I'm obsessing!!

[lexiluke]

I have FINALLY convinced my husband to let our daughter miss a week of school to avoid massive crowds at WDW. So, I booked the FTP for the week of Oct. 18th thru 25th. Now I am 2nd guessing myself. I'm afraid that because of the FTP, the crowds will be just as bad as a school break period.

I know that there's no way to be certain about this, but do you think it would be a safer bet to book in early December? I just hate to pass up the FTP, but my reasoning for taking DD out of school was the crowd issue. Any opinions???

 

[Miscrapper]

I think the parks will be less crowded than summer and spring break although they will certainly won't be empty! Even if it is fairly busy it won't be as hot which makes crowds etc more bearable imho!

 

[goofyernmost]

My feeling is that nothing is sadder than an empty park. The inclusion of crowds brings life to the place. October won't be overly crowded but it will be busy and that adds up to more fun. Enjoy!

 

[zoesmama]

I bet the FTP is "capacity controlled", meaning that they only have so many rooms put aside for that discount. Because of this, I don't think the crowds will be massive.

I would stick with your original plan to go in October and enjoy the great deal.

 

[PrincessDana]

I'm going to be there those exact dates!!!

I'm not worried to much about taking my DD8 out of school this year since my sister and I will be homeschooling, so that's one thing not to worry about...

But, I did notice that the PGA tour will be there during that time so..... I'm hoping alongside you that the crowds will be somewhat light!!

 

[MinniMama]

Being a teacher we always have to go in late Feb or late April these are times that are listed as moderate crowds and Oct is supose to be less. Our crowds are always managable using EMH and Fastpass. I would enjoy the FTP (it is an amazing offer) since you are committed to taking your child out of school. Each person makes his own choices- just don't expect your teacher to provide work that could possibly make up for a missed week. have a great trip.

 

[lexiluke]

Thanks for your replies! We don't get to go as often as some of you are lucky enough to, so I let myself worry too much about the trip being just right. Plus, I just don't see my 3 year old waiting in long lines happily! I also agree that it's nice to have the energy of others enjoying the parks. Just not too many others!!!

Princess Dana, I hope we both luck out on the week we have chosen! It's funny that you mentioned homeschooling, because I seriously looked into that for this upcoming year; however, right now I'm leaning towards not doing it. I think it can be great, though, good luck!

 

[lexiluke]

I should clarify that I don't make light of taking my daughter out of school. We normally make every effort for her to be there. However, at the risk of sounding like I'm bragging, she is an extremely bright 8 yr old. She recently made a perfect score on her achievement tests and she's in the gifted and talented program. In fact, the reason I was considering homeschooling was because she was so bored with reviewing concepts that she had already grasped, that she actually cried when she told me how bored she was. So I feel confident that she can miss a week without a hitch.

However, as part of the agreement with my DH, who was opposed to her missing school, we are planning on incorporating as many educational experiences as possible on the trip. I have some ideas of what we could have her do to make the trip a learning experience, but would love to hear from anyone else who has done this!