Please Convince Me to Try WDW in June Again

[keishashadow]

Went to WDW the 3rd week in June a few years ago and swore that I'd never go at that time again. Well, never say never!

Looks like we'll be fortunate enough to sneak in yet another trip over the summer school vacation next year. I assume late June would be the best crowd-wise?

We experienced poncho destroying torrential rain. Hope it was a fluke. Heat wasn't oppressive until the last day (when the rain left ha!ha!). We still had a great time, but if there's a "secret summer week" you know of, please share.

I specifically hope for reports from those of you who toured WDW the end of June this year, but welcome any/all input.

 

[kmgl78]

Is there any way you can go the first week in June? It seems less crowded - I have been told that this is because many people are still in school the first week in June.

Also, at WDW it obviously gets hotter as the summer goes on, so the earlier the better if you want to beat the heat.

 

[MonkeyPants]

late june is indeed rough

 

[poohfan]

I agree that the earlier in June the better. Our friends went the 2nd week in June and they said it wasn't too bad but the crowds seemed to increase as their vacation went on. By the end of June most, if not all, schools are on summer break.

 

[dreams4disney]

We were there the first eek of June this past summer and it was great crowd wise for us. I would go as early in the month as I could the longer our stay the more crowds picked up. By the 11th of June it was getting pretty busy.

 

[RachelTori]

First half of June, crowds are tolerable - still lots of schools in session. June is a stormy month; bring a poncho - you'll usually have to dodge a shower or 2 but a total rain-out is unlikely. Best advice for any time in summer months is go early; rest during the hottest part of the day back at your resort; hit parks again late afternoon (after the showers pass!) or evening.

 

[keishashadow]

Already pulling DS out of school for 1 trip in December, don't have the nerve to try for two this school year. HS Asst. Principal told me they "discourage family vacations during the school year" but if the trip has an educational tie-in (can you say Epcot), they feel better about it. Perhaps I should just call him off sick, probably would need a Dr's excuse for 5 days. The grade school he attended had no problem with family trips, and my DS is an A student.

Unfortunately, our school year doesn't let out until the 2nd week of June, sometimes later depending on snow make-up days.

My youngest DS starts football practice the 3rd week of August.

Perhaps I should be looking at the end of July, hotter but, probably less rain?

 

[pooh2001]

We go the end of June to early July.
Yes some crowds - depends where you go...

Use fast passes
Do Parks in the AM.
No MK on Saturday or Sunday

Can get rainy in the afternoon.
Epcot is fine - do the World section.
Wear the WDW rain poncho's - if they rip, you can exchange them for a new one.
Or - go to DTD and do Disney Quest, Movies, shopping
Visit a resort - WL and take a tour (I think there is one at 3pm - I would call first)

Make lunch ADR's - a MUST - great way to beat crowds and cool off mid-day.
If you go to the park at night - have a dinner ADR. You can always call during the day from your WDW resort (button on phone - no charge) and get an ADR somewhere.

The rain drives soem people away from the parks - we still go to all - except AK in the rain.

Pack an extra pair of sneakers - let the wet ones dry out at night.

And remember to have fun - you are on vacation !

 

[AJKMOM]

Hey keishashadow,

I don't think anyone here could in good conscience convince you that the end of June would ever be a good time to visit WDW. If your DS's school doesn't get out until the second week of June, maybe you could go right before it starts up again? Usually the late ending means a later start in September? The last 2 weeks of August are more bearable than the end of June!

 

[minijeanie]

I have gone both end of June and August and quite honestly have seen no difference.

Go with June...if you do August, you will have to come right home and do that whole school shopping thing.

On our 7 day trip in June had 2 hours of rain

on My Sept. trip had 5 days of solid rain...YUCH

 

[luv2nascar]

we were there this year 6/18 - 6/25. We are also from PA and left here in 90 degree weather and high humidity. It was darn hot in Florida but we loved it. We have 2 kids and just paced ourselves. Go to parks early - avoid park all day that has EMH - people don't buy hoppers and jam the park all day. Take a break when you are over heated. Expect the rain every day. The clouds when it wasn't raining were great for keeping the heat down. We enjoyed our trip sooooo much we are going same week next year.

 

[jwfla422]

Sorry but I have nothing good to say about June ..if it's the only time you can go, better than not going at all, but after being there in June 2004 (early June too), that was DEFINITELY the last time we'll go then. Too crowded and too darn hot for us-and those downpours, yuck!! and we're from South FL!! But, we do have the convenience of going other times of the year so it's all the matter of when you can go.

 

[dixipixi]

I have been to WDW at various times during the summer.

DH and I have always taken the kids over the last week of May/ first week of June. Our schools let out around the 24th of May so we can usually squeeze in that last week of May.

After this past June, I have said, "never again!"

We're from Louisiana, so the weather (even the poncho destroying rains) doesn't phase us.

The crowds were absolutely horrible. We were there from June 1st-12th. We were unable to squeeze in that last week of May (due to making up for hurricane days from last September). Maybe that made the difference, but the crowds were the worst I have ever seen. Everywhere we went was crowded. Every park we visited, the water parks, even DTD.

Several years ago, DS and I went with my mom during the last week of August. I found the crowds to be much smaller at that time. I know you stated your son has football at that time, but for anyone that can do it...I would highly recommend the last couple weeks of August as opposed to any other time during the summer...strictly for crowd avoidance.

Since our kids start back mid August (today was actually their first day back) it is impossible for us to go at this time anymore.

 

[Ahrizel]

We've done several trips in June, from early to late. Crowds are definitely lighter earlier in the month, especially the first 2 weeks. Later June is more crowded, but still passable to us. The weather ranges from very warm to hotter then Hades, humidity from very high to sauna-this is all of summer at Orlando. Summer is rainy season in general, all of it averages 7-8 inches of rain a month. We've also gone in low season several times so we do have a good idea of the difference. I would prefer to go in low season again, but the major reason for me is the heat, I don't tolerate it well. Of course, I'm still trying to convince my sister to in June '06 with us, she can't take the kids out of school as much as they get older. Hot and humid in Disney is still better then no Disney You can have a good time in summer, you just have to accept the weather and the crowds as part of the tradeoff. And unlike offseason, the parks are running long hours with fireworks and shows running every night-always night. Early June would also hit the Flower and Garden Festival and probably Star Wars weekends also. Go with a plan to deal with the weather(and a strong sense of humor) and you can have a good time.

 

[nluvwithmickey]

Hot and humid in disney is still better than no Disney....absolutely true. It just depends on how well you tolerate the heat and crowds. Te crowds are not a problem for me....the heat was a little harder on my family this year. I am a morning til nght in the parks girl. Even though I don't go commando, I still do not want to go back to the hotel....so the heat can affect the moods of your family.


If you take that into account, and you still feel like you will have a great time...go ahead. We still had a magical time because we KNEW what to expect.

 

[puffkin]

With our trips, we have hit just about everyweek in June and July. This past year, we were there June 17-25. Compared to other summer trips, the weather wasn't too bad this time. We had slightly more torrential rain showers than normal, but no days that were a wash out. It was hot and humid, but not nearly as oppressive as some of our other summer trips. A couple of evenings, it was downright comfortable.

We have always found Disney to be manageable in the summer. On this trip, we hit the parks early, used fast pass, and did the major rides first. We didn't wait longer than 20 minutes for most rides and we pretty much saw and did everything at least once. The only time we have had absolutely horrendous crowds was when we went in late July, but even that was bearable with careful planning.

I like the summer cause I like that everything is up and running, the long hours, all the carts and counter service places are operating, the waterparks are open, warm enough to use the pools, don't have to dress in layers. I like when the shows have a full house and the restaurants are full. We have gone in early December and I almost missed all the people (almost ).

I think you will be fine with June. Just have a plan for each day, hit the parks early and mentally prepare for the crowds. I would rather go in June than not at all

 

[keishashadow]

Thanks for all the info - I've booked for the week of 6/18. Still on the fence as to which week would be "better"; 6/18 or 6/25. I assume the week of 6/25 would be more crowded with July 4th the next Tuesday.

I always hate to schedule our summer trip too early, then it seems the rest of the summer drags with nothing to look forward to...Guess it's better not to stress - any trip @ WDW is magical.

PS - didn't know WDW would replace the ponchos if they're shredded by the rain, must be more common than I thought.