WDW vs HH in Oct/May

[El&Asmom]

We're trying to make plans for our next vacations. We want to do two vacations. One at WDW and one at HH. We want to go in May '09 and then Oct/Nov '09.
Should we do HH in May then WDW in Nov.
Or should we do WDW in May and then HH in Oct.

We hate crowds, so would crowds at WDW be better in May or Nov? To me that's the biggest deciding factor.
Is HH better in the fall or spring? Or does it not matter since both are off season.

Thanks for any opinions. It's so hard to decide.

 

[global_mom]

We went to HHI this past Oct. and really loved the resort. However, there was a cool snap and we were only able to swim one afternoon. If swimming (pool or beach) is a major factor, then Oct's weather can be difficult to predict.

We also went to WDW for one week this past Oct. and found it to be busy (Food & Wine) but not packed. MNSSHP was very uncrowded and we walked onto all the rides that night.

We have not yet been to WDW in May but it seems to be a favorite time for many people (Flower & garden show) with very decent weather.

If I had to pick then I would say do HHI in May as you will most likely have warm weather and do WDW in Oct/Nov so that you can avoid the giant crowds and enjoy some of the holiday (Halloween) festivites as well as F&W.

Either way, you will have a great time!

 

[DisDaydreamer]

Crowds at WDW might be a bit less in May than Nov, but HHI is definitely not where you want to be in November. Unless you like it cold.


HHI temps

Central Florida temps

 

[gracelrm]

We have enjoyed HH in October for three or four trips. We've had weather that has cooperated and have enjoyed our trips during that time frame. We haven't been to WDW or HH in May, so can't help you in that respect - but can vote for early October in HH

 

[El&Asmom]

Thanks for the replies. I think I am inclined to do HH in May and then WDW in Oct since I've heard such great things about MNSSHP. My big worry was that it would be really crowded in Oct at WDW. Our only trips have been in Sept, Jan, and Feb. With little ones, we love being able to go with low crowds and walk on rides.
The other thing is that we're thinking of adding another child to our family. (Crazy I know). I just worry about going to HH with an older infant, especially going to the beach. We have been to WDW with a 9 month old, and it was wonderful. It is so baby friendly. I guess we'll just have to see what comes our way.

Thanks again for the help.

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

We honeymooned at Disney in '92 in the last week of April and had the parks to ourselves. I think EARLY May tends to be one of the lowest crowd times for WDW.

We also went to HH after Thanksgiving last year, and thought it was wonderful. Savannah was decked out for Christmas, and it was beautiful. The dolphin tour was a little chilly. The beach at HH was deserted. It was too cold to go out into the ocean, but very peaceful to just look at the water coming in on the empty beach.

Everyone has an opinion, I would do WDW in early May and HH in October, although WDW may be HOT in May. Don't go to either place on Memorial Day Weekend.

 

[beezerdave]

We are making our first trip to HHI this April/May and we're really looking forward to it. We're also going to WDW the end of Sept beginning of October this year. We've been to WDW many times in April/May and it's very nice. Not too crowded and the Flower and Garden Festival is lovely and the weather was warm but not hot. Only been to WDW once for Food and Wine but we're really looking forward to that and the MNSSHP. Weather when we were there was also warm and not too hot, but warmer than April/May. As for crowds, as long as you can go the end of September or beginning of October, you won't get many crowds for either of the events.

 

[SusieBea]

I don't have too much of an opinion about when to visit WDW. But, we have a vacation home on HHead, and October is my favorite time to be there. It's still warm, but not oppressively humid. The crowds are gone. The restaurants haven't closed for the "off season."

 

[bunny]

Is it warm enough to swim in the ocean at the beginning of October?

 

[SusieBea]

Is it warm enough to swim in the ocean at the beginning of October?

It has been our experience that, unless there's some odd circumstance, yes, it's plenty warm enough.

 

[gracelrm]

The other thing is that we're thinking of adding another child to our family. (Crazy I know). I just worry about going to HH with an older infant, especially going to the beach. We have been to WDW with a 9 month old, and it was wonderful. It is so baby friendly. I guess we'll just have to see what comes our way.


Don't forget about the beach house at HH. If you want to go to the beach and then head for the beach house - I believe there is a pack-n-play there so baby could nap while the older kids enjoyed the beach with the other parent.

Also, with so many Southern schools having fall breaks now, I've heard Disney is having much heavier crowds during the early to mid part of October. Maybe someone who's gone during October can say for sure.