Spring Break or Summer trip?

[Aimz]

Hi,

I'm looking for some opinions from those who have traveled to WDW during both spring break and summer time- or knows someone who has. My family is planning our first trip to WDW for next year, and because my husband is very much against taking the kids out of school for this lengthy a trip, we're trying to decide whether to do a spring break or June trip after school is out for the summer. I know both these vacation times are probably crazy with crowds, but I'm hoping to get some feedback from those who have experienced those particular times and get some pros and cons. We had originally been thinking of going in mid-June (kids last day of school is the 17th), but I know all about the humidity in Florida in the summer- and being from California, we have little experience with that type of heat. I started to get concerned if the humidity would be a little too much for us newbies to bear and perhaps sap some of the enjoyment of the trip for us. So, I started to consider spring break time, mostly because of the weather that time of year being less humid- but now I wonder if the crowds are worse during spring break than in June, and maybe not the best trade-off for the weather. Spring break for our kids starts the weekend of Easter and goes for the two weeks after Easter.

So, if it were up to you, and you had to choose between a spring break or mid-June trip, which would you go with and why? I really do appreciate any input anyone can give.

Amy

 

[sarahsmom73]

We had magnificent weather over spring break.Granted it was one for one of the busiest time of year, but with some planning and early rising you can have an AWESOME time!

 

[Dancind]

Yes, beautiful weather during Spring Break, but if your break is the week before or after Easter, I would opt for the summer. We went in March 2002, when our break was a couple of weeks before everyone else, and it was fantastic. The weeks around Easter are as bad crowd-wise as the Holiday time. Just too frustrating.

If your kids get out of school mid-June, when do they go back? If you could go during the last two weeks of August, the park crowds are way down and there are deals to be had on lodging. We got back last week, and the FL kids were back in school during our week (2nd week of August). It was pretty nice, other than the hurricane. The rainy days kept the temps down a bit. I'd opt for lower crowds.

 

[Dopey Sharon]

We have been there the week after Easter and when the kids got out of school in mid-June. If these two times were the only times I could go again, I would definitely go around Easter. The weather was perfect. Easter was early, that year. We arrived March 31st (my DS's birthday) and left April 9th (my DD's birthday)! The crowds were about the same, both times, so it comes down to weather. I will NEVER go again in the summer.

 

[got2lovedisney]

My vote is for Spring Break. We've gone the past 4 years for Spring Break and the weather has been great (actually, last year was little chilli!). The crowds are manageable. If you're not used to the heat, I would avoid it. I'm a Miami native and I try to stay inside during the Summer!

 

[YourMajesty]

Originally posted by got2lovedisney
My vote is for Spring Break. We've gone the past 4 years for Spring Break and the weather has been great (actually, last year was little chilli!). The crowds are manageable. If you're not used to the heat, I would avoid it. I'm a Miami native and I try to stay inside during the Summer!

What week do the Florida schools usually have for spring break?

 

[Aimz]

If your kids get out of school mid-June, when do they go back? I

They go back usually the last week of August- this year they go back on the 24th, so probably around the same time next summer. The schools in southern CA here really seem to get a shorter summer break than the schools out of this state do.

BTW, I know Easter comes early next year (I believe it falls on March 27th), and our schools here get the two weeks after Easter off for spring break. I was considering a trip during the second week after Easter (the dates of April 3-8).

Thanks to all for the feedback I've received so far! All your opinions have been very helpful.

Amy

 

[cboudre1]

We have been both times and love spring break. It is crowded but the weather is beautiful. We have also gone in the summer but it is crowded and hot. Get up early and use fast pass. If you are only going for one week go the second week of your vacation. This year a lot of northern school will not have break aroung Easter. Our break is the 3rd week of April, not Easter.

 

[Aimz]

This year a lot of northern school will not have break aroung Easter. Our break is the 3rd week of April, not Easter.

Thank you- that is good information to have!

 

[tassie42]

the Spring break schedules seem to be spread around a lot this year so it might not be that crowded if you went when your kids were off. Also the parks are open longer if its crowded so you can get a lot done.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Hello--a Floridian here....

FLorida Schools vary by county on when they do their spring break...In some years when Easter is late, schools have their spring break "early"...meaning earlier than the week prior to easter. This is b/c statewide, most schools finish anywhere from May 1 to June 1.

Crowds are about the same in either spring break time or summer breaks--and the park hours are adjusted accordingly (rule of thumb--late closing, high crowds expected; low closing, low crowds expected).

If you haven't experienced Florida humidity--the lines will be much more bearable in the spring. The heat can make or break your enjoyment of the trip.