What are the best times of the year to go?

A tough question to answer! It really depends on what you are looking for and what your tolerance levels are. So here is a rough list with some suggestions:

• Best Weather (defined by mild temperatures, not a lot of rain): November/December and March/April seem to be the mild months of the year. The summer weather in Orlando is hot, humid, and thunderstorms blow through almost every day. This leads into Hurricane season in August/September/October. January and February are a bit unpredictable and can be a little on the cool side. In May it starts to warm up for the summer.
• Least Crowded: The crowds dwindle as Fall approaches and then pick up again for the Holidays and stay fairly constant give or take through most of the winter. There is another lull in early spring as long as you avoid the Easter Holiday.   The crowds are dictated by the School calendar.. when kids are in school its usually less crowded.
• My favorite time of year to visit is December because Disney really goes all out for the Christmas Holiday and the decorations and holiday spirit really bring the parks alive.
• Cheapest time of year: This is during hurricane season, September/October as well as in the Spring there is usually a value season.

What’s new for  2008?
2008 is a relatively quiet year at the Walt Disney World Resort.  The park receiving the most attention is the newly renamed Disney’s Hollywood Studios.   The big new addition for 2008 is the Toy Story Midway Mania attraction.  This is a “4-D” interactive experience.  You are able to play various midway style games as your ride tram moves through the attraction.  Also be sure to check out the Mr. Potato Head in the queue, he is one of the most advanced figures Disney has done.    Also new at the Studios is the Pixar Block Party Bash.  This parade takes place daily and was brought in from Disney’s California Adventure where it ran from 2005-2007.  In January 2008 a new version of Playhouse Disney also debuted at the Studios.
EPCOT is having several small projects and refurbishments, one of interest may be opening in the Fall of  2008 a new exhibit will open at Innoventions in EPCOT titled stormStruck where you will be able to experience and learn about the hurricanes that hit central Florida in 2004.
The Magic Kingdom and the Animal Kingdom are both quiet with no major new additions this year.
In late 2008 a new restaurant, T-Rex, will be opening at Downtown Disney.  Also note the night clubs on Pleasure Island will be closing September 27th.

What you definitely shouldn’t miss?
On most people’s top attraction lists:

 Magic Kingdom:   The classic attractions of Pirates of the Carribean and the Haunted Mansion are musts for any Disneygeek.  Two others are Small World and Peter Pan.  If you are a coaster fan be sure to visit the mountains... Space, Splash, and Big Thunder
EPCOT: Soarin’,  Illuminations, and Test Track.  If you are into intense attractions add on Mission Space.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Toy Story Midway Mania, Fantasmic, and the Lights, Motors, Action Student Show.  If you are a thrill ride fan do not miss the Tower of Terror and Rockin’ Roller Coaster.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom:  Kilimanjaro Safari’s,  the Festival of the Lion King, and if you are a coaster fan Expedition Everest

Now for some “geek” additions:
Magic Kingdom: Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress, the People Mover (the Tomorrowland Transit Authority), and the Country Bear Jamboree
EPCOT: Spaceship Earth, the American Adventure (its a great showcase of Disney storytelling blending film and audioanamatronics)
Disney’s Hollywood Studios: One Man’s Dream
Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Try to visit the park after dark and just walk around the Tree of Life and soak in the atmosphere...

Top 10 Tips?

• Plan ahead.  Take some time to learn about the parks and identify your top priorities, what is a must see, what looks interesting, and what can you do if you have done everything else.
• Have some sort of gameplan/objectives for each day to avoid being the but do not try to plan everything down to the minute, leave room to improvise!  What you do not want to do is arrive at the park stroll down Main Street then spend 5-10 minutes trying to figure out where to go.
• Part of planning ahead, if you want to eat any of the more popular table service locations, be sure to get reservations early so you will not be disappointed.
• Be sure to allow enough time to see everything you want and then some time for the unexpected or to go back and see your favorites.
• To save some time, be sure to take advantage of FastPass.  This is a free Disney service and if used properly can save you some time in line
• Be sure to slow down and experience the parks.  Do not just run from attraction to attraction.  Soak in the atmosphere, the live entertainment, and other offerings.  I think one of the biggest mistakes people make is to try and cram too much into each day and by the 3rd or 4th day you are “dead” and just cannot keep pace or soak in anything else, remember this is a vacation!
• If you are staying on property take advantage of the Extra Magic Hours, these will help you visit some of the more popular attractions with minimal waits.
• Be prepared for anything… both weather wise and crowd wise.. 
• Do not be afraid to ask questions.  Cast Members as well as other guests are usually more than happy to help you out and give you a tip or two along the way.
• Remember it’s a vacation…