What's the absolute best month to go???

[ktyler1320]

Hi everyone, we have been to Disney world one time. It was last October, our daughter had just turned 3 and she loved every minute of it. We now have two little girls, they are 4 and 9 months. My oldest hasn't stopped asking when we were going back since we got home from that trip. We want to take them back as some time after the first of the year. When are the parks the least crowded? When we went in october it was considered the value season, but the parks were very crowded still. But I guess it's always pretty crowded. I don't know if I could go on a busy season...LOL! I appreciate any help from anyone!

Thanks
Kim

 

[WedWay72]

Hands down!

The first two weeks of December.


or: if you're into flowers: the last two weeks of May.

 

[LoriZH]

I'm going to give a vote for May! I really liked going this time of year, weather is nice and the crowds aren't too bad. You have to make sure you don't go near Memorial Day though, it gets crowded then.

 

[zulaya]

Absolute lowest times in terms of attendance:

September (a lot of states just started school after Labor Day, so not a lot of families are there) and

January (same deal, except everyone just got back from Xmas vacation and aren't going on vacation right away.)

 

[LindaD]

There are tradeoffs no matter what time of year you go to WDW. For instance the two best months of the year for low crowds are September and January. Both of these months are prime times for attractions to be shut down for rehab and the hours are usually shorter. The weather is still hot and muggy in Sept. and can be very unpredictable in Jan.
I agree with WedWay72, the first part of December is one of the best times to visit the World. The decorations are up and the special holiday events are going on, and the crowds are tolerable. Whenever you decide to go, you'll have a great time, because you're in WDW with your family!

 

[Cindymere]

I love the third week of November and would like to try the first week of December next time!

 

[mitros]

Just a thought: Don't think it's a good idea to take a 9 month old. I've seen so many folks dragging along a child that cannot walk yet, and almost without an exception they were screaming their little heads off because they were: Tired, hungry, hot, in need of a diaper change, and just don't see the attraction that adults and older children see. Just my thoughts. And by the way, the first two weeks in December and most of September are good times as others have stated, but September might be too hot for the little one, while December is more comftorable weather-wise, and the elaborate decorations may keep an infants attention for a little while.

 

[2cutekids]

Another vote for the first of December ~ Good weather, low crowds and CHRISTMAS decorations! What could beat that?

 

[FreshTressa]

We still like October, despite the crowds. The weather can't be beat, warm and sunny enough for the poop, but not muggy or oppressive.

 

[Jaklackus]

Originally posted by 2cutekids
Another vote for the first of December ~ Good weather, low crowds and CHRISTMAS decorations! What could beat that?

I have to agree..love it there at this time.

 

[Tiggerlover91]

As my counter shows...I love to visit Disney in May. It's my anniversary month and the crowds aren't bad at all and the weather is just fabulous! Rains every now and again, but not much at all!

 

[swilphil]

Originally posted by mitros
Just a thought: Don't think it's a good idea to take a 9 month old. I've seen so many folks dragging along a child that cannot walk yet, and almost without an exception they were screaming their little heads off because they were: Tired, hungry, hot, in need of a diaper change, and just don't see the attraction that adults and older children see. Just my thoughts.

Wow, I think I have to share my thoughts on this post. Both of my children have gone to Disney World under the age of one. I actually think infants are much easier at WDW than toddlers. They sleep in the stroller, don't whine, and love to look around. Disney World is very baby friendly--diaper changing stations in all the bathrooms and great baby centers in each park for other needs. I would suggest staying onsite, so you can return to the parks for a nap and can avoid spending too much time on transportation. We stayed at the Dolphin, and the location was perfect. Yes, my baby did cry a couple of times in the park, but that's what BABIES DO no matter where they are--and he cried much less than the 3 year old! We could get the baby to stop crying quite quickly, and we didn't take him to any places where he would be interrupting the atmosphere. There are a lot of places I don't take my chidren because they are so young (the museum, fine dining restaurants, etc.) Disney World is geared to kids, and that includes infants.

Kim--Since you didn't ask for the ideal age to take a child to WDW, I will answer your original question. The month of May sounds ideal to me. It will be warm enough to still use the pool, but not too hot or crowded. January (avoid MLK day) also is less crowded, but it may not be warm enough. End of February also can be good and a little warmer. We had a neighbor who went the end of September. She said the weather was perfect, as the storms had passed but it wasn't too hot. I know beginning of December is great crowdwise, but do you really want to wait a whole year??

Have fun!

 

[tazz23]

I'd say the first two weeks in september- all the children tend to be back at school so the parks aren't that busy and the weather is still great! Plane tickets are also cheaper around this time- as most people tend to go during the holidays

 

[Pooh67_68]

The last week of Nov. through the first two weeks of Dec.

This is when we go every year, and it is great.

 

[pennylynn]

I think the very best time is after Nov. 11 up until Thanksgiving. You can catch the end of the Food and Wine Festival and before you leave all the Christmas decorations will be up. The weather can be iffy but the pools are all heated so that's not a problem. The crowds are low and while some of the rides will be closed for rehab that's just an excuse to go back again the next year.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Parks weren't crowded when we went one Sept. but we were between two hurricanes. We had gorgeous weather, but the parks actually were closed the day before we arrived. Our next warm weather trip is planned for the beginning of May.

Bobbi

 

[ktyler1320]

Wow! Thanks for all of the replies. No.....I hate to wait another whole year before we go, but I would love to plan a December trip one year. I bet it is so pretty there. I'm starting to think that I may try to plan it for May, my baby would be 16 months by then. And I also want to plan to stay at one of the Disney resorts just for the convenience of naps for the baby. My parents are wanting to go with us this time....neither of them have ever been and they want to see their grandkids there. I kept telling them how Madisen never stopped smiling the whold time we were there. So if they go, we can take turns with the baby. She is so good anyway, I think we could go right now and never have any trouble with her fussing.

Thanks again everyone!

Kim

 

[gshoemate]

I would say Jan. or Feb. if you don't mind the temps. Last year we had the 3rd cooldest winter in Florida history and alot of the times we went to the parks dressed in warm cloths. But so far this year things look pretty good, it's still getting into the 80's every day so maybe it won't get to cold this year. The crowds are very low at this time due to Christmas vacation just getting over and people are gearing up for Spring Break. The wait times for the rides are nothing.

I also agree with swilphil, take your 9 month old, they will have a blast. You are never to young for Disney and as long as you are prepared, you shouldn't have any problems. Bring you own stroller so it is comfortable for them to take a nap in, and take advantage of the Baby Centers, they are great, especially if you are nursing.

 

[mitros]

I stick with my original comments. All of the young children, from infants to about 3 years old that we have seen did a lot of screaming and carrying on. Sorry, it's just the way we have seen it.

 

[followme2disney]

I am voting for the beginning of December...for the same reasons as listed above. Sadly, I have never been able to go during the first two weeks. This year we will be there starting on the 18th and last year it was the 20th. I am pretty sure that next year we will be able to get there during the second week.