Question on when to go to WDW?

[sunnymom02]

I was just wondering when would be the best time to go to WDW. I realize that we cannot control the weather, but is it warm enough to enjoy the pools etc in February (towards the end of feb) or would it be wiser to go in March? Also, I have heard it is not as busy in February as spring breaks have not really started yet? Is this true? I have been pricing online with the Disney cruise (as we want to do a land/sea package) and I have noticed it is quite cheaper to go in February. Just looking for input on this. Trying to come up with a date soon! Also, has anyone ever gone in the begining of December? I don't know if I could swing that and then do the holidays!!! Thanks for the help

Sunnymom02

 

[Showe]

For the last 6 years we have done Feb. We always go right before the big President's Day week. Usually our plans are for 10-14 days and normally we go anywhere from 2/8 - 2/20....seems we get in right before the big crowds as Pres. Week seems to be getting busier and busier.

We always totally enjoy the weather in Feb. We are very comfy in jeans/sweatshirts on the cooler days and evenings but we have utilized the pools quite often too. DS and DD love to swim and we spend about every other day - if possibe - hanging out at the resort pool.

DS is turning 11 and DS is turning 8 this year. We are finding it harder and harder now to take them out of school, without missing too much school work. So, we think we are going to try around Christmas time. I would much rather go in February though. Crowds are very doable - in fact - when we go in Feb. we have hardly ever, if ever waited in lines for rides.

Good luck whenever you decide to go. Never been in Dec but heard it can be crazy.

 

[sunnymom02]

Thanks for your info. We were thinking about going the week of Feb 18th 2007? I have a feeling this is presidents week! Is it anything like going in March. We were also toying about going the week of March 18th as our school age children will be on spring break. Would this be a more busy time to go? (This would be about the 3rd week in March vs the 3rd week in Feb)
It is usually as crowded on Pres week verses the end of March? Thanks for the info. Also, is February "shorts" weather or do we pack a variety of clothing? (as you mentioned sweatshirts etc.) Thanks for the help.

Sunnymom02

 

[Showe]

I would only guess that Feb is slightly less crowded than in March. Only becuase March is much closer to the spring break times for everyone. I guess it depends - f you have children and want to get them out of school or go when they have a break. But be forewarned. Sometime in Feb - and I believe it is close to that time you are talking the "cheerleaders" invade. There is some sort of cheer competition or something....I don't really know what but you will find that on certain days parks can be busier becuase of their presence. I think they go to MK for a day, not sure about the other parks.

We always wear shorts/capris in Feb. My DS and DH will even wear their shorts and tanks. We had weather range from daytime highs of 57 degrees to 88 degrees while there in Feb. We always start out our day in sweatshirts or light jackets and usually shorts. Evenings can be cool sometimes so we stick with jeans and sweatshirts or just jeans and T's. You really can get the gammet of weather in Feb.

Good luck planning your trip

 

[toystorymom]

The week of Feb 18th is President's week next year so that will factor into the crowds. It is school vacation week here in Massachusetts. We were there this year for President's week and found it crowded, but not terrible. Also, we stayed at All Star Sports and yes, the cheerleaders were there, and there were a lot of them! They practiced out in the courtyards at certain times of the day but we weren't really bothered by them. The weather was beautiful for most of the week, shorts and swimming for sure. The last couple of days were very chilly though, even the kids wouldn't swim. In Feb you definitely have to pack for all seasons, as you just never know.

You also asked about December. We went in mid December a couple of years ago. There were NO crowds and the parks were beautifully decorated for the holidays. However, it was freezing!!! (Remember, we're New Englanders, so when I say freezing I mean that!) I'm talking winter coats, hats, and gloves. We still had fun but it didn't seem like a Florida vacation to me.

We haven't been in March but I would imagine the Spring Break crowds are comparable with President's week. With school aged children I would go when they are on break. Good luck, one thing is certain, whenever you go you will all have an amazing time - there is no bad time to go to Disney!

 

[kstinw19]

Go in September or October!! Low crowds (Sept more than Oct), hot weather, free dining, what more can you ask for. If you are willing to take kids out of school that is the time to go...although there is the slight chance of a hurricane or two

Another good time to go is right before Thanksgiving...not Thanksgiving itself, but right before it. You might run into the same weather problems though.

 

[tpayne]

President's Day weekend really took a lot of the magic right out of my holiday. It was more crowded than I have ever seen it. There was also a NASCAR something or other going on in Daytona, so that didn't help. Go only on that weekend if you can go at no other time. A bad day at Disney is better than a good day at anywhere else!

 

[LynnTH]

The past couple of times we went the week after Presidents Week. This has worked out great for us. The crowds were not bad at all. Used fastpass when we could but never stood in line for more than 15 minutes. The beginning of the week this year was a bit chilly for the first day or so, but then it was in the 70's and 80's the rest of the week and the kids got to enjoy the pools and had a great time. We used to go in early Feb as it was value time and cheaper and the crowds were less but the weather was always too iffy for me so I like going a month later. I think it's a great time to go.

 

[mama4]

We have always gone the 1st week of April. This is our Spring Break and the weather is usually perfect for us. I know people say it is ridiculously busy but we are honestly not bothered by the crowds. I don't know if that particular week is actually less crowded than people expect it to be or if the crowds just don't bother us. What I like the best is the weather. We are Fl natives so Jan/Feb would probably be WAY to cold for us and September way to hot. We might try October next time since my 15 yo doesn't want to "waste" his spring break on Disney again but October can be a little warmer than April so I guess we'll see how it works out. I would like to avoid paying peak prices for once. But overall, the typical weather for the time of year is what I consider most because unbearably hot weather can make for a miserable trip- especially for the kids.

 

[mama4]

You also asked about December. We went in mid December a couple of years ago. There were NO crowds and the parks were beautifully decorated for the holidays. However, it was freezing!!! (Remember, we're New Englanders, so when I say freezing I mean that!) I'm talking winter coats, hats, and gloves. We still had fun but it didn't seem like a Florida vacation to me.

That may have been an unusually cold year- December is, for the most part, pretty mild here. We are almost always in a thin long sleeved shirt or even short sleeves on Christmas day here in Gainesville- with a light coat at night of course.

 

[mikymouse]

We went in Mid-March this year and it was fantastic! We went to park opening with hardly any wait in line time and the weather was just perfect for us ... Sunny with no rain and high in the low 80's and just missed the cheerleaders from the week before. I think we lucked out this year as the Easter was late in Mid-April. Unfortunatley we had to pay Peak Prices. I think we will go back in March even it is more expensive because the weather was just so perfect and although not guaranteed.. I can't imagine going when it is hot. My friends went in Early May this year and said it was HOT and it the high 90's every day.. too hot for me. Maybe April.. depending on the Easter Schedule. I wonder if the place is very busy the first week after peak?