When would you prefer to go......?

[kkwis2]

We are at the beginning stages of planning a trip to Disney for 2011 - before my son turns 10 which means adult prices in WDW's eyes. DH and I are both teachers so we are very limited as to when we can go - school vacations mean prime time at Disney! We also want to visit Sea World and maybe go to the ocean.

Our options are: Spring Break in March (21 - 25) or sometime during the summer, most likely later June (last two weeks??) Spring Break limits us to the week plus weekends on either side so 9 days max. During the summer we would be much less limited by time.

SO.... what would you do considering time, money, weather, crowds, etc.? I'm sure many of you have first hand experience with these times of year. Are they really bad? The last time we went it was October (a fluke of a schedule that allowed us almost a week if we used our 2 personal days, before that our Spring Break was in February and before that it had been years since either of us had been there).

 

[MinnieForMe]

I would prefer March to get away from the cold here in NH!

The weather would probably be better suited for visiting the park in March. June would be better for the water parks!

 

[lorac4disney]

I always prefer going in June. While it does get hot, the heat is not as oppressive as it gets in late July/August.

If the heat is going to be an issue, pick March. If not, go for June.

 

[Mom3girls]

Went in late March last year and the weather was gorgeous!!! Had only been in Aug and Sept before and there's NO WAY i'd go at that time of year again! Nothing like sweating the second you leave your room at 6:30am!!!

 

[faith]

I hope you choose March. Years ago went in the summer and the extreme heat and humidity really put a damper on the trip. Long lines for buses and rides in Florida sun aren't fun! March should be perfect. Been with the grandkids then, and had a wonderful time.

 

[blessedby3]

We have gone in Jan/Feb/March/April/May/July/August/Oct/Nov/Dec

I love the winter months of Nov/Dec, but in the off times. Since our oldest dd is in college now, we have to travel on her breaks. I feel your pain about limited travel times. We just took a trip last week and left the day after she got out of college. I was worried about the heat and it WAS HOT. Temps were in the low to mid 90's and some days it was quite humid. People were very stinky (inculding ourselves) very early in the am. I dont like the feeling of sweat rolling down my body
I can remember one day in the MK when I actually felt sweat on my head running down my scalp and was so grossed out
Anyway, sorry for that visual, but I would vote for March for your trip. That is the time we went last year on dd's Spring break and the weather was still plenty warm then, just not unbearable. I think that is the time frame we will stick to for our trips from now on (or at least while she is in college).
If you dont mind the heat then you may be able to do June. I was there in July back in 1992 for a 2 day trip just because I was passing through and I will NEVER do that again. It just isnt enjoyable.
Good luck to you with your decision. Its always a big one to make.

 

[MarilIncredible]

I would probably go in June, but then again I've suffered through the heat on a girls-only trip with my mom and sister (who is a teacher and was only able to go in mid August).

 

[PA Princess]

We have gone in Jan, Feb, March, June, July, August, Sept, Oct, and Dec...probablyw ould have been better to list the months we have not visited

Anyway, I think you need to decide how big a factor warm weather is for you. If you can prepapre and travel regardless of heat, I would pick the summer. We have had the best trips in the summer and the heat has never hindered us in any real way.

I would pick June because I think having more time and a more relaxed schedule upon return is preferred. It is hard to return from a trip to WDW and hit the ground running right back into a school/work schedule once home. Not saying it can't be done, but just not my preference.

However, I personally would look toward August (mid) if you can swing it. Prices are better, crowds a little easier, and usually still the late hours. Also, June can be a really rainy month in FL. It seems that people complain about total rain out trips more for that month than any other. August will bring thunder storms, but they come and go - not a big deal for us.

 

[AllesonWonderland]

We are in the same boat, can only go over spring break or in the summer. I figured the crowds would be bad either time, so I'd rather go in March with nice temperatures for standing in line. (My DD turns into a big whiner when she's hot)

We've done 2 spring break trips now--that same week you're looking at in March. I was nervous because everyone said how HORRIBLE it was going to be, but I don't think the crowds were bad at all. We always had a good touring plan, got there at rope drop, took a break in the afternoon and came back in the evening. Used fastpasses (and this year the give a day fastpasses--awesome!!) and never had to wait long for any ride. Saw everything we wanted to see and had great trips.

Have fun planning!!

 

[Kika]

I would prefer March.

We just went to Magic Kingdom for the day a couple of weeks ago, and, although we enjoyed ourselves, I would have enjoyed myself a lot more if it would have not been so hot.

Do you guy have a fall break? That would probably be the best time.

Have fun!

 

[kkwis2]

Thanks to everyone who has posted so far. It is really hard to know how much the weather will affect us. We are from northern Minnesota, so we are definitely not used to super hot weather.

It looks like so far most would prefer to go in March. Is the weather warm enough to use the pools in March? I am a big baby when it comes to cold pool water! Our family joke is that I have allergies to cold water.

As PA Princess said the only problem really is that then we are limited time wise and come back to going right back to school. If we go in June, we can be there longer and come back to more vacation! August is interesting to me, but it's during soccer season. Both kids play and my husband coaches. I also figured August would be even hotter and more humid than June since that's how it is here. Maybe I'm wrong!

Thanks again and keep the advice coming! I love to hear your opinions!

 

[gillenkl]

We normally go in June - it's hot, but not unbearable.

 

[patsal]

Teacher here who is also limited to the times I can vacation. We do summer. Yes it is hotter, but it is less crowded than the peak holiday times. Airfare for the peak travel times is also higher. We find two weeks in the summer and we never feel rushed. We hit the parks early and late. We see and do everything that we want and have plenty of time for pools as well. With long extended hours in the summer there is more flexibility than other break times.

 

[MinnieForMe]

The pools are fine in March. I would guess they are in the 80's.

We just went the last week in April and the pools including Aquatica felt to be mid-90's. It was like swimming in a bath tub.

 

[kkwis2]

Teacher here who is also limited to the times I can vacation. We do summer. Yes it is hotter, but it is less crowded than the peak holiday times. Airfare for the peak travel times is also higher. We find two weeks in the summer and we never feel rushed. We hit the parks early and late. We see and do everything that we want and have plenty of time for pools as well. With long extended hours in the summer there is more flexibility than other break times.

This is what we're thinking if we go in the summer. We'll take a couple of weeks and do all the things we want to do. I have considered staying one week on property and another week in a condo or something like that. We definitely shouldn't be rushed!

I guess crowds either way are not going to be what I want.....which would be to have the park to ourselves!

 

[kkwis2]

It was like swimming in a bath tub.

That's exactly how I like my pool water!!!