January or May?

[usd2bmd]

So we have normally gone to WDW at the end of August right before DD goes back to school. But this is she will be in college and this week will no longer be possible. So now we are thinking about our next trip and trying to figure out when.

We always get Park hoppers, and the waterpark and more option on our tickets. (to give an idea of how we like to do the parks) It looks like the possibilities are mid-January (she will be on winter break) or mid-May to mid-June.

As we have not gone at those times before I don't know how it will be crowd wise and we are used to a fairly light crowd.

So when would you go if you had to choose between these two times and why?
Thanks for your input!

 

[mickeynut1]

So we have normally gone to WDW at the end of August right before DD goes back to school. But this is she will be in college and this week will no longer be possible. So now we are thinking about our next trip and trying to figure out when.

We always get Park hoppers, and the waterpark and more option on our tickets. (to give an idea of how we like to do the parks) It looks like the possibilities are mid-January (she will be on winter break) or mid-May to mid-June.

As we have not gone at those times before I don't know how it will be crowd wise and we are used to a fairly light crowd.

So when would you go if you had to choose between these two times and why?
Thanks for your input!

I've been in both January and May and my choice would be May. My trip in January was quite cool, with the need for jeans and a jacket in the evening and a little too chilly for swimming. Crowds will probably be a little lower in January, but May weather would win out for me as it is comfortable walking around the parks, but it's great weather for swimming/water parks. Weather in January is very unpredictable, so I would take the crowds being a little heavier with nice weather in May over low crowds and possible cold weather in January. Good luck.

 

[Pakey]

I have been in January 10 times and May 4 times.

My favorite vacation of these 14 was January 2008 when we had perfect pool weather every day that week. However, we had 2 where it was bitterly cold every day. The rest had both cold and nice days. But there's little rain.

May-we were there one year with monsoon rain every day, all day. We had one week with temps above 95 and high humidity. The other 2 had gorgeous weather with a little rain here and there.

Crowds are lower in January but park hours are shorter too. And even if the days are nice, the evenings are usually pretty cool. There are more rides down in January for refurb. Also, South American tour groups are there in abundance.

So I'd take the chance of rain and deal with slightly higher crowds and go in May.

 

[AliciaS]

My favorite week is the first week of May. Kids aren't out of school yet. It's warm, but not too hot. And Epcot is extra gorgeous with the Flower and Garden Show.

 

[Belleandtinker]

Done both and would suggest May. It's warmer and more I'd open during May plus it's a great way to start the summer.

 

[LadyLuck24]

I agree with all of the above---I've been in January and May and I would say MAY hands down. The only way I would choose January would be if you hate the heat and you're trying to avoid it at all costs (ie potentially not being able to swim or needing to wear heavy coats in the parks).

We've gone in Jan/Feb for the last few years, and every year I say I will never again go in the winter for two main reasons: 1) flying from the north (I see you are in Buffalo) is a huge risk in the winter in terms of weather delays/cancellations, and 2) winter is nasty illness season, ie flu/stomach bug/colds. I turn into a germaphobic freak and weather channel stalker before our winter trips!

So even if it means waiting an extra 5 months....go in May!!

 

[Babsy]

Normally I would say go in January because the crowds are lower and the weather is much nicer. (It surprises me that so many people find it too cold for swimming in Florida in January. I always go swimming in January. May is simply too hot to tour theme parks, IMO. You can add clothing if it is cold, but there is only so much clothing that you can take off - at least in G rated theme parks. LOL)

But I see that you go in August which is just HOT, so I assume that you are OK with the heat.

I believe that May would be the better time of year for you to choose.

 

[trishadono]

If you can handle the heat in August then May would be my recommendation.

I have been in Jan 4 times and May 3 times. Our jan times were pant needing trips! In may I didn't get any rain(all were memorial weekends).

We live in upstate NY and even though you COULD swim in Jan (my kids were toddlers-elementary then) and did, it really wasn't fun for the grown ups!

For us May florida weather is so much warmer than at home that I enjoy getting a jump on our summer.

 

[darkwing818]

Done both and would suggest May. It's warmer and more I'd open during May plus it's a great way to start the summer.

Another vote for May.....

 

[Desnik]

We've gone in Jan & May. I would also suggest May.

 

[usd2bmd]

Thanks everyone. Looks like May is the overwhelming choice. I would like to be able to se as well... My daughter lives in the water. I am really never bothered by the heat (which us why August is never an issue. LOL) it will be fun t be there at a different time.

Thanks again.

 

[Mousemom]

May is our families favorite time of year. Humidity is still pretty low but weather is warm. We love to swim and come from where summer does not start until late June. It is nice to spend a week after a long winter in warm weather. Crowds are not bad normally either. Also this is the time for Flower and Garden show.

 

[Zooshoveller]

If you go in May, you might be able to get a Star Wars weekend. The dates aren't out for 2014 but this year they were the last two weekends in May and the first two in June.