When to go?

[Kathi OD]

A little background first. DH and I go yearly, but my parents go much less frequently. The last time they were there was in 2005, and before that, in the 90's. Anyway, on Easter my dad announced that it was time to do Disney again. Since dad is beginning to have some mobility problems, we know this could be the last time he goes and is really able to enjoy himself.

So the decision is when to go. Normally we would go in early November, but DH and I can't financially swing that this year. We're thinking either late February or late April. We've never gone at these times of the year. How are the crowds and weather in late February and April? Easter is April 4th next year, so we won't be competing with those who travel Easter week.

 

[spiceycat]

the weather is great in Spring.

that say from the middle of Feb until the end of April - is spring break some place in the US.

some will go to WDW.

It also depends upon the sales that Disney has next year. if they repeat the buy 4 get 3 free next year - then BIG crowds like this year.

so hard to say. I am going next year - end of Feb beginning of March and even staying offsite. So hoping it won't be too bad.

here is the county for this year spring break in Florida - the ones that I look for are Lake, Osceola, Orange and Polk - the ones near WDW.

http://www.fldoe.org/districtCalendar/

 

[BEASLYBOO]

Spring Break is typically from the middle of March through to Easter ( this year April 12) and next year Easter is earlier than this year (April 4th), this is one of the busiest times at Disney. You may want to opt going a little earlier than April.

 

[Golden Rose]

I would also try for February rather than April, certainly for crowds and possibly for weather as well. I've never actually done late April, but I have done early May. (And we're doing mid May again this year...) As others have said, you would rather miss spring breakers, given a choice.

I like January for crowd levels, but the weather is so unpredictable that I definitely wouldn't recommend it for once in a lifetime type trips, but February should be consistently warmer.

 

[circhead]

February is spring break time in the Northeast - and since we all want to leave the cold and snow behind we head to Florida - I went President's week every year for 15 years to get out of the cold. Most years we were lucky but one or two the temperature didn't get out of the 50's ( still alot warmer than the single digits we were having at home).

The last week of April/ist week of May is gorgeous in Disney, and the crowds aren't bad yet. The 3 or 4 times we went during this time period we ran into decent pool weather (low 80's) during the day and needed a light jacket in the evening, also the Florida humidity hadn't arrived on the scene yet. The crowds were very light because no one had finished school yet - not even the colleges.

 

[sanbornangel]

The first week of May is great. We have been several times and have always had great weather and not much waiting. We go this year May 3rd (yes, 11 days away) Next year we will be going April 25-May 1 to use our annual pass that we will be getting on our upcoming trip. We will be taking our grown children and parents to the Treehouse Villas. We thought about a winter break however February brings the chance of cold nights. The last thing I want (coming from Buffalo) is any chance of cold.

 

[joellyn]

We've visited in late February several times and the weather is usually pretty good. It can get a little cool at night but day time temps are usually great for walking around the parks. Most of the time we were able to wear shorts during the day. There can be crowds around Presidents Day on the weekends but we have found weekdays are not too bad. We could still get fast passes for most attractions through mid afternoon.

 

[dopeygirl76]

We visited last year April 20-26 and are leaving again tomorrow for 6 days!!! We personally LOVE the end of April and my #1 vacation requirement is no extreme heat!! Although it nears 90 - it is perfect pool weather and the mornings in the parks are great!!! We have not found crowds to be too crazy out OCT MNSSHP trip was WAY crazier!!!! Hope this helps!!!