Of these choices, which is the best time to visit?

[FlightlessDuck]

Prices will be the same. Crowd levels are about the same. Summer is probably the hottest, and most likely to have rain.

Early June is probably the least crowded part of the summer. The later you get in June and then going into July, the more crowded it gets. Early June is probably even less crowded than the Christmas season and spring break.

But, I don't like going over Christmas and Easter (my children's school "spring break" is always over Easter), so we go in the summer.

 

[Tarheel girl 1975]

I would go the last week of May or first week of June. Like a PP suggested, I would go as soon as your kids are out of school. Unless you can go the first week of March, it will probably be more crowded than the beginning of June when some kids have not finished school yet. Going between Christmas and New years would be my last choice since that is one of the busiest weeks of the year.

 

[nkereina]

These are the choices I'm stuck with:

-The last week of December through the first week of January
-Spring break (usually mid-march for us)
-Summer vacation (last week of May to first week of August).

Which would you choose? Which is the best for crowds? Cost? Weather?

Of your choices, I vote for your Spring Break. If you're Spring Break was mid-April like most of the ones in the U.S., I might change my mind. But since it's mid-March, I vote for that. All of your time frames will be high crowds and higher tiered pricing, as I'm sure you've seen. I have been mid-March before and it was tolerable. Be mindful that the weather can be iffy then also. It will likely be warm but we arrived once on St. Patrick's Day and had to buy hoodies to wear the first few days because it was pretty cool. And we live in upstate New York!

I would avoid week after Christmas absolutely. I believe that is the single most crowded week at WDW. It's either that week or Thanksgiving week, but not much difference. The weather will also be cool which won't allow for much swimming and it may even be downright cold as many people have experienced.

Summer vacation might not be too bad but it will be much hotter than mid-March. Having gone in September, I know how hot it is and I'd imagine the true summer months would be even worse than what I experienced. If that doesn't bother you, I'd maybe look into end of May/first week of June or August. The crowds may be lower than your March time frame, but it will be HOT.

 

[lpoeppelman]

I would go end of May. We've gone several times and are going this week. By far the best in regards to crowds and not really that horribly hot. I would just plan a mid-day break to your pool!

 

[mikana876]

Thanks for all the replies!

Lot's to think about. I was already heavily leaning towards spring break or the last week of May. Glad to know that I was leaning in the right direction. It stinks that crowds will be so heavy during any of the times available but unfortunately we're stuck with the school schedule. I really don't mind hot, I actually much prefer hot weather over cold weather. BUT the horrible humidity/heat combination that I've only experienced once in WDW was awful! I would definitely like to avoid that again.

 

[dtum]

as our kids were growing up we always went as soon as they got out of school--first week of June. now they are grown up and except for the two years before GS started school, we go as soon as he gets out. Last time he did miss the last day of school, but the house we rented meant we had to leave on Friday. June is hot and seems to be getting hotter earlier, but we don't believe in taking kids out of school to go on vacation so we load up with water and try to make the best of it.


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[AJA]

Christmas - New Years Day is WAY too crowded (for me!)

My choice would be the last week of May.

March would also be nice at least weather wise if you're not used to the heat of summer. My concern with March would be the price and crowds, still not as bad as the last week of December though.

 

[kshattuck]

I would go in late May/early June. It's hot, but the crowds in March are beastly compared with very early summer.

Whatever you decide, have fun!

 

[sam_gordon]

Another vote for last week of May/first week of June.

We've been twice during that time frame over the last 5 years, and once between Christmas & NY. Crowds don't compare... much busier in December. Also, while the daytime temps MIGHT get warm enough, it gets chilly in the evening.

I might be willing to try March, but don't have any basis to judge it on. Crowds weren't bad in early June (SWW & designated park on Gay Days being the exception). If you plan around those events, you shouldn't have a problem.

 

[deuceswild10]

Last week in May. Lots of kids are still in school during this time. I would not choose Decemeber b/c it could be really cold. I love pools/water parks, so May would be perfect for me!

 

[Illinistifler]

I vote August. Its a tad warm but all the parks are in play. I lived 10 minutes from the world and it can get chilly in December to the point there would be 20 cars in whatever waterpark wasnt closed for rehab. MK would be so packed (especially on Christmas) you'd almost regret coming.

March is nice but spring break can be crowded.

Mid to late August when the kiddies go back to school the wait times are low and when it does rain at 415p it will be over by 435p

 

[nkereina]

Thanks for all the replies!

Lot's to think about. I was already heavily leaning towards spring break or the last week of May. Glad to know that I was leaning in the right direction. It stinks that crowds will be so heavy during any of the times available but unfortunately we're stuck with the school schedule. I really don't mind hot, I actually much prefer hot weather over cold weather. BUT the horrible humidity/heat combination that I've only experienced once in WDW was awful! I would definitely like to avoid that again.

One thing to consider with the heat factor - that we did not consider - is how much it takes out of you. It really made us exhausted and we rarely felt like eating a big meal, and we were on the DxDP. People are on the go constantly at WDW anyway but doing that in 90+ degree temps takes even more out of you. We didn't account for this and we both got really run down and sick. Now we know to go easy if we ever go during the hot months again!

 

[Willow Brook]

I have been to Disney for xmas so the last week of December is great for weather but can be crowded. Getting to the parks as soon as they open is a plus. I have also been the weekend after Thanksgiving and I loved it. Free dining offer and manageable crowds. Also, they tape the Disney parade at that time. Sept. can be very humid. Whatever date you pick, you will have a great time. Have a safe trip.

 

[MermaidMommy]

Crowds are historically lighter in late May/early June than in mid-May. The prices are also cheaper. In 2012, you can get Regular Season pricing if you check in by 5/31, and Summer Season starts on 6/1. In contrast, March is Peak Season (which is more expensive than Regular or Summer) from 3/9-3/31.

 

[monorailsilver]

These are the choices I'm stuck with:

-The last week of December through the first week of January
-Spring break (usually mid-march for us)
-Summer vacation (last week of May to first week of August).

Which would you choose? Which is the best for crowds? Cost? Weather?

I would choose summer.

December to January it would be too cold to swim. Plus I'd have to bring a winter coat, a light coat, pants, long sleeve shirts, shorts, short sleeve shirts. Too many clothes for me to bring. Plus the park hours might not be as long. OH & it might be crowded & on the $$$$ side.

Spring break-$$$$ & crowds & again it might be too chilly at night so I'd have to wear pants & bring a light coat. I don't like that idea.

I would go in the summer because I don't need a coat, I don't need long pants/shirts & I just need shorts, short sleeve shirts, tanks & flip flops & keens. Plus all the other stuff that goes with a vacation.

I know I will be able to swim every day & really if I go to FL, I expect to be in a pool or on a beach.

I hate the heat but it is doable-go to the park in the early am, leave mid day-swim or nap & then go back at dinner time til closing.

I would choose the weeks in the summer that are the cheapest as well.

 

[WINTER]

After just returning I can say "not Memorial Day Weekend"!

A CM told us Jan & Feb are good as well as Sept and Oct.

 

[glaserjm]

I say Spring Break, the crowds are there, but they're manageable and the weather is great, usually warm enough for pool/water rides, but it doesn't feel like you are stuck inside a steamer!

 

[mco65]

Last week of May is not terrible - crowd wise. Many schools are not out until June. We have gone a couple times this week and as far as I can remember, it was not TERRIBLE. I think it was hot, but it's always HOT.

I have not been the other 2 weeks you mentioned.

 

[mikana876]

Again thanks do much for all the great ideas!

I like the idea of checking in by at least 5/31 to get the regular season pricing. Does that mean I would get regular season pricing for the whole trip?