[Rookie]

We're trying to plan our next trip to WDW. The problem is that our prior trips have all been in November during the famous New Jersey teachers conference week when the schools are closed for half of that week. But our kids are getting too old to take out of school (we got the evil eye from the principal this year...but I can't say that I blame her - she's right!) So, the next trip has to be during a vacation period. We can go either the 3rd week of February, the last week of April, or in August. Anyone have any thoughts about which time might be better in terms of crowds, weather, water parks, rehabs, etc.? Thanks.

[Dana]

I think crowd wise, I would choose the third week of February over the spring break season or the heat season, but that's just my preference. Certain times in August, like the end of the month when some kids return to school is suppose to be great times to go.

[jmouse]

Crowd-wise, the third week of February and the last week of April will see moderate crowds; the end of August will see high crowds, though not as high as the rest of the summer. The very end of August sees low crowds.

Weather-wise, February is temperate; the end of April is warm, sometimes hot but the humidity hasn't kicked in yet; August is hot and humid.

Rehabs happen all year. No telling what will be under rehab until much closer to the actual date. All the water parks should be operational for your date choices. Typhoon Lagoon closes the end of December for its annual rehab which takes up to a couple months.

[goofyguy1958]

Been there twice in February and both times it got down into the 40's during the day. Both DW and DD were complaining about the cold -- DS at 2-years-old didn't care as long as he was fed. Seriously, I would pick the end of April -- first visit back in 1996 was the first week of May and the crowds were low with the weather being great, even if it was a little hot.

[LRTJS]

Crowd wise Feb. would be the best, but the weather could be pretty iffy then. With schools starting back so early (mine starts Aug. 1) Aug. is not as bad as it used to be. I have been several times in Aug. and of course it is hot but being from the south I am used to that. I went once during Spring break and I think the crowds were the worst I have ever seen (except New Years) Each time has positives and negatives. Don't guess I was much help;)

[mickaholic4077]

If swimming and the water parks are important to your agenda,I would go the last week of April. I think that that's the beginning of the Flower and Garden festival,so that would be a lovely bonus.

[Goofette]

We went in 2002 the last week of April, and it really wasn't that bad crowd wise. It was a bit crowded at MK, but we weren't smart about when we chose to go there. We ended up going on a Monday I think it was, and it was pretty busy. We just hopped over to Epcot then and it wasn't bad. We did go back to MK later that week and it wasn't too busy. Make sure to utilize the fast pass also, that helps with the crowds. The weather was beautiful then. It was warm enough that the pool in the evening felt great! Good luck with any decision you make. :)

[Dana]

Originally posted by Goofette
We went in 2002 the last week of April, and it really wasn't that bad crowd wise. It was a bit crowded at MK, but we weren't smart about when we chose to go there. We ended up going on a Monday I think it was, and it was pretty busy. We just hopped over to Epcot then and it wasn't bad. We did go back to MK later that week and it wasn't too busy. Make sure to utilize the fast pass also, that helps with the crowds. The weather was beautiful then. It was warm enough that the pool in the evening felt great! Good luck with any decision you make. :)

Goofette -

That is just a beautiful avatar. Where did you find it? I love it.

[dab]

We went the last week of Jan/ first week of Feb 2003 and crowds and weather were perfect. We could have swam one day but didn't. Other than that warm day I'd say it was too cool for swimming or water parks. We've also been the last week of April/first week of May 2002 and crowds were heavier and weather definately warmer. I found it to be much warmer than we were hoping for ... hot in fact. But if the water parks are high on your priority list then maybe April would be better. It is certainly better than going in the middle of the summer. We also had quite a bit of rain in April and not a drop in Jan. Hope that helps.

[sandanv1]

I like Feb. The weather can be cool, but the low crowds make it worth while. We always visit valentines day, but this year I had to change my plans. I have ressies for the 1st and 3rd weekend.
April is warmer and yes sometimes hot!!

[stingrock23]

I recommend February. The crowds shouldn't be that bad then. I've been in Feb before. Just make sure it isn't around President's Day Weekend, which is usually pretty crowded.

[mmouse67l]

More cowbell baby!! Hilarious Avatar.

We were planning a Feb Disneyland trip but just found out that Indiana Jones, Big Thunder Mt. and Space Mt. will all be closed so we are looking at a late April trip.

Birnbaum's says the crowds are at their lightest 2 weeks after Easter and Moderate during the last half of Feb. (this is for Disneyland but I would guess it's similar for WDW) so I would check the referb list and go by that. Here is a link...

WDW rehab schedule

[jeannej]

I would go in Febraury. The weather isn't too bad, the crowds are generally thin and there isn't a feeling like you are rushed all the time.

jeannej:p