First Timer - End March / May?

[jclaydon]

All

We're looking to go to WDW for the first time as a family next year (2014). We're a family of four and with 2 school age kids (will be 8 and 5) are restricted to school holidays.

Currently looking at either end of March (taking in first week of Easter holidays - but not actually Easter weekend) or alternatively end of May. Both times would be for 2 weeks. I understand Easter can be very busy due to 'Spring Break', but would we miss most of this by being before Easter? Alternatively what are the crowds likely to be like at the end of May? Also much difference in weather? Would obviously like it to be warm enough to use the water parks.

Been trying to price up some options on the Disney website, we're interested in the Beach Club Villas but can't seem to get prices for them - is it just that they are not on sale yet?

Sorry for all the questions just very daunting at first!!

 

[MrRomance]

All

We're looking to go to WDW for the first time as a family next year (2014). We're a family of four and with 2 school age kids (will be 8 and 5) are restricted to school holidays.

Currently looking at either end of March (taking in first week of Easter holidays - but not actually Easter weekend) or alternatively end of May. Both times would be for 2 weeks. I understand Easter can be very busy due to 'Spring Break', but would we miss most of this by being before Easter? Alternatively what are the crowds likely to be like at the end of May? Also much difference in weather? Would obviously like it to be warm enough to use the water parks.

Been trying to price up some options on the Disney website, we're interested in the Beach Club Villas but can't seem to get prices for them - is it just that they are not on sale yet?

Sorry for all the questions just very daunting at first!!

Easter time (Spring Break) is one of the busiest times at WDW second only to Christmas. We went for Easter (but it was a few years back) because my DW was a teacher at the time and it was a zoo and we swore we'd never do it again.

March or May it should be warm enough for water parks, we were there in Feb last year and it was warm enough. May will be warmer.

My recommendation would be to go for October half term. Lower crowds the weather is hot enough without being unbearable and prices are good.

Most of the DVC resorts are not up on sale yet (SSR, OKW etc.) but if history repeats itself, they will be available for booking in April which is traditionally when they offer the deals for the following year.

 

[ChipnDaleRule]

You are correct in thinking that Easter will be busier.It is (apart from Christmas)the busiest time of year.The one thing that that time of year has in its favour though is it wont be as humid as the end of May.
We have been twice now at wit (staying at the Beach & Yacht Club) and have had good weather.In 2010 we had two evening of heavy rain and thunder but last year it rained quite a lot for our last 4/5 days,but when the sun shines its lovely and hot.It will be plenty warm enough to do the water parks,you also have probably the best pool in Disney at the Beach and Yacht Club in Stormalong Bay,IMO thats a water park in itself.
Dont worry about the Villas not being up yet, its very early days,they will appear soon im sure.Can i ask though why the Villas? as these tend to be more expensive that the hotel itself.
Not sure if this would be of any interest to you but towards the end of May is Star Wars Weekend at Hollywood Studios which is great fun

 

[jclaydon]

Thanks both for the replies.

We like the idea of having a bit more space, and the kitchen area, so are not always tied to eating at restaurants - not so much for the main meal, as for breakfast etc. My wife has MS which means we'll need to take things slower, the villa seemed to give us more options. Had thought of staying offsite, but Disney resorts are currently more appealing.

 

[torsie24]

BCV prices on the Disney website will be insane!

You will save lots of money renting points either from a DVC member , or through a rental agent such as dvcrequest.com

 

[Elise79]

BCV may not be available through Disney UK as it is one of the smallest DVC resorts.

OKW & SSR are likely to be cheaper as they offer discounted prices on these however that could change for 2014.

BWV quite often get discounted on the Disney US site.

I wouldn't recommend point rental for a first visit.

 

[jclaydon]

Do they not offer discounted on BCV then?

Would OKW be a good choice / much cheaper?

 

[torsie24]

Will you be renting a car?

If so then have a look at Wyndham Bonnet Creek - I'm seriously considering here for next trip.

It's on site but not Disney owned so you do need a car, but you're only a few minutes drive to the parks and Downtown Disney.

They have up to 4 bedroom villas and the prices are really great compared to WDW prices.

I am a HUGE fan of onsite, but having seen some great prices for WBC and seeing as our next trip will be our first with a baby, the lure of being able to have a huge apartment with a jacuzzi and washing machine and full kitched, for the same price as a moderate level Disney room, is really making me consider trying a trip not in a Disney resort.

 

[jclaydon]

Probably will be renting a car.

Will have a look at that thanks. So many things to consider!

 

[Elise79]

Do they not offer discounted on BCV then?

Would OKW be a good choice / much cheaper?

In previous years Disney has discounted OKW & SSR and offered free DDP at the same time. The discount this year was about 35%.

The issue with BCV is that it is a DVC resort. This means that most of the rooms are only available to members. The only way rooms are available for cash booking is from the portion Disney has to retain by law (2-5% but that includes out of service rooms for maintenance) and if any member exchanges out for a Disney collection such as a Disney cruise. This means the number of rooms that can be booked for cash stays is small and as it is a popular resort they don't need to discount to fill the rooms.

 

[tinkerpea]

In previous years Disney has discounted OKW & SSR and offered free DDP at the same time. The discount this year was about 35%.

The issue with BCV is that it is a DVC resort. This means that most of the rooms are only available to members. The only way rooms are available for cash booking is from the portion Disney has to retain by law (2-5% but that includes out of service rooms for maintenance) and if any member exchanges out for a Disney collection such as a Disney cruise. This means the number of rooms that can be booked for cash stays is small and as it is a popular resort they don't need to discount to fill the rooms.

That deal is the exact one I'm waiting for!! I'm praying for next may lol as being in a 2 bed at SSR has spoiled us.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Keep in mind the end of May is also a holiday (Memorial Day) which can be a bit crowded but not as crowded as Easter. May will be much hotter than March. May is also Star Wars weekends so the weekends at DHS will be very very crowded.

 

[jclaydon]

Thanks for everyone's help. Guess I need to wait until Disney puts the villas up for sale for next year, to see what is available at what price and with what (if any offer).