What factors determine WHEN you go to Disney?

[DeterminedOne]

We've narrowed the dates to sometime in September or October 2006, but now I can't decide which month and which dates to choose. No kids to take out of school, so that's not the problem. September may be too hot and possibly too crowded. We've visited in October before and it was nice, but I see that after October 4th it's considered regular season at the resorts and I don't want to pay full price because we're going with a deluxe.
So all of this got me to thinking - What factors determine WHEN you go to Disney?

 

[KimWDW]

I chose October over September because of the weather. Sept is rainier and there's a greater chance of hurricanes messing with the trip. But, on the other hand, Sept is less crowded than Oct. So, either way I think those two months are great.

 

[Principessa Alba]

Honestly, we just go when we can. We've been there for 100 degrees and monsoons in August. We've been there for "need your coat" January weather. We've done spring break crowds and we've done "is there any one else here?"

If we have time and everyone is available, we go and we've never had a bad time!!!

 

[GOOFYFREEK]

You also need to consider if you want to see the food and wine festival. Cause the weekends tend to be bussier during the weekend of October do to locals and the festival. Sept crowds seems to be down, and in both months you still have to deal with the heat but Sept is usually 92 where Oct is usually about 88. Its still hot. What determines are visits is resort price, and festivals. But mainly resort price.

 

[mattsdragon]

We go by what is going on. We're still waiting ot hear when Star Wars Weekend starts.

 

[phyllis1966]

The weather/crowd level mostly determines when we go. So far, we love November the best (the whole monthe was value until they changed it this year, so that was an added bonus!), but October was nice, too (stilll hot though, even the 3rd week). Now that DD has started 1st grade, school is factoring into our decision a bit more.

Whenever you choose to go, have a great time!

 

[Ducky4Disney]

We've tried a variety of Different times to go. Oct, Dec, May, June... and I've been in April too. So far, Oct and May are my favorite times to go. You get to see the F&W Festival in Oct and the F&G Festival in May! That can make it more crowded but the weather is nice and it's not too crowded.

I like Oct best because I love the season! Fall time, harvest, cider, pumpkins, and HALLOWEEN! It all comes together Disney style! F&W Festival, MNSSHP, and Oct weather make for a great trip.

On a side note, DH really like Dec because it's cooler and he gets to enjoy the holiday decorations, but sometimes cooler can be down right COLD. Walking around in Disney with pants, a turtleneck, and a jacet (wishing I had my gloves and a scarf) is not my idea of a Disney vacation.

D4D

 

[NCombs]

We have 2 big determining factors.

We won't take the kids out of school and I can't be gone from my job in July and August. So, it's early to mid June for us.

 

[DeterminedOne]

We absolutely loved November and would like to do it again next year, but want to be a part of the 50th anniversary celebration and are afraid we'll miss it. If they go along with the 18 month schedule it would end the first week of November but I don't think they've released the official date yet.
And what? November isn't value season anymore? That bites!

 

[phyllis1966]

And what? November isn't value season anymore? That bites!

ITA!!! I think Value season starts the week after Thanksgiving now...

 

[Skroops]

I love to go during special events. We love October for the Food and Wine plus we are hitting MNSSHP too. I also love spring for the Epcot flower show, Christmas for the decorations, and summer for the longer hours. There is always a downside to each choice whether it is rainy weather, crowds or shorter hours but we consider us lucky to be able to go!
Go and enjoy!

 

[DeterminedOne]

Phyllis - did you like Yacht Club? My DH wants to stay there.

 

[TyRy]

We were there last year end of October, first week of November. By the end of the trip, it had really cooled down at night. My DH picked the last week of September/first week of october next year to avoid the cool down. Yes, it is hurricane season, but he is willing to take a chance - plus it is still value season. By going then, we still get to hit the beginning of F&W and the first weekend of MNSSHP.

 

[LightBurnsBlue]

My college schedule has been determining my last two Disney trips. I went last year duing spring break (3rd week of march) and I do not recommend it! It was very, very crowded. Yes, it was wonderful just to be there, but we never got to ride some of our favorites in Fantasyland because the lines we sooooo long. This year we're going during my winter break (Jan 3rd - 9th)...hope this works out better! If getting good grades wasn't a factor, I'd go near the end of october.

 

[Snoozan]

Do you think you could book your trip beginning on the last day of value season the beginning of October '06? That way your whole trip would be at value rate, but you'd get to enjoy the October weather, meaning maybe a little less chance of hurricanes?

 

[Frantasmic]

Currently, it is kids, then it is affording it.

If you have no kids and can plan your schedule, why not go in Jan or Feb before President's Week? It definitely isn't too hot or too crowed, or even better yet, go sometime in early December. Seems crowds and heat are both minimal there with less likelihood of a truly cold weather event.

If I had to choose between Sept or Oct, I'd go late Sept when the crowds are supposed to be really light. I can handle the heat. Oct seems fairly booked with the F&W festival at EPCOT.

I went in August one year with an 18 mo old daughter while her mom was in a business conference. We didn't stay long and I was glad as that was the worst trip I have ever had. It was hot, muggy, and crowded.

 

[Claudia Kellenberger]

For me, my first consideration was the weather.
I just can't take too much heat. Next, I would prefer low crowds. I don't have any children, so it made sense to choose a time when most schools are in full swing. As an added bonus, we went when all Christmas decorations were up, and I have been doing that ever since! So my absolute favorite time to go is somewhere during the first 2 weeks of December. We once went the 2nd week of January, and that was great, but I sure missed the Christmas atmosphere.

 

[hrh_disney_queen]

The overriding factor for me is crowds...I cannot see any enjoyment in spending 2 hours standing in a line. Fortunately, the crowd factor usually coincides with discounts on rooms. The only problem is that we can't justify taking our kids out of school for more than a day, so we go during slow season for a long weekend, as opposed to busy, crazy seasons when school is out for a week. We have a great time seeing all we can without having to waste a lot of time in lines. We have been going during October in the past, which was nice because the kids always have a day off for teacher conference. But OMG, lately, (this year and last) October is really busy!! The value resorts are all booked except for All Star Sports, and last year it was pretty crowded in the parks, what with MNSSHP, Food and Wine Festival, and that golf tourney. We are giving the first week in December a try this year, although I can't see how MVMCP will compare with MNSSHP. We will see.

 

[DeterminedOne]

Do you think you could book your trip beginning on the last day of value season the beginning of October '06? That way your whole trip would be at value rate, but you'd get to enjoy the October weather, meaning maybe a little less chance of hurricanes?

Good idea - thanks!

 

[minnie61650]

We've narrowed the dates to sometime in September or October 2006, but now I can't decide which month and which dates to choose. No kids to take out of school, so that's not the problem. September may be too hot and possibly too crowded. We've visited in October before and it was nice, but I see that after October 4th it's considered regular season at the resorts and I don't want to pay full price because we're going with a deluxe.
So all of this got me to thinking - What factors determine WHEN you go to Disney?

If you book a room with an arrival date of Oct.3 you can have value seansons prices for your whole stay. Just don't book a split stay.
Have fun at Disney!