[Kippage]

So right now BF and I are planning to go the 3rd weekend of May. The whole point of going then was just for me to see the Castle all decorated up before HCOE ends and before it gets too hot. BUT! We were talking and both agreed that we really enjoyed going in December of 04. Since we were there to watch a friend's football game, and didn't exactly plan a trip, everything was very rushed. Now we're stuck - should we stick with May or hold out until the end of November/first weekend of December?

So, this is my little Pro/Con list.

Pros for December :
- longer time to save up
- can stay longer, possibly a week
- can stay at a moderate (POFQ)
- holiday decor

Cons for December :
- longer wait
- HCOE over
- could interfere with the ending of College Football season

Pros for May :
- shorter wait
- nice weather

Cons for May :
- can only stay 3-4 days
- because of ^, will be a little bit more rushed
- staying at a value (ASMo)
- no holiday decor
- will interfere with exams if I decide to take my final class in Spring term

Anyone got a suggestion?

[jk8]

Ugh, that is hard. I'm all about instant gratification so changing the trip to Dec would be hard for me. I'd probably stick with May.

[ingamba]

Let the weather and the season be your guide. Crowd levels can be pretty heavy both of those times, so I'd just decide if I want to see holiday decorations or not. As far as the climate, keep in mind that the end of May can be pretty hot so if that's what you're into, do that.

I see how it's a hard decision though, but right now if you asked me to pick one, I'd say December because of your pros and con list and also because right now, I'm all geeked up about Christmas decorations at WDW.

[Boss Mouse]

I gotta go with HCOE. The Christmas displays will go up every year. There will never me another 50th celebration.

[Boss Mouse]

PS - never trust a geek - esp a yankee-fan-geek.

[dhoughton]

Based on your pros and cons, I would be inclined to go in December. Of course, I have never been there at Christmas and I would love to see WDW then!

[disneycouple30]

We just got back last week from WDW and the crowd wasn't too bad but it not like it use to be. May is also different that it used to be also. Kids in some states will be out so the crowds start to increase in May. I wouldn't be surprised if they keep the castle as it is now to the next gala time. The castle isn't painted like it was for the 25th birthday. The only thing they may take down is the mural at the front .

[joseph3947]

Something you might want to consider is that a lot of Florida schools take trips to WDW at the end of the school year, which varies from school district to school district.
It can be very crowded from the middle of May to Memorial day, and then summer crowds start! Joe

[Kippage]

Originally Posted by joseph3947

Something you might want to consider is that a lot of Florida schools take trips to WDW at the end of the school year, which varies from school district to school district.
It can be very crowded from the middle of May to Memorial day, and then summer crowds start! Joe

I'm worried about that also!

I'm a Florida girl (NW FL), so I can handle the weather swings.

I don't know... I'm leaning more towards December solely because it gives more time to save up and have a bigger vacation. But then I think about HCOE being over... So confusing!

[Dana]

December...only because you get to see the decorations.

[The Goof Father]

I am a big fan of the holidays! It is the best time to go in my book...

[Baloo85]

That is a tough one...I NEVER had to deal with such a question...my family and I just go during both months and seasons...hehe

[Allyson]

While it would be so hard to wait, I vote for December. Being able to stay longer wins it for me...I can't go for less than 7 days now! :) It is so much nicer to be able to take a slower pace. Throw in that you'll be able to stay in a mod -- that wins it for me!

As for the end of football season...unless you actually GO to a lot of games (and that is what the trip would interfere with) ESPN Zone @ the Boardwalk is a great place to watch them!

[dznygrl]

I vote December! There's nothing like Disney during the holidays...(that is when DH and I want to FINALLY go to WDW, is next December!) Plus if you will get to stay longer, that's a big plus!

I have a feeling Disney is going to leave the castle as-is for a while. I don't think they'll tear down all the 50th stuff at the end of the HCOE. So no worries!

[Erin]

Originally Posted by Kippage

So right now BF and I are planning to go the 3rd weekend of May. The whole point of going then was just for me to see the Castle all decorated up before HCOE ends and before it gets too hot. BUT! We were talking and both agreed that we really enjoyed going in December of 04. Since we were there to watch a friend's football game, and didn't exactly plan a trip, everything was very rushed. Now we're stuck - should we stick with May or hold out until the end of November/first weekend of December?

So, this is my little Pro/Con list.

Pros for December :
- longer time to save up
- can stay longer, possibly a week
- can stay at a moderate (POFQ)
- holiday decor

Cons for December :
- longer wait
- HCOE over
- could interfere with the ending of College Football season

Pros for May :
- shorter wait
- nice weather

Cons for May :
- can only stay 3-4 days
- because of ^, will be a little bit more rushed
- staying at a value (ASMo)
- no holiday decor
- will interfere with exams if I decide to take my final class in Spring term

Anyone got a suggestion?

Your con list for May is worse than your con list for December. I'd go with December, if I were you. YOu don't want it to interfere with exams, and staying longer is always better.