Take 3 yr old in Spet or Oct???

[Suzanne74]

I am looking to take my almost 3 yr old to Disney either the week leading up to Labor Day - the week after Labor Day or the first week in October. She loves Disney everything and seems to be ready!!

The week before Labor Day I can get her in for free - she turns 3 on 9/5 - the week after is actually cheaper so it will even out even if I have to buy her a hopper pass and probably be less crowded but MK seems to close early that week.

Then I thought I would wait one more month and go to the NSSHP on Oct 1st - while it is still warm out but not too hot.

Then I thought maybe I should wait until first week of Dec. when it is quiet but the decorations are up - ugh! Can't make a decision!!

Opinions? I really want to go when it is less crowded but can still utilize pools and water parks. I also would like downtime in the afternoon so she can nap/rest and then go back to the parks at night. The parades and shows are a must!!!

I am just curious from people who have been there done that what time they think it would work or when a 3yr old would like it best.

Thanks!!!

 

[laughinplace199]

Our DD's first trip to WDW was the first week of Oct. 2002 and she was 3 yrs. old. We loved that time of year! We went to MNSSHP and she had a blast! We also got Ps for CRT without any trouble at all. The crowds were very low and the weather was very warm. We swam every day. We also had no rain. I think you may risk some rainier weather in Sept.

I've never been in Dec., so I can't comment on that, but I've heard that before Christmas is a great time to go as well.

Have a great trip, whenever you decide to go!

 

[TerriBelle]

We have been all those times. The weather is very unpredictable but our experience has been -

Sept - VERY HOT & HUMID. The year we went everyone was dragging. The part that bothered us the most was going from a really cold air-conditioned ride or show out into the heat. The big change in temp was worse then the heat fo us.

Oct - Great! Warm enough to swim yet not too bad in the parks. Our kids also enjoyed MNSSHP. The parks do close early, but the crowds were light enough to get through everything. Our kids were 7, 3, 3 that year.

Dec - It has been a long time since we went in Dec. I think the weather is more chancy for swimming. We went at Thanksgiving a few years ago and managed to swim 1/2 the days. The pools are heated so the kids jumped in. We did not make it to a water park. The park and hotel decorations are really nice.

Good luck deciding!

 

[Jenn Lynn]

We are taking our soon to be 3 year old to WDW for the first time the first week of October. DH and I honeymooned in October and we LOVED this time of year.

Have fun!

 

[jcemom]

I'm debating the same thing for my DD for next year! She will turn 3 on 10/15. I don't know to take her in September for the lower crowds (but I hate the heat), or the beginning of October for MNSSHP (not sure if that's so great for a 3year old, though, being so late at night and all). I can't imagine too much of a weather difference between mid-September and early October. ??? I also don't want to hit the Columbus Day crowds and that falls on October 10 next year. I would probably prefer to go after Columbus Day but then she will turn three and not be free any longer, lol. Decisions, decisions. lol.

 

[Suzanne74]

To jcemom,

they have MNSSHP as early as Oct 1st this year. I have heard from numerous people that early Sept to early Oct is a big difference in temperature but who knows...

If I do October - it will actually be Sept 26th week. Oct 1st being the first MNSSHP then leave on Oct 2nd or 3rd. In my opinion, I think that is your best bet. Before she turns three, after the early Sept humidity, after school starts but before Columbus Day.

I am still in limbo since her birthday is earlier in Sept. Good luck w/ your decision

 

[jcemom]

Thank you, that may be a good solution for us! Good luck with your decision, and I wish I were planning for THIS September/October!

 

[av8tor]

We went the week after labor day last year and had our best Disney trip ever. My DS was 5.5 and DD was 1.75. I am no fan of heat and humidity but a young child and long lines are a recipe for disaster. The parks were so empty then that the Fast Pass machine were not even running during our entire stay. We never waited more than 5 minutes to ride anything, even the most popular rides.

We were at the parks in the morning when they opened, back at the resort for downtime during the hottest part of the day, and back to one of the parks each evening.

Good Luck!

 

[onecoolmama]

I am going to take my DD for her 3rd b-day! September 2005. I took my son the very first week of October for his and he still talks about it. He remembers them singing happy birthday to him and we all got our hair blue from the barber shop! Plus, if they turn three on the trip..they are still FREE!! WHOOO HOOO!

The October weather was perfect. I have no idea what September weather is like...but like I said, we are going for her birthday.

Good Luck wiuth your planning and either way, try to set one day aside to celebrate her b-day there. She will remember and LOVE it.