What dates would you choose?

[Hannah nz]

Hi all.

I am in a bit of a conundrum. We are going to come to WDW and Florida in general this year. We want to visit the Everglades Via Miami beach and the Keys as well as 8 -9 days at WDW.
DH and I had planned on September but then my dad expressed interest in joining us for a bit as he is planning to go to Cuba with friends from Canada (we are in NZ) and maybe NYC.
Their preference is October and because NZ has school holidays 26th Sept - 11 Oct we can't get the sale fares over this time period. My best friend is getting married on the 24th and I can't miss that.

So our options are 1 - 21 Sept -on our own, or with my dad either 23 Sept to 15th Oct (this is a few days longer than we prefer but is the sale airfare), 27 Oct - 15 Nov ish.

Please let me know your thoughts. Thanks

 

[2Lunds]

1-21 Sept would be my preferred due to lower crowds, however that's at the tail end of hurricane season and some people feel nervous about that (also, it's still really hot). In your shoes, if you want to travel with your Dad, 23 Sept- 15Oct would be what I'd choose, especially with the sale. I've been to Orlando at the end of October and while we had a few really hot days, we also had some cold nights. That's fine for theme parks, but if you're doing the Everglades and beach touring, I wouldn't want to take the risk of 15C days (too cold for beaches, even in this Canadian's opinion).

 

[Hannah nz]

Thanks. That was definitely our preference but trying to work something in with my dad. As his friends are from Canada I think they are wanting to go when its a bit colder for them.
We don't mind cooler weather, we are pretty hardy, it's meant to be peak summer here but its been highs of 26c which is about 78f.
More concerned about crowds and costs.

 

[Micca]

Early September has some of the lowest crowds if that's an issue. It is still very much summertime, but it's also still hot at the period of October you're looking at.

Regarding the hurricane issue, if there's a hurricane when you're there it'll be even less crowded.

 

[yorkieteacher]

We loved September this past year. BUT, we arrived shortly after the Dorian scare, and Extra Magic Hours were in effect for all parks. Almost everything was a walk on in the mornings from about 7-9. And, the heat index was about 105* every day!

 

[SamanthaH]

Hi all.

I am in a bit of a conundrum. We are going to come to WDW and Florida in general this year. We want to visit the Everglades Via Miami beach and the Keys as well as 8 -9 days at WDW.
DH and I had planned on September but then my dad expressed interest in joining us for a bit as he is planning to go to Cuba with friends from Canada (we are in NZ) and maybe NYC.
Their preference is October and because NZ has school holidays 26th Sept - 11 Oct we can't get the sale fares over this time period. My best friend is getting married on the 24th and I can't miss that.

So our options are 1 - 21 Sept -on our own, or with my dad either 23 Sept to 15th Oct (this is a few days longer than we prefer but is the sale airfare), 27 Oct - 15 Nov ish.

Please let me know your thoughts. Thanks

Have you been to Florida or the southeast US before during the summer months? The heat and humidity can be rather stifling for those not acclimated. Just checking that you know what to expect with the heat. The end of September will still be hot and humid, but more likely to moderate as you get into October. The beginning of November may be busier crowd wise with Jersey week, the marathon, and Veteran’s Day. Columbus Day weekend in mid October may also be busy. Crowd wise... the 1st 3 weeks of September will be best. Weather wise... the end of October and beginning of November wins by far. Sept 23-Oct 15 is a happy median, and you get to spend time with your dad. Good luck in your decision.

 

[Hannah nz]

Have you been to Florida or the southeast US before during the summer months? The heat and humidity can be rather stifling for those not acclimated. Just checking that you know what to expect with the heat. The end of September will still be hot and humid, but more likely to moderate as you get into October. The beginning of November may be busier crowd wise with Jersey week, the marathon, and Veteran’s Day. Columbus Day weekend in mid October may also be busy. Crowd wise... the 1st 3 weeks of September will be best. Weather wise... the end of October and beginning of November wins by far. Sept 23-Oct 15 is a happy median, and you get to spend time with your dad. Good luck in your decision.

No we have never been to southeast US at all. In 2018 we went to Hawaii in June/July and have also been to Thailand in July and had no troubles but not sure how that compares
We are pretty sun safe and always book with a place with AC, keep hydrated and stay in shade where ever possible. We also aren't huge beach people and wouldn't sit out all day so don't mind if its cooler.

 

[SamanthaH]

No we have never been to southeast US at all. In 2018 we went to Hawaii in June/July and have also been to Thailand in July and had no troubles but not sure how that compares
We are pretty sun safe and always book with a place with AC, keep hydrated and stay in shade where ever possible. We also aren't huge beach people and wouldn't sit out all day so don't mind if its cooler.

We used to live in Houston for many years, but relocated to Colorado 5 years ago. Last August, we took a short Disney trip. After stepping outside for the first time, the heat and humidity felt like I was being blasted by an oven. I was taken aback after being away from the climate for so long. We still had a great time, and we are going back again this coming September due to schedules and low crowd levels. I’m not going to lie though. The weather is not pleasant that time of year. It isn’t even really about staying in the shade. The humidity is what is oppressive, and it can even feel yucky in the shade or even after the sun goes down. I have not been to Thailand, but I imagine it would be closer to that experience than Hawaii. I have been to Hawaii, and Florida summer heat and humidity is more intense. Fortunately, Disney does a great job with air conditioning, and you can limit your time outside by jumping from attraction to attraction, especially if the crowds are low. Just come prepared for the heat and humidity.

 

[Beachmom0317]

Hi all.

I am in a bit of a conundrum. We are going to come to WDW and Florida in general this year. We want to visit the Everglades Via Miami beach and the Keys as well as 8 -9 days at WDW.
DH and I had planned on September but then my dad expressed interest in joining us for a bit as he is planning to go to Cuba with friends from Canada (we are in NZ) and maybe NYC.
Their preference is October and because NZ has school holidays 26th Sept - 11 Oct we can't get the sale fares over this time period. My best friend is getting married on the 24th and I can't miss that.

So our options are 1 - 21 Sept -on our own, or with my dad either 23 Sept to 15th Oct (this is a few days longer than we prefer but is the sale airfare), 27 Oct - 15 Nov ish.

Please let me know your thoughts. Thanks

I personally would go October 27-November 15th. We live in northeastern part of US and the heat and humidity is too much for us. You are also a little further away from peak hurricane season in those dates and have a chance of some cooler weather- though it will likely still be hot. Weather might be something to consider if you aren’t used to it. Veteran’s day is November 11th so there will be some crowds the days before after that day. You could also enjoy your friend’s wedding on 10/24 and then take a nice vacation afterwards! Plus you can see fall AND Christmas decorations!
I am VERY close to my parents. DH and I have two small kids. That being said, it is hard to coordinate with multiple parties, especially since I am a people-pleaser and hate when people are upset with me. Nevertheless, with vacations, we’ve recently decided over the last few years to make plans with whatever works best with *our* schedules. Especially since vacations costs lots of money. But every family dynamic is different. Good luck!

 

[focusondisney]

Early September is actually the peak time for hurricane activity in the area. Not only Disney, but your Miami & Everglades & general travel plans could all be affected. The heat, humidity & hurricane risk could be a part of why your dad’s Canadian friends are opting for October dates to visit Cuba. Don’t know their ages, but I can say since we hit our 60’s, we find the September weather harder to deal with. Will lower crowds make up for the stress & anxiety of possible last minute disruptions if your travel plans get interrupted by a hurricane threat?