What would you choose? (trip timing)

[Regan1103]

Hello all! We are planning a trip for our son's 2nd birthday. He's bday is 4/9 which falls during my husband's spring break (he works at a hs). we'd be going 4/5-4/11

We also have the option to go during MLK weekend because they have a four day weekend and my husband could take that friday off. so at the parks 1/16-1/20

My question to you all is what would you choose? Going to WDW during MLK (which is much cheaper because we can buy the package or get other discounts through orbitz but it would be a fast and furious trip and i don't know how crowded that weekend will be). Or Going during spring break (spend the extra and have a longer vacation more relaxing vacation but stay off property and deal with higher crowd volume)?

*note we have budgeted for the bigger spring break trip so saving money is great but not a deal breaker, if that makes sense.

Thank You!

 

[Lincolnshire]

Personally I'd much rather go MLK weekend when the crowds should be lower than spring break. You may actually get more rides in on a shorter trip with lower crowds than a longer but more crowded trip. But if swimming or water parks are important to you, go in April because you may not be able to swim over MLK (especially if your 2 year old gets cold as fast as mine does).

 

[MSSANDRA]

MLK week-end, while more crowded than typical Winter time, is not crazy busy. Plan well, and avoid MK on that Saturday and you will be ok. Spring Break will be crazy busy!

 

[DisneyFansInNYC]

MLK weekend. It will be less crowded. I also like the cooler weather. You can do more things when it is less crowded. We were there once when it was so crowded and we really didn't get much done.

 

[MandiC]

I'll be the opposing view I guess I would chose April. The people I know who went in January last year all were FREEZING, and this is supposed to be a cold/wet winter again.

 

[Regan1103]

Thanks everyone! That is all my thinking with the spring break crowds. My DH is not sold though. It is important to note that we have only been to WDW during the busy seasons (early august, sb, and 2 xmas trips) and have gotten lucky every time so he is basing his opinion off that. My family and I got spoiled during a couple off season trips back when I was younger, plus we had a flexibility in planning trips back then opposed to now since DH works for the schools.

Would the crowds be markedly less, like 30 minute average wait times? I think it would have to be a major difference in order to convince him

 

[MandiC]

We went during the first week of February which is a very slow week and while many rides were less than 30 minute waits, the big rides all still had longer waits 45 minutes + at prime times. I think good planning is key, whatever time of year you go.

Another thing to think about with January vs April is refurbishments. I definitely liked the crowds of February but it wouldn't be my first choice for future trips. January-February is prime refurbishment time.

 

[denneg]

I have been on the very-crowded school vacation weeks,and as long as you listen to the crowd calendars, do rope drop and use your FP's, you would be fine.

I'd say go both

 

[North of Mouse]

MLK is a 'very' busy weekend - I would choose the April trip, and the weather will - on average - be much nicer - spring, in the south! Yes, it will be busy also, but it would be worth it to me - also will be the Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot - plus you say you can stay longer!!

 

[Regan1103]

thanks everyone! We decided on the April trip we are skipping the good friday weekend crowd and starting our trip on that Tuesday.

 

[Pumbaa_]

Since the majority of the NorthEast has spring break that week and it is easter week, .....i would not touch that with a free paid trip

I wish you much luck and hope you do not have any park closure days

have you checked the crowd estimators for that week??