Planning the Big Bad Extended Family Trip may be more than I can handle!

OK folks...Cliff Notes version: Three family groups (my parents in their early 60's, my Brother, his wife and kids aged 9, 6 and 1, DH and myself, kids 8,5 and 2) trying to plan a Disney trip. My family has been several times. All of the adults have been at least once. None of my brothers kids have been and this trip is happening despite his ex-wife not wanting them to go with their dad before her (we've given her three years to take them and the Magic is going to disappear soon! her time is up!).

I want the best trip for everyone - low crowds, pleasant weather, best prices. All of these kids are homeschooled so I think going in the low season is a perk. I'm pushing for end of February. There are a couple of decent looking weeks. SIL doesn't disagree about the advantages but isn't sure about getting the money together so quickly. She is pushing for July or August! All I can think of is being hot and miserable.

Anyone with first hand experiences comparing the two months(late February/early March vs. July/August)? We've been in September 2014 and 2015 and it was incredibly hot. I think scraping the money together or charging part of the trip to preserve the entire experience is worth it.

The longer we wait, the pricier it gets too. Ticket price increases, my youngest turns 3 in March, my niece turns 10 in September. Thanks in advance for the help Dis'ers!

Choosing July or August over late February/early March is insane. It's more crowded and incredibly hot and humid. It's literally the worst possible time to go.

Personally, I would pick May over February or March. The weather is a bit more reliably nice. But February and March are fine, too (as long as you aren't near Easter.)

I would pick late January, early February. Late February you will get into collage spring breaks and more crowds. The week following the MLK week is one of our favorites and lowest crowds. No way would I choose Summer over almost any other time other than Holiday weeks. One caution I have is to make sure the ex-wife can not refuse to let the kids go. If its joint custody be sure it does not cross her week. If she has to give permission, I would get it in writing. Seen too many sad stories where one parent refused to let the kids go at the last minute. Good luck planing. We did a trip with family once and have such good memories of it.

Since school isn't a concern, I'd skip July/August. Feb would be too cool for me as we really like water parks. Nobody wants to be soaked for 10 hours when it might be 55 degrees.

I'd shoot for late September. Much smaller crowds than July, still plenty warm to swim.

Feb/Mar is perfect!!! Great weather, low crowds!

No real advice for you but just wanted to say I feel your pain with trying to coordinate extended family trips. We are doing a big trip in 2017 for my parents 60th anniversary and are going back and forth on when to go because my niece's kids are in public school and she isn't sure about taking them out. I'm hoping she'll give in so we can avoid peak pricing. Good luck to you!

I was going to mention if they want more time, why not wait till next September. If they offer free dining again, you should be able to get it then. My biggest worry would be, when does the 2 year old turn 3? I would try to go before that so you don't have to pay for them.


I would not go in July or August, February or May would both work though.

She turns 3 at the end of March.

They go to court this month so I'm hoping that they can get the kids the week that we end up choosing. In the end, that will dictate the decision.

Thanks for all of you advice!

The mixed blessings of an extended family trip are extensive, aren't they? But once the ducks are all in a row, you will have an amazing time. You have experienced the oppressive heat season, and are wise to want to avoid it with the children. Beyond the discomfort, there are a lot of very real concerns about the heat on young ones. As adults who are struggling to keep from being blinded by sweat running into our eyes, we can miss a sign of dehydration or heat exhaustion in a child who doesn't complain.

The only real drawback to February is that many things are being rehabbed between New Years and the spring break season. Actually, that is not a real bad thing, as there is no way to do and see everything. Just makes choices easier! With first-timers, there are more than enough attractions, even with seasonal rehabs on the higher side. I would happily sacrifice time in the pool for enjoying the parks while wearing a light jacket for part of the day. We were there last Sept. Never. Again. Ever.

I hope that your brother is able to have iron-clad rights in place to travel with his children, no matter when you decide to go. nothing worse than one parent who can use a child to control or inflict pain on the other....and make no mistake, that is all it's about.

May pixie dust be present with every stage of your planning, travel, and visit!