When would you go?

[AllyElly]

Planning a trip for 2019 and have 3 date options. It will be 4 adults and 6 kids - ages 11, 9, 4, 3, 2 and infant under 1.
If you’ve been during any of these times, what are the pros and cons of each?

End of January
Second week of March
End of May- Early June

Thanks!

 

[jaceraden]

I'd probably pick January, if I had the option. But it also depends on where that US holiday is that makes WDW busy in January. Is that MLK week-end or something?

 

[AllyElly]

We were looking at the week after MLK week. Trying to avoid crazy crowds as much as possible.

 

[dachsie]

End of January. That would be when Festival of the Arts is going on in EPCOT. Also least probably crowds

March you will be in the height of Spring Break and it will be way crowded. End of May some schools getting out and will be more crowded than January. Also, while it doesn't offend me, some people may not like that week as it is usually LGBT week.

 

[mousehouse23]

End of January:

Cons:Shorter hours, ride refurbishments, too cool for swimming, late January was NOT as low-attended as years past in 2018 (or rather, Disney cut its staffing so that ride wait times were still rough)
Pros: Value pricing, Epcot Arts Festival

2nd Week of March:

Cons: Start of Spring break crowds, Higher Resort Prices
Pros: We went this exact week in 2018 and found crowds manageable, IF you Rope Drop; Beautiful weather, Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, Longer park hours

End of May-Early June:

Cons: Hot weather (with more thunderstorms), Higher crowds than January (but better staffing, too)
Pros: Good for swimming, Mid-range resort prices, More expanded hours than January, but likely less than March

My pick? 2nd Week of March, if you're willing to Rope Drop. Because Easter is so late in 2019 (April 21), hours may not be quite as extended during the 2nd week of March next year, as they were for us.

We had a wonderful vacation this year, in spite of my concerns about crowds. Of course, we also really lucked out with weather!

 

[bigbabyblues]

We would pick the end of May/beginning of June, which is when we usually go. It works for us because the kids get out of school before Memorial day so we can stay longer, and we don't have any issues with travel weather (snow!) or colder temps in the parks.

 

[Wood Nymph]

End of January

We have gone to Disney many times at the end of January and most of the time the weather has been too cold for swimming. The plus side is that it doesn't usually rain during this time of year. This is one of the cheapest times to go and less crowded than your other two dates.

Second week of March

You will most likely get great weather for this time of year. If spending lots of time at the pool is part of your plan, then this is the time to go to Disney.

End of May- Early June

The weather tends to be very humid and there are often afternoon showers every day. It is also getting crowded. We went there at this time of year two years ago and the only benefit was that the kids were out of school by then.

 

[SaintsManiac]

I would do March. Easter is April 21st next year, so you should be ok avoiding the big spring break crowds.

 

[kwdw]

Planning a trip for 2019 and have 3 date options. It will be 4 adults and 6 kids - ages 11, 9, 4, 3, 2 and infant under 1.
If you’ve been during any of these times, what are the pros and cons of each?

End of January
Second week of March
End of May- Early June

Thanks!

I've been all three - and given the kid ages - I'd pick the second week of March.

End of January:
Pros: potentially slightly lower crowds, resort pricing
Cons: shorter park hours, unpredictable weather. Needing to carry/deal with all the layers of clothing options for the kids you might need during the day - a nightmare in my book. Temp can vary by day - and by 20-30 degrees during the day. Might be lucky and get a pool day, but often pretty cool.

I don't think Festival of the Arts adds much for your group.

Second week of March:
Pros: beautiful weather, most likely. Warm enough for pool, not so hot to be miserable, Flower and Garden Festival makes Epcot beautiful
Cons: resort might cost more than January; might need a layer for a cool morning or late night - especially on little ones

I don't think spring break really has that much impact on crowds. Spring break is a 6 week time frame across the US. (Easter has an impact, though, but it's not in March next year)

End of May/June:
Pros: If your kids also want to live at the pool - all days will be plenty warm for that. Longer park hours.
Cons: Can be hot and humid.

 

[GovieMom]

Second week of March is already too crowded. It's also peak season which means higher rates.

End of May will also be very crowded, in addition to having sweltering heat and humidity.

End of January would be my pick for the cooler temps, less crowds and value rates.

 

[OneinThree]

Generally speaking I would choose January, but only if what we've seen this year during that month is an outlier. We went both in January and March of this year. March was far more enjoyable (crowds were very manageable) because the second to third week of January was totally insane for whatever reason. Weather in May can fluctuate here in FL such that we can easily get mid-Aug temps during that time.