Change of Plans...HELP! July instead of April

[SandraC]

Hi all ~ Since starting a new job, our April trip should probably be postponed to the end of school [my job follows the school calendar so I get the whole summer off!]. Also, my BIL moved to NC, a little more than half way to WDW, so we are really considering driving from Mississauga to NC, stay two nights with BIL and then drive to WDW. We would start our trip on Friday, June 30 and take our time. Here's the thing...we love April weather and worry July will be too rainy?????? April crowds are big, so I'm not so worried about July crowds. Any advice on driving would be great!!!! We just went to the CAA office for books and maps. Blessings, Sandra

 

[hockey mom]

April crowds are nothing compared to July crowds. Also be prepared for extreme heat.

I think splitting up your drive with a stop at families is a great idea. It will save a nice chunk of change on airfare and rental car.

 

[Janice B]

We have gone in July, actually just this year. We drove from Waterloo.
Since you have CAA, about 3 weeks before your trip get them to do a trip tik for you. It will give you directions as well as construction problems. It sometimes shows you detours on how to avoid the construction. We have never gone before in April, however I can tell you the crowds are really bad in July. Without a fast pass, you could be looking at between 1/2 - 1hr for each ride. The weather is also extremely hot in July. We are currently planning our 4th trip. Our 13ds doesnt like missing school (go Figure) so we always go in the summer. My husband didnt like the heat this past year and everyother year we have gone near the end August. Still crowded but not as bad. So we are booked to Leave around August 20-30. We return home a few days before our son goes back to school. I also agree definetly split the driving.

 

[Janice B]

We have gone in July, actually just this year. We drove from Waterloo.
Since you have CAA, about 3 weeks before your trip get them to do a trip tik for you. It will give you directions as well as construction problems. It sometimes shows you detours on how to avoid the construction. We have never gone before in April, however I can tell you the crowds are really bad in July. Without a fast pass, you could be looking at between 1/2hr - 1hr for each ride. The weather is also extremely hot in July. We are currently planning our 4th trip. Our 13ds doesnt like missing school (go Figure) so we always go in the summer. My husband didnt like the heat in July and every other year we have gone near the end August, still crowded but not as bad. So we are booked to Leave around August 20-30. We return home a few days before our son goes back to school. I also agree definetly split the driving.

 

[mickeywho?]

Our last family trip was in May - hot days and thunderstorm afternoons - long lines. But nothing compared to when I travelled with my parents growing up. We always went in August (both parents were teachers so summer school paid for the trip). Long hot drive (the sun beaming in constantly - no a/c in those days - four bored kids in the wagon) and twice the line ups at the parks compared to going in the spring. As long as you are prepared for it - you'll enjoy it - we never knew different so we never complained. It also helps to relax because you're in no hurry to get there and no hurry to get back to work. Have fun!

 

[SandraC]

Holy Cow! July seems worse than I thought! We love April, but I don't want to take the chance and lose my job for a vacation. We are thinking of leaving Friday, June 30 and driving straight to NC [BIL's house] ~ staying two night for a visit and then 9 hours driving to Disney World. We would visit Daytona Beach on the way home and take our time driving home. We have been in June ~ weather not bad. May ~ cloudy and hot. April twice and GORGEOUS! S

 

[Brander]

My two sons and I have been in Florida every year but one since 2000. We did Disney for three of those years, and yes, it is hot, and you might get some rain for a short period in an afternoon, and the crowds can be lng at times, but so what? The kids love it, you can always go for a swim, many attractions are air-conditioned, and you can leave your long pants at home.
Think positive, and youll have a blast!

 

[Debbie]

Sandra, you are so going to have a good time! Brander said it! NO long pants! NO sweatshirts! Small clothing-shorts, t-shirts, sandals and a bathing suit for the kidlets! Yes, it will be hot! Yes, it will be crowded (you realize that you'll be there for July 4th?). Yes, the parks will be open late! Yes, it will rain-every day at 3:00. It's a great time to visit the waterparks. But, most important of all, you will be at WDW with your family reaping the rewards of that new job! Have a great time!

 

[abbyndrewmom]

Could you go at March Break? We went one year the very end of June/ 1st of July at quite frankly it was miserable. It rained alot, not just your quick afternoon downpour but all day thunderstorms and when it wasn't raining it was very hot and steamy!!! Even taking a break at the hotel didn't really help. The trip we took at March break was much better. I just couldn't believe the difference in the amount we were able to see and do. It was still crowded but nothing like June/July and because the weather was so much nicer we had more energy to see and do everything we wanted. I was very surprised because I figured after living in the Southern USA for as long as we had the hot/humid weather of June/July would not bother us, but boy was I wrong!!! My husband is a teacher so I understand how frustrating it is not to be able to travel in the off season but I don't think I would ever consider another summer trip to WDW!!!

Allison