First Time Cruise - April or August?

[chdice]

Hi Everyone,

I know this is still quite awhile away, but just trying to get some thoughts on the best time to cruise. We are looking to go in 2016 (our 10 year anniversary, and our kids will be 8, 5, and 5). Our actual anniversary is in February but I am against flying then (we live in Mass so the snow likes to mess with any winter vacations I plan). Due to school, I am thinking either school vacation week in April (which is typically the 3rd week in April) or sometime in August. I am leaning towards a few days in the parks, followed by a 3 or 4 night Bahamas cruise. I have never cruised before (my husband has once but not on DCL) and one of my sons is autistic, so I'm thinking a shorter cruise might be they way to go for us for our first attempt.

I tried to price out the difference based on current itineraries, but I think some of the August dates were higher since it is only a few months away (or are they really much higher?). I know April will cost me more in the parks vs. late August and probably more crowded too. We are going to DW the last week of August this year, so I know I am in for heat and humidity but that doesn't bother me (It was 6 degrees when I woke up this morning - I will never complain that it is too hot ).

Any thoughts or recommendations for me?

Thanks!!

 

[Andrew C]

I feel April is a better time to cruise and go to the parks than August. I feel like it is less crowded in the parks in April than August and weather is better in April for both cruise and parks. Just my opinion, but I am sure others have some data on this.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Late August if you go the August route. As late as possible.

 

[DisneyJoe]

For a cruise, August (especially second half) should be much less expensive than April, especially if your April dates are around Easter. Supply and Demand. The demand for sailings around Easter is very high, and the prices will go up fast as the ship fills. Late August doesn't have as much demand.

Book as early as you can to keep prices lower too.

 

[PensFan]

We've been to the parks several times in mid to late August. Yes, the heat is awful, but the crowds were manigible. We always stay on the property and just head back to the hotel (pool time!) mid afternoon when it gets really hot and crowded, then go back to the parks in the evening. It works! I have never been during spring break, myself, but my son went with the marching band one year. He said it was wall to wall people, much more crowded than when we've gone in the summer. (Still loved it though)

As for the cruise, as Disney ships often sell out anyway (or close to it), I wouldn't think crowds would be an issue in deciding between the two. Price and weather could be a factor though.

I guess there is no perfect answer, unfortunately.

 

[wdwstateofmind]

You're not going to have a lot of swimming weather in April...even May is like a night and day difference in weather compared to April...Castaway Cay is going to be in the 60s and 70s in April and there is not much to do there but swim...that being said I'd wait until August so you can hang out on deck and beaches and not be chilly...

 

[DznyGrlSD]

April - it's too darn hot in August!

 

[ChuckElias]

Castaway Cay is going to be in the 60s and 70s in April and there is not much to do there but swim.

Not much to do there???

Things to do that don't involve getting in the water:

1) Run the 5k. (I did it just to prove to myself I could.)
2) Rent a bike. (My dad's favorite excursion, as he hated swimming.)
3) Walk (or bike) to the lookout tower. (Great views)
4) Parasail. (You might get a little wet, but you don't go in the water.)
5) Take a glass-bottomed boat excursion. (Very laid back, relaxing. Some beautiful sights.)
6) Go fishing. (My mother-in-law did this years ago and it was the time of her life!)
7) Shop for Castaway Cay exclusive merchandise. (I FINALLY found the Hawaiian shirt I've been wanting.)

That's just pretty much off the top of my head.

 

[Zortek]

It shouldn't be colder in April than February should it? We were there this year in the middle of February and it was plenty warm to swim. I'm sure it's hit or miss sometimes but there still seems to be a pretty good chance that it would be plenty warm in April.

 

[DznyGrlSD]

Not much to do there???

Things to do that don't involve getting in the water:

1) Run the 5k. (I did it just to prove to myself I could.)
2) Rent a bike. (My dad's favorite excursion, as he hated swimming.)
3) Walk (or bike) to the lookout tower. (Great views)
4) Parasail. (You might get a little wet, but you don't go in the water.)
5) Take a glass-bottomed boat excursion. (Very laid back, relaxing. Some beautiful sights.)
6) Go fishing. (My mother-in-law did this years ago and it was the time of her life!)
7) Shop for Castaway Cay exclusive merchandise. (I FINALLY found the Hawaiian shirt I've been wanting.)

That's just pretty much off the top of my head.

Don't forget the stingray experience & snorkling!

 

[ChuckElias]

Don't forget the stingray experience & snorkling!

True, but those things require you to get in the water. The person I was responding too was concerned that it would be too cold to get in the water, so I was trying to give non-swimming/wading options.

 

[Kingdom Konsultant]

I have to agree with late August myself.

Pam

 

[sweetpee_1993]

We were at CC in January 2013. Temps were low to mid 80s and the water was only a little cool at first. We worried about the water temps so we brought spring suits to wear. We didn't need them, tho. There were tons of people in the water having a blast. In January.

 

[chdice]

Thanks everyone. It's not so much the water temp that I was worried about- more the price difference of the cruise (and parks) as well as the crowd levels at the parks for those few days. Pam- you're my expert so August it will most likely be . I'll at least take this trip before I start really working on one 2 years from now. Haha!

Loved the minion by the way

 

[Kingdom Konsultant]

Thanks everyone. It's not so much the water temp that I was worried about- more the price difference of the cruise (and parks) as well as the crowd levels at the parks for those few days. Pam- you're my expert so August it will most likely be . I'll at least take this trip before I start really working on one 2 years from now. Haha!

Loved the minion by the way

You will have a wonderful time!!!

Pam

 

[ChuckElias]

Loved the minion by the way

Thanks! It was either the minion or the look on Ferris Beuller's face after Cameron tells him that they haven't done anything good today (which unbelievably, doesn't seem to be available as a picture anywhere on the internet!).

 

[dkosdros]

Just chiming in. Was at CC last month Feb2014. Temp outside was 80's. Don't remember the water temp. Wanna say low to mid 70's. At first it was a little cold. Within minutes we were use to it and snorkeled for an hour or so. Loved every minute of it. Even a guy who was deathly scared of sharks and my father who isn't adventurous at all got in the water and ended up snorkeling for over an hour with us. So I wouldn't be worried about water temp at all and as others posted there is plenty of things to do on land as well.

 

[Brian & Jill]

If you go in August you may have to worry about hurricanes,I know they try to go around them but there is that chance that some part of the cruise will be affected some way shape or form. April can be nice and comfortable and still good swimming weather.