Would you move your trip up from September to May?

[glohoffman]

I need some help. We have our Disney vacation planned around a wedding that looks like it may be called off. We were going to attend the wedding (which is half way between our home and Disney), and then drive the rest of the way to Disney to stay the week after Labor Day. I got the magical deal at the Poly, and planned on paying for food out of pocket. Now that this wedding is on the brink of being called off, we may not be "locked" into those days. To top it all off I got a pin code for up to 35% off rooms until 5-31. We went to Disney last May and it was a beautiful trip, beautiful weather, etc. SOOOOO do I keep my September trip...or move to May? What would you do?
Weeks in question September 6-12 (week following Labor Day) vs. May 10-16

Pros of moving to May
-better weather (? is it THAT much better in May?)
-would prob stay in a Mod with pin code
-works a little better with my schedule (wouldn't have to miss any classes)
-dont HAVE to use pin code...could also rent DVC for better savings/value
-can add dining plan (although paying out of pocket adds up to close to the same cost, husband enjoyed ease of dining plan)

Cons of moving to May
-No Halloween party (DD wants to meet Jack and Sally)
-Wouldn't be staying at Poly (really wanted to stay at a monorail resort for the first time)
-Under 180 days away for dining, not huge deal as I check and all of our desired ressies are still available, althought desired times may not be.
- crowd levels will be higher

 

[glassslippergirl]

I need some help. We have our Disney vacation planned around a wedding that looks like it may be called off. We were going to attend the wedding (which is half way between our home and Disney), and then drive the rest of the way to Disney to stay the week after Labor Day. I got the magical deal at the Poly, and planned on paying for food out of pocket. Now that this wedding is on the brink of being called off, we may not be "locked" into those days. To top it all off I got a pin code for up to 35% off rooms until 5-31. We went to Disney last May and it was a beautiful trip, beautiful weather, etc. SOOOOO do I keep my September trip...or move to May? What would you do? Weeks in question September 6-12 (week following Labor Day) vs. May 10-16 Pros of moving to May -better weather (? is it THAT much better in May?) -would prob stay in a Mod with pin code -works a little better with my schedule (wouldn't have to miss any classes) -dont HAVE to use pin code...could also rent DVC for better savings/value -can add dining plan (although paying out of pocket adds up to close to the same cost, husband enjoyed ease of dining plan) Cons of moving to May -No Halloween party (DD wants to meet Jack and Sally) -Wouldn't be staying at Poly (really wanted to stay at a monorail resort for the first time) -Under 180 days away for dining, not huge deal as I check and all of our desired ressies are still available, althought desired times may not be. - crowd levels will be higher

Are crowd levels really higher in Sept. after school starts back? Weather is definitely better in May-- less humid, fewer afternoon showers-- but it's going to be hot no matter which you choose. We decided long ago not to let weather affect our decisions to travel-- we'd potentially never go to WDW if we really considered the weather.

We often choose special experiences to focus our trips on, so, for my money, it would have to be MNSSHP and the Poly. Plus, you said the wedding is only potentially off. So as of right now, it's on?

 

[lazer]

My opinion: I say Sept. I don't find the weather really something to consider as it'll be hot both times. We loved each trip, but especially enjoyed trips that included MNSSHP! And, Poly would be an awesome (maybe once in a lifetime) experience!

 

[goofyintoronto]

I'd go with September to be honest. May is lovely, but with Sept you'll have a lower crowd level (BONUS)! Also, MNSSHP is always fun. That normally begins right after labour day....although this year i think it started Sept.1 didnt it?

 

[NinaBella]

I would keep September. I think September is better weather and would be lower crowds. I always enjoyed September/October trips the best. Also, you are not 100% sure the wedding is called off.

 

[glohoffman]

Correct, the wedding is still on as of now... I am just looking at my options, because its looking like 90% odds that it will be called off...

I agree, I think the September trip will be more appealing, especially for the kids. And if we are on the monorail, it will be easier to hop back to the resort to take a break from the heat, right? (Only time I have taken it was to an Ohana ressie last time, so I am not super familiar with it, although it seems more convenient!)
I think the only thing freaking me out a bit with September is the weather, but again I have never experienced it so I am just making assumptions based on what people keep telling me. But when we went in May it was hot as well, 90 most days, and it rained half of our trip.

Plus my DD REALLY wants to meet Jack and Sally, and we won't be able to do another "fall" trip for at least 2 years, maybe three. We can do a May trip anytime.
So I am pretty sure September it is no matter what!

 

[MakiraMarlena]

the week after Labor Day is the lowest crowd prediction of the entire year. If you want to see WDW as empty as it gets these days and you can handle the heat/humidity, stay with September. Also there is the possibility of a free dining offer if you like the dining plan, but be careful as paying rack rate at a deluxe may not be what you want to do. If you are good with a mod, keep an eye out.

 

[glohoffman]

the week after Labor Day is the lowest crowd prediction of the entire year. If you want to see WDW as empty as it gets these days and you can handle the heat/humidity, stay with September. Also there is the possibility of a free dining offer if you like the dining plan, but be careful as paying rack rate at a deluxe may not be what you want to do. If you are good with a mod, keep an eye out.

If we go the week after Labor Day, we will be staying at the Poly with the "magical deal" we found, and Dining plan can't be added to that...but staying there for 6 nights, with 5 day tickets, and paying out of pocket for food (with character meals) will be around $3,000, so I felt that was pretty good.
I just wish there was a magical way I could feel this heat and humidity everyone speaks of to see if we can handle it All I know is May temps in Florida, and I live in Indiana...so hottest we get in the summer is 90 (and thats not even regularly lol)

 

[lazer]

If we go the week after Labor Day, we will be staying at the Poly with the "magical deal" we found, and Dining plan can't be added to that...but staying there for 6 nights, with 5 day tickets, and paying out of pocket for food (with character meals) will be around $3,000, so I felt that was pretty good. I just wish there was a magical way I could feel this heat and humidity everyone speaks of to see if we can handle it All I know is May temps in Florida, and I live in Indiana...so hottest we get in the summer is 90 (and thats not even regularly lol)

You can handle it! We're in St. Louis and the humidity sucks, and I have a two year old who is very sensitive to heat. We were all fine in September ... Water water water water $3k sounds like a deal!!

 

[djp0630]

I'd stay with September. But I go in August. We went in May and I didn't think the weather was much better than August/September. Just try and swim a few days. The lowest crowd time in September would seal the deal for me. Plus I wouldn't like it being under 180 days and not sure of ADRs.

 

[glohoffman]

You can handle it! We're in St. Louis and the humidity sucks, and I have a two year old who is very sensitive to heat. We were all fine in September ... Water water water water $3k sounds like a deal!!

Thank you! This is what I needed to hear! I plan on stocking up on water, the misting fans, cooling wraps, anything I can!

 

[glohoffman]

I'd stay with September. But I go in August. We went in May and I didn't think the weather was much better than August/September. Just try and swim a few days. The lowest crowd time in September would seal the deal for me. Plus I wouldn't like it being under 180 days and not sure of ADRs.

Perfect! Thanks!

 

[lazer]

Thank you! This is what I needed to hear! I plan on stocking up on water, the misting fans, cooling wraps, anything I can!

Remember, you can get free ice water at quick service restaurants. We also take Frogg Toggs (a cooling towel) and a stroller fan (not sure if you have kiddos that little).

 

[mm1971]

Thank you! This is what I needed to hear! I plan on stocking up on water, the misting fans, cooling wraps, anything I can!

Another vote for September, Poly and MNSSHP. I also think that week you chose is one of the lowest predicted crowds for the entire year based on the current calendars. Have a great trip!

 

[glohoffman]

Remember, you can get free ice water at quick service restaurants. We also take Frogg Toggs (a cooling towel) and a stroller fan (not sure if you have kiddos that little).

My girls will be 4 and 6 during the trip, and we will def have strollers because they have lazy bones, and in that heat I am not carrying my really tall 6 year old! I heard about the Frogg Toggs, I will be buying them for sure!

 

[glohoffman]

Another vote for September, Poly and MNSSHP. I also think that week you chose is one of the lowest predicted crowds for the entire year based on the current calendars. Have a great trip!

Thank you! I am hoping the low crowds will make up for the heat/ rain and allow us to get more done! I have only experienced 5-6 level crowds in May, so I am anxious to see the difference with this trip! We didn't even feel like crowds were that bad in May...we were able to get everything done we wanted and never stood in line more than 15 minutes (thanks to planning and this site!) so hopefully September will be even better!

 

[JanaDee]

First, I'd wait and see what is going to happen with the wedding.

IF the wedding was called off, I'd go in May. I've been in both months and I much prefer the weather in May.

 

[JAMIESMITH]

Our first trip was the week after Labor day in 2012. The weather was nice, the crowds were all but nonexistent, and we loved The Poly! I would stick with September

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I need some help. We have our Disney vacation planned around a wedding that looks like it may be called off. We were going to attend the wedding (which is half way between our home and Disney), and then drive the rest of the way to Disney to stay the week after Labor Day. I got the magical deal at the Poly, and planned on paying for food out of pocket. Now that this wedding is on the brink of being called off, we may not be "locked" into those days. To top it all off I got a pin code for up to 35% off rooms until 5-31. We went to Disney last May and it was a beautiful trip, beautiful weather, etc. SOOOOO do I keep my September trip...or move to May? What would you do?
Weeks in question September 6-12 (week following Labor Day) vs. May 10-16

Pros of moving to May
-better weather (? is it THAT much better in May?)
-would prob stay in a Mod with pin code
-works a little better with my schedule (wouldn't have to miss any classes)
-dont HAVE to use pin code...could also rent DVC for better savings/value
-can add dining plan (although paying out of pocket adds up to close to the same cost, husband enjoyed ease of dining plan)

Cons of moving to May
-No Halloween party (DD wants to meet Jack and Sally)
-Wouldn't be staying at Poly (really wanted to stay at a monorail resort for the first time)
-Under 180 days away for dining, not huge deal as I check and all of our desired ressies are still available, althought desired times may not be.
- crowd levels will be higher

Tip: you can make the ADRs while you are waiting to decide. That way you have them. Just be sure to cancel.

I prefer May weather to September.

Comparing events: May has Flower Garden (with some reviews indicating they have food booths), Star Wars weekend and I am not sure what else.

September has Food and Wine and the Halloween party, and I personally prefer these options.

When do you think you could make it back to Disney?

It sounds like May works our better for you, and I would go with that.
My personal preference would be the September activities and accomodations. Because--Poly and Food and Wine? Yes, please!

But I would to ahead and make dining reservations for the possible May trip now, just in case that ends up being the trip you end up taking. Especially if you have some popular restaurants. Me are headed over for a Convention in May and I went ahead and booked one ADR we wanted to try. Not sure of I will keep it, but our party size just made it "safer" to go ahead and book.

 

[glohoffman]

Tip: you can make the ADRs while you are waiting to decide. That way you have them. Just be sure to cancel.

I prefer May weather to September.

Comparing events: May has Flower Garden (with some reviews indicating they have food booths), Star Wars weekend and I am not sure what else.

September has Food and Wine and the Halloween party, and I personally prefer these options.

When do you think you could make it back to Disney?

It sounds like May works our better for you, and I would go with that.
My personal preference would be the September activities and accomodations. Because--Poly and Food and Wine? Yes, please!

But I would to ahead and make dining reservations for the possible May trip now, just in case that ends up being the trip you end up taking. Especially if you have some popular restaurants. Me are headed over for a Convention in May and I went ahead and booked one ADR we wanted to try. Not sure of I will keep it, but our party size just made it "safer" to go ahead and book.

I agree with you on the activities and accommodations, although I don't think F&W starts that early does it?!
We were there during FLower and Garden and Star wars this last may, and while flower and garden was pretty, we arent into star wars (yet anyway) so that wasnt a huge draw for us.
We wouldn't be able to go back in the fall for the halloween party for at least 2 years, maybe three or more because I will be entering a Nursing Program. We could go in May anytime. This is what is pulling me to keep the September trip over May.