Disney...is their an off-peak/cheap time of year?

we are thinking of taking our daughter when she is 2 1/2 and wondering if there is a cheap time of year to go and a time when its less crowded?

also, what is the best hotel for a toddler, as far as kiddie pools and things to do?

Re: Disney...is their an off-peak/cheap time of year?

We went in mid-November two years ago and it was wonderful! I don't know how the prices compared to other times of the year, but the weather was great, the crowds weren't crazy and it was decorated for Christmas too!

ETA: We stayed at the Wilderness Lodge and loved it. We stayed at the Animal Kingdom with DHs family before we had kids and that was fun too, but WL was more convenient, IMO.

Message edited 3/29/2012 9:48:12 AM.

Re: Disney...is their an off-peak/cheap time of year?

You already have a big advantage...no kids in school, therefore, the pleasure of beating the crowds so to speak! I would say anytime after Labor Day up until Halloween, then beginning of November until Thanksgiving! After Thanksgiving, December starts the cheaper point value for DVC owners, so it's a little more crowded then! The weather should be great then...especially sept and Oct! I love Beach Club with kids because their pools are awesome and also the new Kidani Village at Animal Kingdom is great too!

Re: Disney...is their an off-peak/cheap time of year?

Yup!

Some less crowded times are January and February (excluding holidays). Late August ---> Early December Excluding holidays. Even April after Easter up to Memorial Day isn't bad.

What fits in with your daughter BEFORE she turns 3 while she is still free?

My favorite times to go are the first week of December (lots of amazing Christmas decorations at the resorts and the parks, Candlelight processional, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, Holidays around the World, and the Osbourne family spectacle of lights), and mid October for Food and Wine (not really so great for a 2 y/o lol and Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party which is awesome for all ages). The weather at both of these times isn't bad. December to me, is perfect, maybe a bit cold, October can be a bit warm.

September and January are great times to go to really avoid crowds, but September is sweltering and January can be a bit cold.

As far as resorts for toddlers, it all depends.

It sounds like you're looking to save money and if that's the case, a Value resort would be best. These are VERY kid friendly with huge colorful icons, lively themed pools, and activities. Pop Century is my favorite overall, but now we have the Little Mermaid rooms at Art of Animation opening in September. Those are going to really immerse you in the magic in the room especially and they are only a bit more expensive than the other Values. Out of the All Stars I think Movies has the most recognizable icons for kids.

Out of the Mods, I like both Port Orleans Resorts. French Quarter is small and intimate and it has an incredible pool! Riverside has the Royal Storybook rooms with special touches from all your favorite characters.

On the Deluxe end, many people with families love to be on the monorail, since it's the easiest way to access the parks you'll spend the most time in with a little one, and you don't have to fold your stroller. The Polynesian is a very popular choice since it has an amazing zero entry pool and great play areas. Being anywhere on the monorail also gives easy access to great character dining.

Another Deluxe great for kids is Yacht and Beach Club. Just a short walk from EPCOT, with an incredible sand bottom zero-entry pool that is a water park unto itself. The rest of the resort doesn't really have theming a toddler would appreciate, but the pool is really something!

Hope that helps! let us know what other questions you have!

if you're looking to plan a trip soon, I'd suggest thinking about September since crowds will be low and there is currently a free dining promotion, which I know is really important to a lot of families.

Re: Disney...is their an off-peak/cheap time of year?

cheaper and less crowded times are called value season. I found this about this years dates:

The 2012 Value Season:

2012 Value season dates for the moderate and value resorts are 1/2/2012 through 2/15/2012, and 8/4/2012 through 9/27/2012. (Some weekend and holiday nights are higher.)
2012 Value season dates for the deluxe resorts are 1/2/2012 through 2/15/2012, and 7/15/2012 through 9/27/2012. (Some weekend and holiday nights are higher.)

Re: Disney...is their an off-peak/cheap time of year?

Walt Disney World has 21 pricing seasons for Value Resorts, 4 of which are Value Seasons of one sort or another, so that schedule's a bit of a generality but it will get you started with at least part of them.

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Mouse Tales® Travel
LIFamilies Vendor
Creating Magical Vacations for LIFamilies since 2008

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Re: Disney...is their an off-peak/cheap time of year?