Planning our first trip to Disney World

[OurLabtink]

Hi

I am in the process of Planning my family's first trip to Disney. I have not been since I was 10 years old and this will be my Dh and Sons' first trip! We are looking at three times and debating between which would be best, April, September or December.

Right now we are looking at staying off site and going to the parks for 5or 6 days.

I am enjoying learning from reading the boards.

 

[WMorganS]

Hi

I am in the process of Planning my family's first trip to Disney. I have not been since I was 10 years old and this will be my Dh and Sons' first trip! We are looking at three times and debating between which would be best, April, September or December.

Right now we are looking at staying off site and going to the parks for 5or 6 days.

I am enjoying learning from reading the boards.

Since it's your first trip in a long time, it's really important to go when the crowds are low. I'd pay $12 to see the long range crowd levels at http://touringplans.com/walt-disney-world and avoid any day over crowd level 7 until you've been a couple times and know the ropes (pun intended).

September 4-30 has almost no crowds, but it's hot, muggy. As a first timer, you won't be park hopping so I'd go in late Sept if this is your choice.

December 1-20 has almost no crowds, but it's cold. And starting Dec 21st it gets crazy so don't extend by even one day.

Late April (14-30) has some crowds and is more expensive, but the weather is AWESOME. Late April would be my first pick if you're early risers.

You should also look closely at the prices to be sure staying off property is the best choice. Remember to factor in car rental, $15/day parking, DDP discounts, and the 45 minutes each way to/from MK in a car, and if you go in April, EMH would have more value to you because of the crowds.

Note: if you do change your mind to stay on site, search the web for historical discounts so you know what you'll really be paying!

 

[MrsBoyer428]

For us, we will always stay on property. The extras that you get staying on property (especially if you book with a discount) far outweigh saving $ on a room.

 

[Metro West]

Welcome!

 

[OurLabtink]

Thank you for the welcome and advice !!

 

[lebeauc]

My wife and I (and my family) went the week after Thanksgiving in 2006 and it was awesome. The weather was good (no un-godly hot days). There were a couple days we didn't feel like swimming because it was a little cool. Other then that, the crowds were small esp at Universal (we got on most rides with no wait at all). We are planning to go next April or early May with our 3 kids and can't wait.

If April is too expensive, then I would do December, as long as its well before Christmas. It's also nice to see everything decorated for the holidays in December.

 

[cosmolette]

We went last year in September and there was barely anyone there PERFECT! It was a bit hot but if you like to shop or are gettinf on rides its not a bif deal. I recommend staying on site. I went through the same ordeal debating and trying to save money and in the long run using disney transportation, dinning and discounts are so much easier and relaxing! The September deals are not out yet (we are planning a trip then as well) I would wait till they come out to book the trip. Our first vacation we stayed at a moderate resort to get the free dinning (quick service, sit down and a snack). Good luck planning it can be very nerve racking!

 

[LovePug]

If you celebrate Christmas, I absolutely love early December. The decorations give it a whole different feel. The only downside is the weather can be unpredictable between warm and cold. September is great for low crowds, but is usually pretty hot. I guess is would depend on if you mind the heat. If you go in April, just be sure to check when Easter falls and avoid the time around then...

 

[Vickilynn42]

How exciting! I don't have much advice as far as when to go as I have only been there in October and May and the weather has been perfect. We have always stayed off site at The Buena Vista Suites and we love it there. Free breakfast too. I'd much rather have a bigger room and have the freedom of a rental car etc., and we saved a ton of money by staying off site. Even when factoring in the rental car we were able to save a lot of money. We bought snacks and water by the case and kept it in our room. None of us felt we missed any of the magic!

 

[nanay2jdr]

I found mousesavers.com and allears.net wdwinfo.com and this board very helpful with planning our first trip. So exciting!

 

[ses1230]

For April you have to maneuver around Easter possibly, and spring break crowds. There is the Flower and Garden festival during that time, if that interests you.

September is very good crowd-wise, but it will be hot. Depending on when you go you might be able to attnd MNSSHP, which is the best hard ticket event Disney has, imo.

Early December is good for crowds, but the weather can be iffy. We went Dec. 8-15, 2012 and we mostly wore short sleeves during the day and sweaters at night. One day it was so cold, though, we had to buy a blanket to cover our DDs in the stroller. If you like the Christmas season, there are many things to do like MVMCP, Osborne lights, Candlelight Processional, Storytellers at Epcot. You can also go to a few resorts to check out Christmas decorations. My favorites are the life size gingerbread house at GF and the gingerbread carousel at BC.

 

[jesswindsor]

Welcome!!!

 

[irishfanx4]

My best suggestion is to look around to find a deal so you can stay on property. It is so worth it to us not to have to worry about going anywhere in our car once we get there. So much more convenient too with the treasures you buy. They can be sent directly back to your hotel room so there's nothing extra to carry. We also like the free Disney transportation so you can choose to have a drink or too and not have to worry about having a designated driver. Hope you have a great trip whenever you choose to go!!

 

[Tracy NS]

Welcome and you've come to the right place!
I was a member here before but our vacation planning fell through. I'm back for round two and now that I have a daughter and step son of my own, we are going to make this one happen for sure!!