First world problem :)

So this may seem odd but we cannot decide between 2 destination for a holiday over Xmas.
I am Pisces which does not help

We just about have enough FC miles for 3 return EC tickets to amongst other places MCO and DXB. Plus I have 2 Amex PE upgrade vouchers ane enough extra miles to bump one of the tickets to PE with miles.

At the moment availability is looking good for either as our son breaks up on the 13th December and we can avoid peak times.
We have been to MCO before, loved it and would happily go again.
Hubby and I did DXB in 2006 on our way back from India. Again we loved it, but a totally different holiday to Florida.
Last week I had set my mind on MCO, this week I am leaning towards DXB.

Factoring in the various costs (hire cars, park tickets etc) the costs come up pretty similar.
What I am not sure on is weather, we want it to be warm enough to swim in the pools.

MCO has the theme parks, big mouse, shopping
DXB has the beach, swimming with dolphins, water parks, desert, shopping
Would it feel xmassy in DXB? we have a 6 year old so don't want him to feel he is missing out.
Also, how does the cost of living compare with the US ?
Can anyone help with the decision ? please

I've been to DXB in Dec/Jan and found it a bit too cool to swim in the hotel pool, however in the peak of the day it was ok to sit on the beach. I remember going to Abu Dhabi as well in Feb and even the water was a bit fresh for swimming.

[mitchja]

I've been to Florida (Gulf coast / Indian Rocks beach area which is about a 90min drive from the Orlando area) over the last 2 New Years periods (I go around Dec 28th until around Jan 3rd) and the weather was great there on both occasions.

It was warm enough for short sleeves / shorts etc. during the day and to be able to use the hotel pool. The evenings did get a little cooler but still warm enough to sit outside. Overall it was not too hot, just pleasant and comfortable.

Thanks for the feedback, we have done Florida in Feb (Orlando and Marco Island) and it was very warm. Sounds like Dubai may not be warm enough ! Thanks again :-)
I have looked at other destinations but these 2 seem the best for availability and entertainment when a nearly 7 year old is involved

We were in Dubai last January and temperature reach about 70 degrees during the day it was warm enough for sunbathing and swimming in the hotel's outdoor heated pool. There is an indoor ski slope in the Emirates shopping mall so you could experience some snow for Xmas for your 6 year old.
Alcohol is very expensive so you might consider booking a hotel club room which normally has free alcoholic for a few hours during the evening and soft drinks and snacks through out the day.

Neither will be Christmassy. Christmas in the USA is 1 day pretty minor event.

Neither will be Christmassy. Christmas in the USA is 1 day pretty minor event.

You've obviously never been to Disney at Christmas. They take Christmas to a whole new level, starting in mid-November.

Christmas week is, I believe, the busiest week of the year in Orlando. Which may, actually, be a reason not to go if the OP's thinking of taking a 7-year-old round the theme parks. Crowds are pretty horrendous from around the 20th Dec right through to New Year - the parks will be full to capacity with long queues for everything. Not much fun.

[Neil]

We did Florida over NY last year and loved it. The weather was lovely, however the parks get crazy busy, so planning and a laid back attitude are essential. As above, the parks are very Christmassy, with loads of special events to celebrate the season.

Thanks Daffodil et al
This is the thing that concerned me about the Disney parks, they will be too busy to enjoy although I am hoping the first week would be better before main hols begin on the 20th.
So this led me down the road to Dubai.
If we chose this option we would stay a week at the Hilton JB , then a few extra days at the Atlantis. I am thinking this will be the more relaxing holiday which will be needed after a busy year
Thanks again Vflyers

been in miami in january and the weather has been grim one day (cold, rain, wind) and lovely and sunny the next, overall the poor days considerably outnumbered the sunny/warm ones

it's luck of the draw of course, but i'd say dubai is more likely to be consistently sunny, though the sea will be cool and the wind too if the sun goes in

aside from alcohol, dubai prices are generally ok, taxis are cheap, if you do want bubbly, spirits etc., the arrivals duty free at dxb is good with similar pricing to lhr, it's quick to shop there, so we usually buy on arrival

Thanks sungod, neither of us are big drinkers so not a problem.
As long as it is warmer than the UK it will be fab !
I think having done florida more recently a couple of times I am drawn to the UAE.
We really enjoyed the wadi bashing, wild wadi, shopping etc last time and if we go again we now have the added attractions of the tallest building and Atlantis and swimming with dophins. Our son would love all that ...

we have lived here for nearly 4 years and every year December is a mixed bag...2013 we were still running ,2012 was cold so yes its pot luck.....you will most likely get lovely sunny days in the 70s , dry, cooler in the evenings 50s probably even in the 40s.........no humidity though, which considering right now we are hitting 80-90% is a blessing

Thanks flabound, my brother and his family are in Orlando at the moment. Sounds like the weather is very uncomfortable.
The thing with Orlando is that even on cold days there is lots to do, as long as it's not raining. Here's to 2014 being a mild winter, in the UK too