I'm done with July trips--anyone else?

[Fargoman2]

We just completed our fifth consecutive summer trip to the World--no mas in the summertime--the heat wins!

The heat didn't really bother us on our first couple of trips because we were so mesmerized by the magic. But this year's July 21-30 trip did it for me. It's still fun, but the heat is just way too oppressive--even at night it doesn't seem to cool down. And the crowds also get exhausting!

Now a buddy at work has convinced me to try early December. I note that the unofficial guide to Disney gives this a "1" on a scale of 10(busiest) time to tour.
Let's see: Small crowds, temps in the 70s--why didn't we do this earlier?!

See you in WDW in Dec. 2006! anyone with me?

 

[TB'sWidow]

I have been twice in july first time was to mesmerized with magic since it was our first trip, second time was really hard but I don't if it was b/c of crowds, heat or that it was my husbands last trip and he was he was very sick
and could not enjoy it. So yes see ya Dec 06

 

[Fargoman2]

I note in your signature box that yesterday marked the anniversary date of the loss of your DH. I don't know you and I don't want to intrude to your personal life, but I just want to pass on my condolences. I know how that pain can stay with you--having lost my mother (2001) and father (1981) already, I couldn't imagine losing my wife--we're about the same age as you.
God Bless you and your family.

 

[ennisb]

We have done trips in July, August, October, November, May, and April. The May and October are the favorites based on weather and crowds. It's important to remember that you have nice weather and reduce crowds but also reduced operating schedules so there are few nights that all the parks are open so less fireworks, parades.....

Not a big deal to us as we get there a couple of years but something to consider

 

[OhMari]

I think with school tightening down their policies for how many days you can miss school, people with kids really don't have any other option but to go in summer. It's to bad that the school system has so much control

 

[gr8ful4Him]

Being that I drive school bus, I won't be making an early December trip any time soon. Also, we're limited on when we can go because my dh is a pastor. Needless to say, the times when I have off because of holidays are the times that dh in no way can get away! ...something about Easter and Christmas and having to have the pastor there
For now, we're summer Disney goers and will just have to survive with the magic

 

[marksor]

I have been twice in May, once in June and now just came back from July 23-July 30. The May trips were the best for crowds and weather but we can't take the kids out of school any more. The June trip in 2002 was rain city and did take a toll but it was still good. July was hot but manageable. Everyone in my family had his/her moments of exhaustion/over-doing it but it was very good. We all compared it to our rainy June trip and thought this was much better. I would consider another July trip but I would like to return in May if there is a next time.

 

[BABYJOSIE98]

Usually in October at the end of the 1st Quarter there is a week that is only 3 days and they never seem to give homework on those short weeks. Atleast for the Elementary school kids. So we always plan to get away that week. We will be gone a total of 9 days this October for our cruise on the Magic and DD will only miss 3 days total!! I don't mind pulling her out 3 days and all her teachers have been great about it. I just don't want to go in the Summer. I read to many negative things. Although we are pretty darn hot in Missouri right now and I still go hang out at Six Flags all day.
My other option for 2006 is too go right after School is out. The week before Memorial day which will work perfect if we have no snow days!! I am keeping my fingers crossed for a mild winter.
We have also been the week after Thanksgiving and it was wonderful! Loved the decorations and no crowds at all!

 

[lynn71092]

I did the 1st week in December last year and it was great!!

 

[I Dream of Disney]

Couldn't agree with you more. We just got back 7/26 - 8/3 and the heat and crowds really got to us this time. No more July trips

 

[antmaril]

We've done July a couple of times and the last time I said NEVER AGAIN. This year we went the week before Presidents' Week and next year we are going in January. The weather is a little unpredictable in January, but I will trade that any day for the heat, humidity and crowds!

 

[CanadianPaco]

We went late last August and managed very well with the heat since there were NO crowds. We were able to pace ourselves and minimal waits! We went July 26-31 this year! Ooooh same heat but the waits and the crowds were incredible! So we're thinking Jan 2007 - for the marathon! Cooler and post Xmas crowds!

 

[MonkeyPants]

july...heck summer trips in general are rough, but for many with kids other times of the year just arent an option. I've done mostly spring and summer trips, but this year am going in both oct and nov, cant wait to experience the difference

 

[TB'sWidow]

Just wanted to thank you fargoman2 for the condolences, we go on for him

 

[fan4life]

I agree this july we went 19th --28
The heat was really bad/not much rain!
The crowds were also really bad...it seemed you could not
go anywhere with out it being to crowded.....
Even the pool was not refreshing!
We still had a great vacation but i think i like our October trip better.

 

[KNBNESMOM]

When we were stationed in the U.S. we never went to WDW during the summer. We would try to schedule our trips around school breaks during cooler, less crowded times. Now that we are stationed overseas we really don't have a choice. We don't get to come home to visit often and when we do we have to plan it to where we are in the States for at least a month. That leaves us with the summer months when the kids are out of school. We will be at WDW battling the heat and crowds next July.

 

[Chicago526]

Mom and I went in July of 2000. We had a blast, but NEVER again in the summer!

 

[SeattleRedBear]

AMEN to all these posts. I feel badly for those whose lives only allow them to visit during the summer. I had been three times off-season and then went in June for a conference. Big mistake...never again! My only comment on going in December is that sometimes it can get chilly enough that the water parks aren't comfortable (we happened to catch a cold spell one year and it was getting down to 40 at night). Perfectly pleasant to go park hopping during the day, but our one day at TL was spent mostly mostly in the wave pool as I'd turn into one huge goosepimple (nip alert!) as soon as I got out of the heated water.

 

[glawgirl]

Early December is definately the way to go. Great weather - and small crowds - what could be better? I know that a lot of families go during the summer because kids are out of school but it is unbearable. I live in Miami Beach so I am accustomed to the heat and humidity but I refuse to go to the parks during the summer - no way.

 

[WDW LifeLong Fan]

One of our annual trips to WDW is usually the First week of July. We really enjoy the atmosphere around the 4th. We also go 3-4 other times during Feb, May, Sept or Oct, and early December. Therefore, doing parks commando style is not a necessity for us during our trips. During July we spend a lot of time at the pools, DTD, and seeing movies during the heat of the day.

All seasons at WDW have their merits.