Best time to go for a teacher.

[DCWarrior]

I am wanting to plan a future trip for my wife and I and another couple friend. The thing is, my wife is a teacher. It's just not possible for her to take a weeks vacation during normal school times.

So, when do you think is the best time, crowd and price wise, for us to go?

From what I see, I am thinking that last week of June, or whenever she gets out of school, but before July 4th!?!??

But I want to see what people think when I specifically ask this question.

Whaddya think?

 

[gschmerl]

I am a school counselor and have the same vacation restrictions that your wife does. I have gone to WDW during Easter week and during July. Easter week was more crowded. We were there last summer July 7-12 and it wasn't bad. It was VERY hot and humid, but we just went when the parks opened, took an afternoon break, and then went back at night. In July the parks are open later. I don't know if the weather is that much better in June. It did rain most afternoons we were there. If you plan properly and use Fast Pass, you can have a wonderful time no matter when you go!
By the way, we got the teacher's rate at the Dolphin and LOVED the location and hotel.

 

[patsal]

I have the same restrictions,we usually go the last week in June/first week in July, second or third week of August(School here does not get out until the end of June and resumes the first week of September), or spring break (Easter). Even with July fourth, which can be crowded, we just plan accordingly. Spring break has high crowds but great temps, August is also very hot, but the summer crowds have thinned out. June/July is hot and crowded..but very manageable with a plan. I hae never done the Christmas thing, but have plans to in the future.

 

[hulagirl]

DC Warrior - Brian? (What a way to start the morning!
Praise the Lord! I'm feeling a bit of extra praise in my heart this morning given that the sun has finally decided to peek out today in upstate New York...!
I am a teacher myself but have been home with my kids for 9 years now. I took my oldest out of school this year so we could go in early December and it was wonderful but I don't think we will be able to do that anymore. It's tough to catch him up! I will say that there is nothing like Disney at Christmas time and I plan on trying the week between Christmas and New Year's someday soon. I think it would be worth it to deal with the crowds just to still be able to experience the Christmas magic - but you really do have to have a good plan to go when it is that busy! If you decide to go at that time DO NOT miss the Candlelight Processional. It will bless your heart so very much...
We are going in July this year. It is very hot and crowded then but with the right attitude you can still have a good time.
I wish you a wonderful vacation. May God bless you and grant you peace. May the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you....
Have a great day!

 

[eeyore0062]

My mom is also a teacher, and has taken personal days, and days without pay so she can go during off times. Of course, she is near retirement, and has days built up, and is over feeling guilty if she misses work.

However, back to your question:

If she can stand the heat, the 1st of 2nd week of August is a good time to go. The crowds are less, as most of the local kids have returned to school. We got a really good deal at Courtyard Marriot LBV this past summer during that time... room was only $20.02 per night... can't beat that!

I would avoid Christmas and Springbreak like the plague.

June is crowded, but at least it isn't peak season at the resorts. Many people do go at that time, because the kids are just getting out of school, and hurricane season hasn't kicked in yet.

Good luck, but unless there is a way for your wife to miss some school you are either going to be stuck with crowds or heat.

 

[BbearRosenfeld]

My sister is a teacher and in 2000, we went in May as soon as the kids let out and it was perfect, not too crowded.

 

[Pinnie]

I am a teacher and have been doing the WDW thing since the 70s. Since I can never really go at an "off" time, the crowds don't bother me. Since my kids are now grown and I do have a bit more flexiblity, I have taken a few 3 day weekends and flown down in December.

I am going over Easter, and yes, the crowds are there. I also go in August (DCI finals in Orlando this year!). Last year we were there in July. Yes, it is HOT, but like other posters have said, it can be done with a plan and and a break mid-day.

pin
remember the magic
DVC/BCVs 2002

 

[jimmiej]

Teacher here... I've had good luck going ASAP after I get out of school in June(our kids get out last day of May, I have an additional few days to finish my contract). Crowds don't build until mid-June at the earliest. Sounds like your DW may not get out as early as we do here though.

 

[bobcat]

I've gone the past two Augusts, second week. It's a great break and I am in a great mood to start back.

 

[MickeyMonstersMom]

We went the last week of August this past year and I can't imagine it being any better. First, the hotel rates dropped significantly; second, the parks were practically deserted. We encountered lines only twice: in Fantasyland at midday, and at BTMRR/SM, also around midday. Fantasyland always seemed pretty crowded, but aside from that one day we never had to wait more than 5-10 minutes to ride anything we saw, in any park. Park hours were shorter, but we were able to do everything we wanted to because of the small crowds, and did not feel the need to go back to the room and rest halfway through the day - since the parks closed earlier, we got back to the hotel earlier and were more rested for the next day.

A fringe benefit: since school started only 2 days after we returned from WDW, I was forced to get the first month's lesson plans done ahead of time, which provided a nicely relaxed start to the school year.

Lori

 

[Kaye]

When we travel to WDW with my in-laws, we go over the President's week holiday. My F-I-L and S-I-L are both teachers, and I have kids in school. They take a day off early and return a day late. We will be in WDW from 2-12 (late) to 2-18 (leave in am) and they will each only miss 2 days. My kids will miss 1 1/2 days. Not bad.

 

[Jordan's MOM]

We are trying to talk our best friends ,of whom the DH is a teacher, to join us for a trip. To work around his school we were looking at the very first week the kids are out too. He can take work days easier than days the kids are in school. Here in NC that puts then being able to go the week after memorial day. Not bad at all. If you wifes school gets out early go early. If they don't go back to labor day, go right before then. Just go and have a blast.


Jordan's mom

 

[timkin]

How about just before Chrismas? My DD & DS will be 9 & 7 on our next trip and we feel that we shouldn't take them out of school, as we have done in the past, for 7 days. Our school system is on break from 12-20 - 1-5. We plan on taking the kids out the last 3 days of school and heading to Disney on the night of the 16th. I hear the crowds are low and it is value season. We will see.

 

[grimgrinnin]

My wife is a school teacher, so we have the same problem. I'd have to agree with the latest in August that you can get away with. There's absolutely no way you will ever get me back there during Easter/Spring Break.


grim

 

[firecracker]

I asked my administrator to give me some grace and allow me to finish my contracted days after we return from WDW in early June. He kindly complied, probably because he knew I'd be a happier teacher 2nd semester knowing that I could go to the Happy Place after the year ended!

So, we're going the 2nd week of June!!! Everybody else stay away so we don't have any lines, OK?????

 

[seashoreCM]

Teachers in northern states probably should not make plane reservations way in advance for the week just after school lets out. There might be an extension of the school year due to days lost to snow.

Once in awhile a school district makes up snow days during one of the mid year vacations. It is debatable whether teachers or families who made advance vacation plans should be excused here.

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