Would you go in October or end of January?

[mom2munchkin]

So which month is better to go to WDW October vs. January?
Why?

I am a newbie planner for our first WDW trip. We are currently going in October 2010. We were late to plan and I have a few ADRs but not many and still trying to figure things out as to which parks on what days for the eating. We have the resort we want and the free dining while there. We are having trouble finding affordable airfare but could get a connecting flight for a okay price.

DH suggested we switch to end of January. I haven't checked to see if the 30% discount would still apply to the resort we want; but if it did, the cost would be about the same, give or take a $10-20 because we would get better airfare. And we would end up w/ great NonStop airfare.

From what I am reading it looks like the crowd levels are comparable either month. But my big concern is the weather and January being unpredictable. We are from MN so what feels like Cold to those in the south is a heatwave to us, but I still want it to be a warmer vacation and I know October is a good month for weather b/c it is still warm.

Oct Pros: Warm weather
Cons: Only a few ADRs, Connecting Flights,
Jan Pros: Getting better ADRs, More time to plan, Nonstop flight
Cons: Could be cold weather (feels wrong to pack gloves/hats/coats for a FL vacation)

And then if we do switch, are there any hidden costs/fees to changing our reservation. I have booked a package deal w/ trip insurance for the October deal and have a PIN for the free dining. To get the price to be as close of a match, I think I would need the 30% discount on a Moderate and have to add the tickets and the meal plan.

Thanks
Jodi

 

[disneymagicgirl]

Are you within your 45 day mark for your travel dates? They could charge you to change your ressie if you are, but may not if you are just moving the dates.
I have never been during either month, so I cannot help you there. I have been to MNSSHP and it is a ton of fun! I wanted to go Oct this year, but couldn't b/c of a new job. Aiming for Oct next year!

 

[mom2munchkin]

We are under the 45 Day mark so the way I understand it, is I can switch dates for no cancellation fee. But someone correct me if I am wrong?

 

[3boys4me]

I would stick with October. I think the weather alone is reason enough to stick with it. As far as ADR's go, have you done a search to see what's available? It looks like there are still lots of places open. It's not going to be the more popular places but I'm sure you can still get some good ones. Good luck with whatever you decide and have a great trip!

 

[GPA1015]

We have been both months. I grew up in Florida and I do not care for October. We go every year in January and the crowds are awesome and the weather is divine. We get in the pool and wear short sleeves. So my vote is January. Maybe we will see you there

 

[free2div]

Here again..live in Florida..have been both times but we prefer Oct or Dec..Oct is still quite warm but Jan..well to us..is cold..anything below 60 is cold to us..so ya'll may enjoy it in Jan

 

[auntie]

October. I want to be able to enjoy the amenities the resorts have to offer. That means a pool and a hot tub. January..it's very "iffy"..in that regard.
I also don't want to be packing both warm weather and cold weather clothing. You figure in January, you're likely going to need at least a sweat shirt or two for evenings.
I'd go with October. Been there the last week of October and weather was lovely.

 

[keishashadow]

October is really a great time of year to go, so much going on with F&W, MNSSHP & (usually great weather)

ADRs do open up, book something/anything (try lunch vs dinner) and keep checking, cancellations happen all the time.

 

[Luv2Roam]

We use to vacation at WDW in January before moving here.
It can get COLD here in January, whether you are use to it or not. We lived in Nebraska. And out of one week here in January there was always one day that was colder here than Nebraska. Once at Illuminations I was thrilled to have my winter coat from the midwest.
That being said, it can also be 70 degrees here in January during the day.
One downside for January is you will see more rides and attractions closed for refurbishment. Usually only one water park is open while the other is being refurb'd.

October can still be very hot, and can be rainy. And I mean torrential rain. Although that may last 20 minutes.
The parks are decorated very nice for Halloween. Also the food and wine fest is on. Big plus! If you have the QSDP you will be in snack credit heaven. (As long as this year they still allow snack credits to be used at the F&W. Which I imagine they will.)

 

[Sunnywho]

You will not be refunded the trip insurance if you move dates. You'd have to pay it again if you want it again.

ADRs might open up around day 45 when final payment is due and people cancel.

have a great time whatever you decide!

 

[Chevyscool]

If it we're up to me, I'd stick with October. It's our FAVORITE time to go (which we are again this year )...like others have said MNSSHP, F&W, and the decorations are AWESOME. The weather is usually really enjoyable in the fall!

Keep checking on ADR's...there were a couple that I was able to get last year days before we went. I just kept trying (online or calling), you'd be surprised how many people canc. or switch around right before their trips. Also, try for odd times like 2:15pm or 8:25pm and like many have suggested lunch vs. dinner for the really popular places. There's some real CS gems too, like WPE in Downtown Disney or Sunshine Seasons at Epcot.

For what it's worth, last year a former co-worker went in Jan. and had really cold weather. He said when they rode rides and watched events at night they froze, and they were yankees!

Have fun no matter when you go!

 

[lovesdumbo]

Oct can be HOT. Jan can be VERY cold!

I think the crowds will be lower in Jan.

In January you would have to worry about weather in MN for flights.

I prefer January but don't like to worry about possible snow delays and you have to pack for both warm and cold weather.

 

[marymal99]

I absolutely love OCT
Food and Wine festival
beautiful warm weather but not too hot

 

[tony67]

I used to always go in January because of the smaller crowds.
We stopped because of large groups going at that time.
(Tour groups or Cheerleaders or Football teams etc..)

The last 5 or 6 years I have gone in October.
I like the Food and Wine Festival and the weather is usually better.
You also have all the Halloween stuff.

Also it seems like a lot of rides are closed in January.
It seemed like the runaway train was always closed when we went in January.
It may be too cold for Splash mountain as well.

You may still get tour groups in October, but not as bad as in January IMO.

 

[SarahD]

We have been both times - have had 90 degree days the last week of October and 30 degree days in January. We froze our #%@ off in January of 2009 - it was 30 degrees every morning when we left Pop to go to the parks. Not my idea of a vacation. Was also quite cold the first week of February this year. Two cold winters...what are the odds there could be a third??? My vote would be October...but my husband would vote for January because he's miserable by then (Ohio) and ready for some sunshine. He also likes NO crowds and he doesn't like to swim. So, there you are...

 

[ilovepete]

We are actually going at both of those times. But my favorite time is October, so I'd stick with that!

 

[Diz Kids]

I have been both times recently and I would vote for October if you already have it booked. As the previous posters have said, more rides are closed for refurb in January, and even your warm days are not all that warm if you are into the pool as part of your vacation. October can also be difficult to predict- I went in October of 2005 and we were wearing pants and jackets all but one or two days of the week, we also went in October last year and it was in the 90's.

If you do decide to switch to January remember that they are still offering free dining, so you may be able to change your package without much of a price change.

 

[pianoronni37]

Our trip dates were as follows:

October 2008
January 2010

We've been both times! I found the weather in October to be WAY TOO stifling hot!! I'm from Upstate NY and I was not comfortable. In January it was cooler, but it was still in the 60s-70s so it was a GORGEOUS vacation - it's especially nice leaving the snowy, blowy weather!!

My vote is change the trip, nonstop flights are awesome, ADRs will be better, and January is SLOW! It's a great time of year to go!!

 

[ilovepete]

Our trip dates were as follows:

October 2008
January 2010

We've been both times! I found the weather in October to be WAY TOO stifling hot!! I'm from Upstate NY and I was not comfortable. In January it was cooler, but it was still in the 60s-70s so it was a GORGEOUS vacation - it's especially nice leaving the snowy, blowy weather!!

My vote is change the trip, nonstop flights are awesome, ADRs will be better, and January is SLOW! It's a great time of year to go!!

I guess I should say... LATE October is my choice. Early October is really hot still.