April Vacation Week vs. End of Summer Vacation Week

[klwdisney]

I am in the early planning stages of a family vacation. I have been many times, my boyfriend has been twice for a day or 2 and it was years ago, his son has never been. We're looking at going some time in 2018 I think as we need to save up to make it a GREAT trip and his son will be 9 1/2 or so.

I am leaning towards April Vacation week (in Mass that is usually the 3rd week of the month I believe) because I think the weather will be splendid and the flower & garden festival will be going on. I know airfare may be high, however. So I am also looking at the end of August right before the kids go back to school as an alternative, even though I HATE the weather that time of year.

What would you recommend? I think the crowds may be low for both time frames. Is pricing and crowds noticeably lower in August to make it worth dealing with that horrendous humidity/heat/rain?

 

[Jaime4004]

I like april better weather-wise, we're going this coming April. But airfare is crazy!! We also spend the end of every Aug is Florida, so to me, there's no bad time to go. It's just hot as hades, Crowds are not back since a lot of schools are in session at the end of Aug.

 

[hammie59]

We've gone during both of the times that you're asking about. I probably lean towards April more only because it's a nice break from a long winter and we love the Flower and Garden show. However we love the heat, and even though April has some pretty comfortable weather, we like it hot for the pools and beach. Crowds were not as light as I thought they'd be when we did the last week of August/first week of Sept this year, but probably better than April. One thing you might have going for you end of summer is the possibility of getting free dining (that's what got us there). They don't offer that in the spring.

 

[mi*vida*loca]

If the week in April is near Easter I would avoid it like the plague.

We've done last week of August twice and the crowds are really low.

 

[summerw]

We went April 2-13 this year. It was crowded and the first week was CRAZY. We got everything we wanted done, but lines for bag check and quick service and just navigating some areas of the parks were rough. I'd still take that and higher prices over the heat, but I can't stand humidity. It feels like torture to me. If you can handle it, the crowds and prices will both be better. And if the Brazilian economy and the effects of Brexit continue like they did this year, August could be much better. No one predicted the crowds we saw our first week though. We talked to a lot of British people who said there was an unusual combination of circumstances that gave them a two-week break. There's really no way to guarantee low crowds though, so I'd really think about money vs weather. My thinking is that I will be cranky in the humidity so there's no point in my spending any money on a trip that will make me cranky. Obviously others do not feel the way I do and are maybe used to humidity. I live in SoCal. I am not. And I'm a big baby about it. LOL.

 

[Corbinator]

Pretty sure Easter is April 1 in 2018 (looked it up, confirm this for me) so you are far from that week. I would pick April not August. If you have that long to save, you can hide away extra funds for the plane and get trip insurance just in case something changes. I've been to Florida in almost every month and the summer is so hot it affects the kids and how much you can do. If you are pretty savvy at plannings Adrs and FP+ by then, the crowds wouldn't bother you too much. You can still get everything done and enjoy it in nicer temps...but even if the crowds are lower in August you'll have to make ressies for everything anyway and STILL battle the heat. Good luck in your choice.

 

[skuttle]

I would pick April. Weather is much nicer and we loved Flower and Garden. We were at WDW for Easter week. It was very crowded and took a lot of planning, but we had a great trip and I wouldn't hesitate to go back during Easter again. Only downside is the room and some meals were more expensive. It doesn't sounds like your weak will be too close to Easter, though. Even if it was, I'd still pick April.

I wouldn't want to deal with the heat and humidity of August, and I'm from Louisiana so I'm used to it. Plus there's also hurricane season, which I'm a bit more aware of since my October trip ended up cancelled due to the hurricane this year! I know the odds of that are really slim, but still something to consider.

 

[Accident]

I find june - october the weather is that sole sucking drain your energy move a little slower weather. April, even if crowded, should't be that summer crowded yet. Also with the weather not sucking your essence out of you, you just enjoy the place more, a little peppier, you get more done, you can do things for longer without breaks, your not always finding a way out of the sun.. it's just a better trip even if you run into the largest crowds you've ever seen.

 

[kathy884]

My vote would be for April for the glorious weather despite higher crowds. But I do not like the heat and humidity. My one and only summer trip I lowered theme park days, added a beach day and some water park days because being in the water was so nice and I did not enjoy theme parks due to the heat and humidity. Summer IMHO is not good for doing theme parks, but theme parks are usually what we go to Orlando for. IMHO Orlando in the summer is no prize. Others would disagree and say it's a fun time any time.

 

[mmouse1239]

I have been there both times. I have to agree that April weather is much nicer. I am one who doesn't mind the heat too much, but August is bad. I do have to say that the lower crowds and the possibility of free dining might be able to sway me, however.

 

[CookieandOatmeal]

We go during April vacation (same week you're thinking of) and love the weather plus crowds are tolerable. Just tour smart and you'll be fine. Hubby refuses to go during summer because it's too humid so we're stuck paying high flight prices since I'm a teacher. Trade off is worth it though!