Low crowds or Low temps?

[CrazyForDisney]

My husband and I went to WDW Sept 19-23. This was the first time we've ever been during this time of year and it was great! We got to enjoy MNSSHP for the first time and had a blast! Low crowds but still a bit HOT. I lived in the South for many many years so I was able to adjust but it's still a bit of a shocker to return near the end of September and feel that humidity in the air

Low crowds are very important BUT that extra heat and humidity can take a toll on you physically and neither my husband nor I are the type to take a mid afternoon break. Once we start we like to keep going all day (it's just the two of us).

So here is my question (finally): If it were you - an adults only trip - what would you do?

Sept 17-21, 2012 - Low crowds but HOT! Get to enjoy MNSSHP again! We love the Halloween decorations and all that it entails!

Oct 22-26, 2012 - Not sure about the crowds but it's my understanding that while it is still warm it's not as bad as Sept. Plus, we will still get to enjoy MNSSHP again!

Nov 5-9, 2012 - Apparently it's Jersey week :shrug: I just recently heard of this but I'm not sure how it affects the crowds. The weather has cooled down but I have to wonder about the weather through the Jellico mtns? We can enjoy the Christmas decorations and possibly MVMCP and we've never been while Christmas decorations are up :xmas:

Nov 12-16, 2012 - Crowds? Can enjoy Christmas decorations and MVMCP! Again, the weather through the Jellico mtns?

I really can't decide which is more important to us - low crowds or decent temperatures. We always say low crowds until we get there and it’s hot and then we go back and forth

Christmas is my FAVORITE holiday and Halloween is my second so I'm not torn by the Holiday theme...it's mostly crowds and temps. Thanks for your help!!!

One more thing...which resort would you pick? AKL or WL?

 

[R W B]

My GF and I picked the first week in December to go because alot of people say it has low crowds, plus touringguides.com rates it as the same too. I figure it will be cool so that will be a plus. I'm not sure if that's an option for you but we think it will be a good time.

Also I would pick WL, never stayed at either one but WL would be my choice.

 

[Dads 2 Boys]

I've been first week of Dec and was there from 10/22-10/29 and I actually REALLY enjoyed being there during Halloween. I think I prefer the Halloween?fall decor more than the Christmas. The temps didn't get near 90 except on the Thursday (it was 88 I believe) so that worked perfectly!

 

[mickeysshoes]

Its a real toss up..we can deal with the temps of late August knowing the crowds are lower. I just booked for Christmas 2012 and knowing the temps wont be as they are in the summer can deal with the crowds of Christmas. I think its all in your frame of mind and to what extent you are willing to deal. Heat and Crowds of JULY...NO thanks!!! As far as resorts...we just love the Wilderness Lodge. AKL..been there done that...no plans to go back.

 

[ladydi]

I'd try November or early December. I love Christmas and the theming of WDW during the holidays is wonderful. haven't stayed at either resort so can't help there!

 

[Dznycrzy]

You can't beat November through early December...with the exception of Thanksgiving week...too crowded! You get cooler temps and smaller crowds if you go during November/early December. I live in the south, and you never get use to the extreme humidity during the summer months!

I've never stayed at WL or AKL , but I have visited both. WL lends itself more to a holiday feel. The fireplaces, log cabin interior, and the cozy atmosphere just felt more like Christmas. I also like the proximity to the Magic Kingdom. AKL seems more remote by location, and it just didn't have the holiday feel that WL did.

 

[desertrat]

We were there first 2 weeks of Oct. I thought the weather was perfect mid 80's. I live in AZ so my perception of hot might be different. The high today was 60 and I was freezing. I actually had to put on long pants. I live in shorts here. We normally go in May. and I love the weather then also. Hot but drier than Oct. From what I understand Dec is kind of iffy. It can be nice or really cold.

 

[bigorangeandy]

Don't worry about snow or ice on Jellico Mt, in mid November. I use to drive that area a lot and it is too early in the season to have snow and ice to shut the roads down. We are headed down in less than two weeks and I am so looking forward to days that are not sweltering hot. We went in October a few years ago and it was in the high 90's each day, way to hot for that time of the year. Have fun not matter what time you pick.

 

[Silver Figment]

My upcoming trip (just my girlfriend and i) is in the middle of january. I think it'll be nice because the temp will be cooler and crowds will be smaller. My friend just went down and enjoyed the halloween-ness and said he really enjoyed it though. Never been for christmas, but that is next on his list.

 

[DizneyPryncess]

I would take the October week. I love the Halloween stuff at Disney, and I've heard great things about that time of year. I went to Disneyland at Halloween time a few years ago, and would like to see WDW at that time too.

Low crowds are number one for me, over weather. I can bear with just about any heat, and most levels of cold in Florida. I'm not so good with unbearable crowds. But I don't think any of the dates you listed should have huge crowds, although I don't know anything about Jersey week. I just avoid major holidays & peak times.

I'll throw in that I agree with everyone talking about the first week of December. It was much cooler, and we had very small crowds when we went in 2006. I am in talks with DH in going next year in October for our daughters 1st birthday, or waiting until December to do the Christmas stuff. So I'm kind of torn too.

 

[wdwcandice]

I've been at all of the time frames mentioned and I love the late October date the best if I have small children with me because they love to swim at the resorts. It's usually not as hot as September but warm enough that swimming feels good. The three times I have been in December, it was great weather for me, but too cool to feel good about swimming.