Still looking for the best time to go to WDW

[sportears]

My wife and I are trying to plan our next trip to WDW, though we're having a difficult time finding a really good time to go. June, July and the first of August at the parks are a complete disaster crowd wise. School starts for us in mid-August and we hate taking our daughter (10) out of school for too many days. Crowds during the major hollidays are just as bad as the summer, so we're at a loss for the best time to go. We love going to the water parks, so winter doesn't really work for us. I've heard that mid May, the last few days before school is out is not bad, and because spring breaks are taken at different times by different areas of the country isn't a bad time either. Does anyone have a recomendation?

 

[PVA]

We have been just about every time of the year. The absolute best, have the parks to yourself time is the week after Thanksgiving starting Sunday there are no lines until about Thursday and then it starts to pick back up again. We have been able to do the waterparks at times but it is hit or miss.

My second favorite time is to start your trip on or about July 5. The crowds thin down alot right after the 4th (although the guidebooks don't mention this lull). It lasts about three days and while not as light as the winter dates, it is one of the more manageable times of the summer. No problem with use of the water parks! I also kind of like the energy of the full parks, call me crazy! It is really just a lull, not a slow time. Problem this year and for the next few is the 4th is right in the midddle of the week, so the "lull might actually not happen until Sunday the 9th (or not at all). But it has been great the last three years we have been there at that time.

Our last option is usually early May, before schools let out and after spring break. Now my daughter is of school age we are in the same spot as you, trying to shoehorn in as much vacation time with as little missed class time as possible. Good luck and have fun no matter when you go.

 

[MareQ]

Does your school have any long weekend in September or October? Labor Day - Columbus Day etc? If so - that would probably be a good time for you to go - crowds will be very manageable - weather still hot etc.

Would you be opposed to taking your daughter out for 2 days? If you weren't you could take her out on Friday before and the Tuesday after labor day/columbus day - travel down Thursday night after school- have all day Fri/Sat/Sun and Monday and travel home Tuesday

 

[kirbsam]

dude, just plan the time and go. have a great attitude and you will have a great time. anytime you have a ressie is the best time to go.

 

[DisneyDreamingAubrey]

Late May is a great time to go. It's pretty warm mid 80's to low 90's, sun everyday. There were very few lines. It had less crowds then any other time I went, and the best weather. You are looking at having to take your children out of school though. By the sounds of it the only times you're looking at is when school is out, and that's when everyone else goes. Best of luck!

 

[keishashadow]

We've had pretty good luck w/the 2nd & 3rd weeks of June...does seem to get busier the end of the 3rd week, IMO.

Avoid Pres. day weekend like the plague.

 

[MareQ]

We've had pretty good luck w/the 2nd & 3rd weeks of June...does seem to get busier the end of the 3rd week, IMO.

Avoid Pres. day weekend like the plague.

Most schools in the NE get out mid to late June - that's probably why it tends to get busier then

 

[byoung]

Middle of Dec, crowds are low, you still have all the christmas decorations.