Planing a Trip for the first time to WDW

[vigliottec]

Iv been to WDW many times before, but my father was always the one to plan everything. While in high school and college we could only go when i wasn't in school so we always went the last week in August. Now i can afford to go and i know there are better times to go than August. So my questions are:

1. When do you think the best time to go is?
2. When is the cheapest time to go?
3. I've always stayed in the park, what are your feelings on outside of the park?

i like the idea of Star Wars week and it would be great if it lined up with the free meal plan.

 

[vigliottec]

The question is, if you didn't have the meal plan would you spend $59 per person per day? i feel like you could easily keep to $45 per person and still have one table service meal per day.

 

[armyfamilyof5]

I would go during W& Fand do a night of MNSSHP as those are my favorite things, they are usually scheduled end of September through at least 1 November. Star Wars weekends are crowded and hot while late September and October are still warm enough to enjoy the water rides but not melt. If you are staying on site I'd use the DDP and get the one with lots of snack credits for W&F but that's just me. We also enjoy have a TS meal and relaxing in the AC after a hot day in the parks. I would review the park hours and determine what works best for you, are you an early morning person or a night owl? The hours are reduced through part of the year and if you prefer to party till 1 or 2 then May is probably a better time for you than Sept/Oct.

 

[vigliottec]

i normally go from open to close while i'm at WDW, so the longer they are open the better. MNSSHP looks like a lot of fun i always see the decorations being put up when i'm there in late Aug.

 

[kimrn87]

My husband and I traveled in September last year right after Labor Day and just loved it. It was still warm enough to swim but not HOT to make it miserable. The lack of crowds was a big winner for me! We stayed at the Caribbean Beach (first time in a moderate resort). I liked it. I also traveled in November (first week) to a conference and loved it as well. It was a little cooler than normal. September/October you could attend the Halloween Party (so much fun). The fall also has the food and wine festival which was also very cool at Epcot. We have grandchildren who we want to take in the future so I know I will have to endure the summer heat!!! Disney is fun whenever you go!

 

[SMS55]

I like October and early November. The kids are back in school so you don't have the large amount of families. The weather has finally cooled off and the afternoon thunderstorms don't pop up everyday. There are usually discounts on hotels. The only drawback is there tend to be rides being refurbished during this time and sometimes park hours are shorter.

 

[Shere_Khan]

Iv been to WDW many times before, but my father was always the one to plan everything. While in high school and college we could only go when i wasn't in school so we always went the last week in August. Now i can afford to go and i know there are better times to go than August. So my questions are:

1. When do you think the best time to go is?
2. When is the cheapest time to go?
3. I've always stayed in the park, what are your feelings on outside of the park?

i like the idea of Star Wars week and it would be great if it lined up with the free meal plan.

1. September/October is a great time to go and will most likely have a free dining promotion at some point. However it is hot!!!! But you are probably used to it if you've gone in August several times. We used to only go in Sept or Oct for the Halloween party season however my NEW favorite time to go is the first or second week of December. Not too hot, low crowds, cheaper rates, and best of all it's decorated for Christmas!
2. I don't know this for sure but Sept and early Dec seem to have been the cheapest for us.
3. Stay in the park for sure! If cost is a factor then choose a value resort. I think you will find a value can be just as affordable as an off property hotel. Plus you do not have the hassle of driving in, parking, etc. I am a huge advocate of staying on site. Even the values are beautiful, clean, and nice.

I am not an expert, but I'd imagine they do no offer free dining during Star Wars Weekends as free dining is a way to draw people in and I think the event itself draws enough crowds where they wouldn't offer it.

 

[Shere_Khan]

Any votes for where to stay on site?... ill most likely stay at a moderate resort, i always seem to end up at Coronado Springs

I love Coronado so that is a great choice, but try Port Orleans Riverside if you want to try something new. It is absolutely gorgeous!