Late Aug., Columbus Day or T-Day?

[4shinystars]

After 7 very long years, we are finally able to go back to the World. Now that our oldest is in high school, missing school is VERY difficult, especially since she is an honors student. Therefore, we have narrowed it down to Late August, Columbus Day weekend, or Thanksgiving .What is the best time out of those options??

Summer-Pros- no school missed, possible longer stay (7-8 nights)and see more of area,(although couldn't afford it to all be onsite), parks open late. Cons- humidity (heat is ok, humidity I can't stand), crowds, more expensive,
Columbus Day- Pros- MNNSHP, Food & Wine fest,value rate if we go on 10/4, better weather, less crowded(?)sister and her hubby can go with us. Cons- miss 3 days school and homecoming weekend, shorter stay (5 nights)
Thanksgiving- Pros- holiday decorations up after Tday, cooler. Cons- more $$, crowds, miss 2 days of school, higher airfare.

What would you do? We are on a very tight budget, hoping to get AAA discounted rooms, MYW tix through mousesavers. Probably won't do dining plan,too $$$, we eat at counter service a lot and I'm afraid we'll take too much time eating when we have such little time to do everything.
Any ideas/suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanks!!
melissa

 

[travelin' tigger]

Summer-Pros- no school missed, possible longer stay (7-8 nights)and see more of area,(although couldn't afford it to all be onsite), parks open late. Cons- humidity (heat is ok, humidity I can't stand), crowds, more expensive,
Columbus Day- Pros- MNNSHP, Food & Wine fest,value rate if we go on 10/4, better weather, less crowded(?)sister and her hubby can go with us. Cons- miss 3 days school and homecoming weekend, shorter stay (5 nights)
Thanksgiving- Pros- holiday decorations up after Tday, cooler. Cons- more $$, crowds, miss 2 days of school, higher airfare.

What would you do? We are on a very tight budget, hoping to get AAA discounted rooms, MYW tix through mousesavers. Probably won't do dining plan,too $$$, we eat at counter service a lot and I'm afraid we'll take too much time eating when we have such little time to do everything.
Any ideas/suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanks!!
melissa

If you are on a very tight budget, the very end of August might be your best bet. Value season starts Aug 27 for value resorts and although it'll be hot & humid, the crowds will be at their lowest out of the 3 times you have listed.

Next up would be Columbus Day. This is regular season (but value if you check in before 10/4), still cheaper than T-Day, but you'll have more people because of the holiday, F&W Fest and MNSSHP.

And as you said, T-day will be the most crowded and most expensive time to go.

HTH!!! I'm actually trying the end of Aug. for the first time this year so we'll see if I'm a puddle by the end of the 4 days...

Good luck with your choice!!!