What month should I go?

[jonnyc]

I am not far removed from my last trip to world, but am suffering from the Disney blues so thought that I would crack on with planning our family's next trip...

My first question is when should we go? The time frame really starts with the last two weeks of June and ends the first week of September. I went the first two weeks of July this year and whilst the first week was okay, I finally experienced the full wrath of tour groups on the second. So really we are looking to go when the tour groups aren’t there are when it is quieter during the given time frame. Heat isn't really an issue.

So when would you all recommend that we go?

 

[JohnLocke]

I've never been during this time of year, but I would guess late August would probably be the best time for you. Many places go back to school in early August, so attendance should slow down a little in the later part of it, and labor day should have attendance back up a little.

 

[mickeysshoes]

I would say late August...We were there last year and going again the same week this year...(26 days to wait) and the crowds were not to bad. If your time allows after Labor Day would also be a great time. Have fun and good luck planning!!

 

[zurgandfriend]

Another vote for late August, we went during the last week of August 2009. The weather was hot but the crowds were thinning out as many school systems go back in session during that week.

 

[MattyFresh]

I would say as late as your schedule permits.....late August early September. Crowds are down and it makes everything a lot more enjoyable, and you don't feel like you have to do everything at break neck speed!!

 

[ThinkTink721]

September - lower crowds, free dining is usually offered, & it is a little cooler

 

[corey154]

end of august but not the week of labor day. locals like to take a long labor day weekend and can usually score pretty good rates.

 

[JohnLocke]

September - lower crowds, free dining is usually offered, & it is a little cooler

You have to remember, first week of September is usually Labor Day, so there should be a slight spike in attendance that week.

 

[ThinkTink721]

You have to remember, first week of September is usually Labor Day, so there should be a slight spike in attendance that week.

Yes - later in Sept is usually when the crowds die down.
Thanks for the clarification! :wave:

 

[jonnyc]

Thanks everyone! Just another quick question, what is Labour day and when does it usually fall?

 

[Christi22222]

I honestly can't tell you the specifics Labor Day celebrates or the history of it. It's a holiday that always falls on a Monday in early September. I would venture to guess it is always the first Monday in September, but I don't know that for sure. What I do know is that it is on Sept 6th this year, Sept 5th in 2011, and Sept 3rd in 2012. I'm assuming all you really need is dates to plan around!

Also, I have gone the week before Labor Day, and besides the heat it was a great time to go. Not many attractions are down, hours are still long, but crowds are low. The only negative is the heat and humidity, and afternoon showers. Of course, afternoon showers can clear the parks of people and that's a good thing sometimes.

 

[ThinkTink721]

I honestly can't tell you the specifics Labor Day celebrates or the history of it. It's a holiday that always falls on a Monday in early September. I would venture to guess it is always the first Monday in September, but I don't know that for sure. What I do know is that it is on Sept 6th this year, Sept 5th in 2011, and Sept 3rd in 2012. I'm assuming all you really need is dates to plan around!

Also, I have gone the week before Labor Day, and besides the heat it was a great time to go. Not many attractions are down, hours are still long, but crowds are low. The only negative is the heat and humidity, and afternoon showers. Of course, afternoon showers can clear the parks of people and that's a good thing sometimes.

Yes, it is always the 1st Monday in Sept.

 

[fabroman]

My family's thinking of going during Christmas break around January.

How's that as a good date?

 

[jonnyc]

Thanks again guys!

 

[HouCuseChickie]

I agree that after Labor Day is ideal. Most of the southern states in the US - including FL - have the kids go back to school in early to mid August (that's how it is in FL and TX), but when I lived in NJ- we didn't go back until the Wednesday after Labor Day. That being said...there can still be a lot of summer vacation traffic in the parks those 2 or so weeks leading up to Labor Day. I believe Sept 6 is Labor Day this yr- and while I will be in FL for it- I'll be far Far FAR away from the insane holiday crowds. Happy trip planning! :wave:

 

[ErickainPA]

Labor Day is always the first Monday of Sept. (my son was born the day after in 2006) I say in September is the best time to go, the kids are all heading back to school.

My last trip was the weekend after Labor Day and my next one will be as well. It's a little cooler usually and the crowds don't seem quite so bad. Our family trip is early October this year, our ideal time to go is 2nd week of December though.