Planned to go next Sept. now thinking May instead....opinions

[flipflop]

So, we had decided on a trip in Dec. 2008 complete with a 4 night DCL cruise followed by WDW. Now, we are rethinking things, thinking about nixing the cruise and are considering going in May for 8 nights, right before our triplets turn 3. The idea of saving $800 is so compelling.

Certain things will be the same regardless of when we go: we will be staying at BCV; we will have a set fo grandparents with us; it will be our children's first trip to the world.

Other things will be different: christmas decorations, flower show (which DH and I went to this year alone), paying for tickets and taking three almost 3 year olds vs. taking 3, 3/2 year olds.

Thoughts?

ETA: Apparently, I don't know the difference b/w Sept and Dec. Long day. Def. planned to go in DEC.

 

[Love the Mouse]

Gosh, that's a hard one. DH and I went on the cruise a few years ago before we had any kids and absolutely LOVED it! We had such a good time and it was by far the best cruise I have ever been on. Plus, Disney at Christmas is so magical! We are planning on going again in December of 2008 and cannot wait! Hopefully we will have my parents there as well (since we invited them).

But, on the other hand, saving $800 is a big thing as well. Does the savings of $800 include the food and the extra time on property that you will have to buy those extra days? May is a nice time to go as well. I really enjoyed the flower show while we were there, but if I had to choose for myself, I would do the cruise and Disney at Christmas.

Good luck with whatever you do.

 

[flipflop]

The $800 is only for the savings on the hopper passes. Cost of accomodations isn't a factor b/c we own DVC (though we would be using more points b/c we'd be staying for longer in May). We would probably get the meal plan for ourselves and let the kids eat off our plates but also order food for them as necessary. It also doesn't factor in what we'd be saving by not going on the cruise (I figure we'd still save even with the additional days of food cost). We will be taking the kids again - this is not a once in a lifetime trip. We may nix the cruise even if we go in December b/c of cost. I am really torn by the Christmas decorations having never been at that time of year.

 

[jenseib]

I have been in May a couple of times and the crowds weren't too bad. I vote for May and go before they are 3. I think 3 years, espeically 3 of them would be a little extra hard to take care of on the cruise. I'm sure htey would enjoy it, but more likely to enjoy it more when they are older. We took our 2YO in March and she loved it so much. I am now trying to convince DH to go for her b-day this Dec.

 

[dwelty]

Be aware that both May and September are love bug swarm months. If they are active the week you are there they will be everywhere. If your kids are afraid of bugs, they will freak out. (I know first hand). Not the best experience for a first trip (IMHO) These are the only two months that they are an issue.

 

[asktriplets]

hi flipflop,

we took our 3 at 3 y.o. (actually there for their 3rd bday...gotta love the free tickets and buffets for the under-3 set!) and 3.5 y.o, and there really wasn't too much of a difference as far as schedule, interest in rides, etc.

the only big difference may be the potty training issue (unless your's will be potty trained before 3, anyway)...at 3, mine were still in diapers, and at 3.5, although they weren't really wearing underwear ALL the time at home (pullups at night and when we went out), we found that pullups all day long were better for the kids while in the park. i didn't feel like they were "going backwards" on their progress, and they got back into the swing of things pretty easily once we got home...i am also someone that PREFERRED diapers in the parks---it was SO much easier than herding 3 little ones to the bathroom!


if i remember correctly, my kids might have had a tad bit more stamina in the parks at 3.5 y.o., but really, they still absolutely needed naps and they were beat by their normal bedtime (8:30-9) on both trips.

the trip we took when they were 3.5 was a bit more challenging than the earlier trips (at 2, 2.5, and 3 y.o.), but that's because they themselves were a bit more challenging (more opinionated, more independent, more whiney). when they were a bit younger, my kids were happy doing WHATEVER we suggested, but they were very laid-back toddlers, for the most part...i think the thing that you've got going for you, at any age, is the fact that they will all be interested in the same stuff, developmentally (i can do 3 two year olds- no problem-, but i can't imagine keeping a baby, toddler, and preteen, for example, happy all at the same time at WDW!)



we've gone late april/early may and nov. for the last 3 years , so here are my thoughts on may v. dec:

may:
PRO:
flower and garden festival at epcot (great music, incredible topiaries which your kids will LOVE, butterfly garden, and at least 2 playscapes which will be perfect for your little ones)

lovely swimming weather, ESPECIALLY for the kiddie pool at BC...we stayed there this past May and we swam EVERY day (we've never done that before) because that sandy-bottom pool is SO SO great for little ones.

CON:
more crowded (as compared to our nov. trips, anyway)

can be hot, hot,hot

dec:
PRO:
incredible seasonal decorations...really gets you in the mood for the holidays

cooler, less humid weather seems easier on the kids (although in dec, it will probably get quite chilly in the evenings, which means packing/carrying more gear)

CON:
the $$$ (this alone might do it for us!)

the waiting (that's an extra 7 mths!!! that's a LONG time to be patient for an incredible vacation)

not very comfortable swimming weather...this is a huge factor for us


not sure this helped, but if it were me, i'd choose May for the savings and the swimming!


oh ,as for the bugs...we go the first week in may and haven't had any problems with them (mosquitos or love bugs)
good luck deciding,