Please help..

[Vickilynn42]

I need advice from all of you seasoned Disney travelers, or those of you that live in FL. After much planning and excitement, my family of five- hubby, myself, and three kids (18, 15, and 13) arrived in FL (flying from WY) this last Sunday to spend seven days in DW. We had one day in the Magic Kingdom (monday), and had an amazing time. The next morning, we were given the news my father-in-law was dying after having a massive heart-attack and we needed to head home. Needless to say, we all were devastated. My father-in-law died yesterday morning before we were able to get home and it has been so hard for everyone. Not only did we lose a man we loved with all of our hearts so suddenly, but the family vacation we had planned and waited for for so long was over after one day. It was heartbreaking to see my kids grieve not only for the loss of their grandfather, but the loss of their dream to be in Disney World. They were so conflicted to want to be home to comfort their grandmother and to mourn his passing, but they also wanted so badly to stay and have the vacation they had planned out for quite a while. As we flew out, they looked down and saw the Epcot ball which was hard for them as we were to be in Epcot that day.

I promised them we would go back- Disney was wonderful and "credited" us for six days in the park, so we wouldn't lose the money we put into the tickets. They were so very kind. We want to figure out what are other times similar to May, weather and crowd-wise. We were able to get on rides over and over- some with only ten minute waits. It was hot, but not too hot, and the humidity wasn't bad at all. Can anyone recommend the times that might have lower crowds, and the heat isn't over the top? Also, we worry about extremely rainy days.

I have heard that my daughter's high-school might be implementing some new rules that would make it almost impossible to take her out of school for vacation as we did this last time. So it might have to be during the summer. If that happens, which of the three months- June, July or August would you recommend? I'm going to work hard to get us back there soon- I made that promise to my kids and I won't break it. Thank you all for your advice.

 

[chrismass]

I'm very sorry for your loss.

The crowds and heat in June - August are nowhere near as nice as May, so if you don't plan on waiting until next May you should plan on sweating and waiting on lines. The least crowded times (relatively speaking) is after August 15th, but then the thunderstorms / hurricanes occur more frequently.

We used to go during school time and it was wonderful, but now that my kids are older we are a late August vacationing family. We have gotten used to the heat and crowds but I still think back on those cooler days when lines were non-existent...

 

[DaniB]

I'm sorry for your family's loss.

If your family can go back this year, perhaps during FD if you can sneak the kids out before the school rules take effect for the new school year. With your children's ages, that should save quite a bit of money.

 

[Tigger i luv DISNEY]

Coming from someone who knows what you kids are going through... i am 18 turning 19 this May and last May i lost my Grandfather.

I had planned since the previous september to go to Disney World for a Graduation trip with my best friend... mind you his death didn't happen while we were gone it was still devestating.

We couldn't go any other time other that July or Aug as we couldn't miss school. I guess this post is to reassure you... We were in Disney for 12 days in the middle of July and the longest line we waited in was twenty mins.

If you utilize your fast passes and get to the parks early and hit the major rides and save the walk through stuff for afternoon it goes really smoothly. Sometimes in the mornings we would acquire three or four fastpasses that we would use in the afternoons... as you can get a second or third one after the other one comes up time wise and you can use them anytime that day. This allowed us to walk onto rides in the afternoon and grab some shade and watch all the afternoon parades and such.

Good luck - keep us posted - My prayers are with you and your family.

 

[beccasmom]

My sincere condolences!

We are going again in August this year. While it is hot and steamy, there are lots of ways to make it work. The crowds toward the end of the month are moderate. We try to make sure we alternate busy days w/ days of relative leisure - shopping, relaxing by the pool, maybe a spa trip or golf game, whatever works. WDW is wonderful under any circumstances and I hope your upcoming trip is especially magical!

 

[metsno1]

I'm so terribly sorry for your loss......

If I were in that situation, I'd be looking at rebooking a trip for August 15-24 or thereabouts. Purchase a package for the number of hotel nights that you'll need, and only add the necessary minimum of 3 days park tix so that you qualify for free dining. You'll be in value season, so that hotel rates are lower, and the free dining should really help keep the budget in check. I know it's a bit longer than the original week-long trip you had planned, but in order to get the best value for your dollar, you might just be better off extending it a little bit since you have to purchase a minimum three day ticket to get FD, and then you can still use your remaining six days from your previous trip.