Flights before or after October half term?

[ROBEAR84]

Apologies in advance for the 'how long is a piece of string' question, but I know there are quite a few seasoned flight watchers around so thought it was worth asking!

Having spent the past few weeks diliberating between 2016 and 2017 we're pretty much set on going earlier rather than later. We've definitely set ourselves a challenge with the saving but it's doable and DD1 will be in Year 6 in 2017 (what a thought!! ) and October will be busy with senior school visits etc, definitely an important year for her. So 2016 is the last year that we can take them out of school without too much bother.

So... we were planning on doing 2 weeks before half term and then half term itself, however if we did the opposite and took them out for the 2 weeks following half term, it would span the halloween and christmas seasons at wdw, which would make it extra special. Especially as it's doubtful we'll go that time of year after 2016 as the children will all be making their way through seniors for the following 10 years making myself feel very old here!

Budget wise though, would flying out at the start of half term be much more expensive than coming back then? It's unlikely we'd want to do indirect as DD2 will still only be 3. Hard to look at this years to get an idea as they've already been released for months.

 

[chmurf]

I've just bit the bullet and booked my flights, returning on oct 31st 2015 (I believe it's half term in the UK)

Prices with BA and VA are ridiculous so far.
VA only released PE and UC and the inbound flight only is at £1200+ (making it £1700+pp for the return flight oct 10th - oct 31st) and BA direct from Gatwick comes at £1300pp ...

I know prices will go down at some point, but I got so frustrated that I ended up booking an indirect with Delta from Paris (through ATL) at £635pp (arrival 6pm with immigration already cleared, and take off from MCO at 8:30pm, which makes it the same as flying from the UK, except for the layover in ATL)

In the end, if you can avoid flying back for half term, or if you're flexible with dates, you might find good prices, but if you're not, be prepared for a nasty sticker shock

Staying for both Halloween and Christmas seasons might sound nice, and it sure is nice, we did it in 2013
but also be aware that if you do season specific activities, like MNSSHP and MVMCPs your schedule will have you attend sold out parties, for both seasons, and we have learned (the hard way) to stay clear of those parties. Especially with kids.

 

[DLPDreams]

Hi Ro

I can't help with the flights - have you looked at 2015 prices to get an idea? Also, if you are going for 3 weeks, would you be willing to go indirect which may take a little longer, but will be cheaper?

On the school front, if SATS stay the way they are (who knows!?), then year 6 will also be a SATS year for your DD (2017 I think you said). If that is the case, and not everyone will agree with me (and I know it's a contentious subject), but I personally would not take my child out of school in year 6 for two whole weeks - while the exams aren't until later in the year, they do a whole lot of prep and working up to them. My DD will be in year 6 in September and we have already been told no holidays and how much work/mocks will be undertaken - she is in a middle school though so academically things have taken a huge jump anyway (that's a whole other subject I know! ). So, I think you are right to look at 2016 while she is in year 5 . Like I say though, who knows what will happen with the curriculum etc!

Hope you get sorted. I am sure Joolz went that time of year a few years back and had a great time - perhaps look out her TR as it's really good. Fairly sure she did the ticket 'parties' too and really enjoyed them - she has 3 girls btw.

At least you have a while to save up . I am scared everytime I look at my ticker - just over 6 months and we haven't saved nearly as much as we'd hoped yet !

 

[jothp]

Could you possibly take their time off school as some before half term and some after half term? That would avoid you needing to fly on either end of the half term week and in theory should make flights more reasonable.

 

[ROBEAR84]

I've just bit the bullet and booked my flights, returning on oct 31st 2015 (I believe it's half term in the UK)

Prices with BA and VA are ridiculous so far.
VA only released PE and UC and the inbound flight only is at £1200+ (making it £1700+pp for the return flight oct 10th - oct 31st) and BA direct from Gatwick comes at £1300pp ...

I know prices will go down at some point, but I got so frustrated that I ended up booking an indirect with Delta from Paris (through ATL) at £635pp (arrival 6pm with immigration already cleared, and take off from MCO at 8:30pm, which makes it the same as flying from the UK, except for the layover in ATL)

In the end, if you can avoid flying back for half term, or if you're flexible with dates, you might find good prices, but if you're not, be prepared for a nasty sticker shock

Staying for both Halloween and Christmas seasons might sound nice, and it sure is nice, we did it in 2013
but also be aware that if you do season specific activities, like MNSSHP and MVMCPs your schedule will have you attend sold out parties, for both seasons, and we have learned (the hard way) to stay clear of those parties. Especially with kids.

Thanks Chmurf, I had thought that about the parties, not sure if we'd do the MVMCP anyway but MNSSHP would be a must. We booked a quiet mid september date for last trip but due to the weather us and many others it seemed! moved to the Saturday making it very busy! Glad we have plenty of time to decide. There's so much to take into account!

I'm happy to be flexible with dates, however we will need to book accomodation before flights. Are WDW flexible with changes? and would we lose an offer (such as free dining if available) if we then moved it slightly a few months later? We're hoping to book a villa for the last week but I'm sure we'd find something low season 11 months ahead anyway so that wouldn't be too much of a problem.

Hi Ro

I can't help with the flights - have you looked at 2015 prices to get an idea? Also, if you are going for 3 weeks, would you be willing to go indirect which may take a little longer, but will be cheaper?

On the school front, if SATS stay the way they are (who knows!?), then year 6 will also be a SATS year for your DD (2017 I think you said). If that is the case, and not everyone will agree with me (and I know it's a contentious subject), but I personally would not take my child out of school in year 6 for two whole weeks - while the exams aren't until later in the year, they do a whole lot of prep and working up to them. My DD will be in year 6 in September and we have already been told no holidays and how much work/mocks will be undertaken - she is in a middle school though so academically things have taken a huge jump anyway (that's a whole other subject I know! ). So, I think you are right to look at 2016 while she is in year 5 . Like I say though, who knows what will happen with the curriculum etc!

Hope you get sorted. I am sure Joolz went that time of year a few years back and had a great time - perhaps look out her TR as it's really good. Fairly sure she did the ticket 'parties' too and really enjoyed them - she has 3 girls btw.

At least you have a while to save up . I am scared everytime I look at my ticker - just over 6 months and we haven't saved nearly as much as we'd hoped yet !

Yes it was when we realised DD1 would be in year 6 that swayed us. Even if it wasn't October, like you said there's SATS etc to think of. DD2 will also start school that year, not quite of such importance but she would have just gone full time after the settling in weeks, so it probably wouldn't be a great idea to take her back out again so soon.

I'm happy, it means my ticker will appear a year sooner! Just can't wait to get planning! Roll on April/May when booking opens but like you said, it's the saving! I was in the same boat last year, a few months before I was still wondering how on earth we were going to manage it! All came together in the end though. Really hope we can bag a dining plan offer, will make a difference! So excited already though. Even bought our savings tins yesterday

I think if the flight prices were so crazy that it was indirect or nothing then we'll certainly consider it. I'm not a great flyer though and it's the smaller domestic type planes that freak me out more! (silly I know!), we flew Thomson Dreamliner last September and ideally I'd like to travel with them again. I'm better on big planes than smaller ones! barely felt take off, loved it! just not going to hold out much hope for that, espeically with half term taken into consideration.

 

[ROBEAR84]

Hmmm... just looking at this years prices and have found plenty direct (Including Virgin/Delta) for under our budget (I have so far budgeted £700 per person so £3500 2a 3c) and quite a few way under budget indirect. Looked (albeit a different site) last week and didn't find much.

Am not looking forward to playing flight roulette! What if the months go on and they just go up and up?! Not sure I have the stomach for this DIY trip malarky!

 

[dixonsontour]

We go every October (well have been last 4 and are booked for this year!)

We always go week before half term proper and week of half term as DD gets those 2 weeks off.

If I had a choice i'd catch the xmas stuff too and include week or so after half term.

Flights will be similar whether before or after half term. Manchester flights are popular before half term as Scottish half term is then and people drive down due to cheaper flights from MAN compared to Glasgow.

Do play around with dates - flying midweek will be cheaper than a Saturday for example.

Please don't discount indirect - it is no hassle honestly. Advantages are a shorter first flight, chance for proper loo and a snack and chance to stretch legs at first stop plus no immigration on arrival. An hour in an immigration line at MCO is no fun. Trick is to pick decent flight times.

I usually aim for £500 each - this is indirect and going on a weekday.

I booked just after xmas for just under £1700 for 3 of us with quidco. Flight out is direct with Virgin and back via Atlanta but main leg with virgin. I use skyscanner and kayak - virgin's own site wanted about £3000!

Early January US airways were £1500 for a good route and times MAN via Philly. We have done this before and would have booked this no probs if not already booked.

 

[chmurf]

Are WDW flexible with changes?

yes they are.
Note that if your resulting price is lower than the price you've booked, then you will pay a £50 amendment fee. If the price is higher, the fee is waived.

You will keep free dining, gifts cards and any offer, and the room rate will be the one you've booked, even if the deal has ended.

but also be aware that there are only a limited number of room available for a deal.
So if you change your dates and there are no room available for your new dates, then you will have to switch resorts (potentially paying more at a more expensive resort) or it might not be possible at all (unless you accept to cancel and rebook, without the offer)

Free dining *should* be available in april for next year (following previous years patterns) for 2016 stays.
If you need to change your dates, then the sooner the more likely there will be rooms available for that change

unfortunately, flights are available 11 months out (from return date) so you'll need to wait until december 2015 for flights to be released, at which time the FD deal will be over, and with a very high chance of rooms no longer being available.
Disney is good at accomodating changes, but only as long as there is availabitiy.

 

[ROBEAR84]

Hope you get sorted. I am sure Joolz went that time of year a few years back and had a great time - perhaps look out her TR as it's really good. Fairly sure she did the ticket 'parties' too and really enjoyed them - she has 3 girls btw.

Forgot to say... yes I've read her TR through twice, almost did again earlier but realised it was the same one... again!

Could you possibly take their time off school as some before half term and some after half term? That would avoid you needing to fly on either end of the half term week and in theory should make flights more reasonable.

Yes I thought that, I think we'd miss the Christmas season by just a few days then though.

We go every October (well have been last 4 and are booked for this year!)

We always go week before half term proper and week of half term as DD gets those 2 weeks off.

If I had a choice i'd catch the xmas stuff too and include week or so after half term.

Flights will be similar whether before or after half term. Manchester flights are popular before half term as Scottish half term is then and people drive down due to cheaper flights from MAN compared to Glasgow.

Do play around with dates - flying midweek will be cheaper than a Saturday for example.

Please don't discount indirect - it is no hassle honestly. Advantages are a shorter first flight, chance for proper loo and a snack and chance to stretch legs at first stop plus no immigration on arrival. An hour in an immigration line at MCO is no fun. Trick is to pick decent flight times.

I usually aim for £500 each - this is indirect and going on a weekday.

I booked just after xmas for just under £1700 for 3 of us with quidco. Flight out is direct with Virgin and back via Atlanta but main leg with virgin. I use skyscanner and kayak - virgin's own site wanted about £3000!

Early January US airways were £1500 for a good route and times MAN via Philly. We have done this before and would have booked this no probs if not already booked.

Thanks, need to remember quidco! I'm hopeless, hardly ever remember to use it! It's Kayak that I just checked with, think I tried Skyscanner last time. Would be great to get flights for around £500, an extra £1000 in the pot certainly wouldn't go a miss!

Midweek is an option but would mean taking even more time off (for hubby too - his boss has already agreed to 3 weeks when it's usually a 2 weeks max - think even another day would be pushing it)

Definitely lots to think about, really appreciate all of you guys advice

 

[DLPDreams]

Sounds like you are getting a plan together!

Had to laugh at you buying your tins already - but honestly, it's never too early (wish I'd get my terramundi jar earlier! ).

I am sure October will be a great time to go - sadly for us we've agreed not to take the children out of school for holidays, so I don't think we'll ever get then, unless it was only for a week (half term) which doesn't seem worth it when you factor in the price hikes for flights due to school holidays . We went to DLP last Halloween and while I am sure it's nothing like WDW, we had an amazing few days . I am sure WDW would be even better .

 

[ROBEAR84]

yes they are.
Note that if your resulting price is lower than the price you've booked, then you will pay a £50 amendment fee. If the price is higher, the fee is waived.

You will keep free dining, gifts cards and any offer, and the room rate will be the one you've booked, even if the deal has ended.

but also be aware that there are only a limited number of room available for a deal.
So if you change your dates and there are no room available for your new dates, then you will have to switch resorts (potentially paying more at a more expensive resort) or it might not be possible at all (unless you accept to cancel and rebook, without the offer)

Free dining *should* be available in april for next year (following previous years patterns) for 2016 stays.
If you need to change your dates, then the sooner the more likely there will be rooms available for that change

unfortunately, flights are available 11 months out (from return date) so you'll need to wait until december 2015 for flights to be released, at which time the FD deal will be over, and with a very high chance of rooms no longer being available.
Disney is good at accomodating changes, but only as long as there is availabitiy.

Yeah, that's pretty much what I thought it would be. Fingers crossed it all comes together. I'm hoping that I've realistically estimated flights so that we'll get something. Anything less will be a bonus. Guess otherwise, I'll be getting the calculator out to see which works out best, better flights v lost discount.

Sounds like you are getting a plan together!

Had to laugh at you buying your tins already - but honestly, it's never too early (wish I'd get my terramundi jar earlier! ).

I am sure October will be a great time to go - sadly for us we've agreed not to take the children out of school for holidays, so I don't think we'll ever get then, unless it was only for a week (half term) which doesn't seem worth it when you factor in the price hikes for flights due to school holidays . We went to DLP last Halloween and while I am sure it's nothing like WDW, we had an amazing few days . I am sure WDW would be even better .

Haha, yes hopefully! It's quite nice to have the extra time this time round. Last time we weren't even sure we were going until in laws decided in January.

So far I have one £2 coin in the tin. Woo hoo! only a few more to go!

Ah we've done Halloween at both now and I do love it. Although DLP was when they still did MNSSHP, I think it may have been the last year they did it, such a shame they scrapped them, I actually preffered the Paris one! Saw way more characters. Saying that, DH preferred the wdw one... better sweets Super excited to take DD2 to her first MNSSHP though, especially as she might well fit into DD1s halloween Minnie dress by then - the one one of your DDs wore too if I remember rightly!

 

[DLPDreams]

Haha, yes hopefully! It's quite nice to have the extra time this time round. Last time we weren't even sure we were going until in laws decided in January.

So far I have one £2 coin in the tin. Woo hoo! only a few more to go!

Ah we've done Halloween at both now and I do love it. Although DLP was when they still did MNSSHP, I think it may have been the last year they did it, such a shame they scrapped them, I actually preffered the Paris one! Saw way more characters. Saying that, DH preferred the wdw one... better sweets Super excited to take DD2 to her first MNSSHP though, especially as she might well fit into DD1s halloween Minnie dress by then - the one one of your DDs wore too if I remember rightly!

Your post helped me out as I suddenly remembered I had a £2 in my purse waiting to go in the jar! Problem with those jars is the middle is so fat, it takes forever to fill that bit! The tins are probably better but don't hold as much!

We've never done MNSSHP and tbh we didn't miss it last Halloween - there was so much to do anyway and the new Maleficent Villain's court was awesome - we met so many baddies it was fab! You are right - it was a character fest - great if you like that kind of thing .

Could your DD1 dress as Sally maybe - it's perfect for that age group! You may have read that I ordered the costume (licensed Disney one) from the US and it was gorgeous. She will wear it again this Halloween. She got so much attention and when she met Jack & Sally it was such a great memory . I hope we get to go back to DLP at Halloween as it was so good - surprisingly to myself, I liked it better than Christmas!

Where you looking at staying? As you stayed in a villa last time didn't you?

Enjoy all your planning!

 

[ROBEAR84]

Your post helped me out as I suddenly remembered I had a £2 in my purse waiting to go in the jar! Problem with those jars is the middle is so fat, it takes forever to fill that bit! The tins are probably better but don't hold as much!

We've never done MNSSHP and tbh we didn't miss it last Halloween - there was so much to do anyway and the new Maleficent Villain's court was awesome - we met so many baddies it was fab! You are right - it was a character fest - great if you like that kind of thing .

Could your DD1 dress as Sally maybe - it's perfect for that age group! You may have read that I ordered the costume (licensed Disney one) from the US and it was gorgeous. She will wear it again this Halloween. She got so much attention and when she met Jack & Sally it was such a great memory . I hope we get to go back to DLP at Halloween as it was so good - surprisingly to myself, I liked it better than Christmas!

Where you looking at staying? As you stayed in a villa last time didn't you?

Enjoy all your planning!

Yes villa last time, which we'd have enjoyed far more if we'd had the time to relax a bit. The trek to the parks seemed like such a chore, despite it only being 20/25 mins away, hence splitting our stay this time. We're hoping to get POR/FQ for 10-14 nights first. Still debating on whether to do a few nights based at Universal too but may be easier to extend the villa stay to 10 nights to accomodate a few days there. DH has already planned the week at the villa... pool..food..pool...you get the idea

Oh DD1 would make a fab Sally and she'd love that, I will definitely keep it in mind. DS could be Jack Skellington too... albeit a slightly shorter Jack!

I did love Halloween at both DLP & WDW, have always wanted to see the Christmas season at DLP but we've never got round to it.

 

[joolz1910]

Hi, only just stumbled on this thread. I found it slightly cheaper to go the week of half term and the following week. It also meant that we could go to MNSSHP and MVMCP. Even if you don't attend both parties, you get to see the parks decorated for both seasons. You also get the seasonal photo effect/greetings to add to your pictures if you have the Photopass. I would go again in October/November if I could.

 

[ROBEAR84]

Hi, only just stumbled on this thread. I found it slightly cheaper to go the week of half term and the following week. It also meant that we could go to MNSSHP and MVMCP. Even if you don't attend both parties, you get to see the parks decorated for both seasons. You also get the seasonal photo effect/greetings to add to your pictures if you have the Photopass. I would go again in October/November if I could.

Thanks Joolz. Good to know. I'm definitely leaning towards doing that. Seeing the parks decorated for Christmas really does appeal and I think we may even do MVMCP towards the end of our villa week (when our 14 tickets will have expired) so we can use it as our last visit to MK before heading home

 

[joolz1910]

Thanks Joolz. Good to know. I'm definitely leaning towards doing that. Seeing the parks decorated for Christmas really does appeal and I think we may even do MVMCP towards the end of our villa week (when our 14 tickets will have expired) so we can use it as our last visit to MK before heading home

I enjoyed both parties for different reasons. I knew it was unlikely we would ever be there again to enjoy both, so I went for it. We also got Food and Wine and Osbourne Lights (which I missed ) Great to see the characters in seasonal costumes too.

 

[ROBEAR84]

I enjoyed both parties for different reasons. I knew it was unlikely we would ever be there again to enjoy both, so I went for it. We also got Food and Wine and Osbourne Lights (which I missed ) Great to see the characters in seasonal costumes too.

That's exactly what I'm thinking. Just going to have to bite the bullet and go for it I think! The more I look into it, the more I know we won't great doing them both, but would definitely regret missing one or the other out!

We were there for f&w last year but didn't get a chance to really make the most of it so I'm definitely looking forward to that. I'd never have even known about the Osbourne Lights without this board but they look amazing. What a gutter that you missed them

 

[joolz1910]

That's exactly what I'm thinking. Just going to have to bite the bullet and go for it I think! The more I look into it, the more I know we won't great doing them both, but would definitely regret missing one or the other out!

We were there for f&w last year but didn't get a chance to really make the most of it so I'm definitely looking forward to that. I'd never have even known about the Osbourne Lights without this board but they look amazing. What a gutter that you missed them

If I had to choose one party, it would be MNSSHP, partly because I like dressing up. It was great fun to go for it and we had really nice interaction from other guests. Food and Wine was great, snacking our way around the world was a nice way to sample lots of different food. Don't forget Eat to the Beat too. Our kids were a bit young but Howard Jones was on whilst we were there. I am seriously planning my 50th (2020) for October/November as I am determined to go back at that time of year - it was perfect

 

[phi2012]

We are also looking at going during the oct school holidays 2016 , although leaving on the tuesday then returning 2 weeks later.

Sorry to hijack your post but I was thinking that we may not get the oppertunity to see the mvmcp as this year it doesnt start till the second week, so next year might be the same, what are peoples toughts? Might make picking the weeks after oct school holidays as more favourable for you. Im gonna try working on my husband to see if we can make our holiday a bit longer, worth a try...

 

[Andymc79]

Apologies in advance for the 'how long is a piece of string' question, but I know there are quite a few seasoned flight watchers around so thought it was worth asking!

Having spent the past few weeks diliberating between 2016 and 2017 we're pretty much set on going earlier rather than later. We've definitely set ourselves a challenge with the saving but it's doable and DD1 will be in Year 6 in 2017 (what a thought!! ) and October will be busy with senior school visits etc, definitely an important year for her. So 2016 is the last year that we can take them out of school without too much bother.

So... we were planning on doing 2 weeks before half term and then half term itself, however if we did the opposite and took them out for the 2 weeks following half term, it would span the halloween and christmas seasons at wdw, which would make it extra special. Especially as it's doubtful we'll go that time of year after 2016 as the children will all be making their way through seniors for the following 10 years making myself feel very old here!

Budget wise though, would flying out at the start of half term be much more expensive than coming back then? It's unlikely we'd want to do indirect as DD2 will still only be 3. Hard to look at this years to get an idea as they've already been released for months.