Best time for snowbirding?

[tvwalsh]

My DW and I like to spend 12 days in a one or two BR at OKW to get away from the Wisconsin Winter. I have made a ressie for Jan 4 to Jan 16 because the coldest day of the year, on average, in Milwaukee (and in the whole northern hemisphere, I believe) is January 10.

DW would like to go later in the winter. Considering the point charts, the weather, and psychological factors, Any thoughts?

 

[reneesam]

I too live in the land of too much snow, and it gets pretty depressing.

I like to take a trip in early Feb, because in Jan I am still winding down from the holidays and I have a lot of cleaning up, storing, and sorting to do. Last year, we took a cruise the week before President's Day (still value season) and it was just the ticket!

Maybe this year won't bring as bad of a winter...

 

[sgtdilbert]

I attend a conference each year at the Dolphin/Swan at the end of January. In my opinion, that's the perfect time of year to visit. Humidity is non-existant, temperatures are high 60's to mid 70's and the sun shines all day long. Not to mention that all of the parks are lightly attended and waiting in lines is minimal, especially if you get to the parks early.

My friend and I went last year and rode Tower of Terror about 20 times over a 4 day period. It's sad, I know, and I wish I was exaggerating. But there wasn't any lines at all, and I we couldn't control ourselves.

I can't wait until Tower of Terror opens at California Adventure. It's right on my way home from work. I'm sure my car will just point itself in that direction for many evenings after the opening!

s.

 

[PamOKW]

While anything will feel better than a really cold Wisconsin winter, you take the chance of hitting cold temps in Florida in late December/early January. While it can happen anytime in the winter, that seems to be the most likely time period. And, you'll still have several cold months of winter when you return. I think a February or, if you can wait that long, March trip have a better shot at warmer temps in Florida and maybe spring will arrive at home before the "glow" of your WDW trip wears off.

 

[tvwalsh]

While we have wonderful Falls in Milwaukee, we have almost no Spring! Our spot on Lake Michigan is the cause. The trees are just budding now! Even if we vacationed in April there would be cold weather when we got home!

 

[DisneyDuo]

We also like to go down in late winter for a much needed break. January can be iffy with temps - this past year we hit record breaking cold in Florida for several days. You can't beat the crowds, however - we, too, walked right on to our favorite attractions. February is nice, but be careful not to go during President's Day - very crowded!!! And if you get into March, you need to watch for Spring Break/Easter - again, very crowded!

Of course, since we are true Disney fanatics, we don't let a little thing like cold or crowds stop us from having a great time ;-)

Lin

 

[CarolMN]

I know exactly how you feel - winters can be very l---o----n---g here in the north!

That said, I'd opt for later in January or early in February. We went about the same time as you suggest in 2001 and ran into record low temperatures. We felt colder in Florida than we ever felt in Minnesota - even when we sufferred through below zero temperatures! (Must be the difference in humidity). Had a good time anyway, but it was still disappointing. I was hoping for at least 70's! Of course, those record lows may not happen again for awhile, but IMHO, early January is risky as far as weather goes.

Also agree with winding down from the Holidays and giving yourselves time to pack and get the house ready for "temporary vacancy". If you go a little later, what's left of the winter won't seem quite so long.

What a good plan - I'm jealous. We can't take that much time off during that time frame, but I'd sure like to!

 

[Pa@okw95]

Here in Connecticut we had the coldest winter in 100 years this year. We went to OKW the last week In January. I enjoyed everything including WDW itself. I was just so happy to be there out of the cold. We walked right on everything. We were the only ones on our boat at the PoC, even Splash Mountain had like only 5 people in the line when we got to the ride. But the thing I enjoyed the most was just sitting at the dock in about 65 degree weather at OKW. Starting in the year 2005 we are going spend the entire month of Jan and part of Feb down there every year just love getting out of the cold.

 

[ncligs]

Originally posted by Pa@okw95
Starting in the year 2005 we are going spend the entire month of Jan and part of Feb down there every year just love getting out of the cold.

We plan on doing the same starting in 2007 to get away from the Ohio winters

 

[PamOKW]

We plan on doing the same starting in 2007 to get away from the Ohio winters

Maybe we can get "next door" beach houses at Vero.

 

[ncligs]

Originally posted by PamOKW
Maybe we can get "next door" beach houses at Vero.

I second

that Pam.

 

[walter]

Since we joined in 1997, we tend to visit OKW around the first two weeks in January (not as busy). But for 2004, we are going to try the last week in Jan & the first week in Feb. We hope to miss most of the holidays, and the weather may be a little warmer than the first part of Jan. But like you, getting away from winter, even it is 50 or 60 degrees, is welcome.