Sept. vs. February,w/ 1, 3 & 4 YO's

[Max]

We went to DW this last Feb., weather was great, my husband wants to go next Sept. I think it will be too hot for young kids plus hurricane season. Any thoughts?? Wouldn't you want to be at DW sooner than later anyway??

Max

 

[Bob P]

Hi Max,

I wouldn't worry about hurricane season, but September will be hot. Your outlook on the best weather is a matter of personal preference. One very good thing about September: the parks will be empty.

If you do go in February the parks will be empty too, as long as you avoid President's Day weekend and the few days following it. The February downside (IMO) is the unpredictability of the weather. You have to pack everything you own and be prepared for temperatures in the 80s and/or the 30s. With three preschoolers that could be quite a task.

Bob

 

[jenny2]

I agree with Bob - if you go in February (but NOT during school break week or around President's day weekend) the crowds will be about the same as after Labor Day in September. The biggest differenct is the weather. We've been in Jan/Feb several times, and we've had 45 degree days and 85 degree days (in the same trip!). September varies from kinda hot, to very hot, to mop me up off the floor I'm melting hot. I like going in September, because we get one last shot at summer activities before the winter sets in, but there's something about leaving the cold NE heading to "warm" 50 degree weather that just makes me smile!

So, if you don't mind the heat, crowd-wise September is a great time to go!

 

[Max]

I'm originally from N. Florida, I forgot, Feb. can get cold. Just last feb. was 85.

 

[cruiserkaren]

We went the week of Labor Day this year with our almost 2 year old and I thought it was too hot for her. We LOVED the crowds but decided that if/when we go back it'll most likely be in cooler months until she gets older and can handle it better. Her cheeks were flushed all the time, plus wearing a diaper I'm sure didn't help.

 

[JustineMarie]

Until the kids are a little older I would stick with February. Not only is it extremely hot in September, it also has daily rain, and it's not the kind of rain that we get in Jersey that takes away some of the humidity, it's the rain that pours down and wets everything and the humidity is the same, if not worse, than before.

 

[deejohn]

We usually went in late fall. We had to ride out 3 hurricanes in all those years. We prefer the fall - low crowds, decent weather, and the CM are not overworked, so they are very helpful - not that they aren't in spring, but the attitude is not of burnout.

Either way it is WDW, how could you go wrong!!!

 

[surfgirl]

We go every year in February - with toddlers.

February pros and cons:
+ good to get a mid-weather break! gives everyone a fun reason to get through the winter blues and an energy boost until spring (esp mom!)
+ crowds are low (altho they increase the closer you get to Pres Day)
+ CAN be nice weather (we've been able to swim last few years) - rarely too hot!
+ cheap season with regard to pricing model (we get amazing bargains)

- weather is unpredictable (watch weather.com to plan for packing!)
- cool in the mornings, so end up taking lots of layers
- nights come early in February
- flight problems are all too easy with weather (rain, snow, ice)

We love February tho primarily b/c of the need for a mid-winter break!

 

[Max]

Thanks for all the responses, we have changed our trip from Sept/2006 to Feb/2006. The best thing is that we are going 4 months from now vs. a year. and when we went Feb/2005 I was 5 months pg. So, this time I'll get to ride the rides with DH. instead of sitting on the sidelines.

Max