Torn between these dates--advise me, please!

[jkmmah]

Our family is torn between the dates for a "Welcome Home from Iraq" trip to WDW. Dh has just gotten back and we're itching to return to the World.

We could go the end of Feb/first few days of March which looks to be in the 6's and 7's for crowd levels. I can't stand lines and waits so lower attendance is a plus for me. However the downside is dd8 will have to be pulled out of school for the week. I know all the arguments for and against pulling her out. For our family, we have apprehensions about this, though we aren't vehemently oppossed to it.

Option #2 is to go during dd's spring break, the very first week in April. Crowd levels will definitely increase as will my irritation over wait times and claustrophobia. DD wouldn't miss any school, though.

Which option would you choose, and why? We could really use some suggestions as we need to get this decision made pronto so DH can submit his leave request forms. I appreciate everyone's input as the DIS is my ultimate source for info! You all are absolutely a wealth of knowledge!

 

[Dopey's Girl]

I wouldn't even worry about you DD missing school...jmho, and I'm a teacher. Go with what is best for you re: crowds, etc. you may want also to consider weather, if that's important to you. We lived in the area for many many years and traditionally the COLDEST part of the year is the last week in February (around Strawberry Festival). Of course it IS Florida and weather is anything BUT predictable!

Guess I haven't really helped make your decision. I'll just tell you that I would probably go in February-March. I HATE spring break crowds.

 

[vicb]

First of all: Congrats on getting your DH home from Iraq and thank you for you family's service to our country!

My family is going to WDW 2/27-3/6. The weekend of 2/25-26 is the tail end of Pres. Week. Mardi Gras falls that week I will be there. Also, then next weekend 3/3-3/5 is ESPN Weekend. Having said all that, I am not too worried about crowds as I have been there during MG before and only found DTD to be very crowded. As for ESPN, we just plan to hit MGM twice earlier in the week before the special activities begin in that park.

I went once many, many years ago in April, Easter week to be exact just for a day visit and it was a zoo! Lines were ridiciously long! However you have a better chance for warm weather in April than late Feb/early March (which can go either way).

As for taking your 8 yo DD out of school, I say go for it. I used to take my kids out of school while they were both in elementary. Now that DD is in 8th grade it is very hard for her to miss a week of school. She has too much work to make up, misses too much class instruction, band and sports. So if your DD is still in elementary school I would do it while you can. The reason we are going the week we are is that it is our "mid-winter" break. I am just thankful it falls the week after Pres. Day this year!

Have a great time whenever you end up going!

 

[MouseWorshipin]

Which option would you choose, and why?

You asked what we would do. So, what I do is pull the kids out of school. I do it because I can't stand the crowds. I've gone during the busy times, but I can't enjoy myself because my nerves are on end with all the people.

There hasn't been anything I couldn't teach the kids myself.

The bottom line is that you have to do what works for your family.

 

[DebIreland]

I'd say take your daughter out of school. It's such a special time, having your family re-united again and absolutely worthy of a few days off school. Also, I'd imagine your husband could do with some relaxation time and the crowds in April will hardly be conjucive to that. I'm sure he'd enjoy it a lot better in February, as would all of you. Go in February and enjoy I say!!

 

[bdink921]

Congrats on DH homecoming!!!!! We are going on a land/sea in November and although it's Veteran's day weekend DS7 (turning 8 on last day of cruise) will still miss 4 days of school. I have no problem taking him out . February vs. spring break crowds--I'd definitely go with the less crowded times. Good luck with your planning and have a great time!!!!

 

[PrincessLindy]

You might want to talk to the school district. DD's gets very upset about vacations during school. Personally even though I am a teacher I think as long as the student iss not behind family vacation is important also.