I went last year with my DD who was 14 at the time, but I had to take her out of school for 3 days. My son who is in college could not go because it is just to close to exam time. But I really loved WDW decorated for the holidays, so this year I am leaving DD at home with my sister and my DS and I are going right after exams on 12/14.
I really enjoyed DISCON I, just the special spot for illuminations was worth the cost. It would be nice though if they changed the dates around periodically, I think they would get a larger group if they went towards the end of June or sometime in August.