Adult only trip-where to stay and why? August or the Fall?

[hilaryjudsong]

My boyfriend and I are planning a trip to WDW, alone, no kids. We love Disney and have never been just the two of us. We plan to go for a week with only 3 days in the parks to allow for 3 days of rest/poolside. we are undedediced if we should go July 28- August 3, 2018 or In September. I have never been to WDW in the Fall. Which week should we go? and Where would you stay? Why?
Thank you in advance for your thoughts and suggestions.

 

[Lynne M]

My personal preference would be September, if only because I find the summer heat and humidity unbearable at WDW. It's still really hot and humid in September, but seems a bit more bearable to me. September is also (slightly) less crowded since schools are back in session.

As for where I would stay, it would depend on budget, location preference and theme/amenity preference. What are you looking to spend per night? Which parks to you plan to spend most of your time in? Is there something specific you're looking for in terms of resort amenities? Recreation? Lots of dining nearby? A spa?

 

[sponica]

After mid august the crowds will "drop", so I'd vote for sometime in September, but I'd add another park day just to eat my way around food and wine...as to where to stay, wherever you can find availability at this point. My bucket list of "adult" resorts (in no particular order): Wilderness Lodge, Contemporary, Poly, Yacht Club, Animal Kingdom Lodge. In a pinch Port Orleans riverside would work.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

My boyfriend and I are planning a trip to WDW, alone, no kids. We love Disney and have never been just the two of us. We plan to go for a week with only 3 days in the parks to allow for 3 days of rest/poolside. we are undedediced if we should go July 28- August 3, 2018 or In September. I have never been to WDW in the Fall. Which week should we go? and Where would you stay? Why?
Thank you in advance for your thoughts and suggestions.

I would pick September as the crowds should be lighter and F&W will be up and running in EP (plus MNSSHP in MK if you have any interest).

For an adults-only trip, I would look for an EP resort if it's in your budget and there is availability. If a mod is more in your budget, I would do POR or POFQ for the proximity to DS.

 

[AngiTN]

September, provided it's late enough for Food and Wine to have started (have not checked the calendar for this)
I would stay at In order of my preferences

Boardwalk Inn
Wilderness Lodge
Port Orleans French Quarter

 

[TiggerManiac]

I would rent DVC points and stay at one of these resorts in a studio: AKL, WL, Grand Floridian. Renting points at AKL for a standard view typically comes in between the cost of rack rate at a value or mod. WL and GF can come closer to the cost of a mod.

 

[loves to dive]

September = F&W = Epcot resorts. I go every year in Sept. for F&W, love it and spend a good portion of every day there. I stay in one of the Epcot resorts, lately that has been Dolphin because I just pick whichever one has the lowest rate. All things being equal and if I didn't care about rates, I'd go with YC every time but I go often so rates do matter.

 

[nkereina]

Another vote for September. F&W starts 8/30 this year so you'd definitely catch that and MNSSHP. The weather will be the same, IMO, except possibly a higher chance of rain in September. Its also hurricane season but that hasn't stopped us from traveling that time of year before.

 

[bluejasmine]

Our preference is Sept as well, still warm so you can relax and swim, normally decent fall rates and crowds, MNSSHP and food and wine both of which DH and I love to do even tho we go as just adults.
Some of my favorite resorts in each category
Pop Century
Port Orleans riverside or French quarter or Coronado springs or
Polynesian or GF
All of those are great for couples

 

[Bambi19]

I would go mid January right after the marathons, and stay at Beach Club

 

[Bambi19]

I would go mid January right after the marathons, and stay at Beach Club

Whoops i didn't read your august or fall... def fall then

 

[heidijanesmith]

Adult's only trip. I would go in the Fall and my DH and I do, we go every Fall.

September is still hot enough for DH and less crowded for me. We love Halloween, so MNHHSP and going over to Universal for Horror Nights, is a must.

Food and Wine at EPCOT is also a must!! Just don't go on a weekend night, it will be nuts.

If you are interested in F&W then the EPCOT resorts are the way to go. We love BWI/BWV and then YC.

 

[Sue M]

I would go in September. We always go late Aug/early Sept. and I find the crowds significantly drop starting the last week of Aug. the Florida schools go back in session mid Aug, and many others go back right after Labour Day and are getting home to get ready for back to school. Also rates are lower.
I’d add a day and do 4 park days.
Fun thing about Sept. the parks (mostly MK) has the Halloween decorations out.

As for where to stay, hard to suggest not knowing your budget, are you looking at values, moderates or deluxe?
For values- Pop
Moderates- either Port Orleans Riverside or French Quarter
Deluxe- YC, WL, Poly, or GF. AKL is great too, but not near other resorts for dining.

 

[mousehockey37]

My personal preference would be September, if only because I find the summer heat and humidity unbearable at WDW. It's still really hot and humid in September, but seems a bit more bearable to me. September is also (slightly) less crowded since schools are back in session.

As for where I would stay, it would depend on budget, location preference and theme/amenity preference. What are you looking to spend per night? Which parks to you plan to spend most of your time in? Is there something specific you're looking for in terms of resort amenities? Recreation? Lots of dining nearby? A spa?

It's just as hot and sticky in September.

OP. Just pick a time and go. Also, do you have kids and aren't taking them? Or you don't have kids at all? I'd think if you have kids and aren't taking them, that's pretty low, but in response to your other questions...

You need to do what works for you. It's gonna be hot. It's gonna be sticky. Dates and rooms are filling up quickly. The longer you wait to do anything, the more chances you have of not finding anything. You're only going to have 3 park days... End of July to beginning of August, there's no parties or Food and Wine... but that IS happening in September.

Good luck with your planning.

 

[Haley R]

We enjoyed our stays at French Quarter and Pop. It just depends on what your budget is. The only deluxe we have done is AKL and it wasn't our favorite. We are trying Beach Club this fall so we will have to see how that goes! I wouldn't count on renting points if you are looking for this year.

 

[jliucci]

Another vote for Sept. I have taken several adult only trips in Sept (keep in mind it is still very warm & VERY humid) We have stayed at POR & CBR. If budget wasn't a concern we would probably stay at WL or Poly. Sept you will get fall decorations and food & wine.

 

[hedberg1661]

September simply so you can experience the Food and Wine Festival.

 

[NYCgrrl]

It's just as hot and sticky in September.

OP. Just pick a time and go. Also, do you have kids and aren't taking them? Or you don't have kids at all? I'd think if you have kids and aren't taking them, that's pretty low, but in response to your other questions...

You need to do what works for you. It's gonna be hot. It's gonna be sticky. Dates and rooms are filling up quickly. The longer you wait to do anything, the more chances you have of not finding anything. You're only going to have 3 park days... End of July to beginning of August, there's no parties or Food and Wine... but that IS happening in September.

Good luck with your planning.

Should you read the OP's signature you'll note she's been there before with children.

For my sight most of the adult friendly restaurants are out of the parks so a 3 on and off trip sounds doable.

No opinion regarding late summer vs fall.

 

[hilaryjudsong]

Thank you all. I am leaning towards September. Room selection is dicey already. Dining reservations are too. We will work through! I would like to add the 4th day! Especially since Toy story will be open, and Pandora. It was packed last July for Pandora and too hot to wait 3 hours to see it.

 

[happymommy]

I booked the Dolphin (king room) for mid September, solo trip. Food and Wine (never been before), and I have an Annual Pass. I got it from Hotwire's hot deals for $77/night plus resort fee (which will likely be partially waived as DH is lifetime platinum, and although he likely won't be along I put his name and SPG number on the reservation). I'm not sure if any dates are left for these deals, but if you are interested you'd need to scour the last 10 pages of the Swan & Dolphin thread.

I definitely would prefer September. I've never been in July (the only month I think I haven't been).