Advice needed - Pins determining when to visit?

[zeferjen]

Hi All - It's been a while since I've visited Disboards. I have two dcs, 5yo princess-crazy dd and 3.5yo just-plain-crazy ds . I also have a budget-conscious dh

We would like to plan another trip to Disney for this spring. Ideally, we would like to go at the beginning of May, when it is warmer and not crowded. I think this may be the last year we can go without worrying about pulling kids out of school.

I am having trouble committing to a time, though, and looking for advice. I am lucky enough to have a pin code for 35/40% off through December, which needs to be booked by tomorrow. There is also the free dining plan offer through the end of March. So far, there are NO discounts for May 2012, unless I am missing something.

So what is your advice? Give up the warm visit idea to take a cheaper trip in December? Book free dining at the end of March, but deal with spring break crowds? Reserve for early May and hope to get an offer? Or wait it out for pin codes and/or offers in the upcoming months?

Thanks in advance!!!

 

[vinotinto]

I would book for December with a pin in hand, unless you really don't care whether you get a discount or not. I've gotten pins randomly, but not always and they are not always 35/40% off.

BTW, May can be very hot, especially if you are coming from the NE and are not used to it. I live in Atlanta and by early May, we have the A/C full blast. But, I've heard it is a nice time of the year to visit due to lower crowds at WDW.

What are the dates on your pin? Any blackouts?

 

[zeferjen]

What are the dates on your pin? Any blackouts?

Hi Vinotinto - Thanks for your reply! The dates are 8/21-10/8, 10/23-10/29, 11/13-11/19, 11/27-12/3, and 12/11-12/24.

In May, I was thinking we'd get highs in the mid-80s. Do you think that is unreasonable? Or is it also very humid?

 

[Bettie]

When I was there in mid-April this year, it was a high of 90-92 every day. It was kinda miserable, and made us decide to go in January next year. And I grew up in Alabama/live in DC, so I know from hot weather! Personally if I had a PIN to go in December and didn't have to worry about school dates, I would go then. I would love to see the holiday decorations and I think the crowd levels should be great.

If a deal comes out for your May timeframe, you can always switch your reservation.

 

[djp0630]

We went early May last year and it was like 95 every day. I think it was warmer than usual, but I think May is usually high 80s/low 90s. If you really want to go in May, I'd book now and wait for a discount, you'll probably get one, but probably not as good as 35%.

 

[zeferjen]

Thanks, everyone for the advice! We decided against December, since we just got back from a family vacation

I booked for the end of March, using free dining. That coincides with my ds' 4th birthday. I am still worried about Spring Break crowds, but I will see if another code comes out for a less busy time.

That means I am back in vacation planning mode! How fun! I will see you around Disboards!