First Time Planner -- when to go to WDW???

[Just Kate]

We have finally decided to bite the bullet and plan our first ever trip to WDW! I have only been once (as a child), dh has never been, and of course this will be the first time for our kids (current ages 10 and 7). We are thinking of planning the trip for sometime next fall/early winter and would love to hear your thoughts on the best time to visit?

Right now, thinking mid October, early December, or mid-February. The good thing about Feb is that the kids get a winter break, so we wouldn't have to pull them from school. However, we are not opposed to taking them out of school, so that's not a huge consideration.

I know it will be cooler during these months. Is there still plenty to do? What if we take a day off from the parks (but if it's too cool to swim)...would there be other things to do then?

We will stay at a Disney resort and will get the dining plan, if this matters at all.

So excited to start planning!!! If there is any other info you could share for a first-timer, I would appreciate it!!!

Oh, and how far out can I book the trip?

Thanks

 

[mjkacmom]

Just a FYI, but if you want to go when crowds are low, keep in mind that many schools are out President's week in February.

 

[JaxMama]

Oct is wonderful. Nights can get chilly but I don't think it was too cold to swim at the resorts. Crowds are starting to get bigger at this time with all the discounts and food and wine in epcot. I have gone to Disney 3 times in Oct and all have been amazing!!

 

[Lincolnshire]

We did the first week of December this year and the weather was beautiful - highs in the 75-80 range and we didn't need jackets even first thing in the morning. However, you could get highs in the 60s or lower. It depends on the year. October should have consistent highs in the mid to upper 80s and lows around 70, but it's much rainier than December on average.

We had fairly low crowd levels this December and the Christmas decorations were beautiful, especially at WL. October has the Halloween party with trick or treating, if that's a draw for you, whereas December has the Christmas party.

 

[staceyrhood]

As a local I would choose early December. The decorations are beautiful and the crowds are much lower than mid October. The first weekend of dec they do tape the Christmas parade at MK but if you avoid the MK those 2 days you will be fine. October is one of the busier months now due to fall breaks. February crowds are ok but presidents week tends to get very busy. Have a great trip!

 

[MandiC]

Any of those times would be nice we actually have mid-October, early December and early February as our choices for our next trip. The weather, F&W and the Halloween party are pros to October, December has our son's birthday and Christmas decorations. Both the weeks we were looking at for October/December typically have free dining too. February really just has the appeal that we like to get out of Wisconsin in February when winter is really wearing on us the weather was nice when we were there but it is really mixed at that time of year. We had 4 beautiful, warm days (highs in the 80s) and 3 cooler, rainy days. The warmer days we had no issues swimming and doing water rides.

 

[jimandami]

As a local I would choose early December. The decorations are beautiful and the crowds are much lower than mid October. The first weekend of dec they do tape the Christmas parade at MK but if you avoid the MK those 2 days you will be fine. October is one of the busier months now due to fall breaks. February crowds are ok but presidents week tends to get very busy. Have a great trip!

I have been at all 3 of those times and agree with this 100%.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

Even though pulling the kids is optional, I would take advantage of the Feb break. If nothing else, it would give you the option of taking a little longer trip.