Early in the planning process

[anakenzie]

I'm very early in the planning process but looking at a trip to WDW in December of 2018. DS will turn 4 in September that year and we want to take one big trip before he starts school and before we TTC for hypothetical child #2. I've been once in 2009 with friends but to Disneyland 1-2 times a year most of my life.

Couple starting point questions...

Has anyone gone in early December? I'm a Christmas lover and would love to see everything decorated but if crowds are usually rough , we could wait and go early the next year.

Has anyone used the childcare centers they have at a couple resorts? If it is just DH, DS and I that go, was thinking doing that a night or two so DH and I could have some alone time. If not the centers, has anyone used the in room sitters?

Resort preference? - I previously stayed at POR and loved it. The value resorts seem fun for the kids but maybe a bit more hectic for adults but I was curious about the larger rooms at AoA. It seems you at least get a separate space then. Anyone stayed there?
Other than that possibility, I am thinking probably a moderate but possibly deluxe depending on price difference or if one of the deluxe is just too great to pass up. Location is a big one for me. I'd love walking distance to at least one park to cut down on time on busses. Probably would prefer to be close to epcot in particular. I've read some about the resorts and CBR seemed like a good one, any opinions on that one? For moderates, seems like POR may be a favorite.

I think those are the big questions for now so I can at least price out what that would be for this year's dates and at least get a rough idea of what I need to save.

[Wines Not Whines]

I think early December is a great time to go. Crowds are low, everything's decorated for the holidays, and the weather is usually good.

We love the Yacht/Beach clubs because of the fantastic pool and the convenience to Epcot and HS. I also love the Polynesian. My favorite moderate resort is POR. The grounds are lovely and quiet.

[ribollita]

I went last year the first week of December and had a fantastic time.

I have stayed at AoA and loved it.

I have used the Sandcastle Club twice and thought it was great. Note that the Dolphin has free childcare for 4+ if you're dining there. The restaurants there are fantastic and superior to WDW restaurants IMO.

[curbsideprophet]

I have not been in Dec but I want to see the Christmas decorations at some point. I have heard early Dec is a good time to go.

I am staying at AoA later this year so can give more insight after our trip.

We loved BLT. We had a theme park view and could watch the fireworks from our room. Walking to MK was great! We had a rental car so we used that when going to AK and HS.

[Deleted]

If you are looking for walking distance to a park & a larger space, renting a DVC 1 bedroom at BLT or Boardwalk might be the way to go.

Early December is one of my favorite times with decorations & Santas in Epcot. Crowds are low to moderate & you will usually get swimming temps 1-2 days a week.

[littlemermaid]

We stayed at the AoA last June in the Finding Nemo Suites. You get a separate bedroom(with a door) and the suite has 2 full baths. My daughter loved the bed that folded out from the wall.

Early December is a great time to go.

[lala]

I love going in early December! Crowds will be manageable. I'd much rather stay at a resort in the boardwalk area and walk up Epcot & the studios vs. a value or moderate, if it's in the budget. We never get a suite or a unit with a separate bedroom because to us the difference isn't worth the huge jump in price. And if you're in a deluxe or dvc studio , the room is larger and you almost always have a balcony. We just hang out on the balcony while they go to sleep.

We haven't gone with kids all old enough to use their child care but I absolutely would.

[anakenzie]

Thanks for the info everyone! I'm sure I'll have a ton more questions when we are closer but am going to start pricing things out and start saving.

[cbwm1]

We went late October last year and stayed in one of the Cars family suites at AoA. Totally worth the money to have the kitchenette, two bathrooms, the table, separate sleeping spaces, etc.

We're going mid-December this year - we also really want to see everything decorated for Christmas!