[debrahv]

I'm planning our first trip to Disney World and trying to decide the best time to go. We've decided to stay at POFQ and will be going for a week. We have 2 children, 5 and 3. My DD will be starting Kindergarten in Sept.

I'm considering late August(low crowds? but humid, won't have to pull my DD out of school), late Sept(low crowds, maybe free meal plan??), early Dec(low crowds? but a little chilly??, MVMCP, Christmas decorations). Also if we do decide to go in December how far in advance do we need to buy tickets for MVMCP? I think most important to us is a good mix between low crowd levels and nice weather! We are planning on spending all 7 days in WDW. Any other advice like where to eat, etc is appreciated.

Thanks so much!

[softychik]

Welcome to mousebuzz! We always go late September some good places to eat are kona, LeCellier, Ohana's, and Wispering Canyon Cafe(actually almost anywhere you eat in Disney is going to be good, these are just my favorites)

[dixie]

Welcome to Mousebuzz! we usually go to WDW in late August/early September and find it a great time to go- yes its pretty humid, but the crowds are lower. We have been at different times of the year, October, May June and July (very busy) and prefer late summer overall.

[nicolemm]

Welcome! October is also a great time, MNSSHP and the Food and Wine Fest! Nice weather and decent crowds. Any of the Princess meals are a must with little girls. We did CRT and Akerhaus in Norway. I loved the Castle, although you will get some that don't agree.

[disney goddess]

Welcome I would recommend late August for your trip, we've gone then a few times now and it is hot, but so empty, and there are ways to get around the heat. It's worth it for the lack of crowds. Also, your DD won't miss any time from her first year of school. For restaurants, try Crystal Palace, I'm 18 and I still love meeting the Winnie the Pooh characters, I won't lie

[llama]

Welcome to Mousebuzz!

You've picked a PERFECT resort for your family - POFQ is so charming! And small - you'll appreciate small - trust me.

I would go right after Labour Day - I know your dd will miss a bit of school - but at her age she should be fine (I pulled my kids out of school for most of our trips).

[Live life]

I agree with Llama, right after Labor Day since school is back in session and dining plan hasn't begun yet.

I wouldn't worry about pulling DD out of Kindergarten, not going to miss much at that age. I ALWAYS pulled my DD out of school in her elementary years, but I was fortunate to have a child that was a (and still is) a straight A student so that did make a difference.

First trip is your learning experience. Ask advice on here and you will have one of the best first trips of anyone. I sure wish I would have known more our first trip because there were a LOT of things that we missed/didn't know even existed.

Good luck w/your planning!!

[lovemysons]

First, welcome to Mousebuzz!! Glad to have you with us.

All of the times you mentioned are good times to visit. Our favorite time to go is early December, then September. We were there August of last year, and it was hot and crowded.

I think most important is to go armed with knowledge and a plan. You have come to the right place for planning advice and tips. Good luck!!

[Soundgod]

August is really nasty, and September is still nasty, plus there's the love bugs for 2 or 3 weeks until they burn themselves out. The crowds do drop off after school starts though, but with all the holidays during September, park crowds fluctuate pretty good. October, the heat is starting to break. The lowest crowds and usually most comfortable weather are in the period after Thanksgiving until about December 20.

[disneycouple30]

We suggest that you go the first week after Thankgiving. The crowds are small and you can do everything you like. If you go then get you MVMCP tickets in May or June. They are out then. But you could get them even when you get there unless it for a friday night. But I suggest that you get them in May or June. The best time to book for then is now. I suggest Crystal Palace, Kona Cafe at the Poly for the two best breakfasts, Ohana and Whispering Canyon for dinner. These are for the kids.

[KarenWDWCP]

I've gone during the last week in August for the past 2 years (becuase of the free dining promo being offered at that time) 2006 seemed less crowded to me than 2007 was, I am not sure if more people were taking advatage of free dining then or not. Still, even with the slightly bigger crowds, it was definitely manageable. It was however, pretty hot and humid. On both trips (one was 4 nights, one was 6 nights) we had one day with quasi-unbearable heat. The rest of the days were fine.

I've also been during the last week in November/first week in December. The crowds were pretty much non-existent and the weather was warm during the day but coolish at night. The Christmas decorations and added attractions were beautiful.

I would say that if I had to choose my very favorite time of year to go, it would be that week at the beginning of December.

[missymouse]

Our favorite time to go is the last week of September, but we like it hot! The humidity isn't quite as bad as in August, and I think the crowds are pretty managable. However, we are considering a November trip this year, as we've never gone that time of year before. This thread is making me think we should go more toward the end of November.

[MikeyJCanada]

We went the past 2 septembers and 2007 was much busier because of the Free Dining and it was really hot 35-40'. Way to hot for kids.

[faerie dust]

we went first to second week september free dining. crowds were steady but not like summer. it was hot especially animal kingdon [ always seems hotter there] places to eat. my girls loved crystal palace it is pooh characters. very pretty and very good food. we have eaten there all three meals .. always good never rushed and great servers. breakfast is my favorite. are u looking at sit down or counter service.?

[debrahv]

Thanks so much for all your input! My husband has no patience for crowds and hates humid weather so I think the end of November or the beginning of Dec will be best for us. I just hope it's warm enough during the day for the kids to enjoy the pool! Plus I've heard so many great things about the Christmas decorations..now I want to see them for myself. :) I showed my ds a video clip of a show during MVMCP and he just kept saying WOW WOW. :)

I'm thinking we will do the dining plan so we will need both counter and table service ideas. For the table service restaurants is it necessary to make reservations 6 months in advance for decent times? I just can't imagine doing that since I don't know where we will be when or even what any of the restaurants are!