School Year Schedule: When would you go?

[bbjunkie]

We go in June as soon as school gets out. We love it. It's hot, certainly. But we rope drop until about 12:30-1:00, then go back to the resort and chill out at the pool (and/or participate in the pool party) change and rest, then head back to the parks around 6:00 or 7:00. We have hoppers, so most often we return to MK at night regardless of where we start the day. When we are there, it is open until Midnight or later, and you can get A TON of stuff done at night! The crowds aren't quite as bad as they get as the summer wears on.

 

[Duckiedee]

I'm all about low crowds. It may be hot in August - but you'll spend more time on attractions than waiting because the wait times are short - so you are not standing in the heat.

We wanted to return for a second time late Oct/early Sep, but it wasn't possible for my DH this year. I can't even fathom Christmas with the cost and the crowds... I feel the same about school breaks.

I'm disappointed there is 'nothing' going on in Aug like F&W, MNSSHP or MVMCP, but what can one do? At least both water parks are open.

We are also doing the DxDDP and I think that will help with air-conditioned, table-service breaks.

 

[scrapquitler]

If you had to follow a School Year Schedule because that is the only time you had off what time would you go?

Christmas Break
Mid winter break (Mid to Late Feb)
Spring break (Week before or week of Easter)
Late June
Late August


I was wondering which one would you choose and why. You can base this off of previous experience or hopeful planning or what you have heard. I would love feedback because I'm helping my sister plan for a vacation and these are the only times she could go. I think hearing from all of you can help her greatly!

February Break

 

[DisneyFansInNYC]

We went every February until our oldest started college and didn't have that week off. It could be busy but not as busy as Spring Break and to us the weather was always perfect except for one year - that was the only time that we really couldn't swim. We went for Easter last year and will probably never do that again. It was so so hot and so so crowded. We go in August now because Christmas is not an option for us. We have a big family and couldn't never leave them on Christmas. It really depends what bothers your sister more - the heat or the crowds. I hope that helps.

 

[anniemae]

Feb for sure. Great time to go. Summer is brutally hot, humid, and hurricane season. Feb is beautiful weather, low crowds.

 

[prestoncaldwell]

We went every February until our oldest started college and didn't have that week off. It could be busy but not as busy as Spring Break and to us the weather was always perfect except for one year - that was the only time that we really couldn't swim. We went for Easter last year and will probably never do that again. It was so so hot and so so crowded. We go in August now because Christmas is not an option for us. We have a big family and couldn't never leave them on Christmas. It really depends what bothers your sister more - the heat or the crowds. I hope that helps.

Spring Break is too hot so you go in August?

 

[ariane37]

I'm another who voted for late August, something I wouldn't have believed I'd do 3 years ago! I despise the heat. Really and truly DESPISE it and do everything possible to NOT be out in it at home. So the idea of doing Disney in the summer months was ridiculous to me until oldest DS hit middle school. We'd taken him (and then younger DS) out of school for a week every year since kindergarten but knew it would be too stressful for him in 7th grade, so the summer before he started we attempted a late Aug. trip - and it worked great! I survived and enjoyed myself enough to do another Aug. trip the following year! Now it's not my favorite time to go down but as pp's have said, late Aug. has low crowds and if you just make a plan that works for you and your traveling party regarding the heat, you'll most likely do fine. It's hot walking to and from attractions, meals, etc. but at least you're not really standing outside in it, except again as a pp noted if you're waiting for a parade.

My 2nd choice would be the Feb. break. We did that once over Presidents weekend and it actually wasn't too bad, but you have to make sure it doesn't coincide with Mardi Gras. I noticed you don't have Thanksgiving as an option. I know it wouldn't be a week just as Feb. wouldn't, and it would be crowded, but we've done it and it's not unbearable at all. Plus weather is nice. Is that a possibility for your sister? What does she get off for Thanksgiving? Teachers here have the day before off and I know a couple who fly down on Tues. night and stay until the Sunday after.

 

[DisneyFansInNYC]

Spring Break is too hot so you go in August?

Hot and crowded. The crowded part was worse than the heat. We have never gone during Christmas week - so I can't imagine how crowded that is-but to be that crowded and so hot - it was horrible. It is no where near that crowded at the end of August. Plus once it rains in August - the parks empty. We love that.

 

[Shanti]

If you had to follow a School Year Schedule because that is the only time you had off what time would you go?

Christmas Break
Mid winter break (Mid to Late Feb)
Spring break (Week before or week of Easter)
Late June
Late August


I was wondering which one would you choose and why. You can base this off of previous experience or hopeful planning or what you have heard. I would love feedback because I'm helping my sister plan for a vacation and these are the only times she could go. I think hearing from all of you can help her greatly!

The water parks & resort pools are great in June, & the warmth somehow feels more Disney than the cold. The Deluxe resorts are at their cheapest in the summer- also be sure to get the 25 - 30% discounted rates that come out a few months before. Warm summer nights are very pleasant outdoors at WDW. Unfortunately, there are daily afternoon rains in the summer, too. Oh, and I should probably mention that summer days in Florida are hot & humid.

February could work if it's not near President's Day. Upside is less rain and maybe less crowds (if away from President's Day), but also limited fun with water parks & pools.

December could work if it's the week before Christmas rather than the week after. She'd get to see the Christmas decorations, etc. A very expensive time to visit, though.

 

[Miss Frankie J]

I'm another who voted for late August, something I wouldn't have believed I'd do 3 years ago! I despise the heat. Really and truly DESPISE it and do everything possible to NOT be out in it at home. So the idea of doing Disney in the summer months was ridiculous to me until oldest DS hit middle school. We'd taken him (and then younger DS) out of school for a week every year since kindergarten but knew it would be too stressful for him in 7th grade, so the summer before he started we attempted a late Aug. trip - and it worked great! I survived and enjoyed myself enough to do another Aug. trip the following year! Now it's not my favorite time to go down but as pp's have said, late Aug. has low crowds and if you just make a plan that works for you and your traveling party regarding the heat, you'll most likely do fine. It's hot walking to and from attractions, meals, etc. but at least you're not really standing outside in it, except again as a pp noted if you're waiting for a parade.

My 2nd choice would be the Feb. break. We did that once over Presidents weekend and it actually wasn't too bad, but you have to make sure it doesn't coincide with Mardi Gras. I noticed you don't have Thanksgiving as an option. I know it wouldn't be a week just as Feb. wouldn't, and it would be crowded, but we've done it and it's not unbearable at all. Plus weather is nice. Is that a possibility for your sister? What does she get off for Thanksgiving? Teachers here have the day before off and I know a couple who fly down on Tues. night and stay until the Sunday after.

Thank you for your input! She does get a few days for thanksgiving but unlike her I have to work most holidays at my job... So thanksgiving is a no go for me. she also informed me that she would want a longer vacation so February is out.

 

[Miss Frankie J]

I'm all about low crowds. It may be hot in August - but you'll spend more time on attractions than waiting because the wait times are short - so you are not standing in the heat.

We wanted to return for a second time late Oct/early Sep, but it wasn't possible for my DH this year. I can't even fathom Christmas with the cost and the crowds... I feel the same about school breaks.

I'm disappointed there is 'nothing' going on in Aug like F&W, MNSSHP or MVMCP, but what can one do? At least both water parks are open.

We are also doing the DxDDP and I think that will help with air-conditioned, table-service breaks.

Same! I'm used to something special going on at Disney when I go now. I'm spoiled from F&W!

 

[Miss Frankie J]

The water parks & resort pools are great in June, & the warmth somehow feels more Disney than the cold. The Deluxe resorts are at their cheapest in the summer- also be sure to get the 25 - 30% discounted rates that come out a few months before. Warm summer nights are very pleasant outdoors at WDW. Unfortunately, there are daily afternoon rains in the summer, too. Oh, and I should probably mention that summer days in Florida are hot & humid.

February could work if it's not near President's Day. Upside is less rain and maybe less crowds (if away from President's Day), but also limited fun with water parks & pools.

December could work if it's the week before Christmas rather than the week after. She'd get to see the Christmas decorations, etc. A very expensive time to visit, though.

It sucks that of course her days in February coincide with president's day. Otherwise it would be perfect! I'm not sure how she feels about June, me and my boyfriend went last year and besides 1 day it was manageable.

Luckily I own a timeshare offsite within minutes of the park so I don't have to worry about booking rooms. We have beautiful pools at my resort and I love swimming in them! Perfect during summer and down days from the parks.

 

[Disney Khaleesi]

I've always really enjoyed going over Spring Break. The weather is nice, Flower and Garden Festival is going on, and if you go in with the right expectations, the crowds are manageable.

 

[soniam]

I would go at Spring Break. In fact, we are heading out tomorrow. However, I avoid Easter time like the plague. Luckily, our Spring Break is never the week of Good Friday or the week after. So, I picked late August. We would never be able to do that though, since school starts mid-August here. I think that's the least busy time with the maximum amount of days off that you listed.

 

[ArwenMarie]

We are trapped by the school calendar and we go in late August. It is as hot as the surface of the sun, but the crowds are lower. We've always had a good time that week despite the weather. Just make sure you get out bright and early for rope drop so you get a lot done before the daily storms roll in!

 

[Miss Frankie J]

I would go at Spring Break. In fact, we are heading out tomorrow. However, I avoid Easter time like the plague. Luckily, our Spring Break is never the week of Good Friday or the week after. So, I picked late August. We would never be able to do that though, since school starts mid-August here. I think that's the least busy time with the maximum amount of days off that you listed.

unfortunately her spring break in 2017 is the week of good friday UGH. This year would have been perfect but this year is Food and wine to celebrate my birthday early

We are trapped by the school calendar and we go in late August. It is as hot as the surface of the sun, but the crowds are lower. We've always had a good time that week despite the weather. Just make sure you get out bright and early for rope drop so you get a lot done before the daily storms roll in!

Thats what I have discussed with her, shes not a super Disney fan so I'm sure we will be visiting the parks only 3 or 4 days max but we have been so many times before that we would just focus on whats new and of course food!



Thanks everyone for responding! I think for now Late August sounds like the best plan for her school schedule. But feel free to continue posting on what is your preferred time to go!

 

[tinkerbella16]

We go in June as soon as school gets out. We love it. It's hot, certainly. But we rope drop until about 12:30-1:00, then go back to the resort and chill out at the pool (and/or participate in the pool party) change and rest, then head back to the parks around 6:00 or 7:00. We have hoppers, so most often we return to MK at night regardless of where we start the day. When we are there, it is open until Midnight or later, and you can get A TON of stuff done at night! The crowds aren't quite as bad as they get as the summer wears on.

This is exactly how we do things! Always worked great for us, even in November last year when it felt like August everyday!

 

[gorkt]

If I had to go, it would be in late August. I personally would be okay with dealing with the heat, but DH can't tolerate heat, so that is a no go for us sadly. We end up going Jersey week usually since the kids have half a week of school off anyway. Missing 2-3 days is doable.

 

[mom2rose&john]

Well, I voted Spring Break. We are going this year from 3-20 to 3-29 for our first spring break Disney vacation. However, my opinion may change based on this trip. I have been toying with future trips to coincide with Memorial Day. As a previous poster said missing 2-3 days of school aren't bad. Our school district usually has Friday before and Memorial day off. I would leave on Thursday evening and come back Wednesday.

 

[nicki.momof3]

I'm a teacher and DVC owners. We go twice a year and stay with DVC points.

Favorite - Christmas and New Years week - yes it's busy but it is so amazing and festive. There is so much to do and see it make it magical trip. We go every year at this time. Little to no rain or weather issues. This year Christmas week it was in the 80's everyday. Other people always seem to be in a nice happy mood. Everyone is festive.

2nd favor - Spring break - Weather is amazing, flower and garden festival is going on. Crowded again but perfect weather. Again little to no rain - perfect weather.

3rd - Mid Winter break - we don't have one so would never be an option. Also to close to our other two annual trips

DEAD LAST - Anytime is the summer - HATE the constant rain and horrible humidity. We have tried it three times and always hoped for a different experience. Hated each time. Main reason - people are grumpy when they are hot. Moods. tempers, and patience seems to be at a minimum. Waiting in a line with grumpy people makes me miserable. I hate rain. Rain just makes it more humid. I would rather deal with larger crowds of happy people than lighter crowds of grumps.