Pop with free quick service - worth it?

[oblori]

Hi everyone! Planning our family's first trip and we are currently booked at Pop June 7-17. I chose those dates solely on the fact that I found an amazing seat sale for flights on those days - flying from the east coast of Canada usually costs a small fortune. The free quick service meal per day is included with our package, so that's a nice little bonus. However, I've been reading about how busy the parks are during that time. My kids (aged 9 & 8) don't finish school until the end of June, so I thought we'd be ahead of the crowds - clearly I was wrong. I'm honestly considering changing the dates to the end of August/early September just to try to avoid the crowds. Is the middle of June really that bad? I'd appreciate any and all feedback.

 

[DisBuckMan]

Crowds ramp up around that time. Very few schools in the US are in session past the first week of June.

Late August/early September would be much better for crowds.

June heat isn't quite as bad as late August/early September heat, though. The humidity isn't quite ramped up to oppressive levels yet in June.

 

[samsteele]

You might also want to keep an ear to the ground for a Canadian Fall Free Dining offer which in past years has been offered a good 3 weeks or so before the general Fall Free Dining offer (which is open to both US & Cdn guests). There is no guarantee it will be offered this year but August seems to be a time when WDW struggles to fill rooms relative to the rest of the year so something to consider. It has always been offered in US $ rates (so still a hammer on currency conversion) but a few extra early wks for Cdns before the surge. Check the WDW website often but also check the Canadian subforum here on the DIS Boards because it is sure to be posted if/once it is offered. Bonus for you would be that the Cdn Free Dining offer has historically been true free dining (2 QS meals plus snack credits plus refillable mug per day per person) as opposed to one QS meal.

Regardless of what offer you ultimately choose, don't forget to book your QS lunch at Be Our Guest (BOG) & pre-order online. Even the lunch slots fill quickly and a great use of your QS credit while in the Magic Kingdom.

 

[DisneyWorldbuff]

I think with proper planning that early/ middle June is a fine time to go. We always travel that first part of June and have watched the crowd levels increase over the past twelve years.... More every year. I don't believe that one can escape crowds at WDW entirely anymore. I would prefer June over August weather personally. Plan which credits are the best bang for your buck, plan your fast passes and "must dos" for each family member. Take advantage of the resort in the middle of the day for swim breaks and relaxation. I think with appropriate expectations you can have a fabulous trip. But, as others have said keep looking for discounts that work better for your family and be flexible. I hope you have a great trip no matter what you decide!

 

[oblori]

Thanks so much! I have a breakfast and a lunch already booked for BOG, so I'm very glad for that. I'm thinking I might tentatively book at CBR or CS for the end of August as well, just in case free dining does pop up. If I book now I'll be able to hop on ADRs by the end of this month and have them secured, in case we do decide to switch and go then. Best to have my butt covered for both time frames until I know for sure when we're going.

 

[Zife]

I chose those dates solely on the fact that I found an amazing seat sale for flights on those days - flying from the east coast of Canada usually costs a small fortune.

I feel you on that. Part of the reason we moved back to Ontario from Newfoundland was the cost to fly anywhere. If you found a great deal, props. I've not been in June, but I have been to MK when a Phase 1 close happened, and even then, crowds were still manageable. If you're interested in dining at WDW, maybe look into upgrading to the normal Dining Plan instead of Quick Service Dining (you just pay the difference between the two). I just don't find QSDP to be enough.