July Vs October - Care to Help Decide? Please :)

[loves to dive]

I'd go ahead and book the July trip. Should they come out with better discounts in Oct. you can always cancel and rebook. I'm from Georgia and we have been in just about every month. Yes, July is hot but it can be that way in Oct. as well. I don't really mind the heat, but again, from Georgia. We tend to go fairly early in the morning then go back to the room early afternoon for some pool time/nap/meal/rest. Then we go back to another park around 4 or so. As far a crowds, who knows. It's been hard to predict lately and there doesn't seem to be a slow time. I was there last year around mid-April (right after Easter) and it wasn't crowded but the rain was some of the worst I've ever seen. The year before that I was there right after Labor Day and again, it wasn't crowded but it was hot and the rain was pretty bad since it was hurricane season. You can pretty much find something good and something bad weather and crowd wise just all year round now days. Personally, I don't go in the winter months (Jan-March) because it's just too cold for me, but again, from Georgia and anything below 60 and I'm bundled up.

 

[elgerber]

I would say July also. Yes it's hot, but I have been on some scorching October trips also. If you know how to manage the heat and take a break, you will be ok. I stopped going in October, as I have found it to be insanely crowded for the last many years. I have had better crowds in July.

 

[princesscinderella]

I’d pick July based on the savings and it can be less crowded than in October. The key to going in July since you don’t have little kids is to go to the parks early in the morning, leave at noon to relax and enjoy the resort or take a nap and the go back to the parks in the evening for dinner and stay til closing so you spend the most time there when the sun is down and it’s not as stifling hot. The lines also thin out after the fireworks.

 

[PollyannaMom]

I would personally go in October, because I haven't been during the Halloween decorations yet, and my DH and DS hate the heat. But I can certainly see why you're considering July. Try making a big pro/con chart with all the info you're getting here, share it with your family, and see what they think.

A few more potential considerations:
What you would miss at home during each of those weeks (local festivals, fall color, etc.)
The sunshine factor? (We have a lot in July here, but not so much in October - makes Florida very inviting then!)

 

[mmbrad02]

Soooo.... we booked July! (However, I will be keeping my eyes out for other opportunities as well...) I'm a little nervous and super excited all at once!

Some factors that helped make our decision, many of which you all helped iwth....

1. Ultimately the cost. We are normal hardworking folks so this one was always a big deal.
2. As a family without little ones now, we like the longer hours offered in the summer vs fall.
3. As a family who is just "fine" about Halloween in general and has done two Halloween parties (they are truly amazing, zero regrets there), we are kind of glad not to go during that season because a) we would be tempted to spend more money and get tickets for that b) we don't have to dodge party schedules while we are there and c) my DD no longer dresses up at home but would want to at Disney so this saves a costume purchase also!
4. Dodging hurricane season. We have traveled to Disney multiple times in September and October and also cruised in October and two of those trips involved nerve wrecking potential hurricane cancellations right up to the last minute. Happy to dodge that scenario if we can.


Obviously heat and crowds still concern us, but realistically its going to be hot anytime our family can travel to Disney. And most likely crowded too. So we will pull out our best Disney knowledge and make the best of it!

 

[jimmymc]

Over the past few years, October has become one of the most crowded times of the year at Disney. You'll probably have shorter lines in July, not counting the holiday week.

Even as a Michigander, the right clothes and hydration make Florida in July doable. It's not that much hotter than October (It's all just hot to me).