Time of year to go

[trfic2]

I have never been to DisneyWorld nor have my kids. We were planning on going next month but in newbie fashion have waited so long to make flight reservations and packages that it is very expensive. What are the cheapest times of year to go to Disney without taking kids out of school? Week after Christmas, spring break 3/27-4/2 or suck it up and go now? Or would going in August better or worse? Thanks for your tips and soooo glad I found this Forum.

 

[bnf2]

Odd the OP is now below my reply.....

I would not go in July- waaaay too hot for us.

How old are your kids? If you are not totally opposed to taking them out of school I'd try for a time during the school year- depending on their ages. Younger, not as much of an issue with taking them out of school. MS or HS... well, that can be more of an issue. Maybe it can be worked around some already scheduled off days so they don't miss as much. Then again, some folks won't take their kids out of school- and that's ok too.

I love Sept. & Oct. Went in December and loved that too. I would do a bit more research and not go "newbie" fashion. I think you'll enjoy your trip more that way and may possibly save some money.

All that said... you're going to love it anytime you go... have fun!!!

 

[squirrel]

If you want to do any TS meals then you should book 6 months in advance.

I like September. I know most kids are in school at that time, but it's less crowded. I took my two cousins out of school when they were 8 and 10yrs old. They didn't even go the first day of school. This year I am taking my niece out of Kindergarten, she will get two days of school and then we are off to WDW.

I like to plan my trips months in advance. This year I got started late (May) for a September trip. I managed to get most of the ADR's I wanted.

 

[4forMe]

I have never been to DisneyWorld nor have my kids. We were planning on going next month but in newbie fashion have waited so long to make flight reservations and packages that it is very expensive. What are the cheapest times of year to go to Disney without taking kids out of school? Week after Christmas, spring break 3/27-4/2 or suck it up and go now? Or would going in August better or worse? Thanks for your tips and soooo glad I found this Forum.

Starting your trip August 3rd or later during the summer would be the cheapest as that is the beginning of value season. Spring break would be more expensive (peak season), and the week after Christmas the most expensive (holiday season).

My best friend went on a last minute trip to WDW with her family last year during the third week of August. According to her, it wasn't as crowded as July as a lot of schools were already back in session. They had a great time and were happy to go on one last trip before the kids started school. Just be prepared for hot and humid weather with a quick rain shower every afternoon. They also drove and stayed offsite, so trying to get flights and rooms at the resorts was not an issue for them.

If you are unable to go in August, I would suggest spring break instead of Christmas. The Christmas season is the most expensive, very, very crowded and the weather is very unpredictable. Though spring break would be more expensive than August, the weather is usually gorgeous (dry and in the 70's).

Welcome to the board, and good luck with planning your trip!

 

[Elmo888]

The simple answer is August, during value season. It is much less expensive and much less crowded than spring break or Christmas.

These message boards are great, and here are a few other resources for planning...
allears.net
mousesavers.com (money saving tips including time of year, etc. and other ways to save money)
Book - The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World (and their web site)

Have a great trip!

 

[ReginaS]

We went in 2006 in Sept. We took our kids out of school for 5 days. Their teachers were great in helping us to get all assignments turned in on time. The parks were not crowded at all. The longest that we stood in line for any of the rides was on 15 minutes. Definitely a great time to go.

 

[Elmo888]

I have never been to DisneyWorld nor have my kids. We were planning on going next month but in newbie fashion have waited so long to make flight reservations and packages that it is very expensive. What are the cheapest times of year to go to Disney without taking kids out of school? Week after Christmas, spring break 3/27-4/2 or suck it up and go now? Or would going in August better or worse? Thanks for your tips and soooo glad I found this Forum.

Lucky you! There are late summer discounts out now (room only or package). Book by 7/27. Check in 8/3 - 9/27. Here are the details (including code that you need to give when you call to make reservations).

http://www.mousesavers.com/disneyresorts.html#codes

It will be hot and humid in August, but with some tips for keeping cool, it will be great! Don't forget the sunscreen and to reapply during the day! Look for those mister fans that you can carry with you. Take a break during the hot afternoon and go back to your resort to rest or swim. And use a touring plan (from the book The Unofficial Guide to WDW book or tourguidemike.com) to make the most of your day.

Have a great trip!

 

[disnyrtl]

Of course this may have been said before, but I find going right after Thanksgiving up to the middle of December (14th or 15th) is the best time to go. The weather is not too cold; the crowds are less; it is amoung the cheapest time (hotel and flights); and of course the fact that they start putting up the Christmas decorations from the time they close on Thanksgiving night. You get the full Christmas experience (parades, parties, specials, etc) without the huge crowds and price. My family went back on 2006 and I was lucky enough to get them into the Christmas party at MK 3Xs. I was born and raised in South FLA and I recall going to WDW for the holidays like this; however after moving to Sacramento, CA 16 years ago, I really missed the holidays at WDW (Sorry DL just doesn't compare, but that's me) Of course the colder evenings made things a bit harder to watch the firework shows, but we stopped at one of the shops and got a nice Disney Christmas blanket that we still use everyday so it worked out great. Remember though that those with kids, talk to your kids teachers and get the homework. Older kids can even do reports on what they saw, did and learned and even get extra credit. Have fun!