Best time to visit

[shepherdgirl]

Hi!
I've been reading posts here for a while, but have never actually posted myself. I have to say, I love reading all your hints and tips and seeing your pics! Every time I come to the boards it makes me want to go to Disney tomorrow!
On with the real reason I'm posting. My husband and I are taking our daughter to Disney for her first trip sometime in 2010 (she'll be 4). We were originally taking her during the summer (mid July), but are now thinking that we may want to take her over spring break (late March). We were going to stay for 10 days either way.
I noticed the prices are higher during the spring break time, I'm wondering about the crowds. Are there more or less people there over spring break than during the summer?
We would like to go in March b/c of the heat, it may be a little more tolerable. I just don't want to run in to more people in exchange for a cooler time of year.
Any help you could provide would be great.
Thanks!

 

[laceemouse]

Spring break is a very busy time to go, yes, more so than summer. Spring breaks are spread through March and April, but the week before and the week after Easter are the most crowded of the spring break weeks. Easter moves around so you have to check the dates.
Summer is very hot and miserable. Since she is not in school yet I would try one of the lower crowd times anyway, fall or winter will be less crowded than spring or summer any year, as long as you avoid holidays.

 

[shepherdgirl]

Thanks for your help!
What about January? Are the temps really cold? I'm not sure if any of the pools are heated, but she'll probably want to at least try to swim (not sure how long it will last once she gets out into the frigid air).
I've been to Disney before, but only during the summer and once in March. I'm really unfamiliary with the weather in the winter. I'm really liking the idea of going with less crowds, but would hate to book it if my daughter would be miserably cold or we'd be messing with jackets all day.
I know this trip won't be perfect, but I'm trying to make her first Disney experience really great.
Thanks again for your help!

 

[*Toadstool*]

We're considering a January trip. I'm worried that it will get cold. I'd rather be cold than be hot. I have plenty of hot when I am not on vacation.
Alot of people here go in February for our Mardi Gras break, but I'd rather not be there for Mardi Gras. We like to go to the parades.
Curious to see if anyone has any January experiences.

 

[happymommy]

I've been several times in December, and once in January. It can really vary! There is no way to predict: one December we had nice weather, upper 70's during the day, but the week before we went they had frost! In January, we needed winter jackets; the high was 50 degrees. It was also windy, so it was really chilly.

The pools are all heated, and one year in December, my DH and I read by the pool in shorts, and the kids went from hot tub to pool and back again (it was too cool for me to swim, but they enjoyed it).

January is a fairly quiet time. Spring break is busy, but nice for good weather. It still can be cool in March, like you need a light sweater, but I like that. Nothing compares to the day after Christmas through New Years! The crowds are insane. We have never found spring crowds too much.

Fall is also a nice time.

I'd avoid July at all costs! We've done late August a few times, and it's usually super hot half the time, and pretty nice half the time.

 

[ebtbmom]

We have always gone in Nov, and I absolutely love it! The longest wait we've ever had was about 20 minutes (we use FP too) and the weather is beautiful. It's only ever rained on us once (out of 3 trips) and the weather has varied from about 65degrees at midday up to about 85degrees. We've been early in Nov, around Vets. Day and the week before Thanks. week. If you go that week, MVMCP is going.
Good luck planning, hope you have a nice trip!

 

[santa's surpriz]

I vote for sometime when the holiday decorations and events are happening. Disney is incredible with the lights! If you plan it right the crowds should be just right. Beginning of November but not inti Thanksgiving. After Thanksgiving but not too close to Christmas. Weather can vary but will be more enjoyable because it is not as hot as July.