Why do you choose to go (or not go) in the HEAT and CROWDS?

[MS_mom_1965]

I went twice many years ago. We got out of school then in mid May, and we walked onto almost everything. It was great. Now, however, my kids don't get out until the week before Memorial Day. I think most of the schools in this country get out then too... They start back to school the first week of August. Besides it being too darn hot in the summer, my DS plays high school football. They are only allowed to miss one weightlifting session all summer (they go Mon, Tues and Thurs), so with the heat and weightlifting, summer is out.

I also don't believe in taking my kids out of school. I don't believe that sends the right message to them. There is nothing more important than them getting a good education, including saving money and/or time on a vacation. (Let the flaming begin).

My DH is self-employed. He doesn't work, he doesn't get paid. That simple. So it pretty much boils down to holidays the kids are out school being the only time we can go. I hear Christmas and spring break are even more crowded than Thanksgiving, so Thanksgiving it is!

 

[xoprincessmomxo]

August for us! Only chance to take my step daughter! No way would her mother let us take her out of school (even though she is an excellent student!). I would love to go in the fall! But, I might have to wait on that one for awhile!

 

[ribbot]

I went twice many years ago. We got out of school then in mid May, and we walked onto almost everything. It was great. Now, however, my kids don't get out until the week before Memorial Day. I think most of the schools in this country get out then too... They start back to school the first week of August. Besides it being too darn hot in the summer, my DS plays high school football. They are only allowed to miss one weightlifting session all summer (they go Mon, Tues and Thurs), so with the heat and weightlifting, summer is out.

I also don't believe in taking my kids out of school. I don't believe that sends the right message to them. There is nothing more important than them getting a good education, including saving money and/or time on a vacation. (Let the flaming begin).

My DH is self-employed. He doesn't work, he doesn't get paid. That simple. So it pretty much boils down to holidays the kids are out school being the only time we can go. I hear Christmas and spring break are even more crowded than Thanksgiving, so Thanksgiving it is!

The kids around here get out early June and go back the last week in August---that's part of the problem with summers--the kids all get out at different times and it makes it hard to find that "perfect" week to go on vacation. Just like Spring Break---it runs anywhere from April to May.

I didn't believe in taking my child out either--but that has recently changed after my hard-working husband who works all year 12 hours a day to get a week off for vacation and we spend it stressing over standing in long, hot lines. It's too much money to spend not to have fun. If my child were having troubles in school, I wouldn't even think about taking him out.

But some good news for you---someone in line down there last week told me Thanksgiving Day is the BEST day for WDW! Have fun!

 

[Rustysmom]

I'm going at the end of August for the first time because my DS can't afford to miss school. He's in special ed and it seems that he's always behind, and if he missed a week, he would really be behind.

Before the kids were school age, we went in November and it was wonderful. We actually are going again in November because we won a trip and there are blackout dates so we can't go when school is off, but DS will only miss 2 days, which in his case is bad enough.

 

[LadyTrampScamp&Angel]

Before my kids started elementary school we went during some wonderful times of the year - late April/early May and the week after Thanksgiving. Loved lower crowds and heat!

Now we must travel when school is out. I would take my kids out of school if it were possible but our school system does not excuse days missed for vacation. Two unexcused days and they threaten you with the truancy officer. I got "the letter" when DS only missed ONE unexcused day last year when we traveled to a family event. So, I wish I could pull my kids out of school but it's not worth the hassle and I won't tell my kids to lie and say they were sick (has been suggested to me).

Two years ago we went during late October and that was an awesome time. For a few years our schools scheduled a Fall Break week and that was wonderful. Unfortunately it's not in the schedule this year so guess they did away with that

Last couple of years we've gone to FL in June. While we still had great trips, none of us really enjoy the weather and crowd levels. We schedule things well so the weather bothers us more than crowds. So in 2008 we're going during our spring break which fortunately isn't the weeks surrounding Easter and we may try Christmas break also. Never have done that and we might schedule more resort time because I know it'll be very crowded then.

 

[Cool-Beans]

I don't choose to go when it is hot/humid/crowded. I get sucked in by other people who say, "Hey! Let's go to Disney!" Can't pass that up, no matter how crowded it gets.

I like the cooler months, too. It is hard to see (much less enjoy) everything around you when there are a gazillion bodies in the way. And it is difficult to remain in good spirits through hours of ridiculous heat and humidity. I do OK, spirits-wise, but so many people are so very cranky that it can spoil the fun a bit.

Basically, everything is easier in winter and seems more like a chore in summer.

 

[MiaSRN62]

I agree....I don't "choose" it either. it's our ONLY option at this point in our lives.

My preference is to go during late Oct to early Dec. It's cooler, but still water park doable, and less crowds (usually !!!?). This time period has been getting more and more crowded from the way it was years ago (I miss those days !).

We now go during July/Aug because my kids are older and it's too difficult and stressful to take them out of school. When they were in elementary school it was easy. Middle and High School are a different story. True it's bloody hot and crowded (actually the crowds bother us much more than the heat !), but we just pace ourselves and stay a minimum of 10 nights (stayed 12 nights this summer). This allows us to do things at a slower pace.

It's actually much more difficult for me to get off work in the summer, but until the kids are all out of school, we're destined for the summer crowds. We do sneak in fall/winter weekend getaways.

 

[RJD]

Well we head down this Sunday for the free dining! The first time in summer for us. I am a bit apprehensive because of the heat and crowds. In the past we've always gone during April school vacation, which here in NH is the last week of April and apparently later than most of the country's. So it's been crowded but not unmanagable. I would not pull my kids out of school for vacation since they get plenty of vacation time, so to me it makes sense to go when they are on vacation. I think school is more important than being inconvenienced at Disney, just my opinion.

 

[Poohbear123]

But took a trip Aug. 5-9 and BOY was that a mistake! Too hot and crowded, never again in Aug.

 

[PortieOwner]

Sept. is terribly hot and humid, but our game plan is to always take a break mid-day to rest and cool off and hit the pool so we might as well be there when it is hot and crowds are low. The only think that bothers me about the heat+humidity is that my camera needs a long time to de-fog before it can be used after coming outside from the air conditioning.

 

[Ratpack]

We go every year in July. DW is a teacher so that is pretty much when we can go, also kids don't have to miss school. We actually enjoy it then. Having lived all my life in NC except for the last 3 years which are in SC, the heat and humidity is the same or worse here in the summer. So if I were at home I would be dealing with the same situation other than perhaps crowds. But our plan has always worked well for us so that the crowds don't even come into play that much. We are at the park first thing in the morning with specific attractions we want to do. We hit them first usually with no wait. Then as more people enter the park, we do a few FP attractions with little to no wait. Then when the real crowds show up, usually around lunch, we head out of the park to the resort for some pool time. Then go to a different park in the evening and usually just stroll around, no set schedule or attractions to see. It's always worked well for us and we have had many wonderful trips in the summer. Also, forgot to mention the very long park hours, that also helps with being flexible.

 

[cadchick]

Yeah, school is the big factor. Disney is like a carrot at the end of the year. If it were as simple as taking the kids out of school for the week, we would consider it, but when you factor in after school activities too numerous to list, it's just easier to wait til school is out. We don't mind the crowds because we take advantage of magic hours and get a late start in the parks. By the time we hit our stride at around 7 pm at night, most folks are looking to get back to the hotel room. Most important we mix it up and go to more than 1 park a day. If the MK too busy, we head over Typhoon Lagoon.

 

[2mickeys1minnie]

We go every year the last week of August into early Sept. and actually love it. Yes it is HOT but we start early and take an afternoon break everyday. Last year during free dining the longest we waited was for POTC and that was 10 min posted wait time. The crowd level is low and the free dining is an added bonus. We are going again this Saturday and we can't wait!!!

 

[Amy&Dan]

I have a hard time understanding why anyone would go to Disney in the summer at all!

I used to think like that, but then my son hit middle school and the days of pulling him out for more than a day or two were finished. So I go in peak times now because that's when I can. My kids thankfully have a fall break but we are also now going to WDW next June and the next year probably in July because that year (July of 09) that's when my brother can go and we want to go with his family. I can take the heat, I just go the parks early, take a midday break and then go back at night. Crowds don't bother me like they used to, thanks to going to WDW numerous times, I am okay with not riding stuff multiple times (or even at all in some cases) and fastpass really helps. Also, we love to swim and love the waterparks. Can't do that in the winter. Also love the longer hours in the summer and fewer ride closures. Its a tradeoff, but in the end, you have to go when you can, then enjoy the fact you are at WDW! Never say never, I used to say I'd never go in the summer and I have to now eat those words! The last time I pulled my son (back in sixth grade) it was so not worth having the work to make up and the downright hostile attitude of a few of his teachers. A couple of whom never did get over the fact I took him out and imho graded him harder the rest of the semester.

 

[midge3426]

We have been going in late August to late September for years. One year we went in October and it was way too crowded for us. I have pulled the kids out of school every year and we have not ever had a problem. I just have to work extra hard after the vacation to be sure they get caught up. My DS this year cannot go because he will be a freshman in college and he cannot be gone a week. Gotta work hard to keep that scholarship.

 

[Family Fun Mom]

I have a child with asthma. She has very low immunity and catches every little germ that heads our way. Even the smallest cold turns into a full fledged illness with her, which means lots of missed school days. There is no way I can justify pulling her out of school for vacations when she is already missing so much.

It sucks. Mostly for my baby girl. I hate seeing her suffer. So, we go at the very end of August when most of the country is already back to school. It's hot as Haydes but the crowds aren't as bad as June or July.

Since we don't have much choice, we just deal with it.

 

[applechips]

We go every year in July. DW is a teacher so that is pretty much when we can go, also kids don't have to miss school. We actually enjoy it then. Having lived all my life in NC except for the last 3 years which are in SC, the heat and humidity is the same or worse here in the summer.

Hello ratpack! from Lexington, SC myself!!!

I was just going to post that we don't go in the summer because i can't do crowds & heat. I get so cranky just being outside here at home in the summer.
We go usually in December, however we are braving a post Labor Day weekend trip this year. We've been in April as well and that was a lovely time. We'll see in 2 weeks how I *really* feel about the heat/crowds in Disney world!

 

[lustergirl]

for the past few years we have made our way to disney in september and last year I got to enjoy disney once again in december- the first week. I got to tell you:
I enjoy december much better even though there is no free dining plan- ha!!
During the xmas months the "world" looks so beautiful because of the decorations and the heat is still bearable.

Funny story:
Last december was my first time going during that month so I packed like I was still up north during the winter- I took sweatsuits and I gotta tell you that was a big mistake. This next trip I know better because I will still be in my summer gear: cotton shirts and capris and maybe a sweater at night.

I think I prefer december over september though because of the heat situation.

 

[eliza61]

We generally go during the late summer (August). Basically we don't pull our kids out of school, we just feel it sends the wrong message to them (my opinion only). We have a blast whenever we go on vacation especially to Disney. Yes it's hot but it is alson hot in NYC in August, so not sure I agree with kids and hot weather not mixing. What do kids do in the summer, nowadays stay inside all day? Anyway, we take full advantage of the waterparks, the pools, the fast passes and the extra long hours. Never had a bad time yet (keeping my fingers crossed).

 

[nluvwithmickey]

Well, Ive visited WDW at just about every season but sad to say that after this upcoming trip, we will have to return to our summer months vacations. Youngest DD will be starting High school on fall 2008 and skipping school for a vacation will not be an option anymore. We've enjoyed every vacation we have taken at WDW, and yes the heat is pretty intense during the summer months. We just don't do the parks commndo style anymore. When the girls say they are done, we just head back to the resort and relax at the pool. Or better yet, take advantage of the water parks.

There are a couple of great advantages to going to WDW during the summer:

The atmosphere. Everything is open longer, more nightime shows.

DH can take up to 3 weeks staright of vacation in the summer, so to us, it means a longer trip.

The kids return home and don't have to return to school and all the homework that comes along.

It just comes down to what works for you. We would much more prefer to visit WDW in the cooler months,or fall when there are some great specials and you don't get to pay premium prices for on site resorts. Unfortunately, this will no longer be an option for us after this trip. We will never give up a WDW vacation because of heat and crowds.