When to visit?

[O&WMOM]

We are starting to plan a trip to the world next year. What would be the best time of year to visit. (lowest crowds, best prices, weather) We will be traveling with a 7 yr old and 5 yr old and missing school is not a problem.

Thanks!

 

[Taggie]

I don't know when the best time to go is. I will tell you when the worst time to go is. We went last week (mid July) and it was miserable. I am from StL so the heat doesn't bother us, but it was hot and rainy (on and off) . It was sooooo crowded. I have two boys 3 and 6, and wanted to spend most of my time at Magic Kingdom, since that is geared more for there age, but it was so crowded that you couldn't hardly walk. So we maybe spent 8 hours there of our 6 day trip. All the rides (at all parks) was 50+ minutes. The fastpasses are nice, but you can only get one at a time (for the most part).

I hear that September is nice time to go, although then you have to watch for hurricanes. I would have liked to go in September, but my 6 year old is starting kindergarden in August and I didn't want to take him out of school.

Hope this helps

 

[bicker]

Best would probably be early November, IMHO. The weather has not yet turned cool, but the October crowds have finally left. September and early December are about the same AFAIC: September a little warm for my taste and early December a little cool. January is a distant fourth, with very low crowds, but sometimes very cold temperatures.

 

[fun2bmomof3]

Taggie I'm from near StL. Sorry your trip wasn't so good.

To O&WMom: I prefer going in September. We have been there twice at the end of September and it was wonderful. It is still hot, but both trips didn't see any rain. Also the crowds were nonexistant. I think the longest we waited in line was 15 minutes. We are going back again this September but a little earlier than before but I don't think it will make much of a difference. My sister in law went in June her first trip but in September with us last year and she said she will never go at peak times again.
I have heard that other than the week of thanksgiving right up till mid december and then the second week of january through february except presiden'ts week is all really slow times.
I am thinking of mid may next year just because my oldest will be entering High school and doesn't want to miss two weeks of school because she plans to try out for cheerleading and few othe extracurricular activities. I'm afraid we're spoiled by going in September, I hope it's not too bad next year.

 

[O&WMOM]

When you travel during "value" seasons, are the parades, events or rides that are closed?

My husband told me that I get one Disney trip, so I do not want to miss anything!

 

[bicker]

Definitely. The number of attractions closed for the season is proportional to how light the crowds are.

 

[kizmac]

Beginning of December is a lovely time to visit! Low crowds, mild weather(can get chilly though) and Christmas decorations! We loved it. We also love September for the low crowds, still hot and humid though. If you look at this Septembers schedule of events....it will give you an idea of what it will be next year. Usually Spectro is only 1 or 2 times a week but most all other parades are going once a day. Some rides may be shut down for refurbishing also since it's off season.

 

[Cruz Family]

We went in the begining of Nov. last year and it was wonderful. The lines were pretty short (esp. with the fast pass). The weather was beautiful (it's after hurricane season) mid to low 80's everyday. It was very comfortable and just fine for swimming during the day and still warm enough at night that even though we brought light jackets we never used them. From what I know all of the attraction, shows, and parades were the same as they are in the months. We enjoyed it and I am sure you would too. Hope it helps.

Melissa

 

[becky7953]

We went in January. It was awesome. The only thing I recall being closed was the waterparks, which we weren't interested in. We have been 2 times in January, both times we had great weather. Not too hot not too cold. I am interested in doing a trip in December. Alot of people rave about the decorations.

 

[benjyt]

I'll have to agree with early December. We visited WL around Dec. 10 two years ago, and it was beautifully decorated. We also did the MVMCP and the Candlelight Processional and Dinner at WS. The crowds were very light, which meant that we could take our time. The weather was a little cool for a couple of days, but still delightful. It may be my love for the Christmas holiday season, but early December is my favorite time...

BTW, we're visiting in mid-October this year. I hope it turns out to be a good time to visit. In early December, my DW will be about 8 3/4 months pregnant...

 

[MBeds]

We had a great time over Halloween...never waited for a ride..weather was perfect...I tell ya, it sure beats being there mid-July...whew it's hot then!!

 

[dandee00]

Best would probably be early November, IMHO. The weather has not yet turned cool, but the October crowds have finally left. September and early December are about the same AFAIC: September a little warm for my taste and early December a little cool. January is a distant fourth, with very low crowds, but sometimes very cold temperatures.

Like freezing cold tempatures in January? Is it below 32F? Or would it be more like 50 to 60 F in the morning and evening?
Thanks.

 

[btwalter]

We go every three years in early to mid February. This is our favorite time to go. The kids need a break from school and they really don't miss much. The weather is perfect mid 70's. We even went to Blizzard Beach. There aren't really that many attractions closed. The ones that were closed weren't any of the big ones. The last time we went it was lightly raining the first day and we got to go on Splash Mountain three times in a row....didn't have to get off they just kept us going around and around. It was awesome.

 

[bicker]

It has gone below freezing in January, but that's very rare. Average overnight lows are in the high 40Fs.

 

[princessarielle]

When I was younger we would go after school in June and it was way toooo hot and crowded. So now we go in January. You hardly have to wait for rides unless it's over Martin Luther King weekend then it had gotten busier. The temp in the morning was cooler like around 50-60, but during the day was lower 70's and then cool again at night. We mainly wore jeans and t-shirts. My DD wore capris most of the time. Plus, you can sometimes get extra "character" time if it's not so busy. That's always a plus!
We're hopefully going this coming January. I can't wait!!
Lori

 

[ellyn2000]

I've gone many years now for Thanksgiving week. The weather has always been nice (except for one freezing year) we can still use the pool but it's comfortable during the day. It's value season so good rates. Crowds have differed on different years, but just avoid MK on Thanksgiving day and you should be alright. My kids only have to miss 2 days of school and I only use 3 days of vacation for a whole week @WDW. I highly recommend it. Good luck!

 

[wishn4wdw]

We've been several different times during the year; Jan, Feb, May, June, Nov and for the first time we are going this October. I have to say the only time I really wouldn't go again is in June. May was wonderful as the crowds were not bad and weather was beautiful.