Best time to go to WDW

[mherbert]

This is my first post so I hope I'm doing this correctly

I'm looking for some feedback.....My husband and I plan to take our daughter to WDW in 2009 for her FIRST WDW adventure!

We are deciding between mid May or late August to mid September.

Some deciding factors:
Weather
Crowds
Hopes of FREE dining in Aug/Sept.
Also my b-day is Sept. 3 so the thought of celebrating it in WDW would be a dream come true! But are crowds CRAZY busy right before Labor Day!

I would appreciate any and all helpful thoughts as my mind is going crazy trying to plan the PERFECT time to go.

Thank you in advance to all who send me helpful thoughts

 

[MousekaMaddi]

mid sept has super low crowds but its HOT still. the week after new yrs is slow as well but sometimes its chilly to swim!

 

[travelin' tigger]

We are deciding between mid May or late August to mid September.

Some deciding factors:
Weather
Crowds
Hopes of FREE dining in Aug/Sept.
Also my b-day is Sept. 3 so the thought of celebrating it in WDW would be a dream come true! But are crowds CRAZY busy right before Labor Day!

I would appreciate any and all helpful thoughts as my mind is going crazy trying to plan the PERFECT time to go.

Thank you in advance to all who send me helpful thoughts

Been during both the times you mentioned and here's my thoughts:
Weather: Definitely better in mid-May. Temps are very comfortable and humidity is lower than Aug./Sept. Also greater chances of thunderstorms in late summer (also hurricane season).
Crowds: Haven't Been in mid-May in a few years, but I'd think the crowds would be about the same.
BUT celebrating your b-day in WDW is a wonderful experience - and the free dining helps...

My vote would be for mid-May. Aside from the weather, there's also the Flower & Garden Fest that's a great time - lots to do and see!!

HTH!!!

 

[Poohbug]

The weather in May is very nice-hot enough to swim but the humidity is not bad yet. Crowds are not bad but it is a little busier than Sept. You can hit the Flower and Garden Festival and maybe Star Wars weekends but it looks like they are moving SW into June now.

Sep. is a nice time to go also. Weather is hot and humid. It will rain once a day so be prepared for that. Also hurricane season-usually doesn't affect you but you have to be prepared just in case. Crowds are low and you may be able to get free dining-a great deal even if just CS-unless you have a great discount like a 40% off pin.

I love both times and I think you will be happy with either one. Have a great time planning and on your trip.

 

[New England]

What is mid April like?????

 

[mherbert]

Poohbug- You mention a 40% off pin.; if I may ask what is that?

Thank you all for your thoughts on May or September ...I have to say I'm hooked on this site you guys are wonderful! My husband appreciates you all as well as I was talking his ear off everyday for the past 3 years about our trip. He finally brought it to my attention about a year ago OOPS can't help it I LOVE Disney

 

[mherbert]

What is mid April like?????

We went the third week in April 01' and the weather was PERFECT! At night some of us needed a light sweater but the rest of the time shorts and t-shirts. It was great park weather and it was warm enough to swim during the day. The crowds at the park were mild, never waited more then 15 mins.

Have Fun!!!

 

[dansyr2514]

Never went in April but depending on when Easter is I know it can be very busy. Have gone in Sept. several times, value season, usually free dining and very low crowds, however it can be hot. But we live in PA and honestly it is just a humid here in summer so it never really bothered me.

 

[michelle1]

I haven't been in May but between Aug, Sept or May, May would be your best weather but the crowds would be higher also. Between Aug or Sept you might as well go in Sept because the crowds will be much lower in Sept. The heat and humidity are basically the same and either way you could get free dining. We were there a few years ago over Labor Day and it wasn't too busy but I think that week has gotten more popular now.

 

[happymommy]

First of all, you are lucky if you don't have to go when school is in session. I miss that - when our kids were very young we could go then as well!

I think September is nice - we went mid September on our honeymoon. It was actually very beautiful, almost cool the first couple of days. Didn't rain at all, and the crowds were light.

May would be nice, can be hot, but early in the month you won't have super big crowds. Definitely hot enough to swim!

Either time would be good. I wouldn't count on the free dining. We have never even used the dining plan ourselves. We prefer to do it all on our own.

I think choose when is best for you, then if some promotion comes along, all the better! I'd definitely choose somewhere either on the monorail or walking distance (we love LOVE LOVE the Boardwalk area!). That way you are close to go back for rests and breaks.

The first time we took the kids we stayed in a 1 bedroom Boardwalk villa, and it was so perfect. We loved the space, the washer/dryer, and the kitchen was ideal for easy snacks. Also we could eat at Epcot and walk back with the stroller, so even if the kids were napping in it they didn't have to get out of the stroller. We booked that directly through Disney.

Have fun planning! It is the perfect family vacation spot - something for everyone!

 

[hearts8701]

hope this helps
orlando average temperture
jan-71.8 high 49.9 low rainfall 2.43 inches
feb- 73.9 high 51.3 low rainfall 2.35 inches
march-78.8 high 55.9 low rainfall 3.54 inches
april- 83 high 59.9 low rainfall 2.42 inches
may- 88.2 high 65.9 low rainfall 3.74 inches
june- 91 high 65.9 low rainfall 7.35 inches
july-92.2 high 71.3 low rainfall 7.15 inches
aug-92 high 73 low rainfall 6.25 inches
sept -90.3 high 71.9 low rainfall 5.76 inches
oct - 85 high 65.5 low rainfall 2.73 inches
nov-78.9 high 58.7 low rainfall 2.32 inches
dec-73.3 high 52.6 low rainfall 2.31 inches

posted today from Mary at MouseSavers.com
good times to visit
* January through mid-February (excluding Martin Luther King Weekend and Presidents Day weekend)

* Mid-April through the end of May (depending on when Easter falls and excluding Memorial Day)

* Late August through the end of September (this is typically when Free Dining is offered)

* Late October through mid-December (excluding Thanksgiving)

When choosing your travel dates, a good rule of thumb is to go during the off peak seasons and to avoid major US holidays. Mary from MouseSavers.com has some great advice on timing your Disney vacation at http://www.mousesavers.com/wdwfaq.html#busy

 

[PrincessTiffany]

What is mid April like?????

It's Easter time and the end of Spring Break crowds and it is JAM PACKED! But, the weather is nice.