Anyone ENJOY going to Disney during peak times

[disneyjunkie]

I've only been to WDW twice once in August and last month during Easter break. Both trips were hot and crowded but we had a blast both times.

A few of the things I love about traveling at these times are longer park hours, no rehabs, both water parks are open, Spectromagic and Wishes are every night.

During the fall and winter there are always posts from people upset about the MK closing at 6 or 7, Spectromagic only once a week, some major rides down for rehab...

Since we only travel during school break we never have to worry about these things.

By taking advantage of fast pass and EE, we don't spend hours waiting in lines for rides.

The only down side to this is that we'll never get to do MVMCP.
The day of school here is December 23. Son and I'll be checking in to PC late that night.

So anyone here enjoy vacationing during peak, school's out seasons?

 

[2angelsinheaven]

We have not gone during peak times EXCEPT the week after Easter (it was so crowded we left) of course we have the luxury of living an hour away. I think you'll be fine though, how exciting to be able to go during Christmas, there is something so much more magical about Disney at the holidays. Don't forget to get a mini tree or ask the hotel desk about a mini tree, etc. Are you going to be doing presents in the hotel or? How exciting!

 

[kdibattista]

Nope... no way, no how!!!!! Honestly, I would rather not go at all then go during busy time. I can deal with some rehabs (although we have been pretty fortunate thus far), shorter hours (we are bed by 9:00 anyway ) in order to get the shorter lines and better weather.

 

[skeletor40]

Last year I went in August for my birthday and had a great time even though I hate crowds and heat. There's just something about Disney and crowds that produces such a great vibe. It was great to just people watch and silently chuckle at their foibles. So count me as one of the crazies that also enjoys crowded parks.

All the same, gods willing, I'm going in September this year. Maybe this year I can get my picture taken with Mickey.

 

[babybunrab]

I've gone both in January and during Peak seasons. Each has its advantages, but I think I'd still rather go in the summer--I like longer hours, E-ride nights, and all the other stuff that happens over the summer well enough to wait in lines. DS is a good line-waiter, so that helps!

 

[yasuern]

We do a early December trip and a summer trip each year. December - short lines MVMCP not to hot(sometimes cold!) - cons weather can be a little cooler than we would like, shorter park hours.

The summer trip - VERY HOT! LOOOONNNGGG LINES, PROS park hours better, weather is hot soo water park and pool time is a must! and since we go 2x/yr we consider the summer trip a relax and enjoy trip - we NEVER go to the parks before 4pm and if a line is to long we either get a fast pass or skip it.


I like both our trips for different reasons - I ENJOY them equally but in different ways.

Sue

 

[dougsmom98]

I think it is just different going at different times. I love going in the fall because there isn't the need to follow a commando touring plan and try to beat the crowds as much. The shorter hours never seemed to be a problem for us, but rehabs are disappointing. At that time we never realized there were fireworks at night, but they probably didn't have any because of the shorter hours. We also went the week between Christmas and New Years last year and it was also wonderful, we really concentrated on the things we wanted to see and prioritized because we knew it would be crowded. Because we had a plan, it was still as magical as ever. I would never pass up a trip to WDW at any time of the year, I think I would just prepare for it. We are going in the middle of June this year, and after we experience the heat I may be eating those last words but I hope not.
-Amy

 

[Zoo Keeper]

We have gone once in late September and once in Nov/Dec. The rest of our trips have either been in June or August. (We went once in July. There were a lot of teen tour groups then so we avoid that month.) We love the summer months for all the reasons mentioned above. As DD gets older taking her out of school is less of an option.
It's like a big party!:thewave:
And E-nights are the best...we already have one planned for this trip.

 

[Skywalker]

** violins shrieking **.......NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

Give me off-season any day.

 

[sters]

No.

The shorter off-peak hours are compensated by the fact that you can do the attractions more quickly. We once did the entire Fantasyland in an hour (September). DH says he could deal with either the crowds or the heat, but not both. I can't deal with either gracefully.

 

[disneyjunkie]

Originally posted by sters
We once did the entire Fantasyland in an hour (September).

We did this twice during our Easter trip. Once was during EE and the other time was by getting to park at opening time.

I did think about going during September this year just to get a taste of the slow period in the world. Since school doesn't start here until Sept.13, I wouldn't have to take my son out of school. However I can't go in September and December and I can't let go of the idea of spending Christmas at Disney.

 

[danny1649]

Been during peak times of the year,Christmas week and week after Christmas,also week of 4th of July and during spring break and had a great time.That said I still advise first,second or even 3rd time that a family goes they avoid these times.Because without park experience they can miss much and do way to much time in ques for attractions.You can spot first time visitors in a packed park they look lost, mad and tired for the most part and turning map every which way.I'm not saying they can't have a great time.I think it would be easier for them to have a great time going off peak time's.

 

[Cinderella37]

I love being in WDW in July! We go every year at this time, usually over the 4th. We enjoy the heat and don't mind the crowds at all. We also have the luxury of going for 11 days, two adults and no children. Talk to me in 10 years (kids by then, I assume), though.

 

[riopooh]

We just had this happen with my SIL - she want during this past Easter break, which I believe was a post 9/11 record breaker - and swears she will never go back!! They got to the park at 11am, it was packed, fastpasses were gone, they didn't have anything planned - it was a disaster! We're going President's week 2005 - but we're pros!!