December/January?

[Dulcee]

DBf and I are attempting to come up with a gameplan for our honeymoon and are looking at a trip in either early December 2012 or mid January 2013.

I've only ever been to WDW in the summer months. While DBF likes the idea of getting away in the winter I'm leery as I've heard park hours are reduced.

So whats the story on December and January trips? Benefits? Drawbacks? Are there any discounts historically offered during these times of year?

[faline]

While the hours may be shorter, the crowds are also less dense and you get more done in a shorter amount of time.

I prefer early December to January as Disney World is in the midst of the holiday happenings. Downsides to early December are that crowds have been increasing as this time of year becomes more popular; depending on where you stay you may run into the folks who are there for Pop Warner; and the holiday parade is filmed in the Magic Kingdom during the first weekend in December.

Drawbacks during December and Janaury can be the weather which is quite unpredictable and variable at this time of year. You can run into some real cold snaps - think wind chill - at this time of year. On the other hand, you may find perfectly pleasant, even warm weather.

It is a slower time of year at Disney so discounts have been offered during this time frame. That, of course, is no guarantee that discounts will continue to be offered.

[musicteacher]

We just came back from our third trip in January, going a few days after MLK day. We love going at that time of year to get away from the snow and ice up North, and for the light crowds. We DID see a pick-up in crowds this time, but still nothing to worry about.

We got in on free dining and loved it. Not sure if we saved much money, but definitely ate at great places and better quality than pretzels in the room and counter service.

We're thinking of trying early December next time to see the Christmas lights up.

Betsy

[A Big Kid]

As I run the marathon every year in WDW, we go in January.

Like others have posted, the park hours are reduced, but the crowds are smaller so you can get as much, if not more, done.

You do have to be wary of refurbs that tend to happen RIGHT DURING MARATHON WEEKEND WITH THE SAME ATTRACTIONS EVER YEAR. But I digress...

For me, nothing beats strolling in the World Showcase in chilly weather snuggled up to the one you love.