Help me figure out when to go to Disney (and other questions)! :)

[mom2connorandcaleb]

We are going to Disney this fall or winter and we are confused about when to go. I have the 35 or 40% off room offer that I have to book by Feb. 28th. But I wonder if Free Dining will be offered for any of the dates, anyone know?

Anyway, if you could pick any of the weeks from the following, which would you pick and why?:
9/25-10/1
10/2-10/8
10/23-10/29
11/13-11/19
11/27-12/3
12/11-12/17
12/18-12/24

Also, where do you think the best place for us to stay would be? We will have 3 different parties (I think). Our family has 2 adults and 3 kids (ages 6, 5, and 1). Also going are my parents and my MIL with her daughter and grandaughter. So we would need 3 rooms. I think my family needs moderate or better b/c I would like the queen beds so DH and I could sleep with our 1 year old.

Thanks SO much for your help!

 

[housetomouse]

I've never been at any of those times, but, all things being equal, my thinking would be to book as early in the fall as I could (I like warm weather and would want to use the pool). I'm not sure how much of a concern hurricanes are for those dates, that might be something else to consider. I'd also try not to book those weeks that bump up against Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. I think they'll be more crowded and possibly more expensive.

 

[Da_Hoser]

I usually go the week before Thanksgiving. In fact, I just finished booking my 2011 trip. 11/13 - 11/19 I love that week. The weather is great, Mid to upper 70s with low humidity. The mornings have a nice little nip in the air as its in the high 50s - low 60s at 7:00am. The Christmas decorations are up and MVMCP is in full swing.
The crowds are small for Sunday -Thursday, wait times being around 10 minutes for everything. Friday and Saturday start to see the Thanksgiving crowds roll in, and it can get very busy on Saturday. Last November I saw a 75 minute wait time on Space Mountain by 1:00 p.m. on Saturday.

I can't make a recommendation as to where to stay as I'm in the DVC. I think you're wise to go with the moderates, as those seem to have more room than what I've seen of the cheaper resorts.

 

[JAMIESMITH]

http://**************.net/2009/11/20/2011-weeks-to-visit-walt-disney-world-ranked-in-order/

This site ranks this years weeks into the best order to visit WDW. I'm finding it helpful.

 

[Mixie]

Interesting site. Thank you.

 

[DavidHobart]

http://**************.net/2009/11/20/2011-weeks-to-visit-walt-disney-world-ranked-in-order/

This site ranks this years weeks into the best order to visit WDW. I'm finding it helpful.

See also, on the same site, the 2011 week picker: http://**************.net/2010/08/16/2011-disney-world-week-picker/

I'm not keen on your first 2 weeks (still in the peak of the hurricane season--see http://**************.net/planning-...o/chance-of-cyclonic-storm-affecting-florida/ ), but the rest are all great!

Re where to stay, see also this page for large families--a two bedroom villa may work nicely for you: http://**************.net/2010/12/20/deluxe-options-for-large-families-at-walt-disney-world/

Hope this helps! Dave

 

[rbenn81]

We have gone the first week of October our last two trips (2010 & '08) and had a great time. Your list would be Oct 2-8. We've been one other time since the kids were born and that was June 2007. Considerable difference in heat, humudity, and crowds. The DW says that she doesn't want to go back in the summer after going in October.

As Columbus day weekend nears the parks do get busier. Typically around Thursday/Friday the park crowds jump up a bit. And I would say the Saturday before (Clumbus Day) is crowded. Don't know about Sunday as we typically check out on Sat.

Temps in the mid to lower 80's during the day. Expect a thunderstorm or rain shower possible in the late afternoon early evening time frame. Last year it didn't rain once. In 2008 it rained pretty hard for most of the evening one night, and had a few thunderstorms/downpurs a couple of other evenings. Good Luck picking a time frame. Anytime in Disney is a GREAT time in my book. Enjoy!!!!

 

[JAMIESMITH]

Were you able to swim (comfortably) in early October? The public schools here have a fall break in Mid October.

 

[rbenn81]

Were you able to swim (comfortably) in early October? The public schools here have a fall break in Mid October.

We never hit the pool, always in a park. I know that when we were by the pools they were definently being used. I've read that Disney heeps the pools heated in the cooler months. Sorry I can't answer your question better.