Which would you choose, June, July or August?

[lasmickey]

We have always taken our oldest daughter out of school, and gone to WDW in October. However, after the hassle we received this year from taking her out, we decided it would be a lot less stress on all of us if we would just give in and go during the summer vacation months. Now mind you, we are QUITE SPOILED from having great weather, low crowds, and MNSSHP in October, but we are willing to give summer a fair chance. (I haven't been during the summer since I was a kid.)

We realize that we will most likely have large crowds in the parks, as well as more rain than we're used to (again, we're spoiled because our last two October trips of 9 days each were 90 degree temps, and completely rain free!) But we also realize that we will have longer hours, and all those things that are only open "seasonally", we'll finally get to see (we hope!) So anyway, what would be your best suggestion on when we should go? Schools here in Western Maryland aren't usually out for the summer until the end of the 2nd full week of June, and they return to school near the end of the 3rd full week of August. So that leaves the last two weeks of June, all of July, and the first two weeks of August. Ok, I'm ready to hear the good, the bad, and the ugly about these times. Lay it on me and PLEASE help us make the best decision. TIA!!

 

[mhingher]

I definitely say go as early in June as possible. As you head into July and August, the heat and humidity is just AWFUL! Don't get me wrong- it could very well be just as bad in June, but you have a much better shot. We went this past year the last week in June and it was pretty hot. Crowds weren't too bad, I'm used to crowds, but just plan and take advantage of Fast Pass and you'll be fine. Also in the summer months you'll want to plan on not spending the entire day in the parks- plan on either going in late some days or coming back mid-day for a swim or nap... drink lots of H2O! I went a few times in August as a child, and it was unbearable... Pretty much anytime June-Aug you have the chance of the 10 min rainshower everyday. Not that bad.

Happy planning!!!!

Melissa

 

[Selket]

I'm in Maryland too (montgomery co.) and we start back the last week of August. In 2003 we went down that 3rd week of August - can you do that? The crowds are lower that time of year as a lot of places have started back to school. My son did get back and start school the next day or the day after - can't remember - but no problems.

Have fun!

 

[risy]

Weather-wise, early June is much more pleasant than mid-August.

The early part of June sees a lot of locals in the parks because we get out of schools in May. But early June has smaller crowds than mid-summer.

I have never been in August. However, if you are planning a long visit with plenty of R&R time, it might be okay. Just be sure to go for pool breaks in the afternoons.

Either way, go as early or as late as possible. Avoid the middle of summer when crowds peak.

 

[tiggerzpalz]

We have gone the last few days of June-the first week of July for years now. I have to say we don't think it is as bad as people say it is. Yes, it is hot but we find ways to beat the heat and the crowds. We head in early, leave by lunch. We miss the parks at their worst time of day. Enjoy the afternoon at the pool, we usually stay at the Boardwalk. Then we head back into the parks at dinner. The late hours are helpful and night cools off a bit. We actaully have only run into rain only once on our vacations but even then it only lasted about an hour. We put on our ponchos and kept on going. I know many people will probably say we are crazy but we really enjoy ourselves and have no complaints. Make use of Fast Pass, early entries and/or extended hours and you will have a great time.

 

[pooh2001]

We go in June - 3rd or 4th week.
Mornings are usually clear of rain. Do early entry if it's a park you like - or go to a water park early.
Afternoons can be rainy (we once had a 6 hour rain storm - not 10 min at WDW). Save EPCOT for a rainy day - or go to DTD for a movie or Disney Quest. AK is a must in the AM - cooler, less smelly, animals are more active.
MGM is half indoor / half outdoor. MK is mostly outdoor and you can get drenched running between the indoor rides.

But we wear our poncho's, have our tickets and $$ in waist packs kept dry and wear our 2nd old pair of sneakers which are made to get wet. We love the parks and most of the rides do not mind the rain. The parks tend to clear out. Only problem is dinner in wet soggy sneakers and socks. Do dinner at your resort - or change your clothes and go out again.

 

[Mommyof2]

I would also say go with June. I've visited in all 3 of these months over the years, and while June is hot, the July and August sun are brutal. Another June plus, depending on when your daughter's last day of school is, in many school districts across the country, schools let out as late as the last week in June. Friends in the Long Island, NY area have told me that their children are in school all 4 weeks of June this year, with a late start date of after Labor Day. This may mean slightly fewer crowds when many children are still in the last week or so of school. Whatever you decide, I hope you have a magical vacation!
~Christine

ps- since you have been to MNSSHP, I have a question...are there any nights when the usual spectromagic and wishes are run? DH and I are considering changing our Aug vacation to an Oct one, but would still like to see these disney classics

 

[lasmickey]

Mommyof2 - We went during the last couple of days in September through October 8th of last year. We did MNSSHP on October 3rd. I know that there were at least 2 nights during our stay that WISHES and Spectromagic were offered. If you think you might go during October, I STRONGLY suggest the first week. We have always had great weather and low crowds, and the MNSSHP seems to be less crowded towards the beginning of the month. HTH!

 

[Buzz's_girl]

Hi there. If heat and humidity, and possible hurricanes dont bother you, then I would say August is the time to go. I am from the Northeast, and the kids dont go back to school until after Labor Day. We were at Disney last August, in between the second and third hurricanes (I think) and when it wasn't unbearably hot, it was pouring rain. We must have spent over 500 dollars just on water ....no kidding....(we even brought our own water bottles) I guess you just have to decide what is more important...lines or heat. Maybe you could go a little longer than normal, so the crowd factor won't be an issue???

GOod luck. I hope you have a great trip no matter when you go!

 

[bytheblood]

August!

 

[niks81]

I've been in June, July and August....and I vote for July

I was somewhat disappointed with June. We went early (2nd week) and I didn't care for the limited park hours for it being summer (MK closed at 7 and 8pm! One parade during our whole 8 nights) and it was really humid and overcast. Granted the weather could be attributed to that particular trip, but I've been several times in July and while hot, I love it. The parks are always open late, parades/shows running at full speed, and I always had good luck with weather in July too!

 

[4mykids]

I'm from the Mississippi Gulf Coast with weather identical to Orlando. The summer is just hot and humid. June may be better as you don't have those pesky hurricanes to worry about. We have been twice in late July. Crowds were manageable (we, too, were spoiled by October and early December trips!). It was hot. Be sure to bring those spray water bottles with the fans. That way you won't have to pay $16 for one in the parks. You will need them! Can get them at Wal-Mart, etc. The parks will even let you fill them up with ice water where they sell theirs.

The AK is, IMO, the hottest place in the world! The last July trip we were there, we booked an early Breakfastosauraus PS and went into the park prior to opening. We finished just as the park opened. Did things in the Dino Section and headed to Kali River Rapids. Had to ride the thing twice to get wet (if it had been cold, we would have been drenched on the first drop!). But we were able to ride twice with absolutely no wait. We wore quick dry shorts. Our undies (and bras) stayed wet the remainder of the day and this kept us cool, cool, cool! I guess you could always skip the ride and wet everything down in the bathroom, but not nearly as much fun!

Just take things slowly, start early, and you'll plan the day around the A/C rides, Ice Station Cool, and misters (which Disney has located at various places in the parks--even in some lines at AK.) When walking down Main Street in MK go thru the shops. They are AC and connect almost all the way down.

If you want to do a water park, go early as they will close the gates when they reach capacity. This happened to us, but we were able to get in after 2 p.m. Much less crowded. Just swam at the hotel until then.

Take advantage of those EMH evenings when it is cooler.

I know what you mean about taking the kids out of school. I am fretting over 2 days out at Mardi Gras!

Have fun and stay cool!

 

[ToyStory Fan]

Honestly, we've done them all and still (regardless) of the hassle at school will take our children out of school and go in October. I hear what you are saying as far as being spoiled for the exact reasons you mentioned, and to me it is my money going towards the school and towards vacation so it is my call to make. Am I sacrificing my child's education - maybe a little, but I'm pretty confident in my children's abilities so I know they can handle it.

I refuse to be "herded" into a situation where half the world will be at "the world" and be burdened with hotter, more humid weather and longer lines. Call it selfish, or foolish vacations are about family time and de-compressing...I know that I can't de-compress if I am dealing with crowds and heat - to me it takes some of the magic away. DW was unconvinced until this most recent trip (week of July 4th) - that was the straw that broke the camel's back. Too hot and too crowded.

Good luck whatever you decide.

 

[lasmickey]

Thank you all for your wonderful, honest, quick replies. I think we are leaning towards going during the 3rd week of June. We usually go for 9 days or so, and since we were just there in October, I feel like we can probably manage pretty well with the time we'll have. I know that it will be different, but I think if we keep open minds, we can still have a great vacation. I really think the most important thing for us to remember is that it is without a doubt going to be DIFFERENT than what we're used to, but different does not have to mean worse. Right?

ToyStory Fan - I really do know what you mean. I have had that attitude all along, but this year was just the year that "broke the camels back" When it starts stressing us all out, more than being fun, it's time for a change. So if that means going to WDW when it's hot and crowded, then at least it's better than not going at all. (I hope!!)

Thanks again for the advice! If anyone else out there has an opinion, I'd love to hear it. We won't be making reservations for a little while yet.

 

[bytheblood]

August. The end of August if you can.

 

[minijeanie]

toystoryfan,

felt the same way you did until my DD went to high school this year...
well...the rath of kahn still burns inside me....high school so totally different
can't be out of school at all.. for any reason

DD hurt her knee last week at color guard practice. in cast & crutches but insisted on going to school...if she missed her science class...she would have to start from square one..

so, if kids younger, absolutely take them out of school...but as they get older much harder...
for me...leaving last day of school ...june 16th....
would I rather of done October
absolutely
but we all must make sacrifices at times

 

[newholidayx2]

DS & I are going the end of Aug this yr - 18th-27th - 9nights
Im planning this trip as more of a pool/waterpark vacation

 

[Leota]

I agree - when your kids are little, it's so much easier to take them out. When they reach HS, forget it - the curriculum moves so quickly, they'll really have trouble missing more than a day or two. My HS Jr. DS wouldn't go during school if I begged him & he loves WDW.

We have to go on school breaks now. We like the end of August. But, I haven't tried your other options. Our school doesn't let out til the end of June. This year we're trying Spring Break (April) and a summer trip - probably Augusts again. I am keeping those dates flexible based on AP rates/airfares.

We were also spoiled by being able to go off-season. We found it easy to adjust as long as we realized it was a whole new ballgame. As others have said, we hit Parks early, broke for lunch, swimming & lounging & took advantage of late nights. Mixed it up so we were in & out of A/C or water rides. Used iced bandanas for our wrists/necks & drank tons.

 

[goofy4tink]

We've been twice in mid-August. First time was hot/humid but bearable. Last summer was brutal. Of course, we checked in the same afternoon as Hurricane Charley!!! We are going again from June 18-26. Hoping for much longer park hours than early June. Drink lots of water and get out of the parks by noon and swim. Then a sit-down dinner and the parks at night. That's how we have dealt with the heat and humidity!!

 

[clutter]

We've been in Feb, May (twice), September, October and December. By far, the hottest, ugliest it's ever been was our second May trip, during an extended heat wave. Last summer, we went the week after the 4th of July. I expected heat, crowds. To tell the truth, I was pleasantly surprised. Sure it was hot (but not as bad as May 2003). Sure it was crowded, but it was managable, even with a kid that hates mornings. I think that the second week of July is probably less crowded, since most people take vacations the week of the fourth or the third or fourth week.