When is the best time to go to Florida?

[eyeamthu1]

Hiya, apologies if this topic has come up before; I've had a brief search and couldn't really find a specific topic.

 

Basically, I'm looking at going to Florida within the next year or two and am trying to pick the best time to go. My main concern is how busy the parks will be, but factors such as the weather do come into it.

 

I have a couple of restrictions too - I am currently studying at University in the UK, meaning that I am in term from early Jan to early March; mid April to mid June and early Oct to early Dec.

 

Given that I'd want to do at least two weeks in Florida, when would you say is the best time for me to go?

I was thinking about early December, but I'm not sure I'll be able to get two quiet weeks there before the Xmas crowds arrive.

I assume late March is spring break time in USA - so that's a big no-no?

What about late June?

I assume July is horribly busy. August looks quieter, based on park opening hours and prices, and September quieter still. In fact, September would be a good time for me to go -- BUT what effect would the Hurricane Season have on my trip?

Please help me choose the best time to go!

 

Just one other questions about resort hotels:

During my days at WDW and Universal, I'm considering staying at their on-site hotels. Can I just check their benefits with you guys? If I stay in a Universal hotel, do I get unlimited Universal Express for my stay? Does that mean basically I don't have to wait in the main lines AT ALL? If so, this really does sound worth it. At Disney Hotels, you get the Extra Magic Hours right?

 

Thanks for any help!

-Alex

[gisco]

In 2007 I did Universal and Disney Mid June and it wasn't to bad. Stayed on the property both places. I highly recommend that. Very convenient. At Universal your key is an unlimited Express Pass. Well worth it. At Disney, your room key is your park ticket and charge to your room card all in one. The charge to your room feature is very nice. There is almost nowhere you can't use it on the Disney property. All the restaurants, shops and even the little snack and drink stands take it. (There are a couple in Epcot that didn't) Saves from having to carry a lot of cash around.

Based on your available times, September may be best. Right after the Holiday. Crowds shouldn't be to bad because school is back in session and the weather is nice. You will only have to worry about hurricanes and I wouldn't worry to much about that unless you don't like rain. I think the parks pretty much stay open unless it is headed close by. A day or two of rain and its over.

[Coaster Palooza]

My wife and I have gone 3 times together. We went twice the week after Thanksgiving (one of those included Thanksgiving). I was told, from park people, that the time was a "dead" week at the parks. It was as dead as it could get!

 

On our third trip, we went on New Year's and the following week. It wasn't that crowded, but the week after Thanksgiving was better. The next time we go, it will be the week after Thanksgiving again.

 

I hope this helps.

[BarryH]

Generally, the slow times at the Orlando theme parks are:

 

January (except for New Year's Day)

February (except for President's Day weekend)

May (except for Memorial Day weekend)

The first two weeks of June (the beginning of June is slower than the rest of the month)

September (except for Labor Day weekend) to November (except for Turkey Day weekend)

The weeks of December before Christmas and New Year's Eve week (the earlier in December, the slower)

 

Saturdays can be busy, regardless of the time of year.

[eyeamthu1]

So, say I was to go in September... it should be quiet. Are there any other disadvantages to going then? I've already mentioned that it's hurricane season - is this just not a problem worth considering? Could the weather potentially affect the trip?

[BarryH]

^If a hurricane hits Florida during your visit in September, Orlando will probably just get a lot of rain for 1-2 days. Orlando is well enough inland to not get a big blow from a hurricane.

[ebl]

I've been in July and October. October was better for me, as the evening at WDW was almost as pleasant as here in SoCal.

 

Eric

[dragonskeep]

The weather in October and November is really nice. October has the added bonus of Halloween Horror Nights which is very fun. An Express Pass is an absolute must because the evenings of the event are quite busy. Check out Universals site for info on HHN.

 

I would wait for Universals' Harry Potter area, Sea World Manta Coaster, and Universals' Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit coaster to open. Harry Potter will be the last to open and is currently scheduled for December 09, could be later though. The other two will definitely be open by summer of 09, and both look pretty awesome.

 

If you want to get off the beaten path and see the "real" Florida, I would suggest Wekiva State Park. You can take a canoe trip down the Wekiva River, the scenery and wildlife are really cool if you like that type of thing. The park is in Longwood, just a short drive up I-4.

 

If you like sports go see a Magic game. You can usually get a Ticket to most home games. The season starts October 31.

 

Fun spot USA is a good bargain. Old Town and Magical Midway both have some crazy attractions if you want a big thrill.

 

Hope you have a good time.

[celtic_darren]

I'm going to Orlando in June/July what will the weather be like

 

And when it rains how long for?

 

Will it ruin my holiday?

[TPDave]

^ Did you honestly just ask how long it rains for when it's raining?

[BeemerBoy]

^ Actually, that question sounds worse than it really is...surprisingly.

 

 

The weather during that period will most likely be HOT, as in 90+degrees Fahrenheit, or 32 degrees Celsius (hope that conversion was correct). It's typical for Florida to get afternoon thunderstorms in the summer months. They usually roll in around 3pm. Sometimes they don't last long before they clear out and leave you with miserable humidity, and sometimes they linger for the rest of the afternoon into the evening. It all depends.

 

Although the rain sucks and will naturally close down the coasters for awhile, there's generally still enough to do while it's raining at most of the Central Florida parks. I wouldn't worry about it ruining your holiday.

[celtic_darren]

aye a did tp dave how

[Crazy4Coasters!]

I'm going to Orlando in June/July what will the weather be like

 

And when it rains how long for?

_____________________________

 

aye a did tp dave how

 

Will it ruin my holiday?

 

Thanks for the quick chuckle kiddo! As for this thread it's a rather helpful one seeing that I actually have Florida in mind as my honeymoon destination in the future... Granted it's still at least 2 years away! LOL