Have you been during Spring Break? What about Christmas?

[BensWife]

We are looking into a 2015 trip. However, we are stuck with only going during typical school breaks. I am a teacher and really can't take a week off for a vacation when I get the whole summer off. That being said, we went to WDW in June of 2013 and the heat was terrible for me. I didn't do well even with all the tricks to beat the heat. The heat really took some of the joy out of our vacation. That leaves us with less heat times of spring break, thanksgiving break and Christmas break. Thanksgiving won't work for us since we have relatives coming to town. So, Christmas or Spring Break. I am leaning toward Christmas, but how crazy is it? Are the parks at capacity those days? Spring Break would be good, but that time is a crazy time for me. I am my school's assessment coordinator and our state testing is in March, so that month is a very stressful time for me. I don't know if planning a vacation and getting ready for that would just put me over the edge. I know those are pretty much the busiest times to be at WDW, but can it be done? Are the lines just crazy? Really a hard decision. Any thoughts? Would you choose Christmas over Spring Break because of the decorations? Which time would we enjoy the most? Thanks!

Oh, Spring Break for us is the last week of March 23 - 27. Christmas Break would be Dec 22 - Jan 1

 

[khaleesi]

When would Spring Break be for you? My niece goes back to school tomorrow after last week's spring break, which to me is silly since it's still winter.

I was there the first week of April in 2006 and it was HOT and it was very crowded. I've never been there in December, but I really want to go simply because of the decorations.

 

[KrazeeK120]

DH used to be a teacher, so we were stuck going during school breaks for our first couple of trips.

We did spring break twice and summer (mid-August) once.

Spring break around here is typically the last week of March.

I didn't notice a significant difference in the crowds between summer and spring break, to be honest. It was crowded all 3 times we were there.

I can handle the heat, but to be honest, March in Florida is gorgeous. If you can swing a spring break trip, I highly recommend.

 

[DisneyMama21]

We went Christmas 2012 and Spring Break 2013. Both were crowded but manageable. Spring Break 2013 was extra crowded cause it was also the week leading up to Easter which is typically an extra busy time at WDW too, so I think it was worse for us than it would be normally in March. loved the weather in March (we actually had to wear jackets in the mornings and then shorts later in the day). Weather was cold(ish) in December, but not like winter coat cold, just jeans and jackets. Crowds are huge at Christmas, but the only day we really minded was New Years Eve in MK (after 3pm) the rest didn't feel That much worse than a summer crowd to me. We always took advantage of rope drop and FPs though so we got a lot done in the mornings and that didn't feel stressed when the crowds rolled in later. I loved the Christmas decorations and atmosphere so that's when I'd go back, but that's me.

 

[Kellykins1218]

We've been several times during Spring Break, usually the week up to Easter. It's crazy but we've always been able to do everything we wanted. We rope drop, EMH and hit the biggies during parades. It's usually pretty warm (hot) but last year it was downright chilly so be prepared for anything!

 

[Disney9.9.10]

I've been at Christmas time many times and only short day trips in the Spring. I love going at Christmas - the decorations are beautiful, and there is a lot less humidity (although sometimes it can be pretty chilly). It is definitely busy and I've been there when the park is at capacity but I'm usually too busy enjoying my vacation to worry too much about others. We also always knew that we would be planning another trip so if we didn't get a chance to ride something, it was no big deal.

 

[wickersham]

We live in Texas and always have spring break in mid-March (this week!) and love Disney at this time of year because the weather is perfect! It is crowded but manageable with planning and we have done so twice. My least favorite trip was late July as it was just too hot to be outside all day. Least crowded trip for us has been the week leading up to Christmas, until about Dec. 22, if that works for you, and the decorations are lovely! This year we went the week of New Year's Eve and it was very crowded, cold and rained several days for much of the day. Coupled with the new FP+ and many ride closures for problems, we felt like we weren't able do some favorite attractions as much as in years past, especially at MK. However, we did score on a morning at AK when we stopped walking on to EE after the 6th ride! If you plan and make rope drop, I think most anytime is okay if you can deal with the weather.

 

[karenklo]

I am a professor and my DH is a teacher too! Our spring breaks never line up, so it is summer or Christmas break for us. We just went from 12/30/13 to 1/3/14. It was great! It was crowded 12/30 and 12/31, but the crowds seemed to lessen after that. The decorations are amazing! The temps ranged from 83 one day to 40 the next! We had a great time! We are going again this summer as the heat doesn't really bother us. We take a mid-day break to swim and relax, then head back after dinner!

 

[blessedby3]

We are looking into a 2015 trip. However, we are stuck with only going during typical school breaks. I am a teacher and really can't take a week off for a vacation when I get the whole summer off. That being said, we went to WDW in June of 2013 and the heat was terrible for me. I didn't do well even with all the tricks to beat the heat. The heat really took some of the joy out of our vacation. That leaves us with less heat times of spring break, thanksgiving break and Christmas break. Thanksgiving won't work for us since we have relatives coming to town. So, Christmas or Spring Break. I am leaning toward Christmas, but how crazy is it? Are the parks at capacity those days? Spring Break would be good, but that time is a crazy time for me. I am my school's assessment coordinator and our state testing is in March, so that month is a very stressful time for me. I don't know if planning a vacation and getting ready for that would just put me over the edge. I know those are pretty much the busiest times to be at WDW, but can it be done? Are the lines just crazy? Really a hard decision. Any thoughts? Would you choose Christmas over Spring Break because of the decorations? Which time would we enjoy the most? Thanks!

Oh, Spring Break for us is the last week of March 23 - 27. Christmas Break would be Dec 22 - Jan 1

I would take the heat of June over Christmas any day
Early June is better than later June…..I have seen too many Christmas crowd pictures and I can't even imagine being stuck in that mess
We went in June (1-11) back in 2011. We did fine with going early and taking a mid day break. We are going back again this June for 2 weeks (7-21) and will do the same. Not my pick of times to go, but it beats Christmas and Easter week to me.

 

[lroger01]

I know you asked about going to Disney World, but have you considered DISNEYLAND in the summer? The weather is nice almost the whole summer - low/mid 80's during the day and down to 60's in the evening and low humidity. If you pick your times carefully, the crowds aren't too bad. You need to watch out for the week or two preceding, and just after, the local annual pass holder black out days. The Disneyland board can update you on that.

I love Disney World and will choose to go there whenever I can. But, if I can only go in the summer, then Disneyland wins hands down.

If you insist on Disney World, I would pick Spring Break over Christmas. You'll have your FP+'s and ADR's set well before you leave. When you pack up the Summer clothes next fall, set aside every ones most favorite outfits - maybe even store them in the suitcases. During Christmas break, pretend your vacation is the next week and stock up on everything else you need. Lastly, make a list for anything that must wait until the last minute. After all that, you can focus on school until its time to check in for your flight

 

[tndisneyfan]

I would pick Spring Break over Christmas. I have never been during the actual holiday but went for a short trip a few years back from about 12/19-12/23. The 19th was OK, but that night the crowds must have arrived. From the 20th until the day we left was just crazy busy. I've been during spring break but it dind't compare to those few days before Christmas. I guess the week after is even worse.

I know the weather can vary, but honestly, I didn't like being in the parks when it was cold. It was cold enough that we had to wear jeans and a jacket every day. During spring break we always get by with shorts and a tee shirt. We may be cool in the morning, but it's nice once it warms up.

 

[JennyDrake]

Either one will be very crowded, but Christmas will be much worse.

 

[DisDance]

Christmas, while beautiful, is way too crowded. Like unimaginably crowded, like I felt like cattle being summoned to the slaughter house.