When would you go?

[dopeyluvsgrumpy]

We've been away from the World for about four years now because DH has not been able to book holidays (being a contract employee). His boss has told him he can take a week off this year to take his family to disney but he he doesn't get much say when. The dates he was given are the last week in September or one of the first two weeks of December. When we were able to go every year we always went in September during free dining so we know what to expect, but also thought it would be nice to see disney at Christmas. Our youngest turns 2 in November so going in December would mean an extra plane seat (not a lap seat). What would everyone recommend?

 

[Sue M]

I would go in Sept. Since it's value season, rooms will cost less, and so will air. And the huge benefit is low crowds. Halloween decorations will be up. We go the end of Aug, for the low crowds, and I think last Aug vacay we flew home Sept 1. The last few days we started seeing Halloween decorations up.
If I could I'd go end of Sept, but I work in a school. This summer I'm cutting it really close, flying home Sept 3 school starts Sept 4!

 

[tone.def]

I'm a December fan! I love escaping winter/cold air/snow/sleet/hail, etc... and the first 2 weeks of December are Value Season as well. It's not hot, but you can potentially swim in the afternoons.
The Christmas spirit in Walt Disney World is AMAZING too. You can get all your shopping done as well ;-)

 

[tgropp]

December....unless you have done Disney at Christmas time, you are missing out big time. The only downside is the weather is cooler but I have heard horror stories of the heat at Disney in the summer.

 

[dopeyluvsgrumpy]

Thanks folks. I have always wanted to see disney at Christmas, but DH is leaning towards Sept to save money. I've read some posts warning of Pop Warner during the beginning of Dec. Has anyone experiences issues with this? We would likely stay at a deluxe hotel because we'll have 3 adults (taking gramma), 2 kids (8 and 3) and a toddler (2).

 

[tgropp]

Thanks folks. I have always wanted to see disney at Christmas, but DH is leaning towards Sept to save money. I've read some posts warning of Pop Warner during the beginning of Dec. Has anyone experiences issues with this? We would likely stay at a deluxe hotel because we'll have 3 adults (taking gramma), 2 kids (8 and 3) and a toddler (2).

I also have heard that Pop warner was a problem. Last year we went down during that time and in all honesty, I never saw a sign of anything related to it. I went during that week because there was no free dining promotion going on. That way when I purchase the dining plan, I would have no problems getting dining reservations. Bu I think as long as you dont stay at the moderates, you will be fine. have you consider renting DVC points?You could probally get a 1 BR for the same price as a deluxe

 

[dopeyluvsgrumpy]

I also have heard that Pop warner was a problem. Last year we went down during that time and in all honesty, I never saw a sign of anything related to it. I went during that week because there was no free dining promotion going on. That way when I purchase the dining plan, I would have no problems getting dining reservations. Bu I think as long as you dont stay at the moderates, you will be fine. have you consider renting DVC points?You could probally get a 1 BR for the same price as a deluxe

I never thought about renting DVC points. How do you go about doing that? That would be a great idea....it would give us a little more space!

 

[tgropp]

I never thought about renting DVC points. How do you go about doing that? That would be a great idea....it would give us a little more space!

Sign in to make posts and then go over to the rent trade site under the DVC section. There are some good deals but you have to have some trust. I have rented before I purchased points from 2 people and paid 11/point. davids rentals charges around 14/point

 

[Disney-Chick]

We always go the first 2 weeks in Dec. We were there last Dec during Pop Warner and it was fine for us as well. No issues, but as a PP mentioned, if you stay at Moderate you may not see them.

 

[3pletprincesses]

I would go in September. We like the food and wine festival, the nice weather and or it will allow you to save on 1 airfare as you child will be under 2.

on a side note, we have been several times during pop warner and stayed at POR and have had no isssues. I would skip on value hotels has that's where they are mainly.

 

[NikP]

We stayed at BLT the first week of December 2011. The crowds were very low excpet for the Osborne Lights at Hollywood Studios While the weather was warm (80's) it felt a little cool for swimming in the shade. (BLT pool is shaded by the building by 2pm everyday in December) We would just pop over to the Contemporary to swim in the sun.

I prefer to go in September because I love the heat. I love not having to bring a coat with me to the parks. September does have the onset of Lovebugs that can be an issue to some. The Mickey Not So Scary Halloween Party is wonderful. Much better than the Christmas party we attended in December. I still can't believe I actually paid extra for those tickets.

Also if you are interested in renting DVC points the Timeshare Store also rents points. They are a board sponser as well as Davids. Becareful if you rent points. You will never want to vacation any other way. Also do not get your heart set on renting points because both time persiods you mentioned are the busiest time of year for DVC. Most DVC resorts will be already booked for both the end of September and December.

Good luck in your decision. Let us know what you decide.