When is the best time to visit DW?

[american_mommy]

So we had our Dec/Jan trip and I was not happy with the crowds. I have only been twice, the end of May 1998 and this past Dec/ jan. We went to DW on Dec. 28 & Jan 2, both days were so busy, as was expected. We also went to Sea World and it was very busy. New Years day is was slow in the morning though. When dh and i went in 98 we were there at MK 1 day, May 23. Now the crowds were so much better but it was really hot!
After seeing how well we budgeted this trip we realize it is possible for us to do it again(DH's parents paid for the house rentals and tickets but we paid the rest of everything). So I am trying to look into the best time to go where it won't be so crowded. I know it isn't soon, I would like to plan for next winter/spring but realistically it may not be till 2008. Still I am looking into it to tell dh so maybe i can convince him of an annual DW trip!
I thought March would be nice because it would be warmer for beach visits but dh said that he thought it would be too busy because of spring breaks. I would rather not take my kids out of school but if I had to I guess it wouldn't be totally horrible
So what has everyone learned as the best time to visit? I want not too hot and very low crowds. I hate making the kids stand in line so long! TIA!

Tammy

 

[daisyduck123]

We just got back last Monday from 8 days at POP.
It was a wonderful time to go. Lines? What lines?

We had low 80s 2 of the days & mid-high 70s the rest of the week.

Absolutely perfect!

 

[bookswin]

We like the period between Thanksgiving and Christmas Break, say about Dec. 5. A natural lull, still warm but not hot, not crowded (but more than it used to be).

Early May is also nice, between Spring Break and summer vacation, but it can still be hot. My 6 y.o. son almost fainted from the heat in mid-May at a Star Wars Weekend.

The Passporter Guides and www.tourguidemaike.com might have crowd info by time of year for you.

 

[MandM521]

We just got back (Jan 29 - Feb 4) and it was great! All parks were very quiet, including Universal and Sea World. If and when we go again we are definately going to aim for the same time frame. Weather wasn't too bad either. A little cool first thing in the morning, but we were still in shorts.

 

[mytwotinks]

is early October. We had a ball at the food and wine festival. My girls even enjoyed it (2 & 7). It was plenty hot for the beach ! Some days were pretty warm , but most evenings were comfortable. We had a great time in the parks. I honestly think that whenever you go the parks are busy in the afternoon to early evening. We always go first thing in the morning until it gets busy and then leave and come back for an early dinner and some more park action!

 

[DisneyDotty]

Right Now! (whenever that is!)

 

[loopner67]

We like the period between Thanksgiving and Christmas Break, say about Dec. 5. A natural lull, still warm but not hot, not crowded (but more than it used to be).

Early May is also nice, between Spring Break and summer vacation, but it can still be hot. My 6 y.o. son almost fainted from the heat in mid-May at a Star Wars Weekend.

The Passporter Guides and www.tourguidemaike.com might have crowd info by time of year for you.

I've been in WDW once, between Thanksgiving and Christmas (first week of December) and it was fantastic. The parks were decorated for the holidays, lines were VERY low and the weather was even very nice. If we weren't so anxious to go again, we'd wait until next December to go.

 

[Kycha]

Your DH is right. March will host many spring breakers. March is considered peak season. I would go the second or third week in December. We went Dec 4 - 18, 2004. The crowds were light, especially from the 11th - 18th. The parks and resorts were beautifully decorated. And the weather was very mild.

 

[ThreeMusketeers]

Seems whatever time we pick...even if everyone has previously said it was going to be SLOW and No waiting in lines. We always find that its' really really packed anyway.

We went first week of December in 2005, and it was VERY BUSY. the whole week.

Next trip we are going to try for Beggining of Feb, and see what happens. I hear its supposed to be slow then too.

 

[Enchanted]

We've always adored going anytime in September. The crowds are very low. You can literally walk onto most rides. We've rarely stood in lines longer than fifteen minutes. Even for the Mountains! It's still kind of hot and humid, but we've always liked it like that because then we can still wear shorts and swim and stuff without worry. Plus, we live in Ohio, and it typically cools down a lot in September so it's like our last hurrah for summer.

 

[american_mommy]

Thanks for all the advice! Since we live in Canada I want something that will kind of break up our winter. It was so nice to go to Florida in Dec/Jan when(well normally) it is really cold and snowy up north! THe kids loved being able wear shorts and not be bundled up in their coats, boots, snowpants, etc!
I am thinking the beginning of Feb would be good. I hope we can go again soon, the kids talk about it so much.My 2 yr old really talks about it which is funny because he was miserable most of the time while we were there!

Tammy

 

[Selket]

We've gone in early May twice (including last year) and I thought it was quite manageable. I use Tour Guide Mike's advice (http://www.tourguidemike.com) and I think that has helped us deal with any crowd issues that unexpectedly come up.

We were there the 1st week of May and the weekend after the 4th of July last summer and the 1st week of May was definitely less crowded. You're likely to have better weather then too - warm enough to swim and fewer rain showers - no hurricanes! We actually had Hurricane Dennis blowing off the FL coast on our July trip and gave us a lot of rain!

I'd think if you want to avoid hurricane season then go during the 1st half of the year - before July!

 

[Callalily6]

I AM SO with you on this! I hate waiting on lines too. We have gone in Sept., Feb., March, May, and August.

The best no line time was totally late September/ early Oct! We didnt wait to go on a ride for more than 15 mins. And the weather was great! Still shorts, sunny - but not hot, and hurricane season is over! My 2nd fav is Feb. The lines are a little longer - not much - and the weather is a little cooler. Watch holidays - and avoid them - crowd levels are always packed on holidays - doens't matter if its Christmas or Easter or MLK day - still packed...you just get to pick if you want packed like sardines or packed like pickles!



We go again so soon! Cant wait!

 

[Selket]

The best no line time was totally late September/ early Oct! We didnt wait to go on a ride for more than 15 mins. And the weather was great! Still shorts, sunny - but not hot, and hurricane season is over!

Hurricane season actually runs until the end of November although the later you go in the year probably the less likely you are to have your vacation impacted by a hurricane. However this past year Hurricane Wilma hit Florida in mid-late October....

 

[pkitty]

I would love to go anytime I get the urge which is often, but unless I win the lottery can only go once a year . So we time our trip with our canadian winter and go when we can no longer stand the cold, the snow, etc. Actually that would mean we would be going down Dec 1st (just kidding). We go down on the 2nd or 3rd week of March for two weeks. We do this as a kind of wakening from winter because when we get back the warmer weather is only a couple weeks away. A great way to start the year ! We leave this year 18th of March. Can't wait !!

 

[american_mommy]

I would love to go anytime I get the urge which is often, but unless I win the lottery can only go once a year . So we time our trip with our canadian winter and go when we can no longer stand the cold, the snow, etc. Actually that would mean we would be going down Dec 1st (just kidding). We go down on the 2nd or 3rd week of March for two weeks. We do this as a kind of wakening from winter because when we get back the warmer weather is only a couple weeks away. A great way to start the year ! We leave this year 18th of March. Can't wait !!

Wow I wish I could go every year! When dh and i went in 98 we spent a lot of $ so we assumed we wouldn't be able to do it again for a long time. And now 3 kids later we really thought we'd need a bundle. But we went on a budget and am so happy to realize we can do it again. Our only thing is we are trying to pay off our debts and will be able to soon so I don't hink DW is an option right now.We are in the process of starting to house shop and, even thought we could do it with a little $ we have to save all that. Makes me sad though cause I know my kids would love to go again soon!

 

[Rainman]

We have been three times recently. We will always try and go when it is not that crowded. We have been twice in Oct. The weather was just about perfect. I dont like too hot. Also we ejoy the Mickeys not soo scary Halloween party. We went in early May and it was fine too.

 

[mommyluvsmickey]

we are going the last week in April any ideas how the crowds and weather will be then?