Under what circumstances would you advise someone NOT to visit Disney World?

Children is definitely an issue, but it also depends. We went when our daughter was 6 months old, but our son was 7 or so. Dont get me wrong... Brooke enjoyed herself a lot, and you can ride a lot of rides with little ones. We even got on Pirates believe it or not. Now if all you have is children around that age... its probably better to wait till 2ish. Last year Brooke was 1, and she had a lot of fun, but were looking forward to this year because she now knows who Mickey, Minnie, Donald and the Princess's are. So I think the youngest for one to start getting something out of Disney is 2.

As for other reasons. I think money would be an issue. You can go to Disney at a decent price, but its still a lot of money in the end. Could end up being a couple months worth of mortgage payments, rent, food, etc...

I would say if you have a young child and this was going to be THE Disney trip, then wait.

People that do no planning, I tell them they shouldn't even go, haha!!

I recently had to dissuade two of my friends from going. They were planning on going together for a 5 or 6 day stay, but they had two VERY DIFFERENT ideas on how to do the trip. Different vacation goals and styles are something that will ruin any experience.

One friend wanted to stay onsite with the dining plan, and the other wanted to stay offsite in a condo with a kitchenette and see greater orlando as well.

BAD COMBO!!

1. If you or your wife is 9 months pregnant
2. If you're thinking about going for a "last minute trip" over Christmas week

This made me laugh! So true! I have had multiple friends email me asking for help planning their trip for Christmas. Ugh, worst time ever to visit. And last minute? Forget it!

If you are paying for your trip via credit card and you can't afford the payments..don't go.

I also agree with the young kid issue. We were all gung-ho to take Holden when he was a cute and cuddly 9 month old. The months before the trip..when he started RUNNING and screaming...we had to re-think that plan. He'll be almost 3 when we go next summer. And while it will still be tough hopefully it will be a lot better than now.

If you are too cheap, don't go. I would never go if I didn't have the money because almost everything is over priced. Also if you're going to be a bad mood, don't even attempt it. Disney is a happy place and I'll be damned if I'd ever go with someone who was going to be a Debbie Downer the entire time. The point is to have a good time, no???

That's a good point. You really don't want to bring someone who is a "Disney cynic" along. It can bring the whole thing down.

I bet this happens a lot for people who haven't traveled together that much.

These are probably my top two reasons against going. That and to never stretch your budget for it.

Wow - these are all excellent things to think about. I would add another, with a caveat. If you have mobility issues, and you are easily frustrated by crowds or people who aren't very understanding, it's probably not going to be a good fit. My late grandmother would get annoyed when people weren't patient with her, and sometimes, I felt like it really put a damper on her day.

If you don't like crowds, people in general, heat, or waiting, probably also not a good idea. DH's cousin rushed to and fro to everything because he didn't want to wait in line for anything, and the kids missed a lot of the park as a result.

Attitude is everything - especially at Disney!

Well, we just returned. First time I've been in thirty years. And I was amazed by the amount of people! OMG! We had an absolute blast, but there are things that I definitely would have done differently in hindsight.

I agree with the little, little kid thing....it is way too hot and there are such long lines for a little one to be comfortable. We went with our girl for her fifth birthday, and even that age was a bit challenging, but doable. You have to keep in mind that you cannot take the strollers into the waiting lines, you have to leave them in stroller parking.

And definitely no visiting during peak times -- we were technically off peak and I could not believe the amount of people. Like Lizzy B. said, if you have any issues with crowds, not a good idea.

My parents got back last weekend, and they pick that time because its supposed to be a slow time... but they said it was very busy and was surprised. I think this year was weird because we had a late easter so a lot of schools had spring break at off times. I know my sons was at the beginning of April, but another school near us had last week off. So I think that played a lot into it as well.

I can hardly wait to battle the crowds at the end of June with the summer season being ushered in and all the kids out of school. It's too bad my best friend couldn't go at any other time because I'm really nervous about battling the crowds and especially in the HEAT!!

It will still be fantastic...just be sure to pick and choose your battles so to speak. I would say, especially if you are staying on property, to break up your days. Go for a few hours, then come back and swim. If you can, try to hit the parks while others take a break (i.e. during lunch, early afternoon when others go back for naps or swimming) We had great luck getting into some things fairly easily because we chose "off times."

And as everybody told me, just remember you can't do everything. They are so right...

Mase -- I got to visit with a good friend of mine that lives in Orlando while there, and she said the same thing, that it did seem particularly busy for this time of year. We met in Downtown Disney for dinner and she said the crowds were crazy.

You're probably right about the Spring Break thing...

Hello everyone,

I think I read in an Unofficial Guide to WDW that you need either a good plan or a frontal lobotomy. I don't think there's a slow season anymore; even in early December, when the weather can be wildly unpredictable, crowds can be significant. I agree, however, that young children (under age 3 or so) can be a bit overwhelmed (I do not want to say "uncivilized") by the sensory overload caused by a WDW trip. I usually travel alone (the last seven of my eight WDW vacations were solo trips) because if I waited for someone to go with me, I would never leave home. But I hear (and sometimes see) what I call the "Song of Disney"; that is, crying children. Many adults cannot handle the relentless assault on the senses, which is why an afternoon nap is a good idea. O God, forgive me this disjointed rant!

Jim

I'm trying to drill it into the best friend's head that she will not be able to do everything... I think she has NO CLUE about what she will experience there. She's definately in for a rude awakening with the crowds and heat but I shall do my best to give her the most enjoyable trip possible. It's the HEAT that makes me cranky so God give me the strength to get through it all LOL

Probably best to start drinking asap to take the edge off of the combination of crowd, heat and unrealistic expectations.

Yeah, I mean I KNOW it's going to be crowded and hot.... but tell that to her who has never been and is riding high on the excitement. I tend to tire out easily in the heat too and of course she's completely willing to do things on her own when that happens. Who wants to bet she will need a nap everyday too?

Hit the pools too in the hot part of the day. We did that last june for the first time when we took the whole family and that helped alot.

My in laws are the type of vacationers who don't like to even think of what they are going to do until they get up (late) in the morning and "see what they feel like doing". Even then, activities are based solely on the whim of an entitled 12 year old who's idea of a good vacation is to sit in the hotel room and watch movies all day. Also, if they decide a "nice" dinner is in order (on a whim, of course) they will get upset when they have to wait to be seated. I can't even imagine what would happen if they saw the prices...

For these types of vacationers, I do not advise a Disney trip.

I think "rope drop" will be your best friend. If you can get moving early, you should be able to get all the big things done before heat and crowds are too much of an issue, and then you can catch a nap or pool time in the heat of the afternoon, before heading back out in the evening. Good luck!

Thanks. I think it will be hard to take time off to relax since this is my best friend's first trip there. I've been 4 times so it's not like I have to do everything in such a short time. Her vacation primarily so I feel like I should let her dictate the way things are going. I guess we shall see what happens...