Just Looking For Advice

[Trinity524]

My son will be starting school in August 2013, Boo HOO! We normally go in September, but this year we did August. Talk about HOT! Anyhoo, We want to go for two weeks this year when it's cooler and before August. First week will be more about Universal, Sea World and poss Bush Gardens and second week will be Disney. When will you go? It's 2 adults, 1 child. Would you stay onsite the first week? We obviously have to rent a car for at the very least the first week.

Thoughts on where to stay or when?

TIA

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

My son will be starting school in August 2013, Boo HOO! We normally go in September, but this year we did August. Talk about HOT! Anyhoo, We want to go for two weeks this year when it's cooler and before August. First week will be more about Universal, Sea World and poss Bush Gardens and second week will be Disney. When will you go? It's 2 adults, 1 child. Would you stay onsite the first week? We obviously have to rent a car for at the very least the first week.

Thoughts on where to stay or when?

TIA

Hi! As a mom of two boys I can totally relate to your question. When my kids were little we always loved to go to WDW the first week of May. It was after all the Easter craziness and before the summer vacationers arrived. We always found the weather to be warm enough to swim but not so hot you are miserable. We did that every year until my oldest was in 5th grade, after that it got too difficult for him to miss school.
Both my boys are in middle school now so we are complete slaves to their activity schedules. I miss being able to go in May. This year we went the first week of January, Spring Break, and again in August, all during times they were out of school, and I can definitely tell a big difference in crowds. Don't get me wrong, our trips were all great, but we have to utilize the extra magic hours and sometimes skip rides we can't get a FP for.
Even though your son is starting school I wouldn't worry too much about taking him out these first few years. Most of the teachers I've encountered were happy and supportive of our family vacation. They would ask the boys to make a scrapbook or keep a journal about their trip... or bring back photos to share with the class... not once did a teacher ever give us a problem. Enjoy it while you can because I swear the last 8 years have gone by like a flash.

 

[Sue M]

You could go in January/Feb when rates are value season, and crowds are low.

I would do a split stay, for your first week stay at a hotel in or near Universal or SeaWorld, depending on which you'll be spending most of your time at. The universal hotels are totally worth it just for their Front of the Line pass alone. And they have shuttle service to SeaWorld.

Then your second week stay on site in wdw. So you really wouldn't need a car rental at all, just a car service to your universal hotel, and another when you transfer to wdw.

 

[MMS1125]

I'd see what discounts are offered for Jan-March and pick whatever is best for your family. I think March before Easter would be a great time to visit if it was to work out.