Please help pick 2017 dates

[DisneyDoesMyHair]

We are planning our first trip to Disney World for early 2017. Our group is two adults and two children, ages 9 and 2 1/2. We already decided we want to stay on-site in a moderate resort for 8-9 days with 8 day tickets and the disney dining plan. We plan to spend at least one day in each park, possibly two in Epcot and Magic Kingdom, and spend a couple of slow days at the resort and/or Disney Springs. However, we can not decide on the dates that would be best for our trip. I have researched many of the crowd calendars, and my dates seem to be contradictory on different sites. One site says these dates are a great time to visit for first-time visitors, while other sites say these dates are not ideal. It is all very confusing. I am hoping this forum can help.
The options:
1. February 24th - March 4th
The pros for this time period is that it lines up with Mardi Gras break for my oldest child (February 27 - March 1). So the oldest will only miss three days of school. The potential cons are that the Princess Half Marathon is scheduled during this time period. I am unsure how the combination of Mardi Gras break and the Princess Half Marathon will affect crowds? Also, we would love to spend some time in the pool and on water rides. Will the temps be too low to truly enjoy the water?
2. April 14th - 22nd
The pros are that my oldest will be on Easter and Spring Break during this time period and will not miss any school. I have heard the weather is nice during April, and we could get more time in the pools. The potential cons are that this stay would include the weekend of Easter. I have heard the parks are extremely crowded during this time period.
3. April 21 - April 29 or April 28th - May 6th
We would consider either of these weeks as a last resort, although neither are ideal for our child's school schedule.
Please help me narrow down my choice. I am feeling overwhelmed after all of my research!

 

[scrapquitler]

Given those options, I would choose the Mardi Gras break.

 

[jmccoy18]

I would go with Option 1. I would stay away from Easter (even though it would be doable with a good touring plan) and if the last option isn't good for your kid's school, then I would definitely prefer Mardi Gras week.

 

[brockash]

We are planning our first trip to Disney World for early 2017. Our group is two adults and two children, ages 9 and 2 1/2. We already decided we want to stay on-site in a moderate resort for 8-9 days with 8 day tickets and the disney dining plan. We plan to spend at least one day in each park, possibly two in Epcot and Magic Kingdom, and spend a couple of slow days at the resort and/or Disney Springs. However, we can not decide on the dates that would be best for our trip. I have researched many of the crowd calendars, and my dates seem to be contradictory on different sites. One site says these dates are a great time to visit for first-time visitors, while other sites say these dates are not ideal. It is all very confusing. I am hoping this forum can help.
The options:
1. February 24th - March 4th
The pros for this time period is that it lines up with Mardi Gras break for my oldest child (February 27 - March 1). So the oldest will only miss three days of school. The potential cons are that the Princess Half Marathon is scheduled during this time period. I am unsure how the combination of Mardi Gras break and the Princess Half Marathon will affect crowds? Also, we would love to spend some time in the pool and on water rides. Will the temps be too low to truly enjoy the water?
2. April 14th - 22nd
The pros are that my oldest will be on Easter and Spring Break during this time period and will not miss any school. I have heard the weather is nice during April, and we could get more time in the pools. The potential cons are that this stay would include the weekend of Easter. I have heard the parks are extremely crowded during this time period.
3. April 21 - April 29 or April 28th - May 6th
We would consider either of these weeks as a last resort, although neither are ideal for our child's school schedule.
Please help me narrow down my choice. I am feeling overwhelmed after all of my research!

I'd def. pick 4/28-5/6. No way would I go over Easter break...just way too crowded and not worth it and I think the crowds will be pretty heavy during Mardi Gras/1/2 marathon. Your only school-age kiddo is/will be 9, which is 3rd/4th grade...they'll be fine. Once you get into high school it can be more of an issue, but I wouldn't even think twice about pulling them out of elementary. We've done this almost every year and never had a problem, just give the teacher plenty of notice. My kiddo's teachers have always been excited for them. Go and enjoy your week with nice weather and lower crowds.

 

[AshleeH]

I would stay away from Easter, but at the same time, it is a dream of mine to see the Flower and Garden Festival at some point, so I think that would be a beautiful time to go!

 

[DisneyDoesMyHair]

Given those options, I would choose the Mardi Gras break.

I was leaning toward this week, but the 1/2 marathon has me worried about touring the parks in the mornings.

 

[DisneyDoesMyHair]

I would stay away from Easter, but at the same time, it is a dream of mine to see the Flower and Garden Festival at some point, so I think that would be a beautiful time to go!

I didn't even think about the festival! I vet it is gorgeous!

 

[DisneyDoesMyHair]

I'd def. pick 4/28-5/6. No way would I go over Easter break...just way too crowded and not worth it and I think the crowds will be pretty heavy during Mardi Gras/1/2 marathon. Your only school-age kiddo is/will be 9, which is 3rd/4th grade...they'll be fine. Once you get into high school it can be more of an issue, but I wouldn't even think twice about pulling them out of elementary. We've done this almost every year and never had a problem, just give the teacher plenty of notice. My kiddo's teachers have always been excited for them. Go and enjoy your week with nice weather and lower crowds.

I am on board with taking the oldest out of school, I am just unsure how it will be received by the school district. Do you think crowds will be low enough to make a week out of school worth it?

 

[DisneyDoesMyHair]

I would go with Option 1. I would stay away from Easter (even though it would be doable with a good touring plan) and if the last option isn't good for your kid's school, then I would definitely prefer Mardi Gras week.

It looks like it is a split between Mardi Gras and late Spring. I think Easter is out as an option due to crowds.

 

[DisneyDoesMyHair]

Thank you all so much for your responses! This is my first post, and I am so excited to plan our first trip. This site has been such a huge help already!

 

[brockash]

I am on board with taking the oldest out of school, I am just unsure how it will be received by the school district. Do you think crowds will be low enough to make a week out of school worth it?

In my opinion I do, but I'm really not a fan of crowds. I mean, check with your school/district first, but if your kiddo isn't struggling in school and you're willing to make sure he/she makes up his/her work, I def. think it's worth taking a 9 year old out of school for a week for better crowds etc.