March or May

[MinnieVanMom]

DS told me this morning that he really would like to be in Disney for his Birthday in early March. I wanted to go to end of May for SWW but we all don't do well with crowds.

What would be better for weather and crowds?

Also a points question, my use year is April. I need to bank points at the end of Nov. What if we book a March vaca but then need to cancel after Nov? Do the points then go into holding and have to be used by end of March?

 

[twinklebug]

Depending on when you're going in March you may run into the Spring break college crowd. The weather is starting to warm up, but still not as nice as May IMHO.

Re: cancelling a march trip with an April use year, yes, you'd have an issue with points and minimal time to use them. This is why we see a few folks posting 'deals' over on the rental board, they're in pretty much the same boat. If you cancel before the holding timeframe (30 days?) you can use them on any DVC property before they expire and still transfer them still to another account if you rent them out. I've never had it happen, but I've heard that once they're in holding they're much harder to work with, and it sounds like they'd be a write off in your case with the close UY looming.

I'd stick with your May plan, for weather, crowds and the banking issue you mentioned. Maybe you can surprise your DS on his birthday with the trip and let him help plan where to go/eat etc.

 

[omalley1118]

We have done early March and May. I prefer May b/c the weather is better. The second week or so is my favorite time. Late May gets more crowded as you approach memorial day. March was OK, but the nights get cool. I prefer to not have to worry about changes of clothing for the kids. If I am in WDW, I want to wear shorts and flip flops only!! LOL!!!

 

[DenLo]

Early March can be cool but usually it's in the 70's during the day and upper 50's to low 60's at night.

The crowds were not that bad when we were there for the first week of March. I think the crowds are worse during mid March.

As to SWWs the only place the crowds are really noticeable are at DHS and MK. Isn't MK always busy during any event? As to the weather in May, it can be hot, 90 degrees in mid to late May is not unusual as the average is 88 to 90 degrees.

I think you'll really be fine with either period because you'll be doing something your DS really wants to do, celebrate his birthday or SWW.

 

[twinklebug]

Would it be possible to sneak in a cash trip just for his birthday? Hit a resort you don't usually get to experience on DVC? I've considered doing this for my daughter, but the timing of her birthday and school conflict.

 

[hakepb]

March weather can be questionable, you might wind up with a week that most people would avoid swimming. (Although pools are heated so some hearty souls will swim anyway). Like PP, I like shorts with no layers to worry about.

Combined with your use year, I would not do it.

But it is DS ... I would explain to him it may be too cold to swim the entire week, and it may be one of those weird weeks where Disney basically has the same temperature as home... But if Disney still sounds like more fun...
..I think I would do it one time!. I would recommend the point/trip insurance for you, but I think the reason to own DVC is to try experiences/times you may not normally pay cash for. Sometimes those experiences are quite magical!

 

[MinnieVanMom]

Getting a good discount code would be fun! We could use the 27 points in holding and pay cash for a value with a code. Then I could bank all the points and not have to worry about holding ever again.

 

[MinnieVanMom]

March weather can be questionable, you might wind up with a week that most people would avoid swimming. (Although pools are heated so some hearty souls will swim anyway). Like PP, I like shorts with no layers to worry about.

Combined with your use year, I would not do it.

But it is DS ... I would explain to him it may be too cold to swim the entire week, and it may be one of those weird weeks where Disney basically has the same temperature as home... But if Disney still sounds like more fun...
..I think I would do it one time!. I would recommend the point/trip insurance for you, but I think the reason to own DVC is to try experiences/times you may not normally pay cash for. Sometimes those experiences are quite magical!

It is done, March it is and we still had to do a bit of arranging to get BCV and AKV. DS will be in Disney for his Birthday. We are all pretty hardy and swim at 68 degree air temp. I can only pray for warmth while we are there. If not I did get the b1g1 free for legoland and that is one of his Christmas presents. Legoland is going to fun if it too cold to swim.