My husband and I are planning on going to Disneyworld with our two children (school-age). When is the best time to go, weather-wise and what are the best off-peak times to visit?

Great place for kids of any age and adults. If being in school is not an issue, by all means do not go during any holidays as the crowds get bigger. We have been there a few times. We found the best time to go was the week before thanksgiving. We found that there was absolutly no lines. Do get there prior to the opening of the park. Even if you stay in line for 20mn it is well worth it as you will be the first in line. ENJOY AND HAVE A GREAT TIME.

Just read an article that said the best time to go if you want to avoid lines is between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Hi, I live in florida and also a part time travel agent since I'm a college student. I have to say the best time for Disney is to go Oct-November and Jan-May. It's great fun. Some suggestions bring ponchos. The weather here is crazy sometimes, but it doeasn't hurt to buy them in advance. They are quite exp in the resort. If you need any other info please let me know. I know some great hotels that start at 69 a night right in disney or right outside disney. Good Luck! I'll know you'll have a great time : )

Have been to DW 4 times in past 8 years and so far the BEST time we went was about 2 weeks before Easter. Hardly a wait and the crowds were thin. Plan on being there on a Friday as most people travel then. The worst time we went was over Columbus Day weekend in October, very crowded.

Best time is after Thanksgiving till Christmas.
The parks are already decorated for the Holidays
and there are a few Holiday Shows that they put on
before Dec.20th. Also, the lines are very short if
even nonexistent. The weather is still warm
enough for the water parks. Try Blizzard Beach.
It's our favorite.

Enjoy,
ED

My family and I have been fortunate to visit WDW at least twice a year for the past several years and have found the best time for lower crowds and great weather to be between Oct. 15 to the week before Thanksgiving.
If possible try to stay on the Disney property as you will be allowed in the parks a little earlier than "outside guests" and be able to use the WDW transportation system. Granted the WDW hotels in the park are a little more expensive but more than make it up with convienance and excellant service. These you will find especially important with small children. Have a great time! Bob

We went to Disney the week of July 4th it was truly a great vacation even though it was very crowded and very hot. You should stop on 68 at Ocala at the Disney Travel Connection if you drive down, we saved alot of money on motel room, stay inside park, buy park hopper pass. We stayed inside the magic kingdom at the Grand Floridian for five days, though the prices maybe higher, the service is great. We have four children ages 14 thru 21 and they went out to the different parks when they wanted and never had to use the car. Hope you enjoy your trip.

Everyone is saying to go before or after thanksgiving. I go every year, but have not been there during that time. I am going to try that time next yr. I go about 2 wks before memorial day in may. crowds are light, but it is hot. . went 1 yr 2 kws after easter, will never do that again. too many people. if you go before memorial day, be sure to get out at least a day or 2 before the weekend. have a great time

I have been to WDW several times. Without a doubt the week after Thanksgiving until close to Christmas holidays is wonderful. If you go then you will have the magic of the Christmas decorations and holiday celebrations. And like everything else, Disney does these up right! No crowds, weather pleasant. It is perfect! I would never stay off property, it's just too charming and convenient to be in a Disney hotel. We love the fairly new Wilderness Lodge.

ditto, ditto, ditto to all those that responded just before or after the Thanksgiving break. Perfect weather, no lines, awesome time. Have Fun!

You should check out the newsgroup rec.arts.disney.parks. They will have the answer to any possible WDW question. They are reporting almost no lines at all for the last week which is supposed to be common for the week after Labor Day. The opinon there is that the time from the week after Thanksgiving to the week before Christmas is the most "magical" time to go.

We have been to Disney World 7 times. The best time to go is just after Thanksgiving, but before Christmas. There are no crowds, no lines, weather is nice, and the decorations are up. I would suggest staying on the Disney property, and booking a reservation at the Hoop de Doo review. The Jolly Holidays show is also nice. We have stayed at several Disney hotels, the last time we were there we visited the Wilderness Lodge which is very beautiful.

i will go to WDW at 21-26/12, i still checking the price of the hotel inside or outside the WDW, if anyone can help, pls return a message for me. tks.

Our family has gone to to Disneyworld about 10 times February was great for us because it got us away from bad winter and no lineups,also rent one of Disney trailors on campground. That's the real magic!

I have been to Disney 13 times, and I agree with the earlier responses. Out of all the times we went, the best times we had were during Thanksgiving--many a Thanksgiving dinner was had with Mickey in sight or Disney music in the background. The Wilderness Lodge is probably the coolest hotel there, with their own version of "Old Faithful" that blows on the hour. Disney went all out on this hotel, when it comes to sticking with a theme. STaying outside of the park is more of a hassle than it's worth. For a memorable and truly Disney experience, staying in a Disney hotel is a must. There are cheaper Disney hotels, but to me, they were out of the way, forcing you to take Disney buses to the parks. The boats and monorails are much more fun. Have a great time!

We have been to Disney World many times and have tried many different times of the year. The absolute best time was last year when we went from Dec. 6 thru the 12. By all means, buy tickets for the Jolly Holidays show. It will definitely put you in a holiday spirit. It brought tears to my eyes. Also a great time was had at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. You must buy tickets in advance for this. Nothing like seeing snow falling on Main Street. We've been in June - too hot, March - too cold and wet, Oct - very nice, and Nov - pretty nice too. I think one of the best places to stay with children is Caribbean Beach Resort. You don't have to leave your hotel to have fun in a Disney way. Hope you have a wonderful time.

I am planning sort of a spurr of the moment trip to DisneyWorld what would be your best suggestions on getting the most for my money.

We plan on being at WDW several times in the next year. Our son is working at the Canadian Pavillion in EPCOT so it is a great excuse to visit. In previous visits we have stayed on & off the property & staying on is ABSOLUTLY the BEST!!!! You will be treated like kings. We have only been there in March (teachers & vaction time is not optional) The lines can be horrid at times but we usually just resign ourselves to the fact that we will have to endure this & enjoy people watching. Have fun whenever you go. WDW is truely the happies place in the world!

How about THANKSGIVING DAY? Is it mobbed with people? Is the Saturday before Thanksgiving OK? Should the day after Thanksgiving be avoided?