Seeking for the classic 'when to go' advice

[Lei]

Hey all!

I'm planning for a 2014 trip. I need the classic advice of "when to go" from you savvy Dis-ers Here's my situation:

1. I'm coming from overseas, Southeast Asia to be exact, so this trip will be expensive and probably once-in-a-looongtime (lifetime?). I know it's impossible to create a PERFECT Disney trip, but I want to try my best.

2. Coming from one of the hottest and most humid part of Asia, I don't mind Florida's heat and rain. What's important for me are low crowds and low rates. Obviously, September is a good choice.

BUT! September is the hurricane season. I don't know exactly how's the hurricane situation in Orlando in previous years, but I can't afford to make last-minute changes during the trip because of weather situation. If I go in Sept, I assume the the possibility of my flight being cancelled / delayed is pretty big. Waaah. It'd be a major pain for me, because of my international, multi-connecting flights.

Still, the lure of low crowd & rates of September is very tempting

3. My second choice is early November, between Jersey Week and Thanksgiving. Though it probably can't beat Sept, is this a good second choice? Or do you have other suggestion?

4. I prefer going after August, because before that, I probably won't have enough savings yet

Suggestions? Many thanks in advance!

 

[Itinkso]

Does the first week in December fit into your schedule? Traditionally a low crowd time of year.

 

[MKFan-PR]

September is a good choice. As for hurricane season, it's unpredictable. As I live in the Caribbean, right in the middle of the 'hurricane highway' to the US, there's the possibility of a hurricane during that time (and Sept is usually pretty active), but that doesn't mean that your chances of a cancelled flight are "big".

A better time in terms of crowds, weather, etc is the first couple weeks of December, right after Thanksgiving and up to the week before Christmas. Very low crowds, cool weather, the Christmas decorations are up (making everything look even better), plus special events like Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (MVMCP around here ). Plus, those weeks are "Value" season, with the lowest rates, and a good chance of additional great offers.

 

[Barbydoll8]

Living in Central West FL, I'd personally pick the first of Dec. Even if a hurricane doesn't come near FL this year (Peak Hurricane is the last week of August to the second week of Sept) it normally rains everyday. It's still rainy season here and there is a REALLY good chance of heavy T-storms everyday.
December, not so much. It still is usually warm enough to swim in the heated pools and if the water parks are not a priority for you, the crowds are usually low in Dec to make it worth while.

 

[Lei]

Hey thanks everyone!

So does this means that early Dec is better than early Nov, in terms of rates and crowds? Oh forgot to mention that Holidays decor/events aren't important for me, but of course, I won't complain!

 

[Itinkso]

Early November still has Food and Wine and then Veterans' Day so rates may be higher. When we went in '10 for a few days over the Veterans' Day holiday, DTD had an Art Show so it was pretty crowded. We didn't think Epcot was that crowded for F&W but we were there early afternoon the day before Veteran's Day. The weather was very nice and we did MVMCP and I only needed a sweatshirt!

 

[Lei]

Early November still has Food and Wine and then Veterans' Day so rates may be higher. When we went in '10 for a few days over the Veterans' Day holiday, DTD had an Art Show so it was pretty crowded. We didn't think Epcot was that crowded for F&W but we were there early afternoon the day before Veteran's Day. The weather was very nice and we did MVMCP and I only needed a sweatshirt!

Ahhh, OK

So anyway, so far my potential dates are 26 Oct - 7 Nov OR 12-23 Nov OR September, still. How's that sound? Ppl over at the Aussie board said they don't usually experience major flight holdups due to hurricanes in Sept, so I'm crossing fingers, waiting for this year's trip report.

Another question: in Sept, do fireworks shows often cancelled due to weather? This happens a few times in Tokyo and HK Disneyland, esp Tokyo

 

[darthbrazen]

Ahhh, OK

So anyway, so far my potential dates are 26 Oct - 7 Nov OR 12-23 Nov OR September, still. How's that sound? Ppl over at the Aussie board said they don't usually experience major flight holdups due to hurricanes in Sept, so I'm crossing fingers, waiting for this year's trip report.

Another question: in Sept, do fireworks shows often cancelled due to weather? This happens a few times in Tokyo and HK Disneyland, esp Tokyo

You should be fine that 2nd week of November, it is fairly low. That is when we are going this year. September is my favorite time though. We've been twice during that time frame, and we did experience rain, but we didn't get hit with the hurricane weather.

Fortunately, I have only seen something during a misting, and they didn't cancel it. I don't know what they do during a torrential downpour though.

 

[Barbydoll8]

The fireworks are always subject to weather. the good thing is that typical seasonal (Sept) T-storms hit normally around dinner time everyday in FL so it's rare to get them late into the dark when the fireworks would happen. Oct the storms start to fad out a little as we are winding down the rainy season.

 

[jess1662]

We've been in September three years and the fireworks have never been rained out when we were there. Two of the years it only rained once for about a half hour each. Last year, it rained more, but not enough to make us leave the parks. The only thing that got cancelled was the Indiana Jones stunt show at Hollywood Studios because it was lightening.

 

[Dawg91]

We went in early December once and it was fantastic! You might find it chilly coming from SE Asia. We were comfortable in short or long sleeves and short or long pants. It was pretty perfect. One night it was cold enough for jackets. The kids played in water and were fine and the pools were pretty busy. It never rained. Saturday at MK was somewhat crowded, but every other day was great! Not walk-on, but close enough.

It was also great in early October. I think it rained one day (short shower) and we wore shorts and short sleeves. We were at Epcot for the opening day of F&W Festival which was a mistake. We didn't realize it was the first day or we would have skipped the World Showcase that day.

 

[Mickeymagic123]

We went in mid September last year and loved it. The crowd levels were low. It rained one afternoon but not for long. I, too, am hesitant because of hurricanes but did some research and was comfortable with the odds of a major hurricane hitting central Florida to be reasonably low. We are going again the same week in September this year and can't wait!

 

[holden]

Before our kids were school-aged, we loved going the first week of Sept. I think all schools here in the US are back in session by the first Tuesday of Sept. That is a great week to go.

 

[Lei]

Thanks for the replies, everyone! September sounds great, tho I'm still holding on to November for the nicer weather. But with the upcoming FP+, maybe the lower crowd month is better? Still not sure, but there's still plenty of time to make up my mind.

And oh here's another question. Let's say I arrive on the 12th after 11pm, and checks in at the resort at 1am or later. Does this mean I'm checking in on the 13th? Sorry if it sounds stupid! Thanks.

 

[Amanda999]

Let's say I arrive on the 12th after 11pm, and checks in at the resort at 1am or later. Does this mean I'm checking in on the 13th? Sorry if it sounds stupid! Thanks.

Hi - you'd need to book the room starting on the 12th, if you want to check in at 1am on the 13th. Hope that helps! (I believe the 'day' changes at 6am - i.e., if you check in after 6am, then you do not pay for the night of the 12th to the 13th. Maybe it is 5am, but I think it is 6am.)

 

[Mom2six]

Thanks for the replies, everyone! September sounds great, tho I'm still holding on to November for the nicer weather. But with the upcoming FP+, maybe the lower crowd month is better? Still not sure, but there's still plenty of time to make up my mind.

And oh here's another question. Let's say I arrive on the 12th after 11pm, and checks in at the resort at 1am or later. Does this mean I'm checking in on the 13th? Sorry if it sounds stupid! Thanks.

You said you are used to hot and humid weather. Do you also get cool weather where you are? Even though November is not cold exactly, if you don't have cooler weather in Nov there, you may feel extra cold here.

Not sure that I am being clear. When we lived in Ohio in the winter we visited Arizona for a week and it was 75 degrees there. It felt so warm to us because we were coming from winter weather. Everyone there thought we were crazy to be outside swimming because it felt real cold to them as they were used to 100 plus degrees.

I just wonder if you will think it is cold in November. When we went the first week of Dec we thought it was way too cold for swimming.

 

[MHSweb79]

I've been in September a half-dozen times and never had any issues with hurricanes or tropical storms. That doesn't mean you won't, but I agree that flight issues are not "very likely."

I've gone in early December 3 times. The first two times we had warmish weather by noon (mid 70's). The third time was December 2010, which not only had MUCH higher crowds than expected, but freezing temperatures! I'm from a cold climate and we had to wear our hats & gloves and winter coats. You would have frozen solid, I'm sure.

I've been in November once and the weather was a bit cooler than we expected but still very nice.

Lowest crowds are right after Labor Day (first week in September) but the weather is steamy. You are used to this so if you are looking for low crowds and value prices, this is a good choice. I would recommend getting trip insurance if you can find a policy that covers hurricanes or other weather-related travel issues.

 

[greyslay3r]

We always go in mid to late April. Its after spring break, after easter break. Kids are back in school, (we take ours out). Also in April the school field trips, and class trips aren't in in full swing yet. Temps are mid to upper 80's. Nice weather but not blazing hot. We also like to pop ever to the gulf or Cocoa Beach for a day. In April the waters warm enuf to be in. Also we always rent a house with a pool... in April, its a low season so its easy to barter on rates... Home renters want to fill their properties, and good deals can be had!

 

[Lei]

You said you are used to hot and humid weather. Do you also get cool weather where you are? Even though November is not cold exactly, if you don't have cooler weather in Nov there, you may feel extra cold here.

Hi! Sorry if I wasn't clear before. In my 1st post, was asking opinions about November's crowd and prices (2014 rack rates hadn't come out then). Concerning weather, I've actually experienced Nov in Orlando! In Nov 2008, I was in Orlando for a convention. I was in my sweater, scarf, and gloves every morning and evening. Some noons were also cold to me, but in some other days, I could break a sweat.

All in all, November was chilly to me. Funny story. My colleagus and I were walking down Universal Citywalk, it was in the afternoon, and we were totally bundled up. A stranger (in t-shirt) shouted to us, "Awwww come on guys, it's not that cold!" LOL. It was to us.

FYI, I'm from Jakarta, Indonesia, and it is upper 80s all-year round here, with high humidity. Our coolest temp (and this is very rare) is upper 77. I can probably stand Orlando's heat, but I prefer not to. When on vacation, I'd like to experience something different from home, and I love cool weather.

I've been in September a half-dozen times and never had any issues with hurricanes or tropical storms. That doesn't mean you won't, but I agree that flight issues are not "very likely."

I've gone in early December 3 times. The first two times we had warmish weather by noon (mid 70's). The third time was December 2010, which not only had MUCH higher crowds than expected, but freezing temperatures! I'm from a cold climate and we had to wear our hats & gloves and winter coats. You would have frozen solid, I'm sure.

I've been in November once and the weather was a bit cooler than we expected but still very nice.

Lowest crowds are right after Labor Day (first week in September) but the weather is steamy. You are used to this so if you are looking for low crowds and value prices, this is a good choice. I would recommend getting trip insurance if you can find a policy that covers hurricanes or other weather-related travel issues.

Hi! Yep. From I've read, Sept is really good value-wise and crowd-wise, isn't it. But again, I'm such a wuss for hurricanes. Don't know why, I'm still a bit afraid.

Btw, news flash! For next year's trip, I'll be travelling with my bestfriend, and today, she just told me that she won't be able to leave work from Aug to early Dec! Argh!!!! *punching pillows*

We discussed about it and it seemed that the next best option for us is.... Jan/Feb 2014. OMG. Freaking out. I know it's supposed to be a low season with low prices, but I am positive I will be frozen solid like you said, yep, most definitely. And what about the infamous tour groups?! Gah.