Need advice! Thinking of changing trip dates!

[~DeltaDisneyMom~]

Hey y'all,

When we originally booked our 1st trip to Disney World we were planning on going with my parents. The best time for them was in March so we booked our trip for the week of March 2nd. They have now decided not to go. Going March 2nd would mean that dd, who is only in kindergarten, would miss a week of school. She would have some makeup work but it wouldn't be a huge deal. Crowds are at level 4 according to yourfirstvisit.net. We have 2 other options - the week of May 3 (Crowd level 2) or May 10 (Crowd level 3). The week of May 3 is immediately following my dd's kindergarten graduation so she won't miss any school. But my son has his last day of school program at his preschool on May 8. It is only about 15 minutes, so we could take him out of school a week early and miss it, or we could go the week of May 10 when the crowd level is 3. The Epcot flower and garden show will be going on the week in March and both weeks in May so we will see it either way. If you were me, what would you do? Is there a big difference between a crowd level 2 and 3, enough to take my son out of preschool a week early? Has anyone been to Disney during March and during May? If so, which did you prefer? Is there a big difference in weather? We were just able to take advantage of a SPD discount for our trip in March. Are there often discounts for May as well? Also, is the operating calendar for May 2014 out yet? I found this one for March but haven't found one for May yet? http://media.disneywebcontent.com/S.../pdf/ParkHours/WDW_Operating_Calendar_mar.pdf

I greatly appreciate any advice or tips you can give me.

Thank you!
Shannon

 

[LucyK]

The difference between a 2 and a 3 in crowds is relatively small and you'll find very small waits and lines. I'd say go with your latter date.

 

[ExtinctJenn]

My son is in 2nd grade. We've taken him out of school for a week each year since Preschool. At this age we personally don't think it's that big of a deal. I'd say go with whatever dates work best schedule wise for you. The crowd levels are usually not THAT different between a 2 and a 3 but if you can get in when you know they are slightly lower, especially with little ones who hate long waits in tow, I'd say go for it. Just my two cents.

 

[disneygirl1]

The difference of the crowd level 2 and 3 as another posted mentioned is minimal. Early May is a great time to go. The closer you get to the Memorial Day holiday the busier it will get. We have went the 2nd into the 3rd week of May quite a few times and love it! We hit of F & G festival and the 1st weekend of SWW. Can't wait, we are heading back 5/8-5/17!

 

[stevehousse]

Th first 2 weeks are an awesome time to go with minimal crowds! I would def choose May over march. The entire month of march is usually busy because that is spring break month for jut about every school! We usually always go during the beginning of May an have had great success with low crowds every time!

 

[Tuvalu]

Have been both times of year and either of those weeks in May are much better than the first week of March, both for crowd level and weather.

 

[Tiggerish]

We usually go to WDW the first week of May for our wedding anniversary. It's been my experience that the crowds and the weather don't get bad until after May 15. You should be fine with the week of May 10.

 

[Brandon Bowman]

We are going the week on May 10th, School is not out for most universities or grade schools and crowd levels are quite bearable! Also May has less rain (on average) than in March

 

[Poofiesdream]

May 10th is great! I live in Florida and that is the week I go every year. School is not quite out and the weather is the best! No crowds either.

 

[JillC LI]

The difference in crowds for a 2 or a 3 will not be noticeable. Base your decision on factors other than that.