best summer time to go?

[newholiday]

when schools get out end of june?
right before school returns end of aug?
whats the diff in crowds?
aug beginning of hurricane season?

thinking of a trip w/just DS & myself - DH says see if I can book something where I dont need to take DS out of school for that yr

 

[CarolMN]

The second half of August will be less crowded (many of the schools in the Southern states begin school the 2nd or 3rd week of August) and the points will also be less.

Both times will be hot and humid.

Hurricane season runs from June through November. Try not to worry about that - you just can't predict the weather!!

Best wishes -

 

[never2L8]

We've been in both July and August. Both can be hot. Although, August tends to have more rain. First time in August was our first summer trip. It was brutally hot and we said never again. But we did it again. Next time didn't seem so bad, maybe we knew what to expect. We tried July next time and we liked it better. Last year we were scheduled to go in July but needed to re-sched. due to my father's illness and death. Went in Aug instead and wasn't too bad, but a bit more rain and clouds. Kept the heat down a little. This July was brutal. Very hot. We stayed at the pools most of the time which was fine. Even our Florida friends said it was hotter than normal.

I still opt for July as I hate waiting all summer for my vacation.

Laurie

 

[Tooneric]

We've been twice in mid summer (late June/early July). Crowds were heavy but managable. Very hot and humid, so pace yourself. Still loads of fun! Depending on son's age, try to take advantage of eride nights if offered. Late nights, but not hot and not crowded. We did this twice in June and I let the kids sleep late and stay up late. It worked pretty good, with pool time mid afternoon to cool down.

Hurricanes less likely in early June than August, but that shouldn't be a huge factor. I'm thinking of early to mid June next year just to get one more trip in on my APs! Good luck with your planning!

Eric

 

[kweaver]

The crowds are better before Memorial Day and from the middle of August on (of course, Labor Day weekend is busy). Many schools in the south end their year an entire week before Memorial Day (our last day in 2005 is May 20th).

We went June 13-18 last year...and found it pretty crowded. It didn't help that temps were extreme that week.

 

[WDWJWEB1]

We have been their the last 2 years during the end of Aug and have zero complaints. I was really worried about the crowds and the weather! But the points are better and I feel worth the chance. Crowds where not bad at all and the weather was just perfect. (of course it was in between hurricanes) But this year was really weird for Florida weather.


Hope this helps?

 

[laceemouse]

Just wanted to say that I agree with your husband. I feel it is okay for real little ones to miss school, but as they get older it gets harder and harder due to the work load, multiple teachers, ect. It seems that Disney is pretty much crowded all the time now, you can't predict the weather ( and this year was NOT typical), and at least in the summer you KNOW swimming will be great!!!! I vote for late August because southern schools will all be back in session by then.

 

[bigsis1970]

Hi , we have been from June 14-June 21 in 2003 and it was hot needed breaks each afternoon I would think the earlier the better in June .. I was thinking of taking the kids with me for a week and then bringing them home and doing a girls only trip the following week going from June 26 - July 9 2005 as I can't take Meg out of middle school for a week anymore! Michelle

 

[spiceycat]

summer if you can take the heat - is pretty nice - the parks are opened later - so when it really get hot leave - go swim or take a nap - go back later. the parks are still open!!!

however you might consider my favorite season - Nov - Thanksgiving - it is getting more and more crowded each year - but I can deal (I hope) with crowds if I don't have the heat to deal with....

just depends upon how long your son gets off for this holiday - more and more schools are letting kids off for the entire Thanksgiving week.

WDW resorts have changed Oct and Nov to regular season - I am hoping that DVC does NOT!!!

 

[Mary Anne]

We have gone pre-labor day week the past 10 years. Yes it is hot but it is not crowded at all! We also enjoy the longer hours.

 

[JFrey4240]

We got mid-July and it's fine. The parks are a little crowded but not bad considering the heat. Just make sure you go early, take an afternoon break/swim and head back after dinner. It's nice because the parks are open late but not too late. I think they closed MK at 10:00 with fireworks. Nice when having a young one. At Easter MK closes around midnight and that is way too late for fireworks with our daughter. Then nobody wants to get going early the next day to beat the crowds. Doesn't matter--we still go at Easter and in the summer due to the school schedule.

 

[lenshanem]

We've been early June. Our school gets out then, but I think Northern schools get out later? We usually see the crowds pick up by the time we are leaving. Star Wars weekends is then and so is Gay Days. Typically you'll be fine with crowds if you avoid their schedule. I've heard MK on Gay day Saturday can be pretty busy.

Been in July. Busy and hot, but like others said typically a later park hour schedule. Plan on going back to your room everyday and taking a swim. You'll wear your ponchos often, too.

I think August is about the same, but many schools are going back so I would think the crowds would be getting smaller. We've also been in August but it has been years ago.

I'd vote for early June.

 

[beccasmom]

We've been there during every summer month and June would take my vote. It is usually hot, but IMHO not overwhelmingly so. The crowds are starting to build up. July is very crowded, most especially around the 4th and usually very hot. We have gone to WDW a few times in August and the crowds are not bad because most of the nearby schools are back in session. However, we missed Hurricane Charlie by one day this year; we got home just in time.

My favorite times to go are May - the weather is usually ok (warm but not intolerable) and park attendance is just beginning to build up. One exception would be Memorial Day weekend, which is pretty crazy, but not enough to make me change my plans. And I love the beginning of December, but that is usually not an option for me these days. I know some schools close out their classes right around Memorial Day, but that is not the case here in southeastern PA.

 

[my3kids]

What about DisneyLAND in June? We went in late June and the weather was unbelievable. Crowds were not a problem and we could have even used a light jacket after dark.

 

[doubletrouble_vb]

Based on your schedule it sounds like you are in a northerly region. I had a friend who only went in the last two weeks of August. You still have some of the summer events going but the rates are down. If your son isn't in school yet why not check out the school calendar and see what other days you can go?

If you are in a new jersey school with teacher conferences (my sister-in-law's school doesn't do it...go figure) then you might want to look into "Jersey Week". The airfare is higher but the parks aren't that bad. I'd also check out winter break...usually in Feb. If you are regularly having 30 degree days Florida feels like heaven then...especially if it stays in the high 70's. I gather winter break isn't nearly as crowded as spring or summer. The main problem would be the other kids and the daytona 500 crowd.