Going in the school holidays

[Zeebs]

Cullen will be starting school in September and while I don't have a problem pulling him out for a couple of weeks if need be, I will need to use this option for trips home to New Zealand when we want to spend more time than just a couple of weeks.

For those who going during the summer school holidays is there a time when the UK is still on holiday but the Americans are NOT.

We went in October on our trip in 2008 and that incorportated half term in the UK. But that is only a week. We wouldn't want to go for less than 12 days.

I realise it will be more expensive, flight wise to go during our school holidays, but I was hoping that if there was a point when the Americans were not on holiday it would be less crowded in the parks.

Thanks Kirsten

 

[disney_princess_85]

For those who going during the summer school holidays is there a time when the UK is still on holiday but the Americans are NOT.

I believe most children in the US go back to school mid-August, so the last two weeks of August is your best bet.

 

[wayneg]

Your only option is end of August really, last August it was busy upto us going on the cruise on 21st August, no idea what date it went quiet but after the cruise (28th) it was dead, walk on everything. Even earlier in August its nothing like the crowds at Xmas or Easter.

 

[JohnnySharp2]

I agree with what others have said, a lot of the US schools break up in June so go back earlier than they do over here.
Hence the latter part of August in theory is quieter.

We go on the 22nd this year which means taking Joshua out of school for a few days, ideally we would have gone earlier but the high prices also had an influence on our decision.

 

[cjc]

We hope to stay onsite in early July 2011 (probably go after 4th July) - going just as our daughter finishes her GCSE.
Therefore should be there before the UK summer holidays begin - however understand the USA schools will be on their vacation.
What is it going to be like? Hot, very crowded, long queues?
Will using extra hour in the mornings and late evenings be the best way to avoid some queuing on the best rides?
Thanks

 

[JohnnySharp2]

We hope to stay onsite in early July 2011 (probably go after 4th July) - going just as our daughter finishes her GCSE.
Therefore should be there before the UK summer holidays begin - however understand the USA schools will be on their vacation.
What is it going to be like? Hot, very crowded, long queues?
Will using extra hour in the mornings and late evenings be the best way to avoid some queuing on the best rides?
Thanks

Very hot, to be honest almost unbearably so for some people, and busy too.
Getting to the parks early for that precious first couple of hours is vital.
Sorry, far from the ideal time to go, late August is slightly better as the US schools return, crowds ease and whilst still extremely hot the humidity drops just a touch.
Even the Florida locals find July hard work.

 

[Kath2003]

Conversely, July is my favourite time to visit - we have done it 4 times and found each very enjoyable with beautiful sunshine

 

[DjdBrit]

I live in Boston and while most of the Southern States go back to school mid August (having broken up mid May). We don't go back till beginning of September. We get out of school Mid June. Hope that helps. I know lots of people who go the last w2 weeks in August from here and while its crazy hot it won't be as busy. My ideal trip would be mid september but since I have 3 school aged kids that won't be happening.

 

[Scrap_Vamp]

I'm a teacher, so last two weeks of August are best for us.

When we were there last year, crowds dropped off around the 22nd of August, although they were definitely manageable before this - we do early mornings, so get a lot done that way.

This year we will be there from August 15th to 29th