Please help me decide which dates to go...

[Mama Moose]

We are planning a to go this summer, but having a hard time choosing a time.
Our options are:
June 5-15th at CSR
June 26-July 5th CSR or Pop
August 1-10th at CSR or Pop-Free dining

We were leaning toward the August free dining trip, but the early June trip is $1000 less than CSR free dining and $600 less than Pop.
The trip over the 4th of July is really only in there because I'm already off work that week, not really when I want to go to Disney.
The crowd levels seem to all be the same, so not sure if that plays into it. We are from SC, so we are familiar with the heat and humidity.
What is the best week to avoid lots of tour groups? We've been in mid-July and there were a lot of them then, but we didn't have a problem with them as long as we went the other way.

For those that have been in the summer, please give me your opinions on what you would choose. Thanks!

 

[Disneylover99]

We are planning a to go this summer, but having a hard time choosing a time.
Our options are:
June 5-15th at CSR
June 26-July 5th CSR or Pop
August 1-10th at CSR or Pop-Free dining

We were leaning toward the August free dining trip, but the early June trip is $1000 less than CSR free dining and $600 less than Pop.
The trip over the 4th of July is really only in there because I'm already off work that week, not really when I want to go to Disney.
The crowd levels seem to all be the same, so not sure if that plays into it. We are from SC, so we are familiar with the heat and humidity.
What is the best week to avoid lots of tour groups? We've been in mid-July and there were a lot of them then, but we didn't have a problem with them as long as we went the other way.

For those that have been in the summer, please give me your opinions on what you would choose. Thanks!

Does the cheaper June trip include the cost of dining?

 

[rdaky]

I vote for early June. We went early June last year and the crowds were not bad, probably because a lot of schools in the North are still in session.

We're actually going again this year end of May/beginning of June for the same reason. Don't get me wrong- it was still busy and still hot. But it was nothing like mid-summer crowds.

 

[lala5176]

We are planning a to go this summer, but having a hard time choosing a time.
Our options are:
June 5-15th at CSR
June 26-July 5th CSR or Pop
August 1-10th at CSR or Pop-Free dining

We were leaning toward the August free dining trip, but the early June trip is $1000 less than CSR free dining and $600 less than Pop.
The trip over the 4th of July is really only in there because I'm already off work that week, not really when I want to go to Disney.
The crowd levels seem to all be the same, so not sure if that plays into it. We are from SC, so we are familiar with the heat and humidity.
What is the best week to avoid lots of tour groups? We've been in mid-July and there were a lot of them then, but we didn't have a problem with them as long as we went the other way.

For those that have been in the summer, please give me your opinions on what you would choose. Thanks!

We always went mid June but for the last few years have been going July 4th and you definitely see the difference in crowd levels. We always felt the crowds in early mid June were more doable. We have never been in August so can’t comment on that but Id choose June.

 

[MooseBucks]

Early June for lowest crowds but you can’t go wrong with any really

 

[Nancyg56]

I would first try to determine the cost of food for the June trip and then compare the overall cost. Food adds up, so I would consider the overall cost when making the decision between June and August.

Personally, I find August heat and humidity pretty harsh, but have never been in June so I cannot comment to that aspect of the trip. I will say that I have always wanted to enjoy the 4th of July fireworks spectacular so I might lean towards those dates, but only becuase of the fireworks.

 

[Hi Pluto]

We went in late may/early june and the first days of our trip were still relatively cool, as in 84 degrees. Near the end we hit the upper 90's and even though we're used to the heat and humidity in St. Louis, it was rough. I do think the earlier you go the better chance for better weather (it's only going to get hotter). And the crowds are better in early June.

 

[Mama Moose]

Thank you everyone!! I am leaning towards the early June dates, but that's going the date the kids get out of school. My older one is graduating 8th grade and loves the idea of going right after that. I was hoping that people with flexible schedules would have booked free dining and maybe crowds wouldn't be that bad during the non-free dining dates.

 

[Skippyboo]

August - you’re going to have people from the UK coming over too. August is their main kids out of school month.

It’s going to be hot during all the three choices.

 

[DisneyGirlMI]

Do you already have the August trip booked? If not, the free dining offer expired the beginning of February.

It will be hot no matter when you go, so I wouldn’t base your decision on that.

 

[sbd78]

I'd pick free dining, because feeding a family in Disney is expensive! Likely quite a bit more than your savings by going when it's not free dining.

 

[Hopefully]

Early June. Better weather, lower crowds

 

[Minnie1222]

I vote for early June as well.
The South & Central American students usually take their tours late June to mid-August.
UK students start their summer break in late July, so August is the month of choice to visit Orlando.

 

[hammie59]

I’ve been early June, mid June, mid Aug and late Aug. Early June and late Aug would be my first choice for lower crowds, but free dining is something we have a hard time passing up. If you didn't already book the fd deal before it expired, then I suggest June over early August. Aside from the crowd issue, it rains A LOT in August. Our trip is actually booked for the same time in Aug that you're considering and I’m not too fired up about the timing. However, the fd makes it all better in my mind.

 

[Shellyb84]

We like late June into the first week of July, we enjoy being there for the 4th of July.

 

[Mama Moose]

We have FD in August booked, but I would rather go in June.
Our "free dining" in August costs $800 more and is one less day than the early June trip.

 

[nkereina]

June 5-15th at CSR

This one would be my choice. Its before the new tower and restaurant opens at CSR, so really a last chance to visit CSR before its busy for a while. Also, the schools here in the northeast are still in session during this time period so of your choices, this is the best timeframe for crowds.

 

[hammie59]

We have FD in August booked, but I would rather go in June.
Our "free dining" in August costs $800 more and is one less day than the early June trip.

I’d definitely go in June then (unless you plan on eating more than $800 worth of food). It wouldn’t make sense to pay more. Plus you get the time frame you prefer and an extra day. Is the extra $800 because you’re staying at CSR?