When is the best time to visit FL?

I was just wondering as to what you guys thought would be the best time to visit all the Florida theme parks. Like when is it least crowded, etc.

I havent been there in like 4 years, and i honestly remember nothing about when I went.

Just wondering....thanks!

The best time I have found is either late fall, like late Sept. until Thanksgiving. I would advoid Halloween these days though. Even better, Jan. into mid Feb.

The absolute best time to visit Florida is during late January to February. I sat on Hulk 6 times without getting off (I just was getting tired) and sat on Kraken about 21 times without getting off. Kraken is SO FUN!!!!!!!! And yes, I have been on Superman Krypton Coaster. Right now is the best time to go...as long as you don't have school.

These guys covered it.

After X-mas/New Year's through the beginning of Spring break is dead. The when school starts again (september) through halloween is dead again.

Just letting everyone know, if you want an absolutely dead park, don't go the week after New Year's Day. I went from the 3-10 this past January and it was crowded during the first half of the trip. The crowds were about equal to the average late August weekday crowd (45-90 min waits on the major e-tickets). However, once the week wore on, the parks emptied, and we were able to go to IOA with everything being walk-ons! You just have to give time for all the New Year folks to leave the area.

If you go anytime soon, have fun! I can't wait to go back in April!

Has anyone gone in June?

I know its going to be hot, but how are the crowds?

Yup, Late january early Feb is AWESOME. Walkons on everything. Also, If you want really really hot weather and no refurbishments. May is an awesome time to go. Parks are almost empty.

I've got to agree with Big D about going in May. We've gone the past couple of years in early May and it was great. Beautiful weather and light crowds.

September. I work at the Hard Rock, and in September, all the hotels/parks are DEAD. One day in september, Sea World (the whole park) had like 120 people in it. we had 12% in our hotel...

needless to say, come in september.

I went June 6th though the 14th two years ago and it was not that bad. Lines around 20 to 30 mins. A lot of schools still in or just starting to get out around that time. We had one day above 90 and tha rest was around 85 and only one rain day about half the day downpoured. *** Edited 2/23/2004 3:52:56 PM UTC by Iggy ACE***

I went during Holy Week to Disney a couple of years ago (week before easter) and it wasnt that bad. The crowds were moderate to high (Monday after Easter was insane, dont go then). If you time it right you can get under 30 min waits the whole day if you want to ride a major ride mid day it was an hour.

The big plus is though that the parks were open on extended hours so you could get everything done and take advantage of re riding the big ones during the first night show and then see the last one. I highly recomend going there then if you want to make sure everything is open and have late hours in the parks.

Its been decided!!

We booked the vacation for the first week in May!!

I dont think the crowds will be bad (based on what you all told me)

Anything else you guys think I should know? What should I hit?? What should I avoid?? Where is the good food??

Thanks!!

I highly advise you to not go during July and August before school starts. It was very crowded when I went.

Definately hit Kraken,Hulk Coaster,Dueling Dragons,Montu,Kumba and any other rides you want to ride. As for food, Good luck.

I'm going next wed. the 3rd to the 8th, what are all of the parks like at this time? (Disney and Universal)

I'm so excited... I was dissapointed to hear that Dudly(SP)Falls at IOA was in rehab, but I just went to their website and it said it will be open the 7th.

Ok, assuming that you have 9 days (a week plus the weekend) heres my suggestion

Magic Kingdom-2 days (park is big, no matter what anyone else says the theme park to visit and home to the rides youve dreamed about since childhood)

Epcot-2 days (the park is big [remember Every Person Comes Out Tired] and takes 1.5 days to do if you arent a sprinter Illuminations is a must see but if you prefer to see another night show twice park hop)

MGM-1 day (ToT, RRC and Fantasmic make this a must)

Busch Gardens Tampa-1 day (Most roller coasters in one park in FL, enough said)

Islands of Adventure-1 day (The "new" Magic Kingdom definalty is a must see)

Universal Studios-1 day (The Mummy shoud be open by then)

Sea World-1 day (Havent been there yet but Kracken looks to good to pass up)

Also this plan lets you buy the money saving 5 day park hopper pass (WDW) 2 day joint pass (SWF & BGT) and the 2 day flex pass (US & IOA). AK really isnt worth going to if you go to BGT.

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coasterMNguy... said:
The absolute best time to visit Florida is during late January to February. I sat on Kraken about 21 times without getting off. Kraken is SO FUN!!!!!!!!

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That's pretty impressive and all, especially given their steadfast rule about 2 rides and you have to walk around. You must be quite the salesman *rolls eyes*

mid to late September is a good month to visit, but remember, that month is ending a Florida summer, so it's incredibly muggy and humid. Sweat will drip right off you while sitting in your coaster seat. Granted, it's kinda like an Ohio summer, but oh well.

Id try After October but before Thanksgiving, and January 4th through around March 10th. Avoid spring break.

I visited middle 2 weeks in November 2003 so I could take in IAAPA. Most rides in most parks on most days were walk-on or near walk-on. I stayed on-site at Universal but rarely needed to use the room key as a fast pass. I managed about 60 rides on Dueling Dragons in 7 visits. Magic Kingdom was quietest I've ever seen it. Busiest park was Busch Gardens, on a Saturday. Also had time to drive up to Valdosta for Wild Adventures (had the park pretty much to myself)and down to Dania Beach for the superb Hurricane (which was absolutely deserted all day and evening). I'm thinking about making a return trip this November for a week to fit in IAAPA and the Mummy coaster at Universal. *** Edited 2/24/2004 2:29:41 PM UTC by Martin V***

Just a few important school times:

Spring Break: Most of Florida public schools will be out at the end of March beginning of April.

Summer: End of May/Beginning of June

School Again: Mid August

Even though the parks are probably relatively empty right now, it has been raining a whole bunch. But this is probably better than the ehat and thunderstorms during the summer.