When to go?

[muchado]

We have a 4 yr. old and a 2 yr old. We can go to Disney any time of the year we want. Thankfully. We had originally planned a trip around my daughter's 5th birthday--February '15. We chose it because it would be cheaper with fewer crowds.
But now, I am second-guessing that time of the year. Thinking about Oct. because I saw the RO deal for the end of Sept./Oct. and it's doable.
Budget will drive our decision. And weather. We live in a very cold place. This will be our first time at Disney.
Three most important things we consider:
1. Budget (most bang for our buck) Air tickets will take a huge chunk out of our vacation budget so we really want to fly off-season.
2. Weather (not too cold or hot)
3. Low crowds
Any suggestions?

 

[WDW_Diane]

We have a 4 yr. old and a 2 yr old. We can go to Disney any time of the year we want. Thankfully. We had originally planned a trip around my daughter's 5th birthday--February '15. We chose it because it would be cheaper with fewer crowds. But now, I am second-guessing that time of the year. Thinking about Oct. because I saw the RO deal for the end of Sept./Oct. and it's doable. Budget will drive our decision. And weather. We live in a very cold place. This will be our first time at Disney. Three most important things we consider: 1. Budget (most bang for our buck) Air tickets will take a huge chunk out of our vacation budget so we really want to fly off-season. 2. Weather (not too cold or hot) 3. Low crowds Any suggestions?

I'm going at that time, can't wait to see the answers on this one.
If I were like you and could go anytime, I think it would be late September or early May. But I can't go anytime.

 

[librarymom2007]

I would go in November. Weather is still good, not too hot or cold. Low crowds.

 

[wdw4rfam]

I don't know if there is a time to get all 3 of those things. The best price, September. They "usually" do free dining in September, and it's the lowest room rates of the year. It's also some of the lowest crowds. But I won't lie...it's HOT. I will agree that November has the best weather, I'd say average crowds though, not low, and average price.

 

[gonnago]

Well easyWDW says that Feb 1-11 2015 is the best time to visit budget,crowd and weather wise.It is Value1 season the cheapest time to go. I guess it depends on when you would like to go and what all you would like to do.

I prefer November before Thanksgiving lower crowds,nice weather, and it is fall season which costs slightly more than value but less than regular seasons.The Christmas decorations are up and MVMCP and Osborne Lights will be going.

October would be nice if you are wanting to be there for Food and Wine Festival or the Halloween party. But the weather can still be hot and humid,not as bad as summer or September.

I think a trip in Feb.'15 for your DD's birthday and your first trip would be a wonderful time to go.

 

[Dasha Hermosilla]

Chiming in.... When you mention weather - are you seeking to enjoy good FL while people at home freeze? If so, I would expect your budget for airfare would take a hit as others do similar things.

 

[wdw4rfam]

Well easyWDW says that Feb 1-11 2015 is the best time to visit budget,crowd and weather wise.It is Value1 season the cheapest time to go. I guess it depends on when you would like to go and what all you would like to do.

I prefer November before Thanksgiving lower crowds,nice weather, and it is fall season which costs slightly more than value but less than regular seasons.The Christmas decorations are up and MVMCP and Osborne Lights will be going.

October would be nice if you are wanting to be there for Food and Wine Festival or the Halloween party. But the weather can still be hot and humid,not as bad as summer or September.

I think a trip in Feb.'15 for your DD's birthday and your first trip would be a wonderful time to go.

Probably the best best for weather, price (if not looking for free dining), and crowds slightly higher than September (per touring plans), but still decently low. So probably the best balance in February. I guess you have to figure out which of these are the most important. We go in September because the rooms are value season prices plus free dining and crowds all 1-3 /10. But it's real hot. So we give in on weather to get the other 2. But you are probably right, that February gets a balance of all 3 things.

 

[ArwenMarie]

Week before thanksgiving is the best. Weather is good, you can usually get a deal, and crowds are lower. And you can do some of the holiday stuff and probably still swim.

 

[muchado]

Week before thanksgiving is the best. Weather is good, you can usually get a deal, and crowds are lower. And you can do some of the holiday stuff and probably still swim.

I knew I was forgetting something...SWIM! I thought we'd be fine in Feb. but can we get 1-2 days of swimming weather?

 

[illinidp]

I would go either late Sept for Halloween and the Food and Wine festival or in mid December for Christmas. The crowds aren't bad either time and there are a lot of seasonal extras. You can time your arrival for a free dining plan either time.

We swam almost every day of Christmas week last year, but there were record highs.

 

[dbramer]

We went for DS 5th birthday the week after President's Day. We left the Mid-Atlantic during a snowstorm and arrived in Disney with 75 - 80 degree weather. The crowds were low and the weather was fantastic, a little chilly in the morning, but if you are from north of North Carolina, it is heaven in February.

A great time to go if you can swing it. Unfortunately, we can no longer go at that time due to work schedules...

 

[muchado]

Thanks! Yes, I am from NC. LOL. So, Feb. it is.