Times to Travel

[nlenguyen]

My family is trying to plan a vacation to Orlando and we are split in the times to go. So far we have three periods: 2nd to 3rd week of December, the first couple of weeks of January or the 3rd and 4th weeks of May. We seen that traveling before Christmas and after new years is cheaper than the later part of May, but not having traveled to Florida during these times except for May, we are not sure of the benefits.

What are some of the perks of going during these times? Are the Festivals and offerings better during the winter than late spring? Are the crowds better during the winter months? Do you notice there is a difference in availability with hotels, dining?

 

[Sakiki]

December - the whole Christmas vibe in both the parks and resorts. It really is magical. Downside - in normal years the crowds... But December is our favourite time to visit.

January - lower crowds and lower temperatures. We’ve been in February (from the UK) and it was very pleasant. I don’t recall what was going on in the parks at that time of year. (The locals were all wrapped up in heavy sweatshirts and coats while we and the snowbirds were all in shirtsleeves ).

May. We‘ve never been to Florida in May but if the temperature that we encountered during our only trip in April is a guide it will be far too hot...

 

[nlenguyen]

Thanks for the help. I think traveling to Florida in the winter will be much better. Swimming in the ocean maybe a bit chilly, but at least, you will be cool walking around the park

 

[DizzneyDi]

Florida resident here. December-January weather is hard to predict in advance. This past winter we had chilly days and chillier nights in both months, with lows in the 40s even on the Gulf coast. But we also had periods of t-shirt and shorts weather, with evenings warm enough to not require jackets. You just never know. May, otoh, is much more likely to be hot and humid.

 

[Disneyfan754321]

I think it depends where you are coming from..
When we lived in the midwest it was 2 degrees outside so when I talked to family in Florida they were saying it was cold at 45... I would love that personally. .. We love going to florida in Dec-Feb its a great get away from the cold weather. I cant understand why anyone would go in summer unless it was a beach trip with a quick day trip to a park.
We go right before the christmas break for crowd control

 

[tamu91]

We've traveled over Christmas break last few years and it's been really hot. Not quite the same summer scorching heat but some days in the low 90s so be prepared for anything

 

[heidijanesmith]

We loved our trip in May, the earlier the better.

Crowds were great and the weather was wonderful, hot but not so much humidity!

 

[shoegal9]

We went first week of December last year and loved it. Daytime highs in the mid to upper 70s and comfortable evenings.
Our January trips have been very erratic. One January it was so cold I actually wanted to curl up in bed at my resort. And I'm from Michigan.
May can be rainy.

I vote for December for sure. But (in normal times) beware Pop Warner in early December.