What is the best month to go to WDW with a cruise after?

[Joyce_Belle]

Hi all!

First of all; if this topic is in the wrong thread, sorry and please move it! I couldn't figure out where to place it...

I'm so EXCITED! Yesterday I got home and I had been thinking about our vacation plans for the coming year all the time. To make a long story short: we talked about it and we have decided that we would rather go on 1 big vacation a bit later, then going on multiple vacations. So: we are going to WDW including a Disney Cruise! We = me (24) and my other half (26).

So now I have a few questions:
- What are the best months to go to WDW? I'm thinking May or September. We've been in WDW 1-11 May 2012 and it was great. Any reason why september would be better? Or a different month maybe? We don't like crowds, so to be there with lowest possible crowds is essential. We also like nice weather, also because we like the waterparks too. And in the not-so-sunny months there won't be any cruises.
- Which cruise do you advise? I've thought about the transatlantic, because we're from Europe so it's kinda practical too and we would have a nice amount of days on the sea. On the other hand, we don't like to spend thousands of euro's on the cruise. So maybe a 4/5/6 night cruise is better. I think I like the shortest Carribbean cruise, anyone expierenced that one? Note: we want to go to WDW first and then do the cruise to relax.
- Where can you book? Last time we booked the free dining promotion on the UK website, so we had Saratoga Springs Resort and upgraded to Deluxe Dining Plan. I think my other half would really want to have that dining plan again. But I've heard about other websites that offer packages. Any recommendations?

That's it for now. Long story, sorry about that, haha.

Thanks!

Love,
Joyce

 

[Fuhnuh]

We've done a 4 and five night Dream Caribbean cruise in August and found the crowds very manageable the last week of August. It can be a little hot during August and the other weeks of August are a little crowded. We are going in May this year on a 7 night Fantasy Western Caribbean cruise. I think the crowds and weather should be a little better without many ride refurb closures, but cannot speak from first-hand experience. Although we are going on a longer cruise this time, we really enjoyed both the 4 and 5 night cruises. If going in May, I would plan to leave before Memorial day weekend if you're trying to minimize crowds. I don't know if there are any busy weeks in September, but there are Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party ticketed events after September 15 this year. That could be a positive or negative. Septembers trends as a little warmer and a little rainier, but in the high 80s for both.

 

[Rose77]

September is during hurricane season, so May would be the safer bet IMO.

 

[staceyrhood]

for weather and crowds I would chose May for sure...have fun!

 

[ImDMous]

Definitely May. We've done May cruises twice, once with WDW first and the weather has been perfect. I would not sail during Hurricane season. I know that the actual hurricanes are few and far between but I would just rather not take that chance if I don't have to. The weather is so much better in May.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

We have sailed twice in Sept. We had good luck with no hurricanes--but there was some wild currents.

I would choose May for better weather and you get to sail sooner.

Enjoy!

ETA: I have also sailed in May--the weather was not as hot in the Caribbean and much more enjoyable.

 

[ZephyrHawk]

I would say November/December, but I'm a bit biased since I'm already planning a December 2015 land and sea vacation.

The idea would be to try and find the lowest crowds time for WDW which does not fall during the fall hurricane season. Early December is after hurricane season and low-season for WDW. You also get all the benefits of holiday decorations and events.

Never done a transatlantic myself (though I'd like to), but it seems as though this would be your first cruise, and you might want to start with something shorter.

I always book directly through Disney. Using a TA or other service takes away the planning fun, in my opinion.

 

[Joyce_Belle]

Thanks everyone! May it will be obviously.. It's better for the reason that it's sooner too! I hope there will be a free dining offer in a few months.