May or August 2008?

[momtwoboys]

Hello! My family has always made our annual trek to WDW in early May, but due to my husband's work schedule, and our son's school testing schedule, our early May trip will not be feasible. So my question is would you pick May 23-29 OR August 17-23rd?? Pros and Cons to each are welcome!

 

[kldmom2000]

I can't speak for May since I've not been in May, but we went in August (the 17-24) this year and LOVED it... yes it was HOTTER than Hades, but we spent the afternoons by the pool anyway. We lucked out big time this year in that there was not a single drop of rain the entire week we were there and the norm is an afternoon rain storm every day.... The crowds were not unbearable as it was before the non-bounce back free dining and I think some Florida schools went back to session around that time as well We're planning to go back the same time this upcoming August

(We can't pull our DD's out of school as our school district is VERY strict about unexcused absences for vacations otherwise I'd go in Sept/October if I had a choice! )

 

[momtwoboys]

Thank-you for your response! We are from Mass. too! Those darn MCAS ! We are leaning towards August, but it seem so far away! Last year we stayed at POP and we loved it, but we are thinking of upgrading because we will spend more time at the resort this year. The kids want a slide! Thanks again!

 

[jwfla422]

As frequent visitors to WDW, we do prefer May over August however that being said, Memorial Day weekend really begins the busy summer season at WDW. Schools in our county actually don't let out until the first week of June but I guarantee WDW will be busy over the Memorial Day weekend.

BUT, school will have started in many areas by the time you'd plan your August vacation and that week should result in less crowds overall but yes it will be very hot and very sticky ALTHOUGH May can be quite hot also by that time.

August is "usually" a rainier month though and it's also hurricane season so make sure to have a "back-up" plan just in case if you do go with August. WDW has gotten MUCH more flexible though when any type of storm threatens now so that's good but of course you need to have some flexibility as well.

I honestly don't know which I'd select if given the choice but I'd almost lean toward the Aug. dates because of the lesser crowds. Just be prepared for "steamy" weather. If you're not used to it, it can be very uncomfortable. We met friends from the Boston area in WDW a few years back at the end of August and all's I remember is how much they kept saying about any attraction or ride we wanted to go on..."is it air-conditioned"??..then OK..

 

[momtwoboys]

Oh decisions! May is still our favorite time. We honeymooned in May 1997, and have been returning the first week every year since. We did August back in 2002, and it was HOT but it was deserted. I know travel has picked up alot since then, but don't want it to be packed AND sickly hot. Thanks!

 

[tanyaandallie]

I would go in May to avoid the insane heat of August. We went the week before Memorial Day this year and it was great!

 

[teentoddlermom]

Love August! Can you tell from my signature! Go! It is hot, but just as hot as May in Florida, and August in MA. It is fine, just take A/C breaks in the indoor attractions, and take pool breaks, and go back to the parks at night. It is a great time to be at WDW. It is still crowded, but there is really no non-crowded time to go anymore!

 

[momtwoboys]

Thanks for all the advice! Looks like everyone is split! I LOVE May but only the early part, I'm worried about the Memorial Weekend crowds, the surcharge on buffets because it's considered "holiday" period, but August is far off! We are planning more resort time this trip I PROMISED my kids! Our younger son is on the Autistic Spectrum, and he loves the hotels! MK is our favorite Park. Sorry this is so long, but I know that Southwest will be opening the schedule soon, so I need to decide quick!!!!!!!

 

[momtwoboys]

Any other opinions? Should I have posted this in another area? I'm hoping to find a good discount to be able to upgrade no matter which month we pick (May or August)???? We don't want to stay at a Value this time. Thanks

 

[LindaR]

We love end of May!!! For several years, dd18 and I would leave on Friday of Memorial weekend (that was the last day of school for her). We didn't find it to be too crowded at all. And the level dramatically decreased on the day after Memorial Day. It is hot, but this is right at the beginning of the summer/rainy season, so it hasn't REALLY kicked into high gear. The humidity is still managable.

We have gone the first week of Sept (2 years) and found the rain/humidity to be in high gear because that is the height of the hurrican season. We also had to dodge tropical storms!

My vote is for the end of May!!! PLUS the Flower Show is still going on! Beautiful, as you know!!!

 

[LindaR]

Forgot to add that we got AP discounts each time we have gone the last week of May (for our entire stay).

 

[momtwoboys]

Thanks for all the responses so far! Looks like my dream of returning in May isn't going to work out this year! I'm so sad! We've made 12 trips the first week of May since our honeymoon in 1997! SO we're looking at August OR any other time anyone can recommend????? How's the first week of June?? Anyone know?

Thank-you to everyone who has replied, I've been a "lurker" since 1996! Can you believe that! I've finally got the nerve to "post" Wow I feel great!