When to Visit and Where to Stay

[thebordcu]

DW and I just returned from a quick trip to WDW (was her first visit and first for me since I was really young). We only had the time to spend 1 day at MK and are already looking forward to a return trip. (I hope we aren't too early with the planning - I know prices aren't even out yet)

We do not have children and are looking to go when it is not crowded (and not as hot as it was this past week). We are from NJ and took the Auto Train down this time (not big flyers) and found it to be enjoyable and it was nice having our own car so we will probably take the Auto Train again or drive down

We stayed at the Hilton GVC on International Drive and found it really conveniant to have the kitchen and washer/dryer in the villa. We did one of the time share tours (did not purchase one and are considering it, but don't think it is for us right now)

Questions we had:
Which would be the better dates to visit:
12/15-12/20/08
1/11-1/17/09
1/18-1/24/09
1/25-1/31/09
2/15-2/22/09

Our 2nd big choice is to stay on property or not. Is it really worth the cost to stay on property and can we get a place that has the kitchen and washer/dryer or should we try for a place like the Hilton again or renting a private place?

Have people found that it is better to purchase the 7 day ticket with no expiration date rather then the 4 or 5 day ticket so we can save it for a future visit? We only bought the 1 day this time which was pricey.

Thanks!

 

[grimley1968]

Lots of questions here. I'll handle ones I know something about.

- Dates. I'd probably go with that week in February you have listed. That week in December might have some Christmas crowds. Orlando weather in January can be downright cold at times. But by late February, the weather is usually reasonably warm, USUALLY. Also, that sounds fairly removed from Spring Break time, so crowds shouldn't be bad. Being from NJ, I suppose you are familiar with "New Jersey" week, which I think is usually in the fall. Avoid that if you can, as it seems the entire state of NJ visits Disney that week.

- Staying on or offsite is up to you, and is a very subjective question. We prefer onsite ourselves. It is more expensive than offsite, but we get to use the free Disney transportation, and Disney resorts are mostly fun places to stay, with the theming and everything. Keep in mind that there are DVC resorts, or "Home Away from Home" resorts that offer suite-type of amenities, including washers, dryers, kitchenettes. We don't need that, so we always just get a room at a WDW Deluxe resort. We often have our own car, which is handy to get to Downtown Disney, the waterparks, or (heaven forbid!) offsite somewhere.

- The per-day pricing of tickets goes way, way down when you buy 7-10 tickets versus just 1 day.

 

[Noah122898]

I would avoid the week that John stated because most of the northeast kids are out of school that week for winter recess. I would go with the last week in January for least amount of crowds.