Wanted: no crowds, decent weather, good times

[ms1031]

I'm looking for suggestions of what dates to pick for our next trip. We are pretty wide open for any time as far as our schedule goes. Our wants this time are less than moderate crowd levels, decent (hopefully warm) weather, better rates at one of the onsite hotels, and most of the attractions to be available (not refurbing). Probably a 5 or 6 day trip.

If you could pick dates based on those criteria, when would you go?

Which hotel would you pick and are there any special rates you might expect to be available at that time?

 

[aggiegirl1234]

Next week! That's when I'm going Not sure how great the weather is going to be though, they're calling for rain every day. Might just be the usual rain for about half an hour each afternoon thing though. I know the crowds at Disney are supposed to be EXTREMELY low right now. I would assume Universal will be the same...at least that's what I'm hoping! I'll be at the Royal Pacific. I didn't get any special rates, but I think it is their lowest seasonal rate of $219/night. I'll just be there one night before going to the Swan at Disney, but I felt like it would be worth it to get the express pass for two days and early entry into Harry Potter. Also, you can't beat the proximity to the parks!

 

[mesaboy2]

September is among the lowest-attended months of the year. It can be hot still, but other than that the weather is trending toward mild. Afternoon rains are not unusual, but rarely disrupt your entire day or even just a whole afternoon.

Rates for the hotels also tend to drop, as demand is relatively low. The three onsite hotels are more expensive than most at the Motherland, but also are at least as nice as most of them and include perks such as Early Entry and Unlimited Universal Express.

 

[wdw4rfam]

2 weeks after easter. Crowds are low- April is really nice (not HOT) weather, and we have gone twice at this time and those were our best trips.

 

[nytimez]

I'd pick mid-October if only because September can still be quite hot at times. If you don't mind the 90+ days, thought, mid-September will have the lowest crowds, as mentioned above. But generally speaking, you won't encounter big crowds during October either.

Personally, if you don't mind weather that can range from pleasantly warm to a touch cool-ish, I prefer early December. I really enjoy Grinch-mas, the Macy's parade and the holiday entertainment. And while I haven't been there in December since WWoHP opened, I imagine that snow-covered section of the park "feels" even more right in winter (even if it's a warm-ish Florida winter).

 

[herb102211]

My vote is for mid-November, the week before Thanksgiving. Out of all of the times we’ve been to WDW, November has all of the qualities you are looking for. The crowds were virtually non- existent (walked on to most rides, no more than a 10 minute wait even at its busiest times). The weather was perfect. High 70’s to low 80’s during the day and in the 60’s at night (I would bring a sweatshirt or light jacket for at night). We were able to go in the pools every day. Also, by this time MK will be decorated for Christmas and the Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will also be going on. The Osborne Holiday Light display at HS will also be up and its not to be missed! Most of the resorts will also have their Christmas decorations up, as well.

 

[nytimez]

My vote is for mid-November, the week before Thanksgiving. Out of all of the times we’ve been to WDW, November has all of the qualities you are looking for. The crowds were virtually non- existent (walked on to most rides, no more than a 10 minute wait even at its busiest times). The weather was perfect. High 70’s to low 80’s during the day and in the 60’s at night (I would bring a sweatshirt or light jacket for at night). We were able to go in the pools every day. Also, by this time MK will be decorated for Christmas and the Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will also be going on. The Osborne Holiday Light display at HS will also be up and its not to be missed! Most of the resorts will also have their Christmas decorations up, as well.

This is the Universal board, FYI. Won't see Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party or the Osborne lights there...

 

[Darcy03231]

We've been the last week of April several times. Weather has been great the crowds low. Its one of my favorite times to go.

 

[ms1031]

Next week! That's when I'm going Not sure how great the weather is going to be though, they're calling for rain every day. Might just be the usual rain for about half an hour each afternoon thing though. I know the crowds at Disney are supposed to be EXTREMELY low right now. I would assume Universal will be the same...at least that's what I'm hoping! I'll be at the Royal Pacific. I didn't get any special rates, but I think it is their lowest seasonal rate of $219/night. I'll just be there one night before going to the Swan at Disney, but I felt like it would be worth it to get the express pass for two days and early entry into Harry Potter. Also, you can't beat the proximity to the parks!

Unfortunately next week isn't an option. Sure wish it was!

If you've never stayed at the Swan, I think you'll love it. Stayed there several times ourselves.

 

[ms1031]

2 weeks after easter. Crowds are low- April is really nice (not HOT) weather, and we have gone twice at this time and those were our best trips.

Hmmm... that sounds nice.

 

[ms1031]

I'd pick mid-October if only because September can still be quite hot at times. If you don't mind the 90+ days, thought, mid-September will have the lowest crowds, as mentioned above. But generally speaking, you won't encounter big crowds during October either.

Personally, if you don't mind weather that can range from pleasantly warm to a touch cool-ish, I prefer early December. I really enjoy Grinch-mas, the Macy's parade and the holiday entertainment. And while I haven't been there in December since WWoHP opened, I imagine that snow-covered section of the park "feels" even more right in winter (even if it's a warm-ish Florida winter).

Mid-October has always been tempting to us, just never been able to make the Halloween time trip happen.

We've been a couple times in early December. It was pre-Macy's parade, but Grinch-mas was so much fun.

We were there this past January and got to enjoy the WWoHP winter.

 

[MrsMud]

For your criteria, the two best times we have found were the first week of December and the first week of May. May had warmer weather, obviously, but Dec had lower crowds plus the Christmas stuff. If you don't care about swimming, I would say Dec wins out. We loved that time of year so much, we are finally going back this year, Dec 3 -6!

We have also been MANY times in Sept (WDW for free dining), crowds are good but weather is HOT. We have also been a couple of times in October, weather is a little better but crowds are heavier.

 

[ms1031]

My vote is for mid-November, the week before Thanksgiving. Out of all of the times we’ve been to WDW, November has all of the qualities you are looking for. The crowds were virtually non- existent (walked on to most rides, no more than a 10 minute wait even at its busiest times). The weather was perfect. High 70’s to low 80’s during the day and in the 60’s at night (I would bring a sweatshirt or light jacket for at night). We were able to go in the pools every day. Also, by this time MK will be decorated for Christmas and the Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will also be going on. The Osborne Holiday Light display at HS will also be up and its not to be missed! Most of the resorts will also have their Christmas decorations up, as well.

All very good qualities you listed for mid-November. Just not sure we want to wait that long. LOL!

We've seen the Christmas holiday decorations twice now at WDW. They were still up the 2nd week in January this year. We weren't expecting that! We enjoyed MVMCP several years ago. It was fun, but once was enough for our gang.

 

[ms1031]

This is the Universal board, FYI. Won't see Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party or the Osborne lights there...

Ah, no worries. They're just trying to help.

 

[ms1031]

We've been the last week of April several times. Weather has been great the crowds low. Its one of my favorite times to go.

2nd vote for late April. This is a good sign.

 

[ms1031]

Now, when are the Spring Break crowds gone? And what week will the Easter Break crowds be there?

I know it's always better crowd wise when school is in session.

 

[johnvree]

Early to mid May.

• Little rain
• Low crowds (because kids are still in school)
• No hurricanes
• Plenty hot enough to swim, but not too humid

 

[the Dark Marauder]

Early to mid May

September after Labor Day

October on non-HHN dates

Early-mid November

 

[Darcy03231]

Now, when are the Spring Break crowds gone? And what week will the Easter Break crowds be there?

I know it's always better crowd wise when school is in session.

It depends on how Easter falls. The week before and after Easter sunday will be crazy busy. After that most all the school breaks are over.

 

[diswix]

We have had the best two weeks here. Weather fab, low crowds and will come again, maybe a week later so can catch Halloween nights