First week of June 2012...WDW or DLR?

[Pixieflip]

We need to decide this week as the 7 month window is upon us. Our oldest son will be graduating from high school at the end of May and we'd like to take a trip to celebrate. We are WDW veterans and have never been to DLR, but have always wanted to. At the time of the trip the kids will be 17, 15, 14, and 11. All are huge WDW fans who would jump at the chance to see DLR. We live in Omaha, so we are pretty much the same distance from both resorts. And we usually drive so we have our van if needed.

Any thoughts for our discussion to help us decide? When do the local kids get out of school? How's the weather? And the crowds? Our home resort is VBR so we are looking at the 7 month window no matter what. What are my chances at 2 bedroom villas anywhere?

The other option could be to do WDW and add a few nights at VBR. We always vacation in the winter so his could be our opportunity to see our home resort!

So many options. See why we can't decide?! Somebody help!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

In June I personally prefer the weather in S. Cal. June gloom (cloudy/foggy) can kick in but you don't have the hot/humid. Also most CA schools don't get out until the middle of the month so the beginning isn't too bad. There are many DL passholders though and their passes won't be blacked out until the end of the month so the weekends are usually quite busy. Still - I think it's a great time to visit DL.

 

[DisneyHeather]

I'm going to DLR the first week of June because my sister is graduating high school and it's my present to her. I think with the weather difference I'd pick DLR.

 

[Pixieflip]

Thanks for the comments on the weather. That's what I was thinking, too, so thanks for confirming.


Does anyone know when Florida schools get out?

 

[YourEveryDayAdam]

The first saturday in June, and the surrounding weekend (Thursday-Sunday), is the unofficial "Gay Days" at Disney World. The event can tend to draw a crowd to the park that is on the itinerary for the day. Thursday: DAK, Friday: DHS, Saturday: MK, Sunday: Epcot.

Other than the increase in crowds, it's a fun time to go! I participate every year!

The weather can be hot/humid and you have the potential for love bugs.

 

[amym2]

We went to DLR the first week in July and apparently the "June gloom" was still happening. For a place that you picture having beautiful weather, it was pretty lousy (cold, dreary). But then you never know what the weather will be, it could be perfectly gorgeous. And we certainly had a fantastic time despite the gloominess.

I say give DLR a try! We loved the proximity of the parks, being able to walk everywhere.

As far as schools, the teachers I know in CA work through the end of June or are on year-round schedules and are in school in early June. I have a neighbor who went to WDW the first week of June this year and the crowds were great. I wouldn't worry so much about locals at WDW- it's people coming from other places, and most of them are still in school.

 

[Pixieflip]

The first saturday in June, and the surrounding weekend (Thursday-Sunday), is the unofficial "Gay Days" at Disney World. The event can tend to draw a crowd to the park that is on the itinerary for the day. Thursday: DAK, Friday: DHS, Saturday: MK, Sunday: Epcot.

Other than the increase in crowds, it's a fun time to go! I participate every year!

The weather can be hot/humid and you have the potential for love bugs.

Does it really affect the crowds? What if we plan to attend other parks on those days? We've been at WDW for Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter! We've seen crowds and hope to avoid that if we can.

We went to DLR the first week in July and apparently the "June gloom" was still happening. For a place that you picture having beautiful weather, it was pretty lousy (cold, dreary). But then you never know what the weather will be, it could be perfectly gorgeous. And we certainly had a fantastic time despite the gloominess.

I say give DLR a try! We loved the proximity of the parks, being able to walk everywhere.

As far as schools, the teachers I know in CA work through the end of June or are on year-round schedules and are in school in early June. I have a neighbor who went to WDW the first week of June this year and the crowds were great. I wouldn't worry so much about locals at WDW- it's people coming from other places, and most of them are still in school.

Good points, thank you.

Still haven't had time for our discussion, so will be back to let you know!

 

[YourEveryDayAdam]

Does it really affect the crowds? What if we plan to attend other parks on those days? We've been at WDW for Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter! We've seen crowds and hope to avoid that if we can.

As long as you avoid the designated park on the scheduled day, crowds aren't really affected... a lot of people know it's gay days and avoid the scheduled parks altogether, so I think it mostly balances out. I've definitely been there when it's more crowded.

Here's the schedule for 2011:

Thursday May 31: Animal Kingdom
Friday June 1: Hollywood Studios
Saturday June 2: Magic Kingdom
Sunday June 3: Epcot

And really, the only days that get crowded are the Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom days. The Epcot day is even less crowded, because most people are headed home on Sunday, so they don't bother going to the park that day.

 

[emilymad]

I have been reading over on the DLR board as we are thinking about a trip next year. There is much speculation on when Carsland is going to open. It seems all that is being said right now is Summer 2012. So depending on what happens with that it could be really crowded.

 

[vakamalua]

If you've never been to DLR--GO! As a disney fan, you have to experience 'Walt's Park.' There are many things we prefer at DLR over WDW including a more laid back feeling; WDW can be so frantic, especially when you add the heat and humidity to the experience.

 

[Pixieflip]

As long as you avoid the designated park on the scheduled day, crowds aren't really affected... a lot of people know it's gay days and avoid the scheduled parks altogether, so I think it mostly balances out. I've definitely been there when it's more crowded.

Here's the schedule for 2011:

Thursday May 31: Animal Kingdom
Friday June 1: Hollywood Studios
Saturday June 2: Magic Kingdom
Sunday June 3: Epcot

And really, the only days that get crowded are the Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom days. The Epcot day is even less crowded, because most people are headed home on Sunday, so they don't bother going to the park that day.

Really? Okay that seems manageable. I'm sure it couldn't be like Christmas, right? Thanks for the info!

I have been reading over on the DLR board as we are thinking about a trip next year. There is much speculation on when Carsland is going to open. It seems all that is being said right now is Summer 2012. So depending on what happens with that it could be really crowded.

Yeah, wouldn't that be great to see? My kids would flip.

If you've never been to DLR--GO! As a disney fan, you have to experience 'Walt's Park.' There are many things we prefer at DLR over WDW including a more laid back feeling; WDW can be so frantic, especially when you add the heat and humidity to the experience.

See, I agree with you. "Walt's Park" experience would be very fun for this Disney family. Thanks for reminding me.

 

[BEASLYBOO]

We have gone to Disney World the 1st week of June for the last 7 years. The crowds are low, the weather is still tolerable ( the big summer heat or rains haven't moved in yet), and the points are low! Gay Day crowds have never been an issue, Saturday at MK is the biggest attendance day so we make sure to go elsewhere. Be sure to do a few waterparks, our boys actually prefer those to the theme parks now!

This year public schools ends (we're in P. Bch. Cty) on the 7th, so we will be going the 2nd week, which is still so much better than Jul/Aug/Sep.