I know, yet another, "when's the best time to go" question

[BostonTigger]

I know, I know, these questions get asked all the time I've seen them...but to tell you the truth, I never paid any attention to them. Here's why, I've been in school the last five years. And now that I'm out I can plan a vacation when I want.

So, with out any further delays. I'm looking at taking a WDW trip next year. I originally thought I'd go in April or May, but now I'm thinking either late Sept. or sometime in Oct.

Here's some questions I'm thinking of:
~ Is late Sept. still too hot?
~ What are the crowds like in late Sept. and throughout Oct.?
~ Is it still warm enough to wear shorts in Oct, or is pants the better way to go?
~ And what's the weather like in Oct.?

I'd appreciate any tips anyone can give me.

Thanks

 

[lovespugs]

DH and I were there October 4 - 12 this year, and it was still very hot by our standards (mid to upper 80's). Definitely shorts weather. It was also very crowded, but I've been told that was due to the Fairytale Package as well as the media events for Mission: Space and Mickey's PhilharMagic that were held that week. We usually go in early December or early January, so we're not used to the heat or the crowds. We vowed to never return in early October again. We still had a great trip, but we're just much more comfortable when the weather's a little cooler.

 

[mickeysaver]

We went the last full week of September 2002. The humidity was a killer and the temps were in the upper 80's to mid 90's. There was rain almost everyday that was coming in from the Gulf thanks to a hurricane. Now, all that having been said.....

The crowds were low. Almost everything was a walk on or a wait of 30 minutes or less. We planned for the rain. We had our Dollar Tree 2 for a $1 ponchos and multiple pairs of shoes. We had changes of shirts and fresh socks in our bag. We drank lots of water and took frequent breaks.

We had a blast! We were prepared. We knew that we could not see and/or do it all. We were definately ok with that. We had some planned out goals and we met all of them. The trip is not remembered for the heat or the rain. It's remembered for the magic that happened when we allowed ourselves to relax and be kids again.

Just plan well and it will still be a great vacation. Mickey

 

[Terk-1]

I would have to vote for sometime the first two weeks of December. Seeing the resorts & parks decorated to the hilts is amazing and the Wilderness Lodge at Christmastime is beautiful. This is why I'm heading back for a second time in less than 2 weeks!!! The weather is not too hot and the crowds are pretty light during the week. It really gets you into the holiday spirit! Also, they filmed last year's Christmas parade the second weekend of December and I got to see some parts of it. My surprise Christmas morning when we were watching the beginning sequence, as well as the end credits and there I was!

We went September of 2001 and it was pretty hot & humid down there and like clockwork, it rained every afternoon for like 2 hours. My family went last October and said it was pretty warm & crowded.

 

[Margie J]

I've been to WDW in mid-February (once), late April- early May (three times), mid to late October- early November (many times, including this year) and early December (three times). Each season has it's pros and cons.

February - If you time it right you will miss the vacation week blitz. The weather was very comfortable and much nicer than a Boston winter. Crowds were ok, except on Presidents Weekend and on Daytona 500 weekend.

late April - early May - Again, if you miss the school vacation weeks, this is a nice time to go. The Epcot Flower & Garden Festival is going at this time. Weather can get pretty hot and muggy (high 80's - mid 90's). Local crowds pick up on the weekends.

October - November - Comfortable 70's to 80's weather in the days. Scattered rain in usual. Nights can get cool (to 50's). Epcot Food & Wine Festival is going on. Halloween activities are staged at different parks, Resorts and clubs. Crowds are manageable, except on weekends when locals visit.

early December - Very comfortable weather (60's to low 80's in day, mid 30's to 50's at night). The parks and Resorts are decked out in their Holiday finest. Special shows and meals are available. Crowds are manageable except on weekends when locals visit.