When to go Nov/Dec

CP_alum08

CP_alum08

Well-Known Member
Is there a "best" week to go in either Nov. or Dec.? I know the weeks of Thanksgiving and Christmas are nuts so I know I want to avoid those 2 weeks...but anything else? The Christmas decorations start going up pretty early on in November right?

Quick run down - my GF and I used to live in MI, moved to FL for a couple years, and are now back in MI. While in FL we only went to WDW once during the Christmas season and it was for the weekend of the Wine and Dine marathon so we didn't get a chance to see or do much, besides run! I'd love to surprise her this year with a trip for Christmas so I'm just trying to get some ideas of a good time. Thanks!
 
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coachwnh

coachwnh

Well-Known Member
In the Parks
No
They are both great times to go and both Nov and Dec have calmer weeks. We have been to WDW during both Thanksgiving and Christmas, and we have stayed the week after Thanksgiving several times. The crowds are much lighter beginning the week after Thanksviving. From what Ive read, those lighter crowds last into early Dec. When we were there last Christmas, the crowds really didnt become huge until Christmas Eve and overwhelming until the 26. As far as decorations, all the parks and resorts are pretty much in holiday mode Nov through early Jan. Have fun!!!
 
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Lisalyn

Lisalyn

Well-Known Member
Going 11/30 - 12/6 - same week I went last year. VERY management crowds (except for the weekend) but the week days were smooth for sure! No longer than 15 minute waits if that and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves! I love the time of the year because you get all the Holiday decorations, Osborne Lights, the MVMCP and the general feel of hey - it's Christmas! Everyone (most everyone) are happy happy and it's an extremely enjoyable experience to go when the place isn't packed like a sardine. LOVE my week !! :)
 
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disneygirl76

disneygirl76

Carey Poppins - Nanny and Disney Enthusiest
CP_alum08 said:
Is there a "best" week to go in either Nov. or Dec.? I know the weeks of Thanksgiving and Christmas are nuts so I know I want to avoid those 2 weeks...but anything else? The Christmas decorations start going up pretty early on in November right?

Quick run down - my GF and I used to live in MI, moved to FL for a couple years, and are now back in MI. While in FL we only went to WDW once during the Christmas season and it was for the weekend of the Wine and Dine marathon so we didn't get a chance to see or do much, besides run! I'd love to surprise her this year with a trip for Christmas so I'm just trying to get some ideas of a good time. Thanks!
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We went the week before Thanksgiving and it was a great time to go. By the evening of the Wednesday before Thanksgiving it started to get busy and after that it had the crowds but prior to that, it was super light crowds and great temps!
 
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Poofiesdream

Poofiesdream

Well-Known Member
We always go December 8-15th. We do that week every year. The weather is great and the crowds are really low. Christmas decorations are all up. This year however pop warner football will be that week it won't affect the park crowds but value resorts will be full. The filming of the Christmas parade for TV also takes place then.
 
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dvcnut

dvcnut

Member
We went from Nov. 11-18th last year and I personally thought that it was the best time to go...the weather is still warm enough (on certain days) to use the pool, you can catch the last couple of days of the Food & Wine festival, and WDW is in the early stages of the Christmas spirit (music, decorations, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, etc.) We were there the day that they decorated our hotel (Wilderness Lodge) which was amazing to see in and of itself :)
 
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bsiev1977

bsiev1977

Well-Known Member
CP_alum08 said:
Thanks everyone! I did some researching and it looks like the Pop Warner football/cheerleading competition is Dec. 6-14 so I might try and stay away from that, but the very end of Nov. into early Dec. looks great.
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I would have avoided Pop Warner too, but had already committed to that week before the competition for this year was announced.

But, TouringPlans actually downgraded the expected crowd levels for a couple of those days that I'll be there, so I'm not really worried about it anymore.
 
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luv

luv

Well-Known Member
Yes, the Christmas decorations start going up immediately following the last MNSSHP. If you want to see all the Christmas stuff, give them a couple weeks.

Otherwise, it's hard to say when the best week will be...depends more on weather than anything else, IMO.

Have fun!
 
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HouCuseChickie

HouCuseChickie

Well-Known Member
Last year we went from Nov 15th until right before Thanksgiving. Back in 2010, we went from Dec 7-13. While crowds built as we approached Thanksgiving, I think the crowds were lighter on the earlier portion of our Nov trip than they were that 2nd week in Dec. On top of that...if you go in Nov, but not too close to Thanksgiving- you can still get park holiday decor, MVMCP, Osborne Lights and catch the tail end of F&W. On the flip side, the resort decorations don't usually go up until Nov 16th or 17th, the Epcot storytellers and Candlelight processional don't start until day after Thanksgiving, and the MK tree won't go up until after the Christmas parade is filmed. And who knows, if you go in Dec you might even catch a soft opening the the mine train if they're pushing for early 2014. I know- I know...nobody really knows when anything is slated for that, but lots of people are hoping.

Tough call, but I'd say late Nov/early Dec right after parade filming.
 
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