Only me Posted June 23, 2008 Share Posted June 23, 2008 We are planning a trip to Disney and are trying to decide between going in mid August or at Thanksgiving. I'd appreciate pros and cons of each. We've only gone off peak times before (October or May) but can't now that oldest doesn't homeschool anymore. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenny in Florida Posted June 23, 2008 Share Posted June 23, 2008 The mid-August trip has the weather thing. In Florida in mid-August it is either miserably hot or raining or both. You can pretty much count on getting a storm through most afternoons. By late August/early September, things start to improve, but mid-August is likely to be unpleasant, weather-wise. And it's likely to be fairly crowded, too, with lots of other folks working in that last-minute, before-the-kids-go-back-to-school vacations. Around Thanksgiving, though, you'll be looking at major, major crowds. The last time I checked, Thanksgiving week is one of three or four peak attendance times at the WDW parks. If you can hold off until the week after Thanksgiving (meaning beginning the Monday after the long Thanksgiving weekend), you'll be much better off: Attendance drops dramatically, and the weather is usually lovely. I realize you said these were the only options, and I almost don't want to post this, since it's such a downer. I guess, though, really, you'll just have to decide which is better. It's likely to be crowded during both times, although the crowds will likely be more oppressive for the Thanksgiving dates. November usually has very nice weather, though, as opposed to August. If you haven't already done so, I'd recommend looking at http://www.allears.net/pl/planning.htm#when. Actually, the whole website is helpful, but this is their "When to Go" page, which has a link to some information about historic attendance levels. Honestly, you can have a great time whenever you go, but knowing what to expect and being prepared will make all the difference. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karenciavo Posted June 23, 2008 Share Posted June 23, 2008 Mid August Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
genie Posted June 23, 2008 Share Posted June 23, 2008 If you can hold off until the week after Thanksgiving (meaning beginning the Monday after the long Thanksgiving weekend), you'll be much better off: Attendance drops dramatically, and the weather is usually lovely. I have to agree with this. That was always my favorite time to go to any of the FL theme parks because the weather is so nice, and the crowds are so small. Absolutely fantastic. But if that's not possible, I also would suggest November over August simply because of the weather. August is really hot. And humid. Yucky! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kribby Posted June 23, 2008 Share Posted June 23, 2008 I have a friend who goes every Thanksgiving and has been since she was young and thats been over 30 some years ago, hey go as a family and enjoy it, says you get better deals, on everything no long lines and all stores half off or more. ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melinda in VT Posted June 23, 2008 Share Posted June 23, 2008 To be honest, if those were the only two times I could go, I wouldn't go. But I hate heats and I hate crowds. We just pull our kids out of school to go to Disney, but I realize that's not an option for everyone. (Our oldest is not in high school yet.) Does you daughter have a spring break? A long weekend due to teacher inservice? I'd check out the Unofficial Guide's crowd calendar and check out crowd levels on those weeks. I'd rather have a shorter trip on a time with light crowds. Just my two cents. YMMV. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liza Q Posted June 23, 2008 Share Posted June 23, 2008 Personally, I would rather deal with the heat than the crowds. August will be crowded but Thanksgiving will be off-the-chart crowded. I think I would feel that I was not getting my money's worth if I went at a peak season like that. Either way, you might want to join the UG or TGM to help make a plan that maximizes your time in the parks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plansrme Posted June 23, 2008 Share Posted June 23, 2008 I've been Thanksgiving week (2 or 3 years ago), and it didn't really start getting crowded until Wednesday. We went the weekend before T'giving through Wed., and I have very low tolerance for crowds. So yes, T'giving is crowded, but if you can go Sat.-Wed., you should be in good shape. Terri Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom31257 Posted June 23, 2008 Share Posted June 23, 2008 Our first trip was in mid-Sept and it was great. The crowds were low, there was still some heat, but not terrible. I think crowds were low because it's not a holiday time and kids all across the country are back in school by then. Don't got the week of Columbus Day. I went once then and the crowds were BAD! We did go once the 2nd week of December to see all the Christmas stuff and that was great, too. Amy of GA Darin's wife for 17 years 11yo dd 5yo ds Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brenda in FL Posted June 23, 2008 Share Posted June 23, 2008 To be honest, if those were the only two times I could go, I wouldn't go. But I hate heats and I hate crowds. :iagree: A long weekend during an off-peak time, and not in the summer would be what I suggest. I'd never go in August or Thanksgiving weekend (unless it cost me absolutely nothing :tongue_smilie:) Sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ahwahnee Posted June 23, 2008 Share Posted June 23, 2008 I would not go in August, way too hot and humid with possible hurricanes and thunderstorms every day. Friends have gone during Thanksgiving and enjoyed Disney World very much. I think they only went Sa-Th so the big crowds were missed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.