View Full Version : August v Xmas
sammibabe
15-03-2007, 02:05
Trying to decide when to go to Florida next year. Bit more difficult than usual due to kids exams (we usually go in May and this is not an option) We could go in August. Bite the bullet on the expense,go in Augaust and be there for my 40th or go for Xmas and new year. Never been either time[msnscared]Grateful for any opinions.
chrizzy100
15-03-2007, 03:20
I find August too hot to do much...I love Christmas...you can get a dip in the temp that time of year...but it'll not last long...if its going to get cold in FL I find its more mid Jan/Feb time...don't go by this years weather...this year it was colder longer because of a 4 year weather pattern....
pieman790
15-03-2007, 09:34
It will be alot cooler in December, but other than this i would expect everything else to be similar in terms of queues etc.
We were in Florida for Christmas 2005 and had a great time.
Paula D-S
15-03-2007, 09:34
I've never been at Christmas although some of the threads on this forum tell it to be magical and I would love to go in the future.
I have been July into August though and loved it. I was worrying about the weather being too hot but we have honestly had more humid and warm conditions in May. Whichever time you choose have a wonderful time planning your holiday.
suegooding
15-03-2007, 09:53
I would love to go at Christmas time after seeing some of the photos on the forum. I went at the end of November just when the lights started to go up but didn't make it to the parks to see the kind of things they do around that time of the year. We did go and see Ice, fantastic.
I also spent my 40th in Florida, in July, and the weather although hot I had a great time doing all the parks earlier in the day whilst it was cooler then chilled in the afternoon.
Have a great time when ever you decide to go.
CERICROWLEY
15-03-2007, 10:04
Having been at both times, July and August and Christmas and New Year. We love both times, for different reasons.
Yes we have children in school so this is best option to choose.
We have now been five times at Christmas and are going again this year, just because we love the thrill and anticipation of the season. Its a magical time of the year, that Disney do so well. Coming from the UK you will find Florida a lot warmer obviously, although the nights tend to dip quite a bit, you need to take a sweater or too, just because as you go out to eat in restaurants the air conditioning will be very cold. The parks can be extremely busy at this time of year, but you can plan you time effectively to do all you need to do anyway, You will need to plan Christmas Day in advance as the main park Magic Kingdom will be full very early. but there are some great alternatives to choose from that will pleasantly surprise you.
Summertime, is humid and the chance of a thunderstorm or too, but we love the rain in the summer it can be so refreshing just when you need it, You do tend to take things a lot slower at this time of year. Again this can be a busy time, due to school holidays etc, but the children in the US tend to have their summer holidays from May to mid July, so after the US children go back to school, you normally only see British kids, and the queues can be easier slightly. But unless you can go well out of season, you will normally find the parks quite busy at all the holiday time of year. Thats where you planning comes into effect, and the help from the forum threads can be very informative.
Hope this helps, although my opinion is we love both times and can't decide.
ncmurray
15-03-2007, 11:42
We have been in August and at Christmas (well, just after), and if I had to choose one, I would pick August. The lights and decorations at Christmas are really lovely, but the weather can sometimes be just a little too cool for the pool, although when we were there the temperatures were mostly in the 70s and 80s.
Also, I love Christmas at home, and having a holiday in August means that we get two holidays instead of one.
As far as expense is concerned, if you can fix on dates you will be able to book your flights as soon as they are released. For peak times this seems to be the best way to get the cheapest seats, as I have learned from experience[msnsad]
Either way, Xmas or August, you will have a great time!
We have been in July/August many times. You need to be aware that it will be very hot & humid. Also more than likely it will rain, normally in the afternoons. However these points apart with the air conditioning everywhere you will be mostly comfortable. What we have done in the past is to change the day around, wake early and make the best of each morning until it rains, then possibly a nap in the afternoon until the rain subsides. Afterwards normal activities in the evening. In conclusion work your days around the weather.
This year we are doing both as we did in 2005. However, if I had to decide, I would go for Christmas. It is a really magical time, and lots of fun.
In my opinion going out for a massive Christmas lunch and then dozing by the pool is a ideal way to spend Christmas Day.
Albert the Frog
15-03-2007, 13:44
If you go in the second half of August the US schools are back in the main so it is usually not as crowded as the beginning of August.
McjohnjM
15-03-2007, 14:51
Could really not say which month would be best, as all others have said there is good points about each time and you just have to decide what you want the most.
Have a great time when ever you decide to god.
Kim Mc
mfairhurst
15-03-2007, 15:31
The shops look lovely at chrismas and lots on villas are decorate more than they are here .
We have a ride into CEEBRATION for the snow show and then ride up each street and it is full of property with and moveing lights they go to town .
The weather can be different each winter. This year it was coolerthan last year but still a lot warmer than UK so you only need a jumper or cardigan .
The prices are the same in restaurants at CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR as with UK it is dearer for CHRISTMAS meals so you save on cost .
Which ever you choose you will enjoy as we all love FLORIDA .
MAUREEN
www.onlinefloridavillas.com/villas/1683.aspx
sammibabe
15-03-2007, 16:54
Thanks everyone for your opinions. I do quite fancy my 40th over there; lunch in the castle mmmm[beer]. Christmas sounds like fun too. Is it a lot better to book your flights as soon as they are released cost wise? We will be going with Virgin as we have miles to use against the cost so it won't be as bad as it might with 4 adult and 1 child fare now the children are older[msneek]
We love Xmas time. We love August too. It was hot in August. But it was rain almost every night. So it was OK for us in August.
CCollins
15-03-2007, 19:47
Both times of the year are great.
August is lovely and hot, x-mas is a lot cooler but plenty of sun in the daytime!
The parks are very busy is christmas week, but this all adds to the atmosphere![msnwink]
Christmas every time![clap][xmas1]
It's sunny all year - but Christmas is so special in the parks.
Night time is different to day time - so double the fun!!
ShirleyCottam
15-03-2007, 22:49
I have been at the end of July, also just before Christmas, and loved both, but for different reasons. Florida is great at anytime of the year, and it is a difficult decision.
I love the hot weather so if I had to choose I would probably go for the August.
[msncool]
freddiehollie
16-03-2007, 01:42
Christmas every time. (to get away from the in laws[msnwink])
E. Cosgrove
16-03-2007, 02:19
I have been in August and at New Year.
Christmas would definitely get my vote, drier,less humidity and all those magical things happening[msnsmile]
Just had my 50th[msneek] there fantastic celebrations, a milestone to remember thanks to my husband and my lovely travelling companions:D
njstringer
16-03-2007, 13:41
We have been both August and Christmas. Both were magical times.
Christmas out there is something else, lights, atmosphere, new year sales, american families all dressed up in matching sweaters with Rudolf on, sun bathing at wet & wild on Christmas eve with jingle bells playing through the sound system - its different.
We did miss the family together and a big Christmas meal though.
August is super, if you like hot weather - we do. Be prepaired for the afternoon storms, these normally only last 10 - 15 minutes and come as a refreshing break to the sun.
There are no bad times to visit Florida. It is super the whole year round.
Nigel
canarypam
16-03-2007, 20:44
I agree with that ![msnwink] August is too humid for us.
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by freddiehollie
Christmas every
time. (to get away from the in laws[msnwink])
[/quote]
I would go away in Dec as I like the colder days. Aug is very nice, but can get a bit humid if you are not used to the heat. Aug is good if you want a nice cool pool to dip into!!
Hi - we have been at both times and like you are committed to going away in school hols due to exams etc. Both times are fantastic and different. ALthough it is hot in August there is shade and everywhere is air conditioned. I like to take the kids away in the long summer holiday so if I had to choose between the two I would say August but only for that reason. Both every year would be the ideal choice!
Debbie
abbeyvillas
18-03-2007, 13:00
Hi, Lots of interesting comments for you to consider and it really depends on what you are likely to do when you get there. We too have been at both times, with teenagers and love both for different reasons. We did Christmas 2005/ New Year 2006 and had a fab time. To keep flight prices down you really need to travel before 16th December (if you can get a few days off the end of term) or Boxing Day. The temperatures were good by day (mid 70's) although cold at night -usually need jeans & a jacket.
We usually get a few weeks in August and prefer to go after the 1st week when most of the American kids are back to school -this does make a difference to park queues. I agree there is more chance of you getting rain in August but it's usually warm, short downpours late afternoon.
With your predicament I think I would go for August to make your birthday special -you could always do Christmas another year!
Enjoy whatever you decide!
Jeanette
brendawilliams
19-03-2007, 02:27
I have yet to go in August or at Christmas but if I had my choice, I would choose Christmas. I too have heard stories that it is magical and once you do go it is very difficult not to get the 'bug' and go year after year. I don't like it too hot so August would never be my first choice as it is difficult to be energetic and visit those parks in the heat.
There are reasons for both times of year. We have been at both times and always have a fantastic time. July can be busy August is much quieter both can be humid and hot but can also be very pleasant. The end of August is the best time but that then can hit exam results time.
Christmas can be lovely we have also been there when its been really cold. The theme parks have some lovely parades and themes at this time of the year.
Prices this year seem to be cheaper for the summer and more expensive at Christmas.
I would go when you can stay for the longer time that way you can have a more relaxing holiday.
So many thoughts, don't know if it has helped or hindered, but I guess the message is that any time's a good time to go to Florida! Christmas would probably win it over August for us, but then again a special birthday could be very special!!
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by MTP
So many thoughts, don't know if it has helped or hindered, but I guess the message is that any time's a good time to go to Florida! Christmas would probably win it over August for us, but then again a special birthday could be very special!!
[/quote]
My sentiments exactly, anytime’s a good time[msnsmile2]
glasgowmary
21-03-2007, 01:19
any time is good , but for me i think lovely as christmas is the weather can be that bit cooler so coming from cold glasgow the summer wins for me [msnwink] still wouldn ' t say no to a couple of weeks at christmas
neild292
22-04-2007, 14:33
I would go for Xmas - it is a brilliant experience; you even get snow in Celebration
Neil and Sharon
eagleydo
22-04-2007, 15:33
We have been in August and for New Year, didn't actually spend Christmas Day there but intend to do this another year. The weather was extremely hot on our August trip and rained every afternoon, the rain wasn't a problem but the heat did deter us doing somethings during the day, although of course perfect for the seaside trips. New year was fantastic, a little chilly some evening and you needed a cardigan once or twice. Every evening I was in the pool, just needed pool heat to take the chill off. Most of the days were spent in shorts and tshirts. The sights were great, really extra magical at this time of the year.
Loved both trips band both times are good but then for us the end result was we decided we would never go again in August but want to go back again at Christmas.
We fall into the only been at Christmas time category partly because the weather is not as humid as in August and also because we love the decorations and the atmospere at Christmas. We have our own Christmas tree and decorations and cook a nice meal. I usually take out a Christmas cake and pudding and if you fly with BA they let you take a box of crackers in the hold luggage. We did not find crackers very easily in Florida.
Done both August & Xmas in Florida
August is obviousley far hotter and a great time to go.
Xmas is just a great expirence seeing all the Xmas trees etc at the parks.
Tough choice for you.
We prefer August as we love the hot weather
Maverick
23-04-2007, 21:30
Christmas is a magical time in Florida. The parks are beautifully decorated. If you appreciate just good old fashioned times, then definitely Cypress Gardens is worth a visit close to Christmas. Celebration is a must do too. [8D]
Hi, me and my daughter went to florida last august and had a fab time. we went the second two weeks just after the american schools went back, so I was told. As for the heat yes it was hot but a few years ago we went in may and it was roasting then. We have never been at Christmas yet and would love to go then, but dare I say it I might miss the sun. After all thats just what florida is isnt it. :D