School Holidays ?

[kate]

Hi, first timer to Disney world and am looking to go in April or May 2009 and would like to avoid going when all the kids are off school. Does anyone no if they are off around these two months?

[spondishy]

Hi Kate, I take it we're talking Brit kids? If so, the Easter holidays are really early this year. Easter Sunday is the 23rd of March, so the easter holidays will run from the 14th of March to the 31st March for most schools.

US kids holidays fluctuate, but I'd have thought April would be a good time to go. Here's a link to a busy day guide for a bit more info.

Busy Day Guide

[kate]

Many thanks for the busy day guide, i think this will be very useful for when we go. Just one more quick question, on buying tickets to the parks, getting conflicting advice about weather you should book your tickets early before going or at the last minute. What do you think?

[spondishy]

I'd get them before you go. The last thing you want to do is be queuing to buy tickets when you get there. How long are you going for, and what are you planning on visiting?

[kate]

We are planning to go next April '09 for two weeks. Have been advised already to book as early as this spring/summer as flights are getting booked up really quickly. May possibly buy the flexi pass to the 4 or 5 main parks and also would love to go the the discovery cove too which i understand includes time at seaworld as well. Are there some parks which are not worth bothering with?

[spondishy]

Ah '09... I gave you holiday dates for 2008 (sorry). Easter Sunday falls on 12th April in 2009 and Easter is one of the busiest periods. So if you can avoid the 5th to the 19th then I probably would.

As far as are there parks worth avoiding. You are best not trying to cram everything in as you'll be exhausted. It really depends on what you like. For example Busch Gardens would be a park I'd probably give a miss, but I'm not a big coaster fan. If you're a big coaster fan, then you'd definitely want to visit Busch.

I take it that as your avoiding school hols, your travelling without kids?

[kate]

Many thanks, good advice on dates and parks, yes we do have children primary school age, as it's a one off we feel we can avoid the school hols this time! Sorry didn't make it clear before, re school dates was referring to schools in America.

Haven't quite decided about accommodation yet, I assume it would be cheeper to get a villa just outside disney world but with a hire car does it work out the same?

[spondishy]

Easter holidays should coincide with the UK dates (pretty much). Memorial day on the 25th of May 2009 will be a busier weekend.

As far as accommodation goes, my last two visits have involved at least part of the vacation in a villa. It's great (sort of) to be able to wash the kids clothes and have the choice of not eating out.

If you have any questions as to what you should do with the kids, or advice on tickets just post away... You'll get some good advice.

[PROrlando]

Hiya Kate, im so happy for you, and your family. I just know ur gonna have a fab time there in 2009. Theres so many new stuff... If I may ask... with whom are you booking your Orlando trip with?? I lived in the UK for a couple of years, and did orlando trips from there too.... Im just wondering wether u falling for the "high street price" or if u know the better way.

[spondishy]

I "NEVER" book a package to anywhere. I know some people like having everything arranged for them but in some ways the best part is sorting out the accommodation, flights etc.

Anyhow, I like to try a couple of hotels when I'm over, so a two week stay in the same place wouldn't suit me.