When to go?

[LaurenLC]

My husband and I will be welcoming our first child three weeks from today. My mother (God love her) has already started talking about our daughter’s first trip... We are Disney World veterans, but thought her first trip being at Disneyland made a bit more sense since the property is a bit smaller.

We've narrowed it down to two times; either early to mid May (before Memorial Day) or sometime in September (after Labor Day) 2011. What do you think would be the better choice when you factor in things like weather and crowds?

Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

 

[mystic_path]

Both are nice weather wise, crowd wise its good for both, but I am going to suggest September. Just cause your daughter will be a bit older, allowing her to stretch her little legs a bit and walk around.

 

[Canadian Traveler]

I would agree go in Sept.... I don't agree weather wise as I can not handle the humidity in Florida.. But that is me...

 

[bnbheartdisney]

My little one's first visit to Disneyland was at two months old in September a couple of years ago. Looking back, we had a good trip. The weather was good for her. We arrived to the park with her bundled up and by the afternoon, she was in her onesie - on a sheet in her stroller. It was quite easy and enjoyable!

 

[HydroGuy]

I would choose May myself. Went mid-May in 2009 and it was great. But both times should have good weather and lower crowds. September is just more likely to have rides or shows down for refurb. HM goes down every September FWIW.

Be aware that both are off-season and off-season at DLR works differently than at WDW.

"Choosing When To Visit DLR: Summary of High and Low Season and When Each Happens " http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=36509602

"What You Should Know About Off-Season at DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=18462889

"Comparison of Weather For WDW and DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1711098

"A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

 

[DisneyMomma81]

I'd go with May ~ actually I'd go whenever your baby is 6-8 months old - sleeping through the night, still small enough to *wear* comfortably *sling, mei tai* and not yet mobile - once little ones start crawling/walking they might not want to be held or stay put in the stroller. 10 months - 2 years is a busy time with babies/toddlers. Best of luck to you - have fun!

 

[letthembelittle]

I would try to go when your little one is either about 6 months old or after 18 months, we have gone with our little ones and around 1 yr old they have seemed a lot more scared of characters and rides then when they were younger or older.

 

[LaurenLC]

Thanks for all the thoughts! As of right now I'm leaning towards May, but obviously that could change over the next 12 months
We are DVC members and have been going to Disney (mostly World) about 2-3 times a year since 2005.... We haven't been since September of '09 and I think my poor mother is going through Disney withdrawals...
We are going to wait to see 'what kind of baby' we have, but it sounds like either time will be good.
Thanks again!

 

[mrswh]

Congratulations!! So much fun to come! (Disneyland or not.)

I'd go with May as well. Both times would be dreamy as far as crowds go (now that my oldest is in Kindergarten we are stuck going during the crowded times - no fun!). But if you look at the weather, I think you'll find it is much more likely to be sweltering hot in September than in May. In fact, we went the last days of September a few years back and it was H-O-T. 90s. Rough enough for us, brutal with a baby.