Best Time for a Vacation

I know it's not what you want to hear, but I would suggest NOT going in July. We've found that the best time to go to Disney is early fall when everyone's started going back to school. When I was a kid we usually went in May, but that's generally when a lot of senior class trips to Disney happen in my experience. We went in the beginning of October a couple years ago and it wasn't so bad. I definitely suggest the fall. Also, you're two year old probably won't remember it at all if you go now. I know my neice doesn't remember and she went when she was two.

I just received an email yesterday about visiting WDW in July, specifically on July 4th. The writer has gone several times on the 4th and would recommend it for many reasons. I'll try to forward the information to you privately. It was tempting! Best of luck!

yes, it will be way toooo crowded and also way toooo hot. We have found the best time to go is October-it is absolutely empty! Worth taking the kids out of school for the week.

We have been two Disney the past two years in the summer. The first time was late June and I was six months pregnant and it was really hot. But my son who was 20 month at that time LOVED it, remembered it and talked about all throughout the following year. Then we went last year in July when my oldest son was 2 and with our 9 month old. It was great. It was hot but you just seek out shade and do the inside things to break up the day. I know it sounds crazy that my son was 1 1/2 and 2 1/2 on our trips there but he remembers, talks about it and actually begs to go. He's very upset that we're not going this year. I would say go while you have the chance. It's a lot of fun for everyone.

Hi there S.,

We went to Disney in July years ago....there was 10 of us all together, and 2 of which were 2 yrs old and 3 months old. At 9:00 in the morning we would go out to start the vehicle and would be covered in sweat by the time we went back in the house. I'm not trying to discourage you, but the lines were awful, I think I shed 10 lbs from sweating, and by the end of the day, everyone was less than happy. Your age ranges are a little different, so maybe it wouldn't be as bad. Good luck in your decision making. Have a great time, and I do mean that.....Kim

Hi S.,

Disney sure is a magical place. When my one daughter was a senior in High School she wanted desperatly to go to Disney for her gift from us. We took her and our youngest then two years old and drove down in Aug. the heat was just terrible and we only were able to ride a few rides due to the lines. They might not look long but once you get inside the buildings you see they go on for ever. My 2 yr old remembered nothing after a few short months.... though it was something my oldest will never forget. Any way when my youngest was 7 we went back. This time in Oct. though it was still warm it wasnt to bad. My youngest had a ball and remembers everything. Let the girls get alittle older and plan a March or Oct. trip, you will find it so much easier on the whole family.

Hi...my family and I did a Disney Cruies two years ago. we had 4 days in the parks, and 3 days on the ship. It was great! We went in the middle of August,yes, it was HOT, but we still had a great time. There are plenty of places to get out of the heat. Take advantage of the "line hoppers"...it is a great way to not have to wait in lines.

My only suggestion, would be wait until your kids are a little older. They will not remember it at this age!! Especially since it is so expensive, you at least want them to remember it!! You, and your husband will also enjoy it much more, if your kids are older, and able to be more patient, with the heat, and lines.

I am sure you will have a great time, no matter when you go.

I also lived in Atlants for quite sometime and there is absolutely NO part of SC that is four hours from Disney and Disney itself is not doable in one day.
I don't know where you will be staying in SC but may I suggest that there are many things to do in SC that your children will love.
Disney is magical but sometimes to children as young as yours Disney can be scary. What you see as a cute lovable mouse a two year old may see as giant 6 foot tall rat coming at her.
I know the extra ticket prices are a burden but I would say wait until the kids are old enough to appreciate Disney. The reason Disney is free for two year olds is because they can hardly ride anything and they won't remember one bit of it. Look at it this way do you want to shell out the money for trip your kids won't remember at all, even if the money is at a discount price?
JMO.

This came up in conversation today because of projecting when we might first bring our daughter to Disney.

4 hours each way in a single day is too long. Can you spend at least one night, maybe 2, on Disney property? Then you could best enjoy the mornings and evenings at the parks and stay at your property with pools and whatnot during the worst crowds and heat of midday. The properties are probably not as crowded because by lunchtime everyone is arriving at the parks.

I just wanted to pass this along to you, as it sounds like good advice. I don't do well at all with tight crowds myself... with 2 kids in tow, eeeeek!

Also, I was told recently of the tight security always having eyes out for children who become momentarily lost in crowds. Just as a comfort, is all.

your husband is right--I've been to Disney in the summer. It is sweltering hot, the lines are long and it feels more like torture than fun! I have found the best time to go to Disney is after Labor Day. It is still hot, but there are NO lines because everyone is back in school. I know that doesn't help you with this trip, but if it were me, I would just go to the beach in SC, and enjoy simple things with the kids like playing in the water and the sand. Disney is work, especially with a 2 year old! We did it when my daughter was 2, stood in line for a Pooh ride for 1 1/2 hours, and when it was our turn to get on, she was passed out on my shoulder from the heat! Good luck!

It's Disney world...it will be crowded whenever you go. Again it's Florida...it's hot no matter when you go in the summer. I say go. We are going in August and we are taking advantage that our one year old gets in free. It's expensive enough. Take advantage of it. Hope you have a great time. I'm sure your kids will love it. I can't wait for mine to see everything!!!

This year we went to Disney(florida), in April. I can not tell you how HOT!!!!! it was, I was totally miserable. I thought that I could handle it because we went to Disney (Cal)last July although I was pregnant it did not compare to how hot Florida gets. I'm orgianlly from the south and spent many summers and loved it, but Florida verse Cal, I will never do again, unless I do the after party. This is basically Disney at night. They call it the princess/pirate party. Basically Disney closes the park at 7:00,(friday) then reopens for four hours and only allows those with the special tickets back into the park. I want to say the tickets were about $60's-80's a ticket, the kids dress up and its not as crowed( they don't tell you at the entrance to the park about it so that the hope that you pay the intial money to get in for the day then be willing to pay another nominal fee to stay. This is perfect it is alot cooler becuase the sun is down. The trick is to be prepared for it so that you can move the kids sleeping patterns around so that they can stay awake for it. But go on line and see if they have it the same time you will be there. They use other names for it like Halloween Jam, ect but it is the same point. If you do decided to go in the day time they also have fast passes, they worked for us. So we didn't have to wait as long. Good luck, and stay cool, K..

Having lived in Atlanta for seven years - I have to agree that there is no way to drive to Disney World from South Carolina in less than 7 hours - not with two little kids who will need to stop for potty breaks and lunch, etc. It is definately not do-able as a day trip.

Bringing a 4 year old and a 2 year old to Disney would be a very bad idea in July.
The heat would be absolutely unbearable and unsafe. You would find yourself watering
them down constantly. We went in November, and the lines were extremely long and
the heat unbearable as well. How anyone could live in Florida is beyond me. It must have been
well over 90, and this was NOVEMBER. I found it to be a big let down myself. Extremely
expensive and the lines to wait were incredibly long. I would wait until they are older to enjoy
Disney. Go in January or February if you can. In general the lines are horrendous, but I am
sure July and August would be worse than anytime. Sorry for the bad news, but I am trying
to save you from a very bad day in Disney.

When we go to Disney it is in May or October and it is still in the lower 80-'s or 90's. We went in July once and NEVER again...NEVER it was 110 and too hot to do anything so I would not go in July. The kids were in the room it was even too hot for us to go swimming and my kids were older than yours and did not enjoy it, we could have stayed home and went swimming instead. That is why we always go in May or October. We went last October and it was almost 100.
Jade

We have been to Disney 3 times with our children in mid-summer - during one trip I was 6 months pregnant. It's hot - but there are a lot of places to seek shade and it's not immobilizingly hot IMHO.

If everything else falls into place with going this year, in our family, that would not be a deal-breaker. On the flip-side...the older the kids get, the less "magical" it is...the awe on my daughter's face when she met Minnie Mouse and saw ALL of the princesses on stage (she was 2.5) was priceless and worth every second in the heat and every cent we spent!

Just my two cents...

S.,

I used to live in FL, only 30 min from Disney. July is TOO HOT for Disney. You will be miserable, as will your girls. In addition to that, one thing to think about is the money you will spend on Disney....and at their age, they will likely not retain any long-term memories of the trip. My advice would be to wait until they are about 6 & 4 yrs old so they remember it! And go in the fall or winter. What a great escape from PA cold!

I went to Disnay in July as a teenager - it was HOT - but we still had fun. What are your plans? Do they offer a twilight pass that you can use only in the late afternoon/evening? Your children are so young, I would recommend driving down for the day and entering the park when it starts to cool down. Yes, you won't see much, but you have many years ahead to go back (with MIL living close by that should save some money). Wait for that "really big vacation" when your children are old enough to remember and enjoy!

I was at Disney in August when my son was 5 and the hotel pool was the place to be. It really is just an amusement park. Sea world was really wonderful though. At 5 he only remembers the pictures we took. I'd wait until at least one was 8 so the memories will have more value.

I have not gone in July, but I can tell you that 4 years old is the magic age to go to Disney. We went when both of our kids were 4 years old, and will be going again when our littlest is 4. Kids at that age are old enough to understand who all of the characters are, ride rides and get that they are at "Disney World." They are also young enough to believe that the characters are REAL and that Disney is not just a park, but a magical place. Disney World also house alot of built in features to help minimize being in the heat (with air conditioning, shade and their fast pass.) I hope you win this battle! :o)

We were there last year in April after Easter and it was already hot and very crowded. The lines in April were so long that really, we spent alot of time on lines, so, I can only imagine how awful July would be! You'd be better served to spend the money and go during an off time, which you can do with your kids still so little and not having to yet follow school schedules. On one hand you might save money, to go in July, but I do not think it would be worth it. If you in SC, I suggest you go to Myrtle Beach which is heaven and VERY child friendly!!!

Sorry to burst your bubble...we've been to Disney numerous times...but only ONCE in the summer...and NEVER again! Too hot...too crowded...thunderstorms every afternoon. We take the kids out of school and go in late-winter or early spring...perfect time for all...it's still cold in central PA, but delightful in Orlando.

Hello,
I am a travel agent, and I sell a lot of Disney. In addition, my sister works for Disney as a character ("princess"). I have been there over 50 times, and I can tell you that it will be very hot and crowded in July. I would hate for your girls to get one bad experience and not like it. There is nothing more miserable than standing in hot sun for an hour for one ride with grumpy kids clinging to you. That is what happened to us two years ago when we went to visit my sister in July and decided to just go over for the day. We only stayed for two hours and said this isn't worth it.

Your girls are at a good age to go in two years, if you cannot swing it next year. I just wouldn't take them in July, but that is just MHO.

Good Luck and have fun whatever you do.

S.,
I am from Orlando, and I would not suggest you going in July every! The park is packed and the temperature is unbearable!
The BEST time to go is September. My sister in law and her family went last September and it was a great time. The lines were sooooo little and the temperature was still on the warm/hot side, but not as hot as July will be. If you go, I would say maybe go this September.

I personally would not go to Florida in July. You are better off going in the off season, It's cheaper and less crowded. It sounds like you have alot on your plate. You are not going to like this but I think you should wait for Disney till at least your youngest is 5. Take a look at what kids their age can do and think back to what age did you start remembering special vacations like that. That is just me so whatever you decide I hope that you have a great time. Another Point if you have relatives close, think about getting a season pass and going 2 times within the year.Have a great summer.

Hi S., I'm afraid I agree with your husband. I have been to Disney at various seasons, and with various age groups. In July it is RIDICULOUSLY HOT. You have to be sure that the children are not dehydrated all the time. They get cranky and don't want to do anything else b/c they are hot, the lines are really long, and then the parents get mad because they spent soooo much money to get into the park, and the kids are ready to leave in 4 hours max. It would be better to save your money and wait until your YOUNGEST child is at least 4. Many rides are scarier for little ones than you would expect and once they get scared once, it's hard to get them to trust you on anything else. If you do end up going--spend a few dollars to buy the "Unofficial Guide to Disney" and read the sections about taking pre-schoolers. If you have never been before, just be aware that going to disney is different than any other park--in good ways and bad. I've seen parents dream that this will be a "Perfect" trip, only to get frustrated and angry when their young children don't act like the commercials you see. Hope that helps. Sorry if it isn't what you wanted to hear, but I am truly being realistic. We have had many fond memories at Disney, but not when the kids were really young, and NOT during July. We vowed NEVER to go back in the summer, and have kept that promise since it was very stifling in the heat.

When we went 2 yrs ago it was august and my littlest girls were 4 and 2. I can tell you that it was hot and the lines were a little long....BUT they still loved it. It was my husband and i that were cranky in the heat. We had cold water bottles under the stroller and occasionally poured it on them. If this is when you have the money to go i can sympathize, that is the reason we went in august (small inheritance). Looking back i don't think it was that bad.

P.S. A wonderful tip i was told was to take them to the hall of presidents (like attractions) when it is time for them to nap....it works like a charm and they are recharged for the rest of the day :-)

have to side with your husband...that would be a long drive and it's gonna be HOT and HUMID that time of year. I've been in July (for a conference) and I was miserable waiting in lines for rides...don't do that to your girls...or yourself! Wait til they're older and they can appreciate and enjoy it. We're planning to go the spring before my son enters kindergarten (2 years from now!). Good luck!

I have been to Disney in July .. and it is HOT, crowded and there are LONG, LONG waits for all the things that a 2 & 4 yo can do. If you go just for the day does that include driving down 1 day, at the park 1 day and driving back up the next? Does your 2yo still nap? Factor in all the time for stopping along the way for potty breaks. Since your husband doesn't have a lot of enthusiasum for the trip, is he going with you? Personally I would put it off, unless your MIL plans to move in the next year or 2, she'll still be there .. Oct is the prime time to go to Disney for us .. not as hot, much less crowded .. better experience all around!

I have been to Florida in July and it is hot but more humid than anything. I would go because you may not get the chance again until your children are too old to really appreciate it. Spend a little extra money and buy hopper passes that allow you to bypass the lines so you will not be waiting in hot lines all day.

Disney is one of the greatest places on earth BUT July is extremely hot and crowded. At 2 and 4, your children would be in strollers but it is hard with kids that age. I took my son at 3 1/2 and didn't go back until he was 19. Does that tell you something. If you are only going for one day, it might be ok. If you do, enjoy.

I'm not sure how your MIL is 4hrs from Disney. I lived in FL for 11years and Atlanta for 7yrs - it took at least 8hrs from Atlanta to Orlando. Of course, there's always road construction in FL and that was part of the delay. Maybe from the southern most tip of SC, its 6hrs?

July is definitely very hot, but Disney accommodates for that, with several giant sprinklers and tons of overpriced bottled water.

Maybe if you confirm the travel distance/time, and show your DH how you can prepare for the weather, you might pull it off.

Another thought, is that we went to Disney every year until I was about 6yo, and the first year I remember anything about the trip was when I was 5yo. So, it might be a bit much to spend the money for kids who won't remember?

Good luck and enjoy!!!!!

You have received a lot of advice already. I have been to Disney in July and it is HOT! But our family absolutely loves Disney and we would go anyway! Having said that, Fantasyland, where you would most likely go, is hot and very crowded anyway. I would suggest having a double stroller so that you do not end up carrying the kids around. They are so young that they will have fun just seeing things even if you do not decide to do a lot of attractions. As long as you do not mind spending your money that way, you would probably still have fun. If you go, call ahead to get on a list for priority seating for your meal(s). It is great. When you arrive you will get the next available table for your party. Choose an air-conditioned inside restaurant so you can cool off. I hope this all helps.

OK, Girl. Sounds like you -yes YOU- want to go to Disney.
It sounds like it won't happen next summer.
If YOU will be unbearably sad not to go to Disney, then force the matter.
But here are the facts: Yes, it will be hot in July.
Yes it will be crowded.
Yes it will cost an arm and a leg.
Your two year old will not remember it and it will be tough to hang in there for a whole day for her.
Your husband will be bummed out.
Your 4 year old might like it.
You will have fun pointing everything out to everyone and taking photos.
If for some reason it doesn't happen this year or next...the following year both daughters will be the perfect age, all your other projects will be done and you can breath easy and enjoy yourselves there! You can save what you spend on your youngest's no-longer-free ticket with a little less commercial swag and candy when you get there.
So you can probably force it this year-or you can do it in 2 years. Either way-you win!
I'd base it on how your man will act. If he's the type to suck it up and have fun no matter what when you get there, then force it.
If he's going to make it a family mope fest and a traumatic ordeal, then skip it.
Good luck!

I'm sorry but I have to argue the geographics here... There is nowhere in SC that is 4 hours from Disney. YOu still have to get through Georgia somehow! Maybe 4 hours from the FLA border, but Disney is in the middle of the state. You have a good 4-6 hours from there! You need to do a mapquest from your MIL's house & get the real info.

If you have the opportunity to go, I would take it! It will definately be hot...but anytime you go to florida there is a chance of a heatwave! If you were planning on taking a disney vacation, I would definately recommend waiting until your girls are older. But if you are just going for the day, I would go! We just got back with our 2 year old and she won't stop taking about it. Of course she won't remember it by next year, but seeing her there was priceless! Good luck with your decision!

I just heard that the best time to go is BETWEEN Thanksgiving and Christmas... absolutely no crowds!

Any time at Disney will be crowded, though it's better to go in the off season. July is a Hot month to go as well as June and August and even September. Disney is great for all ages, but reality speaking, your rides will be limited since your children are very young at the present moment, but if you guys are okay with that then, by all means. Your four year old may have some recollection of it opposed to your two year old years from now but---what ever the case, utimately it is your decision to make. The obvious pros and cons are there for you to see.

Best of luck and have fun whereever you go.
Mom of 4

IT is hot as heck in July in Disney, and also very crowded, with 1-2 hr waits in line. Even if you put it off for a couple of years, you have the luxury of your children being able to go during school time for most other kids. Nov., (not Thanksgiving of course), Feb, March, and early April are the best months to go. Do not go over spring break or Easter, as all the kids are there.
The money you save with the 2 yr old won't be worth the fact that you many only get on 3 or 4 rides, verses cooler days, less crowded, no hot miserable tired whining people, and many more rides for the family. You can get some deals on Ebay for discounted tickets. Good luck! D.

HI.. I have to Agree July is horrible with the heat and lines. I have taken the kids in March and Early November and it is much better. FYI - We took our kids at the age of 4 and 2, we have been there 3 times. I have a double stroller. You can get them in for free without anyone asking a question esp if you have them in a stroller. They never ask for you to provide documentation of their age. I have friends who still get their kids in for free at 5. I saw parents holding their kids who were much older and did not pay a penny for them. While it may not be the right thing to do, you would not be the first or the last.

S.,
You must be a brave woman! LOL
Just the thought of Disney IN JULY with TWO KIDS makes me sweat! :)
Wait til they are a little older OR until you can plan to go in spring/fall.

I've not been there (I've been to other places) but do expect it to be busy and hot, since it is Florida. It can work fine if you prepare yourselves before hand. We found when we put off special things like this we never got back to them. I'd take advantage now, especially if another baby may be on the way. If you know it'll be busy, leave early for everything, and know that you'll need to wait in line for things. Accept this and make it relaxing and things will go better. Take a double stroller or two singles, and take all the things you'll need for a hot day which is plenty of water (not just juice), snacks, hats and sunglasses, sunscreen, light weight and light colored clothes, sandals that can be easily slipped off in a stroller (not socks and sneakers), and that goes for Mom and Dad too! Get familiar with the layout of the place so you'll know where the restrooms/changing stations are, and food. Find the shaded areas and make a list of the things you want to do most there. Be sure to do those first if possible and the other less important things won't be so bad if you miss them. Take tons of photos and work together as a team. You can have a less stressful trip if you look over their site thoroughly, email them with any questions, and make a flexible plan ahead of time. Have fun! It's just one day, right? LOL

K. B
mom to 5 including triplets
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HarrisburgPAChat

Be prepared for hot and sticky weather. It is not as crowded as your husband may think, however, the weather is SO unbearable that both of your girls will probably end up complaining on heat most of the time. Be prepared for 100% humidity and 95+ degree weather. May I suggest that you go during March, April, September, or October. I have been to Disney during those months and enjoyed myself MUCH more than when I went in the summer. Could you either reschedule the trip to visit the MIL or go again in a cooler month to see her? Just something to think about...good luck!

Sorry! Say no to Disney in July! I went many times as a teenager (past out twice) and can't imagine lugging around my two toddlers in the stew of massive crowds, heat and humidity. I say wait till they are a bit older, pull them out of school for a week and go during the school year months. You and your family would have a much better time! Just thinking about Disney in July makes me break out in a heat stroke! Hope this helps.

Hi S.,
I never went to Disney in July but we once went in June and it was horrible. It was exremely crowded and unbearably hot. The lines for everything are really long and with it being so hot everybody there is just miserable, kids and adults. We bought one of those water fans for an outrageous amount of money and it helped a little but it is annoying to carry it. I would listen to your husband and stay away from Disney in the summer months.

4 and 2 is still pretty young. your 2 yo wont remember any of it. One day is not enough time to see all of disney. Are you driving down the night before so you can make the most of your day. It is definitely hot then. I grew up about an hour from there. Summer is very hot and crowded. If you do go just go with the flow. If your kids want to ride the same ride a few time do it and don't worry about what you might miss. It is a 2 day park anyways. It is fun to see your kids who will be very excited about all they see. But by the end of the day they will be hot and very tired. Are you driving back or staying over. make sure you think it all through. Saving one admission may not be worth it anyways. There is nothing wrong with waiting for a while when your kids are older. That way they can do more things, ride all the rides, be better equipped to stand in line and wait, some of which are outside. That is a long drive just for one day. I don't want to seem down on going but I have been there so many times the summer is more difficult with the extreme heat and humidity. I have only taken my kids once. When they were 5 and not quite 2. I ended up paying for my folks to come with me to help with my younger one for the week. We haven't been back since and the are now 10 and 7. Planning to go again in the next 2 years but not in the summer. If you do go have a great time. you will have fun just let your kids kind of lead the way.
L.

I'm looking into a Disney vacation as well. Just want to share that I ordered their free vacation planning DVD and found their "Mom Panel" which is a Q&A site. Here is the link to the Mom Panel and at the top of the page is a button to click for the planning DVD. http://disneyworldforum.disney.go.com/home.aspx

hi, well, you certainly have to pick the best time with all the variables for your family for a getaway, both financially and timewise- 'cause it is rather pricey but very very very fun and memorable. we took my daughter in January at age 3 and found that to be a really good time. The waits in the lines were still longish, but people remarked how much better they were than the summer season- Little ones hate lines, I'll say no more. Also, She was tall enough for the rides and able to understand most of the story themed stuff. She was enchanted with the princesses and characters in costumes. She was ok with skipping a nap without a meltdown....basically 3 was a magical time for the Magic Kingdom (and the animal park too). We only went 4 days- three to the park, which I would also recommend you consider. we all needed a "day off" in the middle. Also, I was 7 months pregnant at the time. We had to pace ourselves a little, and I did get very tired, and I couldn't go on some of the fastest or bumpiest rides, but it was a very special opportunity for soon-to-be big sister and three in January was a great combo for our family. Have so much fun, whatever you pick!!! Oh, and don't forget to check out "Fast Passes" they are a lifesaver and linesaver with little ones.