best time for WDW

[mdarco]

We have been going to Disneyland for the last few years and finally the kids will be old enough (2 kids they will be 7-8 and 4-5) to go to WDW (I don't really like to fly and we live on the west coast, so they needed to be old enough to not need so much from mom) So I am wondering what is the best time to go to WDW, good crowds, good weather, etc and recomendations on where to stay. Thanks

 

[badblackpug]

This year was the 1st year we did not go in the summer. We went the 1st week in November, and we will never go in the summer again. The weather was beautiful and the crowds were low.

 

[lulugirl]

There are many factors to consider, check out this website for planning help
http://www.allearsnet.com/

My favorite times to go are early December, or early January (after the holiday crowds have left. I enjoy the cooler weather and I don't have a problem taking Dd out of school to go (but of course that's a personal and heavily debated topic here on the Dis!).
As far as which resort, I always stay onsite. It really depends on your budget. I love the moderate resorts, they are beautifully themed and easily affordable for my family.
The link above has a great selection of resort photo's. I would choose one that fits your budget and has a theme that appeals to you.
Welcome to the Dis!

 

[mjh8955]

Our kids first trip was when they were about the same ages as yours (DD4 and DS7). If you can go any time of year I would suggest visiting WDW for the first time the very end of September or the very end of October. Both of those times you will experience low crowd levels. Value season ends October 3rd so you can stretch your dollars a bit by going before then. If you can afford it (or justify the expense ), stay at the Beach Club or Yacht Club because the pool they share,Stormalong Bay, is a water park destination all by itself! The Boardwalk area is just across the lake and you are walking distance or a short boat ride to both Epcot or MGM. We have stayed at the Polynesian and Port Orleans French Quarter but Beach Club is still our kids' hands-down favorite. Have fun planning your trip!!

 

[mdarco]

Because we are planning it a year or so in advance, we have a lot more flexibility. I am a nurse and am able to have a flexible schedule, my DS works for the family business although it is hard to take time off we have never been turned down. I am thinking to stay on property. We usually go to Disneyland in October and it is really nice there, Mickey's Halloween treat was great last year. The only problem with October is my DS plays in a baseball world series tournament the 3rd weekend in October so that would be a really busy month for us....with that being said, if that is the best time to go I have no problem making it work. Another question, isn't that getting to be hurricane season and does it affect WDW or flights, etc. Thanks for all of the input so far.

 

[mericletwins]

Because we are planning it a year or so in advance, we have a lot more flexibility. I am a nurse and am able to have a flexible schedule, my DS works for the family business although it is hard to take time off we have never been turned down. I am thinking to stay on property. We usually go to Disneyland in October and it is really nice there, Mickey's Halloween treat was great last year. The only problem with October is my DS plays in a baseball world series tournament the 3rd weekend in October so that would be a really busy month for us....with that being said, if that is the best time to go I have no problem making it work. Another question, isn't that getting to be hurricane season and does it affect WDW or flights, etc. Thanks for all of the input so far.

Hurrican season runs June 1st through November 30th, with the peak being about mid-August until the end of September, give or take. I would not let possible hurricanes affect my decision because it is such an iffy thing. Maybe you could go after your son's b-ball, but it is a bit more crowded around Halloween. The plus to that time is you could do the Not So SCary Halloween Party. The big bonus to me would be the Food and Wine Festival at Epcot.

Another option would be early November. Jersey week gets a bit more crowded, but if you arrive that ending weekend, your crowds should decrease the whole time you are there.

 

[eeyoregon]

We have found the last week of April and first week of May to be FANTASTIC! Weather was awesome but not super hot/humid yet and perfect for the water parks and little to NO rain.

And the crowds were very light as spring breaks and Easter are gone but school hasn't gotten out yet.

We have also been during the 1st part of November but it was cooler/wetter but the crowds were good too.