I wish we could finally pick a date to go see Mickey!

[1rockinmamato2]

Ever since we decided to go, we've been back and forth with several dates. I'm a teacher, so the only time we can go is during busy times. I was desperately trying to stay away from the summer months because I know how hot it can be and with the two little ones, I didn't want them to be sweaty and cranky.

We thought about the weekend and Monday and Tuesday before Thanksgiving, but I don't want to feel rushed by us trying to get out of there before the major Thanksgiving crowds arrive.

I'm discouraged because after all these years we finally decide to go and it's not looking great for us. My head is telling me to wait until the kids are older and go in 2008, but my heart wants us to go NOW!

As of today, we're tossing around the second or third week of June. The kids will be 8 months and 21 months then.

Does anyone have any words of advice for me?

 

[laceemouse]

You don't say where you live, but just be aware that in the south schools end in May and start back early in August. Up north it is the opposite, so early in June or late in August crowds are not too terrible. BUT, both times will be hot. I would pick the November time frame if I were you. Thanksgiving is not nearly as bad as Christmas, plus with little ones you can get to the parks real early and then leave for a nap break after lunch. Is there any other time when you have fall break or anything like that? Also, three or four days may be enough for your group. You are mostly gonna concentrate on the MK at this stage. Have fun planning!

 

[dsnymomof4]

Since you have to plan your trip around your schedule, I think whatever time you go, it's going to be crowded. So, do you want to go when it's hot and crowded or cooler and crowded? I think Thanksgiving week would be ideal. The weather is nice, the Christmas decorations are going up and you might have a few days of lesser crowds before the Thanksgiving rush. If you don't want to be rushed getting out of town, don't. Stay through the holiday. Maybe you could head home Friday or Saturday, while most others will be trying to get home on Sunday. The kids (and you) will have a great time no matter when you go! Happy planning!

 

[nowellsl]

The past couple of years we've gone the day after we get out for Christmas vacation. This year we went on 12/16. We only stay 4 or 5 days so it's starting to get really crowded by the time we leave, it's not too bad at the beginning of the week. The weather is usually really nice and the decorations are great!

 

[wrighter]

I'm guessing that you'll get all sorts of thoughts here on when to go - my advice is more philosophical in nature:

We just returned from our first trip to WDW with DS3 and DD1. I got myself all worked up about these kinds of details. Looking back on it, I see that I didn't really need to. If you really would like to go NOW (and I hear ya, sista!) then do it. "Put a stake in the ground," and just go. I promise you that it will be entirely worth it - regardless of your concerns. You'll have plenty of time to prepare for anything - and as long as you go into it knowing that you'll have to make some adjustments (whether they be for weather or for crowd levels) then you'll be good to go. I promise you!!! I worried about all kinds of things - but I researched, came prepared to deal with them, and then just rolled with the punches. And it was an amazing trip.

Go with your gut and then just adapt as needed. And remember to ENJOY. Good luck!

 

[TheDizMom]

I have only gone during the busy times of the year and though it can be a pain at times it's not the worst thing either. Go when you feel you can most enjoy your trip and not feel rushed. People go during the busy time of the year all the time and still have a GREAT time, including me. I agree as a former flight attendant travel around Thanksgiving is horrendous, and it's not just the crowds. You are more likely to have weather delays and cancelations at the time of year then in the summer. The last thing you want is to have taken the little amount of time you have and waste it sitting in an airport trying to get on a flight. You just have to plan ahead, get your ADR's early, bring a stroller for both of them (something I usually don't encourage but with an infant you'll be better off), and plan to head back to your resort mid-day for a nap or dip in the pool if it's hot. The Disney magic is the same whether it busy or not.

 

[daisyduck123]

I'm a teacher too.

My family is going for a week in late July/early August.
We know we'll just be doing the parks early & then spend the afternoon swimming. I think that's how many people tour in the summer.

(I am though, pulling DD12, DS8, & myself out of school to go to WDW May 12-19. That's when we'll do a lot of park touring.)