Dec, March, or May? Please help!

[shefellnl0v3]

Hello,

I'm considering going to WDW for the fourth time in four years. I'm wondering if any of you can help me figure out when there is less crowds.We've been during summer oand over new years and thats a little too nuts for us.

Either sometime before christmas this year, (the 14th-24th). Or would it be less crowded after new years? The 1st or 2nd week in January?

What about the crowds in the third week in March. I have spring break the 17th-21st.

My fiancé’ and I are looking to have more manageable crowds. Would it be worth waiting until mid may when we're out of school? We're coming from the Boston/New England region.

And also...
If we go in December is that enough time out to plan to stay on property? I was hoping for the Grand Floridian but I know that’s probably booked but maybe not. Thank you very much.

Sarah

 

[the_princess]

We went in March this year and it wasn't crowded at all.... until spring break, then it went mad. It was so crowded, I waited in line for a soda for almost an hour...

 

[Mrs Potato Head]

My vote would be for 2nd week in January if you can handle weather ups and downs, or go for May. March is iffy with various spring breaks around the country/world, and I'd be cautious of anything after Dec 15 in the parks, but I'd definitely NOT want to be there from 12/20-12/24, or near New Years. I've seen some CRAZY pictures of the parks and heard stories of wait times that would drive me nuts!

I've been twice the third week of January, but 6 times in May. I LOVE May.

Good luck with your choice!

Patty

 

[travelin' tigger]

Hello,

I'm considering going to WDW for the fourth time in four years. I'm wondering if any of you can help me figure out when there is less crowds.We've been during summer oand over new years and thats a little too nuts for us.

Either sometime before christmas this year, (the 14th-24th). Or would it be less crowded after new years? The 1st or 2nd week in January?

What about the crowds in the third week in March. I have spring break the 17th-21st.

My fiancé’ and I are looking to have more manageable crowds. Would it be worth waiting until mid may when we're out of school? We're coming from the Boston/New England region.

And also...
If we go in December is that enough time out to plan to stay on property? I was hoping for the Grand Floridian but I know that’s probably booked but maybe not. Thank you very much.

Sarah

Over the past year I have been to WDW the times you have listed and here's how I rank them:
1) MAY - THE BEST TIME TO GO!!! The weather is great - warm but not humid. Crowds aren't bad at all and you also have the Flower & Garden Fest going on. I always go over Mother's Day weekend and love it!!!
2) Dec. - This is the 2nd best time to go. More crowded, but the decorations, shows, etc. definitely make up for it. Just escape before the Christmas vacation crowds come in.
3) March - Went this time for the 1st time and it was way too crowded for my taste. I've always gone during off times and didn't like the fact that it was REALLY CROWDED.

The second week in January has the Marathon at WDW which draws quite a few people - not crowded, but busy for that time of year. As far as planning for Dec., you shouldn't have a problem getting a reservation for then. I just called last week and got a studio at OKW for Dec. 16-19.

HTH!!!

 

[shefellnl0v3]

Thank you so much for your replies! I'll talk to my party and let them know. I'm betting for either May or January. Thanks again!

 

[emh1129]

We went this past January and had a great time. It was so nice to leave the frigid northeast and show up in sunny Florida!

 

[MissMet]

We went this past January and had a great time. It was so nice to leave the frigid northeast and show up in sunny Florida!

Consider yourself lucky!

When I went in Jan '05 for two weeks the first week was sunny & warm, the second week was FREEZING! On some days it was actually colder in WDW than NY! I was so upset. I had to buy a coat at DTD. This also happened to me in Feb '06. There was frost on our window & we could see our breath! I HATE FL in Jan & Feb. It's just too unpredictable.

If I heard the saying "unseasonably cold" one more time I was gonna go nutty! Can't we all just agree that for at least one week a year Fl gets cold & that it's normal. They do sell gloves in the parks every year for a reason.

*me stepping off my soapbox

 

[princessblueeyzes]

We went last year from Dec. 16th through the 23rd. The crowds were not bad at all until right around the 21st. HTH

 

[swilphil]

Public schools in the Midwest (and I think southeast) have spring break the same time as yours, plus this year Easter is March 23rd.

January will be the least crowded, and it's nice to go to WDW when the weather at home is so cold.