Easter or July/August

[sarahb74]

Hi, help from experienced WDW trippers please

We are thinking of going for 2 weeks in 2012 which has to be in school holidays - either Easter or summer. I've read a few things that say that Easter time is horrendously busy, but I'm also a bit bothered about the heat/humidity in the summer - we could either go last week in July and first week in August, or last 2 weeks in August (not sure if that makes any difference)

Thoughts/ideas/opinions all gratefully received!

Thanks

 

[Claireybear]

Hi,
I haven't been at Easter but have been told that although the weather is better (less hot and humid) the crowds are really bad. We tend to go in August and I would say the last 2 weeks are best - lots of the schools in the US go back mid august so crowd levels tend to drop off by then whereas end July is still high summer season over there. August does bring afternoon showers but these are usually short and welcome - we are back for the third time in August this year.
Claire

 

[rpbert1]

We always go in july, and it is hot, never bothered with the humidity, crowds are quite busy, nothing like Easter or Christmas which is the 2 busiest times.

 

[wayneg]

Been Easter and August, Easter are crazy crowds (only seen Xmas any worse) weather can be hit and miss depending when it falls and any cold front passing by. we have always had at least 1 good warm week out of 2.

August yes its hot but thats how we like it, also better crowds to deal with. No question for me I would take August over Easter anytime.

Difference is massive between July/August and last 2 weeks in August, later in August it gets the quieter it gets, US schools go back from the 2nd week in August.

 

[2Tiggies]

Hi Sarah

I love Easter (as long as it falls in April). I love the heat and it doesn't affect me adversely but my DD just wilts so we have never been in summer from a practical and cost perspective.

With that said, it may be worth considering how you and your party cope with heat and humidity. To be frank, most people are knocked by humidity more than heat, but again, most DO cope.

So my decisions have been primarily made on what is going to give us the most productive use of our time (since there's never enough of it over there )

Since DD doesn't handle the heat, this is a major factor. As far as crowds go, yes, VERY busy over the Easter week, depending when it falls, but I have found that you can work around the crowds, but there is nothing I would be able to do to get DD to cope with the heat.

Just some things to think about and please, take the info I posted as something to consider for yourself, not as advice, if you know what I mean.

 

[jen_uk]

I also go August and love it then, it is hot but its manageable, as others have said the crowds are not too bad the last 2 weeks.

 

[JulieSharp]

Easter every time for me. If you are okay walking around theme parks in 100 degree temperatures than I agree late August would be fine, especially as the lengthy break from school makes planning the holiday easier.

However, and I do kind of disagree with some of the comments about the weather being "hit and miss", if you go in April you are pretty much guaranteed perfect weather, lovely sunshine and the occasional breeze.
That's why we are going this April, I suppose if Easter falls in early March it could be cooler, but other than that it's one of the best times to go.

Crowds yes it is very busy for 3 or 4 days, either make other plans or get there early.

The big issue for Easter is not the weather or the crowds, it's fitting at least a 2 week holiday in - if you can that's when I would go.

 

[sarahb74]

Wonderful advice, thanks everyone, August was my preference but I wanted to make sure before committing us to an expensive holiday

 

[JulieSharp]

Wonderful advice, thanks everyone, August was my preference but I wanted to make sure before committing us to an expensive holiday

The problem with the heat is we all cope differently with it, I don't cope well with it at all despite having been a few times in the summer.
It can affect your holiday if you struggle in high temperatures.

I can't think of anything worse in Orlando than being round a busy theme park when it's really hot and humid but that's just me.
Especially like you say it's such an expensive holiday, in the past in August I have felt like they should be paying me not the other way around.

 

[wayneg]

However, and I do kind of disagree with some of the comments about the weather being "hit and miss", if you go in April you are pretty much guaranteed perfect weather, lovely sunshine and the occasional breeze.

We have been 3 times at Easter, each time 1st week cold 2nd week lovely, you can't know until you arrive what it will be like. Almost certain the skys will be nice and blue but the temps can be low, pic below in Seaworld 7th April 12:45pm. I am sure some years are perfect weather but I wouldn't go without some warmer clothes just incase.

 

[JulieSharp]

In our experience it is generally in the 80s, the only time we have been at Easter and it was cool was in March 2005.
We must have just gone on different years.

As I said what some can tolerate others cannot, just for the benefit of Sarah's question I felt the need to expand on the heat and humidity side of the topic, what some can find manageable others may not.

April 2010 (date not known but around 11am) - then again us Lancastrians are tough and Joshua would jump into a freezing cold pool if he could!