Would you go in Nov, Dec or Jan?

[Selket]

My choices are mid-November (after Jersey week), early December, or late January. I have a son who will be 6 and one who will be almost 2. I'd like to hit a time when park attendance is likely to be very low but there might be a chance of swimming outside. I want to go during value season at the resorts trying to maximize the $$$ I have to spend for a room. December has some extra pull cause of the decorations and perhaps they'll have one of those christmas parties in the MK then?

Are the parks likely to have the same amount of crowds (or lack there of) during all of those times?

This will be a belated celebration of my 40th birthday which is at the end of October (but isn't value season). Are the parks more crowded at the end of Oct than the times I mentioned? Can you tell I'm having trouble picking a date!!

Thanks!
Carol

 

[becka]

Well I have been in early Dec and late January and from my experience I would say go in early December.

The crowds were a little heavier in Dec but they were very light compared to heavier times. January was great except the week we went they were setting record lows and there was no chance to swim. We were wearing our winter coats, scarves and gloves in the mornings waiting for the bus because it was that cold! Of course, that is always a chance in December but I think the extreme cold is less likely in December.

 

[rjordan]

I've been in November (Vet's Day and the week following) and mid-January. Never been in December.
My opinion: Your best chance to swim would be November, but certainly possible in December (from other people's experience). In January of 2002, we wore long pants and long sleeves the whole week.

As far as crowds go:

January of 2002: it was relatively DEAD, no lines anywhere.
November, 2002 (November 10-15), much more crowded, but still manageable (especially towards the end of the week).

Hope this helps.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I vote for November. And here's something a CM told me once. Because there are so many decorations to put up for Christmas, they have to start by mid-November. In 2002, I went the weekend before Thanksgiving, and I remember watching these boards and people were reporting having seen Christmas decorations up before I went, including trees up in resorts.

 

[BrianD]

December, December, December!!! Christmas decorations, special events, low crowds. Also, as far as swimming, there won't be too much of a difference between mid-November & early December.

 

[Bill3]

YES

 

[Pirate Mickey]

I would highly recommend early December. The Christmas decorations are up and that adds another level of "magic" to the parks and resorts. I would go as far away from Christmas as you can in Dec. since the crowds will get worse the closer you get to the holidays.

Have a great time!