Disney during Halloween or Christmas?

DH and I will be married 5 years next year and want to plan a nice family trip (I know, not so romantic ). We were undecided between Beaches Turks and Caicos or Disney...I think we decided Disney.

We have heard Disney's Very Scary Halloween is a great time to go and we have also heard Disney is great when they set it up for Christmas in November. Which would you recommend? How is the weather in October and November?

Tyler will be 4 and Derek will just be turning 2 in September so we think this is a great age to take them.

Re: Disney during Halloween or Christmas?

I've never been then, but someone told me they went for Halloween and then the next day when they woke up, it was decorated for Christmas. I thought that would be so magical for kids. One night it's Halloween, the next morning it's Christmas!

Re: Disney during Halloween or Christmas?

We went from 11/10 to 11/15 this past year. It was all decorated for Christmas and so nice! We did not pay extra to go to Mickey's Christmas Party, but that looked like so much fun...carolers, hot chocolate, etc. etc.

The weather was fantastic for all but one day--the first day was around 60 and very drizzly, but the next day and all the other days were perfect...around 70 and sunny! My DH and DD even went in the pool. I wore capris, or jeans with sandals and a short sleeved shirt and brought a light sweater every day. Very comfortable.

I'm like a lunatic with this, but if you go during "Christmas" you MUST go to the Osborne Family Light Show at Hollywood Studios. You HAVE to...DO it!


Oh, and my DDs were 2.5 and 4 when we went and it was fantastic--especially for the 4 year old!!!!

Re: Disney during Halloween or Christmas?

It is a tough toss up. How much do you want to be able to use the pool? Does it matter to you if it is hot out or will you be ok if it is cold. That time of the year is hit or miss - it is either warm or it can be freezing or something in between.

Both Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP) or Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (MVMCP) are supposed to be great.

DH and I went back in 2002 in the beginning of Jan before they took down the decorations and the hotels and the parks are gorgeous!!

We took DD when she was 15 months end of Sept/beginning of Oct and we loved it. It was VERY hot and humid though. DD loved MNSSHP - they have dance parties with the characters, trick or treat spots set up all around the park, a great parade and fireworks display and the rides were virtually empty.

Honestly I don't think you can go wrong with either one it really depends on your taste. The only thing is try to avoid thanksgiving week and right before Christmas b.c those times will be very crowded.

BTW there is a code going around by email from disney (if you haven't sign up on their website for a free planning dvd and price and save some trips - that will put you in their system for discount private codes) - I got one the other day that was for 30% off values, 35% of moderates and 40% of deluxe resorts and you can add tickets and dining (although the tickets and dining are not discounted) - but 40% off the deluxes are a pretty big discount for disney. There might even be a free dining code that is out for that time as well. The code I got was good for many dates thru 12/2010.

Re: Disney during Halloween or Christmas?

We just did Disney in September. Ava was 5 and Brody was 1. We went for the Halloween Party. Hot and crowded!

If I had a choice I would pick beaches hands down!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Re: Disney during Halloween or Christmas?

As some have mentioned, lots of variables here. Speaking from personal experience, I think the cooler weather, extra activities, and the holiday decor make Disney during the holidays my favorite time to visit.

If you can stay between 11/28 and 12/15, you will be getting value season rates, which are the lowest room rates of the year. There is also a good possibility that Disney will be promoting some sort of additional discount during that time, though it won't be known for sure what that is for some time.

October is still a little warm, plus you will be dealing with inflated crowd levels due to the Food & Wine Festival. In November the weather is cooler, but the room prices are higher until right after Thanksgiving.

If you decide Disney, consider the 2 weeks after Thanksgiving for (what I believe would be) the best experience.

Bob

Re: Disney during Halloween or Christmas?

I went in the beginning of December and the holiday music/decor/shows are AMAZING!! I will only go back during that time again

Re: Disney during Halloween or Christmas?

The BEST time to go to Disney imo is the week after Thanksgiving.

DH & I went at this time when we were dating. The weather is perfect, the parks are empty & its all decorated for Christmas. The week of Thanksgiving is crowded. Than everyone leaves because all the kids have to go back to school.

The park employees told us we couldn't have picked a better time to come.

Re: Disney during Halloween or Christmas?

Re: Disney during Halloween or Christmas?

Message edited 3/8/2010 9:29:54 PM.

Re: Disney during Halloween or Christmas?

I've never been there for Christmas, so I can't opine on that. However, we have gone 3 times in October around Halloween and we love it that time of year. In particular, during the Food and Wine Festival in Epcot. IMO, Disney is mostly about the kids but the F&W Festival gives you some adult time (we hired Disney babysitters to watch the kids for an evening).

Re: Disney during Halloween or Christmas?

When I was little we went for either halloween or Christmas every year ( from when i was 3 till 15 haha).... MY favorite still is Christmas time. The parade is incredible... let me know if you need more info

Re: Disney during Halloween or Christmas?

I've never been for Halloween, but have been twice for Christmas.

Love the very merry christmas party. every park is decorated for christmas.

the weather is not awful either. A friend of ours went in October and had some days of over 90 degree weather. December is more in the high 60's low 70's.

Re: Disney during Halloween or Christmas?

During Christmas was awesome, everything looked so nice. I havent gone for Halloween though, I'm sure it's cute too.

Re: Disney during Halloween or Christmas?

We went last Halloween, came back on 10/30 the park was all decorated and really nice. We didnt do the Not so Scary Halloween party as DS wasnt even 2 yet.

But I thought it was really nice time to go.
We are planning on going back this year and I am insisting on going during the Christmas season (which starts early November!) because DS LOVES christmas lights!

I cant say much about the weather. When we went it was incredibly hot! over 90 degrees every day. My ILs went the same week in 2008 and it was chilly so not sure what to expect!

I have tol say that DS who was 22 months at the time, LOVED It and still talks about it. Especially the fireworks at the castle and the fireworks at hte moon (aka epcot) I didnt think he would retain anything being young but he loved loved loved the fireworks so much we made sure to see them everynight and that stuck with him!

ETA: Just wanted to add, it really wasnt too crowded when we were there. We did have to fast pass a few popular rides but overall we were able to walk on most rides or wait less than 10 minutes!

Message edited 3/16/2010 3:04:45 PM.

Re: Disney during Halloween or Christmas?

My DH and I went the week after christmas into new years and I dont rec that week at all with kids. it was so crowded I mean terribly crowded that we couldnt get out of epcot on time- we gave ourselves an hour- to get out of there and go to pleasure island- we totally missed it and lost $$$$$$$$$ on the tickets we paid to go there. disney however was really pretty but again packed. I was told to go in november the week after thanksgiving that is the best time the kids in florida have school so its not as congested. it is really beautiful though.

Re: Disney during Halloween or Christmas?

fun!!! lots of my friends have gone during Halloween.....so i would go then!!

xmas time is too hectic with all the responsibilities at home IMO