Anyone who has been to Disney.. When is the best time to go?

[mom2two]

We are planning a trip to Disney sometime next year. I'd like to go during an off season (to save us money especially) but am not too sure what time of the year would be best?

[roscoepc1]

Avoid any holidays (no matter how insignificant they seem to YOU) like the plague! They mistakenly went on President's Day once (we're Canadian so didn't know about it, lol) and she said it was a nightmare there....

I believe there is one week in February she recommends too, but I'm not sure which one...

[LisainMN]

I have a good friend who ALWAYS goes the first week of December. It's busy during Thanksgiving and during Christmas so early December is more low-key yet all the Christmas decorations are up.

We went mid-January one time and I thought it was great. We also went mid-October and that was very nice too. No big crowd problem either time.

[Kris]

we were just there 2 weeks ago - while standing in a line a lady told me that they go in May and there are no lines. This is the first time we have gone as a family.

[Bridget in AZ]

Not sure if you're talking about Disneyland or Disneyworld.

But, we've always gone to Disneyland in October, perfect, no lines, not busy! :)

[doraspanish]

Being a California native we know you only go in the off season. Otherwise you might get on five rides the whole day.

During the summer, June-August, you could stand in line for two hours per ride. Of course they are moving lines but still it's two hours. If you have to go in the busy season, you want to get there when it opens and then run like mad to all the rides you want to get on for the first hour. Make a plan before you get there. Then go back to your hotel, or out to the beach, or up to the mountains to enjoy your day. Return to Disneyland before the parade of lights (your kids will love that) and stay until it closes. After the parade the lines get small again and you can get more in.

If you need any more tricks of the trade, let me know.

Oh! By the way! Bring lots of money because it is very expensive. Sell a kidney, sell an eye, sell a kid if you have to.

But most of all, have a great time!
Michelle

[Momoffive]

We went in early December I believe that it was the second week of December. It was fantastic!!!!:o There were no crowds and everything was decorated for Christmas. It was beautiful. :p The weather was simply gorgeous, not to hot and not to cold. As a special bonus it was the cheapest time to go because it was before the winter break when all the kids are out of school. I would certainly go at this time of year again. Hope that this has been helpful. Kelly

[five4me]

Busiest time of the year. Who knew! Extremely crowded! It was awesome! We had a wonderful time! Would do it again in a heart beat! I love exclamation marks!

[Binny]

Usually in Florida I noticed one of the best times is right after the kids go back to school from the Christmas break (so early to mid Jan.). Once while in the park there an employee mentioned that Superbowl day is the slowest day each year. Mid October may be slow in Cal., but not in FL as it is fall break for most southern school (or at least was 5 years ago when I taught there). Do keep in mind however that Jan and feb are not usually short weather even in FL. Last year we went back to FL to visit and DH had a conference there so we spent 2 days in St. Pete on the beach and it was so cold the only swimming the boys did was in the heated pool and that was in mid. Nov. Have a great time whenever you go. There is tons to see and do.

:D

[mom2two]

We've been looking at either the 2nd week of January or the 2nd week of February. I definitely want to find a date during the year where it won't be so busy and Hot.

Going late Nov. early Dec. is looking good too!!

I think out of the 4 of us I'm more excited about going than all 3 put together. :o

[MinnesotaMomma]

We are going in February. It is a very slow time. The lines are short. The weather is cool but comfortable. It is after the Christmas rush and before the spring break crowd really crashes down. There are some pretty good deals too if you watch travel and disney websites. Let me know what you decide.
Carla

[mom2two]

Dh said he definitely wanted to go in Feb. It would give us some extra time to save instead of trying to get down there before Christmas.

I've been keeping my eye on Disney's website. I also found another site called Mousesavers.com that I've been watching too. Looks like it is still too soon to book our trip.