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....

**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.

**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.

**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!

**PJS** · 15-03-2007, 12:55

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.

**GrahamC** · 15-03-2007, 13:42

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.