WOW, what a difference in price. Value vs. Peak

[kribit]

We have a trip booked this December and I'm getting guilty about pulling my kids out of school (even though dh says it will be fine). I was curious what the cost would be in Feb vs. Dec and the difference is some $600. I couldn't believe it was that expensive. Guess it pays to go off season. For example, we could stay at AKL for $193 per night in Jan, but for Feb the price at POR is $170. YIKES!!

 

[MrsJ Henry]

yes there really is a big difference. I also think this is why it is getting more and more crowded at those "less crowded times of the year"

 

[scootch]

Your kids are so young, they won't miss a thing.

 

[SGMCO]

I've taken my DS out of school the last couple of years for
a 5 days and he is in 6th grade this year.
We really make sure to let teacher know when we 1st get
into school and make sure we get all work done, even do
extra to make up for the days missed, no problems.
Off season is SO Worth it!!

 

[lustergirl]

I know the feeling. We usually go during value season. I am taking my 2 sons for the ESPN Weekend from 2/28-3/2 and couldn't believe the price difference. The ESPN Weekend is during the peak season- ouch!!

 

[AKLRULZ]

Big time difference - you'll enjoy being there in the "off season".

And don't worry about pulling kids - your's are way young. Mine are 15, 13 and 10 and we've pulled them almost annually for vacations (not just Disney, last year we took them to London for instance). They're all A/B students and teachers (mostly) and school administration has always been great about working with us.

 

[StrwLady]

I have taken my son out of school in Sept/Oct for the past 5 years. He is in 4th grade. Every year I base me decision if I should take him out again on the year past. How was his grades? (always A/B) How much make up work did he have? (he had way more make up work in 2nd grade than in 3rd)

Value season is really nice. You are the kids mom. You know whats best for your children. Just make sure you check the schools policy and tell the teacher/principle as soon as you can. I say make your decision and do not let anyone make you feel guilty about it. Believe me some will try. But maybe they are just jealous!

 

[shonadamson]

I am a teacher who teaches 4th grade. I think the experiences that your kids get on vacation is very valuable.The only problem I have with taking your kids on vacation during the new school year are the new policies in No Child Left Behind. They now mandate that the school have a 96% attendence rate. Your child might make that rate. That is fewer than 6 days in a year out of school or 1 hour a week. Schools are going on the Annual Yearly Progress list just for this one area. It does not matter how well they do on the tests that they take at the end of the year. If they do not meet the attendance gudeline the school will fail and money will be pulled from your school. In severe cases if this continues to happen teachers and principals can be fired for something they have little or no control over. I just wanted to let you know what some of your "jealous" teachers are dealing with.

 

[kmcford]

As a teacher I understand that you can get so much more out of your trip in an off season rather than a peak season. I understand the need to take a trip during the school year. I myself am taking a week trip in October. I do caution you to plan the dates carefully though once your kiddos get a little older. Planning a trip in the period leading up to the state assessments can be a real detriment to the child. The other thing I would say is to make it as easy as you possible can. For me when a parent asks me to get work in advance it drives me crazy because it is hard to know for sure what we will get through. I would much rather give the work afterwards. I know some teachers have the opposite opinion. So I say don't feel bad about taking them out just choose carefully!

 

[pooch]

your kids are only four!!! What could they possibly miss!?!?!?

 

[disneyfan2]

last winter i had 2 options, the 2nd week of Feb or last week of Feb. Well the value seasoned ended on Feb 14th and the difference between the 2 rooms was quite a bite! so we went with early Feb, and the crowds were light, we saved money, and had a blast!!!