Subsonic Radio

We are planning an 8 day Christmas trip to the World. But, we are debating Mid November (We'd see most of the Christmas decorations-just not the Epcot World Showcase "Christmas Around The World-each country has a Christmas icon tell the story of Christmas in that country which doesn't start until late November and we would miss the candlelight service which I really want to see.

I'd love to hear your opinions and thoughts, pros and cons concerning an mid November (8-15) trip vs. a late December trip (23-30).

The earlier trip would most certainly be less crowded. You are correct that you would see most of the Christmas decorations, but if you really want to see the candlelight processional you would miss that in November. The other thing to check would be when the Osborne lights start. That is really something to see if you haven't seen it before. Actually, even if you have seen it, it is worth going to see again!
December will likely be a lot colder. And the crowds on the holiday would likely be quite high. But you would be able to spend Christmas at WDW which would be pretty awesome.
I would think the biggest factor in your deciding would be whether or not you want to see all of the Christmas decor and stories. Either time would be a great time to go

I'd go with either late November (after Thanksgiving week) or early December or even start a vacation in late November but come home early December. Crowds start to grow leading up to Thanksgiving week but after that they die down until schools let out for Winter break.

I agree with MadEye. Any chance you could go between Thanksgiving and about December 17 or so? I think that way you'd get the best of both worlds - smaller crowds (not as small as early November, but much better than Christmas) and you'd get to see all of the Christmas things.

If you have to choose between those two dates though, I would go for December to see everything.

Polynesian Princess wrote:I agree with MadEye. Any chance you could go between Thanksgiving and about December 17 or so? I think that way you'd get the best of both worlds - smaller crowds (not as small as early November, but much better than Christmas) and you'd get to see all of the Christmas things.

If you have to choose between those two dates though, I would go for December to see everything.

Plus, if you go the December route, you might want to consider braving the 12/31 crowds. From what I've heard, the New Year's Eve fireworks are worth it!!

Also, check to see when they're filming the Christmas Parade at MK for the ABC Christmas day special. The park is usually more crowded on those dates, and the hotel reservations are more tricky too. When we were there back on Dec 6th, it was the final day of filming and they were doing the performances in front of the castle; once they concluded, and the crowd dispersed, the park just seem overwhelmed and overcrowded. If you do go during that time, I would suggest the other parks and avoid the MK during that filming.

Amy wrote:

Polynesian Princess wrote:I agree with MadEye. Any chance you could go between Thanksgiving and about December 17 or so? I think that way you'd get the best of both worlds - smaller crowds (not as small as early November, but much better than Christmas) and you'd get to see all of the Christmas things.

If you have to choose between those two dates though, I would go for December to see everything.

Plus, if you go the December route, you might want to consider braving the 12/31 crowds. From what I've heard, the New Year's Eve fireworks are worth it!!

Yes, that's a great idea, Amy! it will be crowded, but I am pretty sure they hold fireworks at several locations to help spread them out. Or if you stayed on the monorail line, you could just enjoy them from your room/hotel.

The reason it's either the second week of November or the last week of December is because I can't get vacation from November week 4 until December 23rd or so.

rphillips14 wrote:The reason it's either the second week of November or the last week of December is because I can't get vacation from November week 4 until December 23rd or so.

I would aim for the December time then, more shows and the possibility of the Armageddon barge for the fireworks!

Amy wrote:

rphillips14 wrote:The reason it's either the second week of November or the last week of December is because I can't get vacation from November week 4 until December 23rd or so.

I would aim for the December time then, more shows and the possibility of the Armageddon barge for the fireworks!

Sorry you can't get any of that time off; I agree with Amy. Go for the last week of December. None of the park or resorts wil be decorated for Christmas the first week of November.

well, honestly, it depends on what means more to you...1st week of november....not crowded at all, but no holiday stuff...you get mroe done...the week of christmas to New years is the busiest of the entire year and you will...not may...WILL see incredible long wait times. Resort prices are also cheap for early November, and the most expensive of the year from 12/25-1/1.

yodiwan1 wrote:well, honestly, it depends on what means more to you...1st week of november....not crowded at all, but no holiday stuff...you get mroe done...the week of christmas to New years is the busiest of the entire year and you will...not may...WILL see incredible long wait times. Resort prices are also cheap for early November, and the most expensive of the year from 12/25-1/1.

If they book their package, or simply a room, starting before 12/25, would they still be able to lock in a cheaper rate (whatever the room is going for the first part of the trip) during the last part of December, say 12/25 until the end of their stay?

I haven't read any other posts yet so I don't know if I'm being redundent, PLEASE DON'T TORTURE YOURSELF BY GOING THE END OF DECEMBER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The crowds are not to be believed . Even though you will be going a little to early for the parks being decorated for Christmas(they decorate right after Thanksgiving)I can't stress this enough, you will have a much better time in November You will be able to enjoy the Food and Wine Festival in Epcot too, which is really great. Whichever you choose(NOV), have a great time

I have been between Christmas and New Years...and I will never do that again. Was it fun and awesome? Heck yeah! Were the crowds so bad that it almost wasn't worth it? Yes.

Just imagine if you had to wait 45 minutes to an hour to ride pretty much anything there. If you aren't there at rope drop you can almost forget about riding Soarin' or Toy Story Midway Mania. It really is crazy packed. The fireworks shows in the first 3 parks are pretty good but I am sure Epcot has the best. We got stuck in DHS for New Years due to the parks reaching capacity and being closed off. We enjoyed it but it was definitely difficult to eat and enjoy the rides with the huge crowds.

I have been in early November three times. It is my favorite time to go. We always had great weather, low crowds, non stressed cast members, and inexpensive travel. I personally don't enjoy being there when its totally packed so its my favorite time. Sharonofwindham... I'm from Skowhegan, ME. Glad to see another mouse fan from Maine