New Years week versus the week after About This Page:

[Babysimba13]

We are getting married on December 29, 2012. I am trying to decide if we should go to WDW over New Years for the week, or wait till the next week.

My dilemna is because I would love to see the holiday decorations, and I know that if we go for New Years I will be able to. But, if we wait, we will miss them.

It will be my fiance's first time in WDW and he is not one to deal with large crowds well, so that pushes me toward the second week. His main wish in going is to golf. He will enjoy the food and some of the rides and nightime shows. I am also worried that we will miss out on quite a bit because WDW closes things for refurbs during that period.

Can you assist me in making a decision?!?!?! I am at a loss!

[Pris]

You would experience horrendous crowds through New Year's Eve, then they would start to taper off. The second week of Jan., the crowds will be virtually non-existent. The parks do have much shorter hours then, also. I think your DF would be much happier after the crowds die down. This just gives you an excuse to return during the holiday season in the future. Decorations go up in early November, so you can see them during less crowded times. Perhaps you can entice him into the Food and Wine Festival in November next year.
Oh, yeah, don't forget it will be much less expensive in Jan., since it is value season, rather than holiday season!

[Gin]

That's a tough one. I think you already have the pros and cons, but I just wanted to say that we were there for winter break this past year, and I thought the crowds weren't that bad (and I don't like crowds). With the long operating hours, we could be at the park at open, leave midday for a break, and then go back to the parks until midnight or later--more than enough time to do a lot of touring! That said, if that's not your idea of a relaxing honeymoon, keep an eye on the refurb schedules and go the next week. You'll miss the decorations, but have the benefit of lower crowd levels.

[jlhill4444]

If you arrive around Jan 2 you will miss the crowd and the Holiday decorations will still be up for a few days. We have gone at this time before and the decorations are still up until around the 4 - 6 of Jan. That way you will get the best of both worlds.

[chezp]

To be honest, I'd be tempted to go for the New Year itself, but recognising that you're literally only going to see the decorations, rather than planning on riding anything, as it will be packed. If you do that, one piece of advice I will give you is don't try to stay up for New Year itself, but go to bed early and then get up early on New Year's Day, as most people will stay up for the New Year, meaning the parks will be pretty deserted until lunchtime....

[mattnkatsmum]

We were in WDW once for New Year and I thought it was super-magical. The crowds tailed off dramatically after January 2nd, so I would agree that you could have the best of both worlds.

I actually kind of like WDW at the busiest of times. Sure, it takes more planning to avoid big lines etc, but the pay off is extended park opening and more entertainment laid on.

[Sue M.]

We go late Jan. for the low crowds, and I work in a high school. We have a semester break then, so that week is pretty much dictated.
If I could, I'd prob go as some mentioned, Jan 2 while the decorations are still up, but it would be the start of Value Season, so prices and crowds drop. A win-win.