Vacation timing advise

[DarthVader]

I'm looking to plan our next Disney vacation either for 2015 or 2016.

We were just there this past November (thanks to the free meal plan) and it was great. My kids are getting older now, and we found pulling them out of school was a bit hard on them once they returned. I don't want to put them behind the 8 ball or having them struggle to to catch up.

With that said here's what I'm looking at. If the more seasoned disney experts can provide some insights and advise on potential crowds, and weather expectations I would greatly appreciate it.

First choice
August 2015 the week of the 17th. Prices appear to be fairly decent for the late August time frame, but I'm very worried about it being excessively hot (read dealing with 100+ temps while melting in long lines).

Christmas vacation - Expensive and may be colder then we want. I expect HUGE crowds and cold (for FLA) temps

April vacation 2016 (week of April 18th) - No idea what to expect for costs, weather or crowds.

We've been to WDW in May, October, and November. I've dealt with typical lines in the range of 40 minutes for October, November was lightly populated for Disney but I'm worried for April and August it may be a lot more crowded.

 

[SnowWhite1015]

DF and I went last August (17-23) and I can definitely say it put a damper on our trip. 97 degrees everyday with no rain the entire week. Trying to cool off in the pool at the resort was like taking a bath with fifty other people. We took two showers a day (and considering Disney transportation can take some time, this was a 2-3 hour break in the middle of every day). DF is better in the heat than I am, I was crabby and ended up lying down on a bench in MK (by the dole whip stand, I'm not stupid ) because of a massive headache from the heat one evening.

So all that to say, April sounds good to me!

 

[DarthVader]

Here's another thought. Not Christmas vacation, but the days leading up to it.
For us, Christmas vacation starts at 12/24. What do you folks think of the crowds the week before Christmas, specifically 12/22 (Monday) up to 12/25?

 

[Tuvalu]

Here's another thought. Not Christmas vacation, but the days leading up to it.
For us, Christmas vacation starts at 12/24. What do you folks think of the crowds the week before Christmas, specifically 12/22 (Monday) up to 12/25?

It will be very busy, with more crowds building each day.

The third week of April (one of your original options) will be far less crowded.

 

[DarthVader]

Thanks, I was kind of hoping that the week before school vacation would be less busy, but you confirmed what the undercover tourist had
https://www.undercovertourist.com/orlando/crowd-calendar/december-2015/#calendar

 

[DisneyDaver]

I'm looking to plan our next Disney vacation either for 2015 or 2016.

We were just there this past November (thanks to the free meal plan) and it was great. My kids are getting older now, and we found pulling them out of school was a bit hard on them once they returned. I don't want to put them behind the 8 ball or having them struggle to to catch up.

With that said here's what I'm looking at. If the more seasoned disney experts can provide some insights and advise on potential crowds, and weather expectations I would greatly appreciate it.

First choice
August 2015 the week of the 17th. Prices appear to be fairly decent for the late August time frame, but I'm very worried about it being excessively hot (read dealing with 100+ temps while melting in long lines).

Christmas vacation - Expensive and may be colder then we want. I expect HUGE crowds and cold (for FLA) temps

April vacation 2016 (week of April 18th) - No idea what to expect for costs, weather or crowds.

We've been to WDW in May, October, and November. I've dealt with typical lines in the range of 40 minutes for October, November was lightly populated for Disney but I'm worried for April and August it may be a lot more crowded.

Is there a teacher institute day on a Friday or a Monday where your kids have a day off? We recently took my niece for 4 nights in November and she only missed 2 days of school. You will get a lot more done in 4 days during a non-crowded time in October or early November, then you will be able to do in 8 days during a crowded week.