Pros & Cons--End of August or Jersey Week

[BeccaGrace]

Still trying to decide on trip dates for '06 (and still shocked that DH wants to go back so badly so soon after our 12/05 trip!!!)...We don't want the girls missing school so it would be 5 days in Jersey Week (11/7-12/12) or a full week towards the end of August (probably 8/23-8/30).

Here are my pros & cons so far...can anyone add to them or help in our decision?

Jersey Week
Pros:
--less hot
--less chance of hurricanes
Cons:
--with everyone from NJ being there it will be like being home
--extra crowds with F&W and maybe Super Soap weekend like last year
--regular season prices
--shorter trip unless they miss school

August
Pros:
--longer trip
--no stress re: missing school
--usually good deals/value season/cheaper airfare
Cons:
--HEAT (this won't be an option at all if youngest dd is still on meds that affect sweating but we are hoping to wean her by Spring)
--Hurricanes

We are very big on get there early and take afternoon breaks at the resort, so that would help with both visits in dealing with crowds/heat. Beyond that I am having trouble deciding which is the better choice--Any help would be appreciated!

 

[bigmac5]

We were in Disney this past Aug 28-Sept 3. Even though it was hot and humid, we went to the parks when they first opened and there were no lines. We saw about everything we wanted to see(and did several rides twice) by 1pm and headed back to our room for a break and freshen up for supper. Then we saw night shows at night. We just took it easy and didn't push ourselves too much. That said I don't think we will be doing Disney in the summer again.(but next time will be without kids)

 

[eliza61]

My family and I are also from New Jersey (south Jersey, outside of Philly) and we ALWAYS go the last week in August, including a trip planned 8/23-9/01/2006.
Pros: Parks stay open longer, usually to 10pm. This allows us to go back to our resort room, take a break and possibly go to a totally different park.
Since the kids from the south are usually already back in school, the parks are a little less crowded than full summer. This will be our 4th time down during this time and we've only had one extremely crowded day (Labor day).

My vote is always, the end of August. Hope this helps

 

[Mich Mouse]

We love the last week of August for our Disney trip, and have been in WDW during that week for the last six years.

Most of the country is back at school, so crowd wise, it is one of the best times of the entire year to visit.

We do well with the heat, and since we visit WDW at least twice a year, we visit the parks in the am, and spend a few hours enjoying the sunny weather by the pool every afternoon. In other words, we do not do "Theme Park Commando" type days. Since you also like to get up and go, and take a mid day break, I would highly reccomend taking the trip in August.

Have Fun Planning!

 

[byoung]

Jersey Week not as hot and humid.

 

[BYC]

I am confused about when Jersey week is? What exactly are the dates? Thanks!

 

[heidiboo]

My family always goes the end of August - our schools don't open until after Labor Day. It is hot but not crowded at all. The rates are lower and that is always a plus! I would much rather deal with the heat (take frequent breaks) than deal with the crowds.

p.s. we have always gotten an upgrade on rooms at the end of August - the resorts aren't as full!!!

 

[BoPeep]

I am confused about when Jersey week is? What exactly are the dates? Thanks!

I also would like to know when Jersey Week is. TIA.

 

[NC State]

From another threads, it's posted as 11/9-11/11/2006.

 

[Pryncess'mom]

because I have been both times, and we prefer august, even with the heat.

BoPeep and BYC--- Jersey Week is in the beginning of November. Usually the second thursday and friday each year is the NJEA Convention, also known as the state teacher's convention. Since all public schools must close for this, and sometimes election day and veteran's day fall during the same time, many people use this a vacation time, hence, Disney is more crowded with NJ families!! The one and only time we did it, I swore never to do it again. As i said, we prefer late august, and the crowds were smaller in august. Also, that year (2000) I felt it was hot and humid in November!!

Whatever you decide, good luck and have fun!! Remember, a bad day at disney is still better than a good day at home!!

deb

 

[SteinsLaFemme]

There are often promotions at the end of August. Last year, you got the meal plan free if you booked a Disney vaction in the last week of August.