Best/Most affordable time

[Nutsy]

I'm looking for the most affordable time to visit WDW. I thought I read somewhere than Jan 1 - Feb 15 was the most affordable, but now I can't find that info anywhere.

I've been looking at that many websites recently that I really don't know where I saw what.

There is not as simple as I thought it would be... it's actually quite confusing.

 

[wilde_oscar]

mid jan to mid feb and late aug to end of sept.

 

[Nutsy]

Thanks for that.... can't do the Aug/Sept time frame, so it looks like it has to be early-mid Feb for us.

 

[lmhall2000]

I've been during both times and I like them both! One thing is to avoid the weekend of the marathon (usually 2nd or 3rd weekend in January...sometimes the first weekend) and to avoid Presidents Day weekend in February...those are the only "peak events" that may be more busy...also traveling on a Sunday and returning on a Saturday would be a good idea...the parks are low on weekdays...the only disadvantage to traveling during this time is that it can get chilly at night (pack a sweatshirt or sweater) and we really didn't think it was hot enough to do the waterparks...the hotel pools were heated (smaller ones were) so that was nice. Have a great time!!!

Tara

Also first 3 weeks of November are good dates!

 

[abish19]

Just to tag on one more thought - this probably won't affect you, but we ran into some crowds on our last trip (Feb 2008) from Mardi Gras. Many people from Louisiana were there b/c the schools have a break during that time. Next year's date for Mardi Gras is Feb. 24.

Also, the weather in Jan/Feb is much more moderate than during Aug/Sep. (It can be cold, but for us it was in the 70s and 80s every day).

Have a wonderful trip!

 

[Reginak]

I have traveled to WDW during the January - February time frame three times. This is what I have learned:

1. Don't worry about the marathon. When we went (I didn't know about the marathon until it was too late to change the dates of our trip), we only noticed a few small things. Some of the bus routes were changed; the walkway from DHS to the BW area was closed; and there were no crowd problems. Most of the marathon takes place before park hours.

2. Evidently I am a poor planner because I didn't know that Presidents Day was a problem until a couple of weeks before our trip. I joined TourGuideMike.com and he gave us a good idea about which parks to avoid on each day. It really helped; we avoided all of the crowds and had a great time. MLK day will probably work the same. The only problem that you may encounter is that the hotels fill up fast so reserve your rooms early if they fall during this time period.

3. Check the weather frequently and pack both winter clothes and summer clothes. Most days the weather is perfect during this time: high 75, low 60. But we have had a few cold days during our trips and one was miserably cold because of the wind and the humidity. Be prepared for the occasional cold day. That said, most days my children wore shorts and could have swum if they wanted.

It is one of our favorite times to travel. Nice weather, for the most part, and low crowds. Don't forget that the first two weeks of December are nice too.

Regina

 

[kileybeth]

allears dot net has a chart of value, regular, high and whatever that other catagory I can never remember the name of (magic?) seasons. Please note, they are slightly differnt for DVC stays.

 

[fall08CP]

We went this year Feb 9-12 and would do it again in a heartbeat. The weather was perfect and the rides were all walk-on except for RnR, but that wasn't a big deal to us. The only problem was the singing/chanting cheerleaders- but they weren't at our resort so it was bearable, and they were busy during the day and just out at night.

 

[richsilver]

Used to be the 1st couple of weeks of May were reasonable too.Most kids are still in school.We had Fl. resident passes that had Jan./May/Sept. as the value times.Haven't had them for awhile so may have changed.

Like has been said Jan. can be cold at times but usually not for more than a day or two.Great time to go in our opinion.


rich

 

[Nutsy]

Thanks guys... We are currently looking at somewhere in the first 2 weeks of Feb. Can't do January and December is out as it's school holidays here and the peak time to travel. Apparantly Feb the airfares are in the low season and if that also works for Disney, then I'd say we will probably go with it.

 

[skipperkim]

Isn't Jan when the Brazilian kids are there?

 

[GoofyFairie]

We went Feb 10-16 this year and it was nice. It wasn't as warm as I expected, but it was pleaasant except for one day it was cold. Just pack long and short and a jacket and you'll be set. We are hoping to return again same time next year.

 

[sherry8253]

Early Dec is value season too. It is one of our favorite times - MVMCP, Candlelight Processional, holiday decorations, light crowds.

 

[Nutsy]

We went Feb 10-16 this year and it was nice. It wasn't as warm as I expected, but it was pleaasant except for one day it was cold. Just pack long and short and a jacket and you'll be set. We are hoping to return again same time next year.

Excellent!! Just the kind of feed back I was looking for. Didn't think it would be too cold as it's not a cold state and is very similar in temps to where we live and both places get plenty of Sunshine.

Was thinking of long pants/jeans, jackets, long sleeve t-shirt etc.. alongn with some lighter gear as well.