Before Christmas or After the New Year?

[WeLuvDisney]

Looking for opinions. We are looking into taking a trip to Disney. We took them last year the 1st week of December and it was great. What do you guys feel is the better time to travel if you have to chose. Before the holiday or after the new year. Please let me know your thoughts!

 

[durangojim]

Before Christmas if you enjoy all the holiday festivities as the crowds are still lighter. After if you don't care about the holiday stuff.

 

[mickeysshoes]

Since you have already done the fisrt week of December I would try after New Year's then the next time you have to make the same choice you will know which time you like better. I have always wanted to make it WDW in Jan. and Feb. Goals we all need them. Enjoy your trip whichever week you end up going!! :wave:

 

[WeLuvDisney]

Still not sure. Before Christmas is good because people will be on vacation during Christmas time, so the crowds were lighter. And after the new year because everyone will just have off for the holiday break, so I figured the crowds would be a lot lighter!

Decisions, decisions!

 

[Bri1121]

A few years ago we actually got there on New Years day! We had a great time. The crowds were pretty good, a few major rides had long waits, the weather was beautiful and the place was still decorated for Christmas!! We also got some great deals!

 

[EvilQueen-T]

we've done both. the biggest difference is the lack of holiday decorations when you go in january rather than when you go in early december. the wait times are maybe a little lower in mid january. you have about the same weather risks as far as hot cold or rainy at either time of year.

 

[Frau Farbissina]

we've done both. the biggest difference is the lack of holiday decorations when you go in january rather than when you go in early december. the wait times are maybe a little lower in mid january. you have about the same weather risks as far as hot cold or rainy at either time of year.

Agreed. The weather is all over the place. My personal preference would be December, but I'm a big Christmas nerd.

 

[NiarrNDisney]

I have been both times and can tell you its a real toss up! However going before Christmas allowes you to see all the beautiful decorations and enjoy the Holiday cheer spread throughout the parks and resorts.

 

[worldfanatic]

I've never been in January, and am making my first December trip later this year. So I can't speak from experience.
But I've noticed WDW tends to shut a lot of attractions down in Jan and Feb for maintenance.

I'd think that would make December more desirable.

 

[Poofiesdream]

We always go early Dec. The crowds are low and the weather is just right. In Jan you are looking at much colder weather and ride closures.

 

[polymissy]

That's a tough call! I've been to WDW at both of those times the last two years. While I LOVE Disney at Christmastime with all the decorations and holiday spirit, I personally find it easier to make the trip later in January. I guess it seems less hectic to take time away from home after the holidays, rather than before while I'm still prepping for Santa's arrival. My experience has shown smaller crowds and shorter lines in January(the last week) for the past few years, than the 2nd and 3rd weekends of December. Since you've already been there before Christmas, maybe you should consider January! I'm sure you will have a great time no matter which time you choose!

 

[mbisenius]

A few years ago, we went the last week of Dec.-first week of Jan. If you want to take in the decorations and small waits, I would advise the first week of January - the first few days for sure I remember Christmas trees still being up. If I remember right, they stop playing the Christmas music on January 1....can anyone else confirm this?

 

[Bri1121]

A few years ago, we went the last week of Dec.-first week of Jan. If you want to take in the decorations and small waits, I would advise the first week of January - the first few days for sure I remember Christmas trees still being up. If I remember right, they stop playing the Christmas music on January 1....can anyone else confirm this?

We went on New Years day and the the place was still decorated. I do not remember music though. I know the day we were leaving they were taking down the tree in our hotel. I remember watching with the kids.

Waiting was not so bad but the big rides still had good one. I remember 90 minutes for soarin. We had great weather. Low 80's every day. I guess we were lucky!!

I also remember the great price. It was a Christmas gift for the kids so we actually thought about leaving the day after Christmas or the 27th. But leaving Jan 1 st dropped prices pretty dramatically!!

 

[devoy1701]

The time around December 12-19th used to be one of the least crowded times you could visit the parks. This is also Value Season so the room rates are cheaper and the discounts are better! Until we started visiting Disneyland, we used to make an annual trip to WDW during that time frame.

 

[EvilQueen-T]

double check the value season dates. most of the time starting the monday after thanksgiving until right before christmas is now categorized as fall season...just a little more expensive than traditional value season. i guess they figured with the increasing crowds and the pop warner football and cheerleading competitions taking place they could charge a little more.