW about the swimming. It is a little tougher to find times to swim due to the cooler weather at night, but if swimming isn't the main factor, I would definitely pick Dec.

 

[Juliet25]

My most recent trip was Sept. 24-30, 2006, and I was very surprised at the crowd level. I was expecting low attendance, but that's NOT what the reality was. I honestly found it worse than an August trip DH and I took (though admittedly the weather was better).

There was a free dining plan promotion going on, so that could have accounted for the crowds.

 

[dvcnewgirl]

December is cooler and the decorations are beautiful!

 

[3DisneyKids]

DEC.: pros: cooler weather, Christmas decorations
cons: the word is getting out about that particular week and crowds are beginning to show up at that time; hard time to travel that close to Christmas with so much giong on at home (the main reason we do not go in Dec.)

SEPT: pros: no crowds during that last week in particular (or if you can go right before/after free dining). We feel like we have the World to ourselves when we go at that time. Characters are all over our kids since there are not many kids there at that time of year. Can possibly squeak in the start of F&W if you time it right.
Cons: weather! We have had high temps each time we have gone, though never once had rain...but it is hurricane season, so be aware of that.

 

[Parkhopper13]

I was one of the few to vote Sept. I love the reduced crowds and the availability of DVC rooms.

 

[BroganMc]

I've been in early October and early December. If you've never been to one, I'd go the other just to have the experience.

September Pros: warmer weather (shorts and tank tops), longer days (before DST), better for pool hopping, and you can get in on the Food & Wine Festival and MNSSHP (the Halloween party is more fun for me than the Christmas one).

September Cons: it is hurricane season so expect the skies to open up midafternoon or last minute changes. It rained on us a lot in mid to late afternoon, a mini deluge, but then stopped and the sun came off to dry us off pretty quick.

December Pros: less hot and humid (pants and sweater weather), Christmas decorations are awesome, every park celebrates with something special, and you can enjoy the MVMCP, and since it's in season some attractions usually closed are open (Wonders of Life pavilion).

December Cons: can get downright cold and if it rains you are miserably cold, not great pool weather, days are shorter, takes time away from home preparations.

I prefer warmer weather for my Florida trips and long 2 week stays, so for me September/October is preferable. I also think there's more fun to be had at the Halloween Party what with everyone dressing up and the trick-or-treating throughout the park. It's like a giant costume party with rides. The Christmas party is nice, but beyond the fireworks and parade it loses its appeal. There are only so many hot chocolates and cookies one can eat. However, Osborne Lights are definitely worth several strolls.

Having tried both periods for a couple weeks, my preference is to have a long stay in the Fall and a short fly down stay just to enjoy the holiday trimmings in December. In other words, I'd pick a 4 night studio stay in December, go Christmas shopping, do the party and see the lights but forget trying to pool hop or do many outside rides. I went to the Christmas party twice this last time. First night was cold but clear, second was rainy and miserable. And when it rained, you never warmed up or dried out.

I save my two weekers for September/October. Then I can split my days with pool hopping, park hopping, some early Christmas shopping and I go trick-or-treating for (or with) my nieces and nephews. last year, I brought home a couple bucketfulls of candy, some small Disney bags and made Halloween grab bags for the kids. They loved it so much they are coming with us this year.

 

[tracyl921]

We usually go in Sept and enjoy the hot weather, swimming and very low crowds. The rain doesn't really bother us and the hurricanes don't scare us away either. That being said, we went at Thanksgiving in '05 and loved the holiday decorations. It was quite cold even then, but the kids swam anyway. I wouldn't go again at Thanksgiving, it was too crowded for us
That's why we were going to give the first week in December a try. We've heard it wasn't too crowded, but then again our guide told us the same thing about Thanksgiving. We're spoiled with little or no wait times in Sept, but I think we'll try December this year. Now I only have to wait 11 months

 

[Geezer]

No contest....December, hands down.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

I will never go in September again. I hate when it looks like a ghost town. In addition, because it's slow, we find many attractions closed for refurb and many small food places closed.

MG

 

[mbhoxsie]

We've done December a few times... Low crowds, plus Christmas decorations are up...

 

[dr&momto2boys]

Any reason there is not a "both of the above" response????
That is the right answer, after all.
John

I said December though, because of the Christmas decorations! I'd love to see them. We however are going in September at about the time you mentioned. It just worked out better in everybody's schedule. Oh well, the sooner the better!