What dates would you choose? Jan, Feb or April

[Patio]

I'm trying to decide between these dates for my next trip. Which would you pick and why? It would probably be about 5 nights from these dates:

January 14-20
February 11-18
April 8-19

 

[Disney Fool]

April 8-12! I've gone at this time and the weather is absolutely beautiful. No humidity, and in the high 70's--perfect. Not crowded. It may rain, but it doesn't last long.

 

[spiceycat]

either you Jan or Feb dates would probably be okay - April is part of the spring break - so is Feb after the President's day.

Jan - low crowds!

 

[Lexxiefern]

I would go in January. The crowds are really low - I think it may be my favorite time to go.

We went April 8 - 14 last year and it was packed! (granted this was right before Easter)

 

[MACUSER]

I would choose April we have gone the past 3 aprils and had a great time. Although the best time we had was the last week in Jan it was empty and we got very lucky with the weather it was in the 80's . walked on everything

 

[f7prez]

I have gone several times in April and the weather is the best.
This month has the lowest rainfall of the year, the temps are between high 70's to mid 80's or higher with no humidity.
The crowds can be a bit heavier, but the parks tend to stay open later and offer more in terms of entertainment (more shows)
To me, the parks are more exciting with more people. during the slow months it doesn't seem the same.

 

[bethnburke]

We are going Jan 17 - 23. We have gone a this time before and it is really nice. The weather is beautiful - and a nice break from the freezing temps at home - and the crowds are low. There is never a long wait for anything. DH refuses to go in the spring or summer -- too crowded for him.

 

[Poohbear123]

Its not as crowded and its cheaper, in Feb.11-18 you will be paying FULL price for the Room!

 

[dandave]

I'd choose Jan or Feb, for the lower crowds.
Value season runs through Feb. 11, I believe, so you would get the value rate for your entire stay. Have fun whenever you go!

 

[sshatney]

My first trip to Disney was during spring break in '99. We had a wonderul time but the lines were soooo long for everything. It was 90-95 degrees everyday that we were there...record high spring.

 

[Maude4Disney]

I would choose January, for 2 reasons mainly...it's sooner than the other two dates...and we've never gone in January. I'd like to try the parks when they're not so crowded. We did February a few years ago and it wasn't too bad. A few cold days, but better than at home. Our last 2 trips were in April and it is beautiful, however, it is crowded and if you have any little ones, the heat can get to them sometimes. But on that note, we've just decided to go again...in April. Only because we don't want to pull DS10 out of school this year.

anytime is a good time to go to Disney! And the weather is always better than in Michigan!

 

[MissMagnolia]

We love staying in January. The crowds are nil, no waiting for rides, relaxed atmosphere, discounted rooms, and nice weather (we're from WI, so 60s are great in Jan.). This is the only time of year we will go (my DH hates crowds).

In fact, we will be at WDW this January from the 10-17!

 

[Minniesotaluvsmickey]

I have been there in Feb, March and April. I would go in April as long is it isn't over Easter. The weather is very nice.....hot, but that's what I'm looking for after surviving a Minnesota winter! I want to spend my vacation in shorts and have a great time in the pool. Yes, the lines were long but we saw everything we hoped to and more. The key to going during a busy time is to plan your day ahead of time. The lines were the worst in the MK, a negative if you are traveling with little ones. The March vacation was also fun but very cool at night and we had bigs winds! Our table umbrella flew into the lake in EPCOT while we were eating in Mexico. At night we were wearing jeans, sweatshirts and jackets..... and I'm from Minnesota!
Let's face it....any WDW time is great and you can make the most out of any month you choose! Have a fantastic time!!

 

[WDWAurora]

How soon after New Year's do the crowds drop in January? We're leaving on the 1st, and I'm trying to figure out how bad it will be. Our first day in the parks will be the 2nd.

 

[married2grumpy]

We Have gone in April and loved it. The weather was beautiful and the crowds weren't so bad. It does depend how close it is to Easter. I found the crowds this November to be just about the same if now larger than our April trips. If you are going to Disney to just do the parks, I think January would probably be your best bet. With a few trips under our belt now, we don't have the urgency to see everything at the parks so for the most part the longer lines aren't a bother. It also feels more like a vacation when you can put on your shorts or hang around by the pool and get some sun. January and February might be too cold to enjoy the pool. You will have fun no matter which you choose!

 

[shelleyz]

I've read January is one of the slowest times. DH and myself(NO KIDS) will be there January 26-30. I hate waiting in line so thats why I chose January.

 

[djkeenan]

Based on my experience (about 20 trips) I would pick January. Granted the weather is not as warm but the lack of crowds makes it a treat. What fun it is to hit your favorite attrfactions when there is virtually no lines!

 

[mom-2greatkids]

I see you're going over MLK weekend. The parks get quite a bit busier from that Friday thru Monday.

We go every January (DH has conference). Our second year we went over MLK weekend and decided we'd try to avoid it again at all costs! It's not that it is swarming with people, but when you are accustomed to it being SLOW, there is a big difference.

Also, is weather a consideration for you? We've had daytime highs anywhere from 85 all the way down to 50. As long as it's dry it doesn't bother us, but swimming can be pretty hit or miss.

 

[rwcmath]

My choice would be the April dates. Enjoying a pool is my reason. We have ressies for May 1st, Typhoon Lagoon, here we come. I doubt we'll be in the pool on this next trip, but who knows?!