May or July?

[jlnten17]

We just booked bounceback for mid May. I thought that was a slow season (after spring break but before summer vacation) but based on room rates late July is cheaper (value 2 season) with more availability. Is it really slower in July than May? Based on this past week I realize there is no truest "slow" time. We are just heading home from a 9 day stay so July would spread our trips out a bit more and my daughter wouldn't miss school (preschool but still-she just missed 2 weeks this month and 1 last Sept for Disney). May would allow us to see F&G and I assume the weather is better. Which would you choose?

 

[ghtx]

Who said July is slower than May? I can't imagine that is true (except unless Easter week is during May)

 

[ErinsMommy]

Weather wise i would say May is better. Crowd wise, schools in the north are still in session until June so it may be quietier than July when all schools are out.

 

[DisneyPiPhi]

I've not been in July, but we went in mid-May 2015 and the crowds were low. Our dates were something like May 10-15ish. It was hot, but I am heat-sensitive and most people would have found it pretty pleasant!

 

[jlnten17]

Who said July is slower than May? I can't imagine that is true (except unless Easter week is during May)

Nobody said this but I am just looking at the rate calendar (May is regular season rates and late July is value 2) and the availability. Very limited in May vs late July at Deluxes.

 

[Alesia]

May is all-around better than July. July is hotter, more humid, and more crowded.

 

[ErinsMommy]

not sure when value season begins, but there's a period of time in FL where the weather is ridiculously hot and humid and rain comes out of nowhere and seems to disappear just as fast - or goes on for hours. If July is in that 'window' that would explain the lower rates and more availability.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

May is all-around better than July. July is hotter, more humid, and more crowded.

Agreed.

That said, one May when we were there they had a heat wave... over 100 degrees every day... And "lower crowds" are not as low as they used to be -- but still better in May than July.

 

[ciera321]

MAY!!!!!

 

[srwarden1928]

I was thinking about a May trip and looked for a value resort. The only one with availability was AOA, and it was more expensive than ALL of the moderates and only about $50 a night cheaper than AKL. If I were going to pay that kind of money, I would MUCH rather stay at AKL than AOA. I decided to move the trip to November and stay at POP.

 

[anniemae]

May. Much better weather, and crowds. May.

 

[ChasingLeslie]

I've never been in May, but it's probably milder weather. Crowds will vary.

We went in July last year and are going again this year. Crowds were unbelievably light last year after the 4th of July...lightest I've EVER experienced in summertime!

 

[Anal Annie]

Avg daytime temps in Orlando in May run from about 85 at the beginning of the month to 89/90 by the 31st. July is constantly 91//92 on average but I have been there many times in the summer where it was more like 95 consistently. The humidity will be worse in July too running around 100%. The evening temps in May will be running in the mid-upper 60's and in July they'll be in the mid-70's. I think crowd-wise it wlll be less crowded in May because most schools don't let out until sometime in June. We have been in every month except Feb, Oct and Dec. I would say your best bet (tho not guaranteed) for the best weather would be April-May or Oct-Nov. One thing to consider this year is that the rumors are that Pandora "may" open around Memorial Day so if you're interested in trying to catch that waiting for July "might" work in your favor. YMMV.

 

[HopperFan]

MAY

 

[mshanson3121]

We just booked bounceback for mid May. I thought that was a slow season (after spring break but before summer vacation) but based on room rates late July is cheaper (value 2 season) with more availability. Is it really slower in July than May? Based on this past week I realize there is no truest "slow" time. We are just heading home from a 9 day stay so July would spread our trips out a bit more and my daughter wouldn't miss school (preschool but still-she just missed 2 weeks this month and 1 last Sept for Disney). May would allow us to see F&G and I assume the weather is better. Which would you choose?

No, July is not slower than May. It is busier. No idea why the rates are lower, unless it's because of the holiday in May, but late June through mid August is BUSY.

 

[jlnten17]

Well I was unable to secure bounceback rate at The Poly but some AP discount rooms did open up so May it is!

 

[Uncranky Donald]

May by FAR was the best time of year I have ever been to WDW. It sure beats the July trips we had to take as kids cuz of school. Plus, yeah F&W!!

 

[Day-Day]

Jlnten17, where are you seeing the hotel rates? Two sites I've looked at show most of May as regular season and all of July as summer season. Summer season was shown with more expensive room rates except maybe weekends.

As for room availability, May is coming up fast so maybe more rooms are booked as more people have finalized their travel plans the closer it is to the travel dates. Also, it looks like weekends have some extra demand in May which can make booking more difficult for trips that include weekend days.

Anyway, my experience with many visits in May and ONE, never to do again, visit in July, May is less crowded.

 

[heidijanesmith]

May!!

We loved our trip in May, great crowds and weather. July trip was full of Big Tour Groups!! They were everywhere, no matter where we went. I would not recommend July to anyone.