When to go to WDW ???

[dgworek]

We are planning our first family trip to WDW for 2009. We have a DD 7 and a DS who will be 2 by the time comes. We are debating when to go. We either have to go at Easter break in April or in July or August? When is the best time? My DH is hesitant about Easter break as it will be so busy. But when isn;t the park busy. My DH has never been to WDW so I know he will be just like the kids. Plus, I have been researching all of the resorts and being a family obviously we will be on a budget, I am not sure where to stay and where to eat. I will be getting the new Disney bible when it comes out. I am sure there is the lists of must to be done when visiting. Thanks for your help.

 

[mjkacmom]

Honestly, go at off-peak times - maybe January? My oldest is entering JH next year, and we took them out of school for the first time for WDW - the teachers were fine with it! However, I can't really do it again, since it's a lot harder to miss a week of JH than elementary. My the kids were in 1st, 4th, and 6th, and it was no big deal.

 

[Suzanna1973]

Well if you are on a budget then you definitely need to go next year during the free dining. You are able to make those reservations beginning in May I do believe. The free dining takes place during August and September.

Have a wonderful trip!

 

[homemaker]

We have been during Easter break and DH said never again! It is really crowded. We still had a great time, but would rather not have the long lines and crowds. We have also gone during free dining at the end of August(before kids in NJ start school), October and Jersey week in November. I think we like October best. It's not too hot and the crowds are bad at all. If I had to choose Easter, July or August - I would say end of August and go for the free dining. Have a great time planning.

 

[dougsmom98]

If I had to choose, I would pick Easter over July and August. I have never been at Easter, but I have been the week between Christmas and New Years which is just as busy or busier. The parks are open early and stay open late. The weather is going to be more tolerable then too. We went once in the summer, and I will never do it again. The humidity was too much.

 

[chris7]

I'll put in a plug for being in Disney over Christmas. Depends on your budget though. X-mas is peak travel time, so everything costs more. But...WDW goes to town decorating for the holidays, it's gorgeous, and the weather is great.

 

[dgworek]

The thing is I have to go at school break times. I am a school counselor and my vacation is dicatated by the school calendar. Plus I can't take my daughter out of school. Thats a personal decision my DH and I made before we even had children. Therefore we are limited to those breaks. I have read abou this free dining can anyone shed some light on this?

 

[Schmeck]

If you live anywhere where it is hot and humid in the summer, then going in August isn't as horrible as you would expect. Just plan to get up early to get to the parks at rope drop, plan afternoon breaks back at your resort, and a return to the parks for the evening/night. As long as you drink lots of water and use lots of sunscreen, you should be fine!

I'd definitely pick middle of August over July - July is Brazil Tour Group season, and the southern states go back to school in August, so it is a bit less crowded.