March or End Aug (park with cruise)

[Frozen2014]

The good old debate...March break (we're Canadian so Mar 15) or last week in August?

This is for 2021 and probably looking at Tues-Fri as want to do a 3 or 4 day cruise before the parks

March break

• pros - better weather!
• cons - much more crowded (and with Star Wars opened, can imagine it'll only be worse), $$$ as non-value time for park tickets, resort stay, plus flights Ontario to Orlando

August

• pros - (hopefully) free dining, more affordable, better crowds, nice end of summer event before school, Halloween events may be stared
• cons - have heard it's extremely hot, humid and daily rain showers

Thoughts? We could also do the parks first but it would be over a weekend and then only 3 days at the parks (vs 4 days) since most 4 day cruises are Mon-Fri

From what I see, the only bad item for August over March is the weather...but that's a tough one

 

[mousehouse23]

I wouldn't let the weather have that much weight over every other factor. I think you've made a good list of the pros and cons. August is better in all other respects, so I think you should stick with August.

We went this past July and I would do it again in a heartbeat. Yes, we came back to our resort in the afternoon, but there are also plenty of places to cool off inside the parks themselves, if you want to maximize your touring time. Remember, too: those daily rain showers can bring a modicum of relief as well.

 

[hes122]

I had a Stay, Play, Dine discount when I was there in March 2017 and the crowds were very manageable.

 

[MomOTwins]

We regularly go at the end of August and I really love how quiet the parks are. We can get so much more done on a shorter trip, which it looks like is what you are planning. We bring ponchos and just hang out at the parks until the rain pass since it usually only lasts half an hour in the afternoon, and the attraction wait times are even better then due to all the people that run back to their hotels at the first sign of rainclouds. Plus, the room discounts at WDW can be really great that time of year. Also, it occurs to me that if you are on one of the bahamas cruises, the water will be much nicer for swimming in August--it can still be quite cold in March--but maybe coming from canada you won't mind the cooler temps as much!

 

[Willow1213]

My concern with August isn’t with the parks, it’s the cruise. August is in the midst of Hurricane Season, so be prepared with trip insurance in case there is some delay or disturbance in the tropics

 

[Frozen2014]

We regularly go at the end of August and I really love how quiet the parks are. We can get so much more done on a shorter trip, which it looks like is what you are planning. We bring ponchos and just hang out at the parks until the rain pass since it usually only lasts half an hour in the afternoon, and the attraction wait times are even better then due to all the people that run back to their hotels at the first sign of rainclouds. Plus, the room discounts at WDW can be really great that time of year. Also, it occurs to me that if you are on one of the bahamas cruises, the water will be much nicer for swimming in August--it can still be quite cold in March--but maybe coming from canada you won't mind the cooler temps as much!

My concern with August isn’t with the parks, it’s the cruise. August is in the midst of Hurricane Season, so be prepared with trip insurance in case there is some delay or disturbance in the tropics

Thank you. We know that August is a risk for a cruise or Florida in general. We did go on a cruise last August...took a chance...and lucked out. Weather was perfect (ok a bit hot but a cruise involves water stuff on the ship and at the beach).

MomOfTwins, great to hear that you've had great experience in terms of crowds. DH hates crowds so that's certainly a factor. With the rain, will just have to deal with my crazy hair...lol. Didn't realize that there are room discounts too. Bonus. Correct..it would be a Bahamas cruise (Royal cruise but same weather). And yes, warmer weather for swimming is welcome (esp as I hate being cold).

 

[goofyintoronto]

We often went to wdw at the end of August (we're Canadian too). It was a nice break just before school started. I agree, crowds are low at that time. Sure it rains daily (usually around 3pm), but it doesn't last long. I too went on a cruise right after our disney trip (mid to end of august this time...about 4 years ago). It was a 2 week trip: 1 week of parks, 1 week of cruise. Our first cruise stop was suppose to go to St.Maarten but they detoured to Puerto Rico due to really bad weather in St.Maarten. It worked out well as PR is beautiful! We didn't see any rain during the cruise at all...but as I said in the parks it rained daily, but just for a bit. I highly recommend August.

Keep in mind i've never travelled during march break due to the high cost. So i dont know what its like at that time.

 

[Frozen2014]

Wow, nice you could fit in a week each. That's ideal...but for us with cost, etc, it would be about 7-9 days total for cruise and park (including traveling days). Glad your cruise worked out despite the modified itinerary. That's the good thing about a cruise..they can change course if needed.