Which trip would you choose?

[twinmomplus2new]

I posted this on the other Board but will try here as well.

What option would you pick and why?

What option should I pick, assuming lowest crowds and less rain are my top priority?

 

[CarolMN]

IMHO, you will find the parks less crowded the week after Thanksgiving (through the first half of December) than than you will in October. Disney recently changed October from value to regular season which tells me that the demand for on site resort rooms (and thus the crowds in the parks) has increased for that time.

In general, the week after Thanksgiving has given us pretty good weather (October is probably nicer on average, though), but the Holiday decorations and special events (CP, MVMCP, Osborne Lights, etc.) more than make up for it. If you've never visited during this time, you would be in for a HUGE treat. I went for the first time in 1998 and was so captivated, that I've returned every year since. Now I cannot bear the thought of taking my annual pilgrimage at any other time if it means missing the early December trip.

Best wishes -

P.S. I've been several times in October - usually the third week. Crowds were relatively light (early December crowds are even lighter), but it was before Disney changed October to regualr season.

 

[POOH&PIGLET]

The Nov/Dec week should have the lowest crowds and less rain.

 

[Lexxiefern]

I posted this on the other Board but will try here as well.

What option would you pick and why?

What option should I pick, assuming lowest crowds and less rain are my top priority?

I picked dec for the lower crowds, although if I had to choose between the 2 for myself I would go in October. We were there this december and I did not think the crowds were all that light (go in january if you want really low crowds). Plus, the weather is usually great in October and the F&W is going on.

 

[jekjones1558]

My first early Dec. trip was this year and I'm hooked. Going to start a day-by-day ressie while I'm at BWV next week. LOVED the decorations, MVMCP, CP and Osborne lights. We got lucky and had warm weather (Dec. 2 - 7) but it can be chilly, especially in the evenings. If you are a Halloween aficionado, then you may want to do MNSSHP in Oct.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Definately the Nov/Dec one. We have done this a couple of times (including this year) and love it! We also did late October this year, and that was good too. We had no rain either time and crowds were good.

 

[MrsM]

I chose the October trip. We were there from 11/27 - 12/4 this year, and it seemed quite crowded to me. That was compared to our last trip which was in early October. It was still very warm in early October, but we had very little rain. It was just starting to cool down when we left in October, so I would think the end of the month would be nice.

 

[tinkgrl]

Hi,

I picked Nov/Dec! Have a good time whenever you go? What resort are you thinking of?

Allison

 

[trampslady]

We've done both, and they are entirely different experiences. This year we went for the October trip for Food and Wine Festival and MNNSHP, and opted to visit at Christmas rather than early December. Next year we are going back to the week after Thanksgiving. We LOVED the F&W Fest and the halloween party was great fun. However, if the Christmas decor is important, then you have to pick December. Bottomline, they are both great times to visit, it just depends on what Disney experience you are looking for.

 

[twinmomplus2new]

I am actually already booked at the Boardwalk. I didn't want to miss my 11 month day by day window. I am going to keep that if if I change my mind I can always rent it out and book December with the cash at maybe AKl...Thanks again!

 

[kathleena]

I voted Dec, because you said less crowds first.

If you had said less rain first (or warmer weather) I would have said Oct. I have been 3 times in Dec and 3 times in Oct and it has rained less on average in Oct.

Oct has Food & Wine festival too. I would take that over Christmas stuff as well as the halloween party, which I think is more fun than the Xmas party.

But I think the crowds are slightly higher. Not sure about that as it was pretty busy for our Dec1-8 trip this year!

 

[lllovell]

I would go either time, but I am somewhat concerned after hearing the Pop Warner reports in other threads on this board (and a couple of others). We went the weekend after Thanksgiving this year (I think missing Pop Warner by a few days) AND had gone in October specifically for the Halloween party and both were a huge success.

Any Disney veteran will figure out ways to handle crouds, so if you are a big Christmas person (like myself) go in Dec if you can. If your family is more interested in Halloween and warmer weather, go in October.

Either would be fantastic!!!

 

[dianeschlicht]

Since we went both of those times this year, I would say the crowds were definitely smaller in December, but the weather was great both times. We have had an occational cool day other December trips though. Don't worry too much about the Pop Warner stuff. They stay at the All stars, and we really didn't have much trouble with them in the parks. Did notice them a couple of times, but no biggie.

 

[zulaya]

Are the crowds and weather the only important things for you?

Crowdwise, I think Nov/Dec will be slightly less crowded. December is value season; October is regular.

Weather...October probably has a slight advantage. It's most likely warmer on average, but at the tail end of hurricane season. December weather can be erratic. It can be beautiful (like it was the week of Dec 4-11 when we were there) or frigid for FL like it was the following week. In the end, weather probably is a toss up.

Now, do you prefer any of the goings-on at those times?

October will have the Food & Wine Fest at Epcot and then there is the opportunity for MNSSHP at MK as well.

Nov/Dec will have the Christmas decorations and activities in full swing at Epcot and I imagine you may be able to take advantage of one of two MVMCP dates during your time.

I have yet to be at WDW in October - although that is the plan in 2005. My b-day is October 30 and since my family has been to WDW on everyone else's b-day, DH says we need to go over mine now. I am excited about F&W Fest and MNSSHP.

But I do feel sad that I am missing out on the Xmas stuff because we have been able to see all (or some) almost every year since 2000. I love the Xmas stuff a lot so I think I will miss it. BUT I still think October will be fun.

I guess my feeling is you can't make a wrong choice here which is why I didn't vote for one or the other.

 

[OneMoreTry]

I would like to see the Xmas decorations.

 

[wisbucky]

If you have never seen Disney at Christmas I would go with Nov/Dec. We were there the second week of Dec this year and were told that the previous week was much less crowded. As far as rain I dont think you really need to worry about having a day of non stop rain for either trip. The weather can be cooler in December, but not so cold that it spoils the trip.

 

[donmil723]

I chose Oct because I personally like warmer weather and we enjoy the F & W Festival and MNSSHP. However, if you haven't been in December, you might enjoy going then to experience the Christmas decorations and special events like MVMCP, Candlelight Processional, and Osborne Family Lights. We were at WDW this year from 12/11-12/17 and it was chilly most days and very cold most nights. I think visiting WDW in the cold weather would be extremely difficult with young children especially if it was cold AND rainy.

Donna

 

[DeeDeeDis]

Before this december i would have chosen Oct dates. But after experiencing all the holiday decorations and specials its late nov/early dec all the way.
what a great time to go,

 

[Laurajean1014]

I voted for the October trip.

Here is why:

Crowds will not be abundant for either trip.
Rain and weather should be agreeable for either trip.
In late October you can use the pool or BB/TL more than in Nov-Dec.

Also, check to see if your pool, BB/TL or any rides will be down during November/December if you are planning the Nov./Dec. trip.

Either way, you will have a great time. Enjoy!

 

[zurgswife]

Lauren

Pick Oct then I might get to meet you and your family again...and maybe actually speak to you....LOL

We are planning on going during that week. and most probably staying at the BWV. Going to try to make my ressies on Monday...