January or May?

[momof2blondes]

Wow this is my first time posting anything on the web. I am planning a trip to WDW, well actually just saving $$$ right now, but I am torn between Jan. or May to visit. I thought it would be cool to do a Disney theme for Christmas before going in Jan, but the weather might be nicer in May. What is your opinion? Also I am planning on a road trip down, do you think May would be better for that as well. Ontario is a ways away.

 

[cabmom]

Welcome to the Disboards!

We had fabulous weather in Jan of this year, it was around 25 the whole time. However, that is not the norm. We got really cheap fares in January flying southwest out of Buffalo. I only booked the flights the second week in December.
I'm also going in May of this year on the long weekend. I'll know better when I get back what the weather will be like, so I can report back to you then.
I'd rather go when the Christmas decorations are up, as it's beautiful! May would definitely be the better month to travel in weatherwise if you are planning on driving.

Have fun planning!

Marilynn

 

[cottontail]

Hi: Never been in Jan. but went the first week of Dec. and the xmas decorations were fab. and beautiful.

But the drive down hwy 75 was iffy at first, we had to leave a day ahead of schedule because of a huge storm coming the way of our route, we were in the tennessee mountains and they were cancelling everything as pending freezing rain, but we were a couple of hours ahead of it, coming home we hit a snow/ice storm around ohio and the hwy 75 was actually closed when we awoke the next morn, there was ice all over the trees, road etc, but it later opened and boy do those transports go fast even on bad roads, they were jacknifed all over the place and cars off in ditches, we drove slow but it sure was grinding on my nerves, I wanted to stay an extra day but hubby decided to go as soon as the hwy was opened again.

The bottom line about winter driving, if you choose jan, make sure you check, and check again the cities for the route you will be travelling for snow, and allow an extra day either way, in case of bad weather.

Now we have been in May and I love the drive in the spring, as you get further south and start seeing trees with their leaves, yes green grass and flowers, it is so beautiful, stays light longer in the evening than jan, and the weather in orlando in may is really nice, usually in the 80's and some humidity but not like june/july/aug. That is one of my fav times to travel to wdw.

Hope this helps,

Deb.

 

[hockey mom]

My vote is for May. Weather is excellent with very little rain. We love the water parks also so that plays into our decisions.

 

[surfer_ed]

We have never been later in January than the Christmas overlap. Last year we went for a 5 day weekend in May.

Both have benefits. January is likely to be less busy but typically Disney cuts back on staff and park hours, so you still have some line-ups. However, things like Downtown Disney etc are less crowded.

In May, they have the Flower festival at Epcot and MGM has Star Wars weekends. We loved both. We prefer the more moderate temps so for us it was getting a little hot in May and we liked the January weather better.

Have fun

 

[momof2blondes]

Thanks so much for all of your views and opinions. I think we are going to bump it to May, even though that means a longer wait for me. Ugh. Will the parks be opened later at that time of year as well? That would be just an added bonus if they are. And if the parks aren't open later and still on shorter hours, do you still advise taking some rest or naps during the day? We will be travelling with 6 and 8 year old boys?

 

[Abba98]

We've been twice in January,and love it......Our next trip will be in November,also a good time to go!
Have fun planning,
Kirsten in Nova Scotia

 

[TimNDansMom]

Welcome to the Canadian DIS, momof2blondes! You will find a wealth of information here at the DIS to use in planning your trip. Don't hesitate to ask any questions that you may have.

I am flying down for the May long weekend with my son and am looking forward to seeing what that time of year has to offer. I'm actually looking forward to the warmer temps because I was just down in early February and the early mornings and evenings were quite chilly.