June vs. President's Week vs. Thanksgiving Week

[disneycat321]

I'm a teacher. Off season isn't an option. We're looking at a 2018 trip because the withdrawal is real and it's been far too long. We are very adept at crowd navigation (thanks, Disneyland), but I think the Christmas (mine is Dec 24-Jan 4) and spring break crowds (week before Easter for me) might be too much even for us.

We're thinking our next trip will either be President's Week (my school has that off - pretty rare for CA schools, but super common for east coast schools, I know), June (10-16 probably - earliest we can do), or Thanksgiving week. We have gone in mid June 2010 and in mid May 2013 (that one blissful year when I taught on a year round calendar...) We loved both trips and felt both had very manageable crowds (May was better, obviously), but the weather in June was a shock. We live in heat, but not sticky, humidity, thunderstorm-every-afternoon type heat.

Here are my thoughts. I'd love feedback from the experts.

President's Week:
Pros:
- Weather: The heat and humidity won't actually kill us.

Cons:
- Cost - seems rooms are pricey and flights are, too. (Coming from CA, flights are a big deal.)
- Also weather: We have a pipe dream of staying at Beach Club for at least part of the time. Seems like doing the pool at night wouldn't really be a possibility with temps in the 40s-50s. We also love the water parks and aren't sure how doable those are when it's not just hot all the time.

Neutral:
- Crowds - I've read they're like summer, so toss up between this and June probably.

June:
Pros:
- Cost - Seems to be the cheapest of the 3 for rooms (important if we're trying to do Beach Club) and flights (always important - CA is far.)
- Time of year - I really like my big vacations to be in the summer since that's my longest time off. It would also be our 8th wedding anniversary during the trip.
- Packing is a lot easier since it's just super hot all the time...

Cons:
- Weather. When we went in 2010 it was 97 for multiple days and omg. We live in heat but not humidity. That was quite an experience.

Thanksgiving:
Pros:
- CHRISTMAS time at WDW! I need to experience it once in my life. I'd love to see the Candlelight Processional at Epcot, especially, and I think that starts the Friday after Thanksgiving?
- Weather

Cons:
- COST - Most expensive of the three, easily. Flights scare me. May have to sacrifice Beach Club.
- Weather - like Feb, I don't know about night swimming or water parks.
- Crowds - I'm sure this is the most crowded of the three.

Anyway, those are my long rambling thoughts. DH wants June, hands down. I'm hesitant because it was just SO HOT. I completely loved June in every other way, so it's hard for me because that darn heat stops me every time.

I'd love to hear from others' experiences.

 

[glassslippergirl]

Between Nov and Feb, I think you'll have most luck with pool weather in Nov. Jan and Feb are the coldest months in FL with the greatest chance of cold snaps (which can be brutal and biting in Central FL).

We are a two-teacher household, and for us money is the deciding factor in something like this. We try to stretch our vacation budget as much as possible. For that reason, a June is my vote. You'll get the most for your money, and you'll have proper weather for pools and water parks, which you've said is a priority. When you plan properly for the humidity (cooling towels, hydrating, proper clothing, floppy hat, alternating indoor and outdoor attractions, afternoon break, etc), it's tolerable. And it's something that-- barring a major climate change in the next year-- can be planned for pretty definitively. Yes, it will be in the 90s in June in FL, and it likely will rain in the afternoon. Plan your day accordingly. Whereas, in Feb, maybe it will be 40s; maybe it will be 70s. Harder to plan your FPs and water park days around that 60 days out.

Christmas at WDW is amazing, but I'd save that for another trip-- one when swimming isn't as much of a priority, and one where you can better make the school calendar work for you (for example, we're considering a trip over our holiday break next year because, the way Christmas falls, we are off the entire week after New Year's, when prices and crowds are more reasonable). Wait for an opportunity like that and make it work for you.

 

[mrsR123]

You're spot on with your analysis, IMHO. I really like Thanksgiving-- been there once , going back again this year, both for DS's band performances. The flight prices this year are pretty much insane, though. We're teachers, too, so we're June vets. It's hot (and probably more humid than you're used to?) and crowded, but not like the crowds you'll see the other two times you're looking at.

No matter what you pick, you'll have fun!

 

[DaniMoon]

I've been in Feb and Nov. Feb was definitely not swimming weather (although my son did take a dip). It wasn't a holiday weekend tho, so not crowded. We went the middle of November 2015 and it was HOT it was in the 90s three days and 80s the rest. It was nice to see the Christmas decorations, although it didn't feel like Christmas (we are from PA).

We are taking our first June trip next month. The flights were reasonable and the kids are out of school, so this allows for a little longer trip (12 days) which I'm hoping will help us manage the heat better by taking breaks every day and still having plenty of "touring" time.

 

[Belle's Librarian]

We did Thanksgiving last year, had a great time, but crowds at MK were crazy. The Sunday BEFORE Thanksgiving ended up being a 10 crowd level, which was a surprise. Weather was cool; we wore light jackets a couple days. Swam only a couple of times in a heated pool. Loved loved the weather, crowds were a drawback.

 

[cmarsh31]

This past Feb break was amazing! We were in the pool (even me, and I'm picky) - heated water Once the kids were in the pool and I just hung out in the hot tub. We don't do the water parks... It was significantly more expensive to do Feb break from the Northeast than any other time of the year (especially for flights) but the weather totally made up for it (we've done August heat and Sept/Oct rain/monsoon). Crowds were manageable.

 

[disneycat321]

Between Nov and Feb, I think you'll have most luck with pool weather in Nov. Jan and Feb are the coldest months in FL with the greatest chance of cold snaps (which can be brutal and biting in Central FL).

We are a two-teacher household, and for us money is the deciding factor in something like this. We try to stretch our vacation budget as much as possible. For that reason, a June is my vote. You'll get the most for your money, and you'll have proper weather for pools and water parks, which you've said is a priority. When you plan properly for the humidity (cooling towels, hydrating, proper clothing, floppy hat, alternating indoor and outdoor attractions, afternoon break, etc), it's tolerable. And it's something that-- barring a major climate change in the next year-- can be planned for pretty definitively. Yes, it will be in the 90s in June in FL, and it likely will rain in the afternoon. Plan your day accordingly. Whereas, in Feb, maybe it will be 40s; maybe it will be 70s. Harder to plan your FPs and water park days around that 60 days out.

Christmas at WDW is amazing, but I'd save that for another trip-- one when swimming isn't as much of a priority, and one where you can better make the school calendar work for you (for example, we're considering a trip over our holiday break next year because, the way Christmas falls, we are off the entire week after New Year's, when prices and crowds are more reasonable). Wait for an opportunity like that and make it work for you.

The predictability is a very good point! We haven't gone since FP+, so we've just planned around ADRs in the past, which gives a little more breathing room. Being sure of the weather every day and going in with that knowledge is definitely a plus.

Good point about the school calendar. We have the whole first week of January off this coming Christmas break - is that when you're referring to? Or later than that? We will definitely do a Christmas trip one day, but right now we really want to do a Beach Club/Epcot resort area trip. Epcot WS is our absolute favorite part of WDW, so this has been a dream for a long time. I don't want to spend the big bucks on BC if we can't swim! (We've never stayed Deluxe so this is a huge splurge for us.)

You're spot on with your analysis, IMHO. I really like Thanksgiving-- been there once , going back again this year, both for DS's band performances. The flight prices this year are pretty much insane, though. We're teachers, too, so we're June vets. It's hot (and probably more humid than you're used to?) and crowded, but not like the crowds you'll see the other two times you're looking at.

No matter what you pick, you'll have fun!

The flights are just so crazy anyway compared to the last time we went in 2013, when I looked at Thanksgiving the sticker shock was pretty major!

Definitely more humid than we're used to. We get 90s-low 100s all summer and through Sept and Oct, but not with humidity. Totally different experience.

I've been in Feb and Nov. Feb was definitely not swimming weather (although my son did take a dip). It wasn't a holiday weekend tho, so not crowded. We went the middle of November 2015 and it was HOT it was in the 90s three days and 80s the rest. It was nice to see the Christmas decorations, although it didn't feel like Christmas (we are from PA).

We are taking our first June trip next month. The flights were reasonable and the kids are out of school, so this allows for a little longer trip (12 days) which I'm hoping will help us manage the heat better by taking breaks every day and still having plenty of "touring" time.

I guess Orlando weather just cannot be predicted - ha! 90s in November would definitely be unexpected. We went to DLR for Christmas decorations this year over Veteran's Day weekend, and it was high 80s, so definitely a nice hot "Christmas" at Disney.

I hope you enjoy your June trip! The afternoon break is basically a necessity, as we learned, but as long as you plan to do most of your heavy touring in the mornings and evenings you'll be fine and have a great time! You're smart to do more days to spread it out!

We did Thanksgiving last year, had a great time, but crowds at MK were crazy. The Sunday BEFORE Thanksgiving ended up being a 10 crowd level, which was a surprise. Weather was cool; we wore light jackets a couple days. Swam only a couple of times in a heated pool. Loved loved the weather, crowds were a drawback.

Interesting! For some reason I figured the crowds wouldn't be HORRIBLE over Thanksgiving week, though I knew they'd be busier than summer. Hmm. I can't even imagine being at WDW in nice weather (wearing a JACKET? WOW! haha) because we've never done it.

This past Feb break was amazing! We were in the pool (even me, and I'm picky) - heated water Once the kids were in the pool and I just hung out in the hot tub. We don't do the water parks... It was significantly more expensive to do Feb break from the Northeast than any other time of the year (especially for flights) but the weather totally made up for it (we've done August heat and Sept/Oct rain/monsoon). Crowds were manageable.

I wonder about the flights in Feb from the west coast. Feb break isn't as much of a "thing" here as it seems to be out there. I'm glad to hear the crowds were manageable! That's definitely a plus. I do think I'd love the weather...

 

[CynBeth]

I say go Thanksgiving since you have never been. Disney is even more amazing with the deluxe resorts and parks decorated. Not sure if you are interested in the MVMCP but in case you are it is not held that week. The last is the Friday before and then is not held again until the Sunday after. The CP begins on Black Friday as does Holidays Around the World at Epcot. Definitely do a CP dining package which usually comes out the beginning of July to ensure you get a seat. We have been twice during Thanksgiving Week and have not had issues with the crowds. We made our ADRs at the 180 day mark and our FPs at 60 days out. At this point not sure what the hotel availability is like but we have stayed in most of the deluxe plus POFQ and enjoyed them all.

 

[ekendall2]

Two teacher family here....we always go in June as it is the cheapest and most relaxed as we dont have to come back to anything pressing. We usually drive from indiana so it gives us time on both sides of the trip to stop and sight-see if we want.

also...when we go in the earlier part of June...we dont notice crowds being horrible. It is hot...but if you plan your parks and breaks right, you will be fine.

 

[disneycat321]

I say go Thanksgiving since you have never been. Disney is even more amazing with the deluxe resorts and parks decorated. Not sure if you are interested in the MVMCP but in case you are it is not held that week. The last is the Friday before and then is not held again until the Sunday after. The CP begins on Black Friday as does Holidays Around the World at Epcot. Definitely do a CP dining package which usually comes out the beginning of July to ensure you get a seat. We have been twice during Thanksgiving Week and have not had issues with the crowds. We made our ADRs at the 180 day mark and our FPs at 60 days out. At this point not sure what the hotel availability is like but we have stayed in most of the deluxe plus POFQ and enjoyed them all.

I absolutely love the thought of doing the CP (with the dining package) and Holidays around the World, because WS is our absolute favorite. A Thanksgiving trip really is a dream of mine. I'm going to have to look at the pricing, because that's really what would hold us back. I think the flights might be pretty cost prohibitive. We're already looking at almost $1500 for flights just in regular season, which is nearly double what we paid in 2013.

Two teacher family here....we always go in June as it is the cheapest and most relaxed as we dont have to come back to anything pressing. We usually drive from indiana so it gives us time on both sides of the trip to stop and sight-see if we want.

also...when we go in the earlier part of June...we dont notice crowds being horrible. It is hot...but if you plan your parks and breaks right, you will be fine.

That is exactly what I like the most about June - I get to relax when I get back! I've never done a vacation where I go to work the next day. Kind of a stressful prospect!

How early do you go in June? I really can't go until the second weekend because of when I get out of school.

I so wish we could drive! I say that all the time. The flights are so so SO expensive!