When to go? March or May?

[marcyinPA]

We are hoping to be able to plan a trip this Spring, but we've only been in October and June before. Can anyone give me an idea on the weather, crowds and rates in March vs. May?

April is out of the question, as my 8 y/o ds will be taking PSSA testing in school and I don't want to conflict with the preparation or the testing itself.

Thanks!

 

[tinaluis]

We've been to WDW in May (around Mother's Day) and the weather was very warm (it was unusually warm during the time we were there -- mid-90s most days) and the crowds were pretty low -- comparable to the crowds we've seen when we visit in mid-October -- the middle of the day in Fantasyland had posted wait times of about 35 mins -- but everything else had wait of about 10-15 mins. I don't know when Easter falls next year so the only thing I'd worry about with March is Spring Break. We always stay off-site so I can't give you any help with rates, sorry. All told, my vote would be for May as long as you avoid Memorial Day Weekend and the days leading up to and after it. Have fun planning!!!

 

[huey duey & luey]

I have stayed in May earlier beautiful weather minimal crowds and Memorial Day HOT HOT HOT CROWDED. I think the prices on site were the same

 

[DisneyPhD]

We have been to WDW in March many times. Some times the weather is good, (80's) but you have a better chance of cool and iffy then in May (or so I hear.) It seems the crowds and prices keep going up each March. We like March becuase it is a good winter get away from Michigan. We also need to go when hubby who teachs college gets breaks.

We have heard really good things about going in May. Warm but not Fla summer weather. (less rainy) Low crowds and beautiful flowers. We are considering May in the future since they just changed his school schdule to have a week off between winter and spring the 1st week of May.

 

[Jenn Lynn]

Two of my Girlfriends and I went at the end of May one year and it was really hot!

I am planning a trip for the first week of May next year and am hoping for great weather since it will be our DD's first trip.

 

[blanq]

My understanding is that between President's Day and end of March is a peak travel time at WDW. Translated: crowds and higher resort costs. Many schools across the U.S. have spring breaks that run through this time period. Because of this, rates tend to be higher in March, and I do know that there have been years past that discount codes have not been offered for this period. If you really want to travel in March, a cost savings tip would be to rent points from a DVC member. Rental points are going for about 10/point, which could be a cost savings over other WDW resorts (except maybe the value resorts). If you are not familiar with renting points, hop over to the DVC rent/trade board for more info. I personally have never been to WDW in March.

We have gone to WDW in May, however, and I think it is preferable to March for the reasons specified above. We were at WDW this past May (for a week around Mother's Day), and the weather was great (hot and no rain). We were able to get a room at AKL for $129/night. We had minimal to no waits for rides, with the exception of the MK on Spectro night (that place was a madhouse so we hopped over to Epcot, which was virtually empty). If you avoid Memorial Day week, I think May would be an ideal time to go.

 

[crazyforgoofy]

It's May 31 in 2004. I'm planning a trip in the week before as May is drier, cooler and has lower crowds than June, July or August.

 

[thumperjr9]

This year we went late April -early May. We have also gone in October and March. My vote would be for early May. The crowds were small and weather was perfect. Nice and warm for swimming but not too hot to enjoy the parks. Also, we enjoyed the flower and garden festival at Epcot, which, I think, runs through May. Rates should be a little lower in May (with the exception of the memorial day weekend)