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Mom With Kids After RunDisney; Mickey Fantasia Hat; Donald Duck Hat; Goofy Hat
  • On May 26, 2012
    Ryan from WA Asked Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.

    Experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Planning a WDW trip with a 13y/o have to plan around school breaks. I see that late August is cheaper and less crowed but comes with hurricane season? Week after christmas is very crowed. Presidents week is very crowed. Which is the best time to go? Ideas?

    Hello, Ryan!

    It is hot in August, and yes, tropical storms and hurricanes are a possibility during that time of year, too, we've been there with little to no rain at all during late August. The plus side of arriving once local schools are back in session is that the price drops a bit as well as the crowd level. Keep in mind that it can be just as hot and rainy earlier in the month, as well as in July, too, so the cost and crowd aspect of a late-August trip really is beneficial.

    The week after Christmas is very crowded, although the parks are even more magically decorated than at any other time of year. If you're looking at a trip for the upcoming holiday season, the crowd predictions, according to touringplans.com's Crowd Calendar, shows the crowd level at all four parks as 9.0-10 out of 10 the entire week. Late August, in comparison, is anywhere from 2.5 to 7.0.

    We've also been to WDW during extended President's Day weekends, and, while touringplans.com estimates the crowd levels to be 9-10 for most of that week, we've never felt the parks to be as crowded during that week as they are between Christmas and New Year's Day.

    One question for you: is Thanksgiving week an option? If you head to WDW the weekend prior to Thanksgiving, you'll notice that the crowds are lower, picking up a bit each day as the holiday approaches.

    If crowds are your biggest concern, choose late August. If you prefer the chance of sunnier skies, try Presidents' Week. If you have the option of arriving the Friday night / Saturday prior to Thanksgiving, consider booking that instead.

    Bottom line? Find the one thing that is most important for you to avoid, and book accordingly. You will have a spectacular time, no matter what you choose, though.

    Send more questions as you contemplate your options; I'd love to help!
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Meet the Panelist: Andrea, Pennsylvania

I am a teacher, wife and mom who has been a member of the Disney Vacation Club since 2003. I love discovering a new favorite DVC resort, fantastic restaurant or hidden gem onboard a Disney ship! I'm a micro-planner who can help you capture your own magic! Learn More About Andrea

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