[khawk]

I have a new plan. I was going to do a disney cruise for my next vacation in 2005 but now I am thinking of going to WDW for 2 weeks instead. My plan is to stay at POFQ. last trip in may I pulled my kids out of school for a week to go to WDW but with my DD's getting older I dont want to do that again so Im thinking of going during the summer. Does anyone have any advice on which month in the summer is best. I am assuming that hotels will be less expensive during the summer but the temps will be hotter. We were also thinking about staying at AK this time. I figured I might be able to find some good hotel deals or discounts at mousesavers. Are park passes cheaper during the summer or do those stay about the same all year around? The trip will once again consist of me, my 2 DD's (in 2005 they will be 12 & 14) and my parents. We will not share a hotel room this time but get seperate or if were lucky adjoining rooms. Also my dad is retired Coast Guard and last may we used the shades of green discount but didnt stay at their hotel because of refurbishing. We stayed at POR in may. Im not sure if I want to stay at SOG or at a WDW resort. I absolutely loved POR but want to try new resorts. Last may we stayed for 1 week and it was enough time but we didnt get to enjoy the resort much because we spent all day at the parks. Im looking forward to having 2 weeks this time and spending time at the resort pool and maybe going to sea world also. We are not sure if we will fly down or drive next time. I might end up staying at a value resort because as a single mom money is tight. But I hear those are really nice also. Can anyone offer me any advice on what WDW resorts are best with 2 (12 & 14 yr old) girls? Thanks.
Kim

[mickaholic4077]

I would say that the best time to stay is in August because most Florida schools go back in session the first or second week in August. As for the value resorts,they are great,because after all,how much time do you really stay in your room?

[mattomouseman]

Two weeks sounds like a great idea! First look into an annual pass. I beleive that if your staying for more then 8 days it makes more sense, budget wise, to get annual passes. I believe that The Wilderness Cabins, OKW, AKL,WL,CR, YBC,GF Oh heck most of the resorts list from 07/04 through sometime in October as the value season!:)

[khawk]

August would be good for us, my kids dont go back to school until after labor day. But if I went before labor day weekend would it be crowded? Is there anything special going on at disney in august? Last may we got to see the flower and garden festival which was beautiful. We also got to see paul revere and the raiders in concert. Next trip I plan to spend some more time at the resort also. Last may we stayed at POR and didnt really get to enjoy the resort itself because we were at the parks all day. It would be nice to spend half a day just lounging around the pool or participating in some of the events going on at the resorts. by events I mean boat rentals, bike rentals, that sort of thing.
Kim

[dab]

When does the school year end in Michigan? If it is in May like here in GA then I would say go then. I personally would go as early in the summer as possible for 2 reasons: lower temps and less rain. Here is a link to last years weather conditions. There is a calendar at the bottom of the page. Just click on any summer month to compare.
As for the resort I would say perhpas give SOG a try. Since it will be newly refurbished I'm sure it would be beautiful. I really don't know much about it but have heard all good things. Also, The park passes will cost the same at any time of year. Matto is right, check into the AP's. If you decide not to go with SOG you'd be able to get an AP discount on rooms.

[khawk]

Here in michigan my kids dont get out of school until the 2nd week of june. I could go then, I am divorced and share custody with my ex, we exchange the kids every 2 weeks, so I would have to go when I have the girls on my 2 weeks. I could end up being at WDW for the 4th of july. That would be nice but I bet the hotel rates would go up then?? I would prefer to drive down to florida this trip, it would save money but since my dad has the mini van it would be up to him if he wants to drive. I have offered to pay for gas and help drive, so Im waiting for his decision. Of course this trip isnt going to be until 2005 so I have lots of time to decide. I have checked out the prices of passes online and found that the annual pass is actually cheaper then getting a 14 day stars and stripes pass through SOG. If I only plan on using the annual pass once (for 2 weeks) can I give away the passes or sell them when I am done? I have talked to my DD's about this upcoming trip and my youngest DD wants to stay at POR again. I told her I loved that resort but thought we should try others. Im getting all excited again about this trip. I love disney. Thanks everyone.
Kim

[DisneyTeacher]

I would say go early in the summer also. Late May/early June would be wonderful, not all schools are out yet and the temps are still a little lower than July/August. Plus less rain than July-September.

We just got back from an 8 day trip this summer and decided that it wasn't long enough, we and planning a longer trip (11 days) in 2005 as well so I know where you are coming from with this.

If you could stay at SOG I would go for it if possible. The place is beautiful from what I hear and you can get it for a great price depending on rank.

Have fun and happy planning. (Look at my count down--it's for the summer of 2005!!)

[DisneyTeacher]

I think the AP is the way to go for you since you are staying 14 days, However, you can't sell it when you are finished. It uses a finger scan and I am sure you have to sign it in you name.

Other than the much higher crowd levels over the 4th you should have a great time. If it were me I think I would still try to go in June for lower crowds, lower temps and less rain. You could plan the trip for the day after they get out of school in mid-June.

[iluvwdw]

Originally posted by mickaholic4077
I would say that the best time to stay is in August because most Florida schools go back in session the first or second week in August. As for the value resorts,they are great,because after all,how much time do you really stay in your room?

I was just there in August when the Florida schools were already in session, and I have NEVER seen it that crowded!!! I will NEVER go in August again! :dazed :dazed :dazed Not to mention the unbearable heat...but it's like that all summer, isn't it??? No matter when you go in the summer, it is going to be crowded since kids are out of school. But 14 days will be great, so you won't feel rushed and you will be able to relax and enjoy yourselves! Whenever you decide to go, you will have a magical time!!! :D