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The Best Times to Go to Disney World for Fewer Crowds and Beautiful Weather

Planning a Disney vacation? Here are the best times to visit Walt Disney World.

Mariah Tyler

There’s always a reason to visit the "Most Magical Place on Earth," Walt Disney World. Deciding exactly when to go depends on what matters most to you. Looking to spot the famous Mickey pumpkins that line Main Street, U.S.A., during Halloween season? How about visiting when the temperatures are at their coolest? These factors and many more can affect your decision about when to plan a Disney trip, but if you want general guidelines, consider this overview.

• High Seasons: March to April and June to August
• Shoulder Seasons: December to February, plus the month of May
• Low Season: September to November

Whether traveling with a group of friends or your family, here are the best times to go to Disney World.

Best Times to Visit Disney World for Smaller Crowds

A Walt Disney World vacation involves navigating a variety of details from booking theme park tickets and dining reservations to deciding which rides to try when. The last thing you want to add to that list is heavy crowds.

While Disney parks consistently draw guests year round, there are a few times to visit that are typically less crowded. In the winter, any date outside of the busy weeks of Christmas and New Year's can be fairly quiet. A trip at this time of year also has the added bonus of cooler temperatures — or, to superfans, "Spirit Jersey weather." Disney World's least busy month, though, is almost always September. Crowds begin to thin out as school breaks wind down in August, and once Labor Day is over, the resort is usually as close to empty as it ever gets. Disney World used to remain uncrowded throughout the fall, but the growing popularity of Disney's Halloween offerings does mean that October is increasingly busy.

Best Times to Visit Disney World for Good Weather

There's a reason they call Florida the Sunshine State. The Orlando region can see more than 300 days of sun each year, making for ideal vacation weather almost year-round. Though July and August are risky given their occasional triple-digit temperatures, you can usually expect pleasant conditions in Disney World no matter when you visit.

Temperatures are at their coolest — often as low as 50 degrees — in January. (Yes, it can get chilly in Florida!) But while this may limit some activities, like visiting your resort’s pool or one of Disney's water parks, it does make for a more comfortable time in the theme parks. The winter months are also typically low in precipitation, so chances are you'll avoid the afternoon thunderstorms common in Florida summers — along with the need for pricey ponchos and umbrellas. To take advantage of this mild winter weather, visit between January and March.

Best Times to Visit Disney World for Lower Prices

The most important piece of any Disney vacation is theme park tickets. Disney World uses a dynamic ticket pricing system , meaning park ticket prices are tiered and will cost less during slower times. One-day, one-park admission starts at $109 but can increase significantly from there, especially if you're visiting on a holiday or busy weekend. A visit on Christmas Day, for instance, will set you back $159 per ticket. 

Off-peak times fall around January, February, September, and early November. Discounts on vacation packages booked directly through Disney (which combine park tickets and hotel stays ) can be found year-round, though they're most common at these less-crowded times. The same tends to apply for deals on accommodations and airfare. 

Related: These Are the Cheapest Times to Visit Disney World, According to Experts

Best Times for Adults to Visit Disney World

Walt Disney World can be an adult’s playground all year round, with standout dining and a host of experiences specifically catered to grown-up guests . One of the best times for adults to visit, though, is late summer and early fall, when summer-break crowds give way to (relatively) uncrowded autumn bliss. This time of year also coincides with Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival . At the park's longest-running and largest festival, you can nibble on globally inspired bites from dozens of outdoor kitchens. As the sun sets, enjoy concerts from national acts as part of the Eat to the Beat concert series, included in admission. 

One of Disney's most underrated festivals, the Epcot International Festival of the Arts, is also not to be missed. Celebrating culinary, performing, and visual arts, this falls during one of the slowest points of the year, typically mid-January through February. While more intimate than Food & Wine, it delivers standout eats and entertainment, plus cooler temperatures for those who dislike the heat. 

Best Times to Visit Disney World for Families

Holidays at Disney are truly magical. While you may have to deal with more crowds than usual, the reward is a whimsical transformation of the parks and numerous limited-time offerings — from incredible decor to delicious seasonal foods. Kids will also love Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, the after-hours special events that take over Magic Kingdom park in the final months of each year. Tickets for these parties follow a dynamic pricing system just like standard park admission does, so if you want to attend, plan your visit outside of each holiday's peak dates. While attending a Halloween party in August or a Christmas party in November may seem odd, families can enjoy hefty savings by embracing the festive spirit at unorthodox times.

Summer is ideal if your crew prefers to spend mornings on the rides and afternoons by the pool. Disney’s deluxe resorts — like Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa — offer the most elaborate pool complexes, complete with slides and poolside lounges. If taking full advantage of your resort’s amenities is a priority, a summertime stay may give you the best experience, despite its higher price tag.

Worst Times to Visit Disney World

A summertime Disney trip is a rite of passage for many families, but various factors can make the season less than ideal. The weather is arguably at its worst this time of year, with temperatures often in the 90s and an average humidity level of around 70 percent. Despite this, prices and crowd size both hit a peak in June, July, and August — so if you want to save money and avoid unpleasantly long lines, you may want to plan your trip for another season.

The winter months can offer good deals and above-average elbow room, but there are still challenges to consider. The weeks surrounding Christmas are some of the busiest (and priciest) of the year, and January's chilly conditions can pose a problem for visitors wanting to enjoy Disney World's pools and water parks .

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Home » Walt Disney World » Planning and Tips

Best Time to Visit Disney World 2024 & 2025 – Months Ranked

By Author Ziggy Oskwarek

Posted on Last updated: January 8, 2024

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Planning a vacation is difficult enough as it is, and perhaps you are wondering “When is the best time to visit Disney World?” To figure out when you should go to WDW there are many factors you need to take into consideration and in this guide, we’ll explain when the best time to go to Disney World is in 2024 & 2025 including the best and worst months ranked.

Even though there is never really a bad time to go to Disney World, picking the right time can make the experience all the more magical. We’ve visited in every season of the year for as long as we can remember and though we always have fun, there are definitely certain times of the year when Disney World is better.

Most people say that the best times to go to Disney World are when the crowds are the lowest. While that is a big factor, there are so many more things to consider besides that. We think a Disney World Crowd Calendar is very important, but it’s only the first step in deciding when to go.

What is the best time in Disney World for the weather, the cheapest time, the best events, etc? What about the park hours, special events, and festivals? A combination of all of these things should weigh heavily on deciding the best time of the year to visit and not just when the crowds are the busiest.

In this post, we’ll talk about the best times to go to Disney World in 2024 & 2025, though the majority of the information can be applied to planning your Disney trip in most years. We rank each month from best to worst and break down some of our favorite weeks and days, and which ones to avoid.

Also, don’t forget to sign up for our FREE Weekly E-Mail Newsletter. There we bring you the latest Disney vacation planning tips and news so you’ll know the best and worst times to go to Disney World. You can sign up here: Join our E-Mail Newsletter!

Before we get started, we want to tell you there isn’t one best time to visit Disney World for everyone. People will have different opinions, with certain things being more important than others.

We want you to look at all the factors and make the decision that is going to best fit your needs and then choose when to go. Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

Disney World Update in 2024

Talk about a crazy world that we are living in right now. Trying to figure out when to go to Disney World is always hard, but the last couple of years have been the hardest ones in the history of Walt Disney World. When Disney World closed back in March 2020, so many things completely changed when trying to plan your vacation.

Thankfully, most of the most difficult changes have come and gone. You probably heard about all sorts of Safety Guidelines and Restrictions in the parks since then such as face masks , personal distancing , etc .

You’ll probably be happy to know that those are a thing of the past, and even changes like Park Pass Reservations , have disappeared for the most part. When you visit in 2024 you will pretty much have a normal Disney World experience once again.

At this point in time, the biggest obstacle to most families that keeps them from visiting WDW is the high cost. With the economic situation worsening for many, a lot of families just can’t afford a trip right now.

Even though there are many changes that factor into your vacation right now, including some entertainment and experiences still not back at the moment, we’ve really had a great time in these past few years and have found the Disney Cast Members going above and beyond to try to make the best guest experience for everyone.

Unfortunately, gone are the days when Disney World first reopened and crowd levels were at all-time lows. In some ways it was the best time to visit in a long time because you could literally walk on to any attraction in less than 30 minutes, something I’ve only seen before hurricanes. That has come to a screeching halt and crowds are back almost to normal levels.

Also, it can be confusing and hard to know if you are getting a good value for your trip. Some people might decide it’s not worth it right now and avoid going altogether. This has been an increasing sentiment among Disney fans after all the recent price increases we just had.

Obviously, this is going to be your call and you must decide if it’s within your budget to visit Walt Disney World at the moment and if it’s worth your hard-earned money. We can say from our experience that things are mostly back to normal and despite some small inconveniences, it’s been an overall good experience over the last few years.

You also won’t see empty parks this year as you did in Summer 2020 and there should be more normality in the parks.

Towards the end of this post, we’ve updated our rankings of the Best Months to Visit Disney World, taking into consideration the park closure up to this point. We’ll keep you updated on all this as we find out more info.

Now let’s get to all the best and worst times to visit over the next couple of years.

Best Times to Go to Disney World in 2024 & 2025

Figuring out the best time to go to Disney World is often closely connected with the school calendar. It only makes sense that if kids are in school, the parks tend to be less crowded, if they are out of school the crowds will be heavier.

This is no different in 2024 or 2025 and the first step is to look at a calendar and determine when children are least likely to be in school.

As much as people want to look to crowd calendars to figure out when to visit, they are often unpredictable and require a closer look at what’s happening throughout the year. Now that Disney World is almost back at 100% again, let’s look at the recent past.

One important consideration is the construction and debuts of new attractions. Whenever new lands like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge or when new attractions open, there is always an immediate influx of guests to the parks, no matter what season it is.

For example, when Rise of the Resistance opened it would have normally been the “off-season” at Disney World. Instead, it turned into a planning nightmare with people waiting in line at Hollywood Studios for hours before the park opened every day.

This repeated itself with the opening of Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway in Hollywood Studios, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure , Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind in EPCOT, and TRON: Lightcycle Run at the Magic Kingdom .

That is why you need to take a balanced approach when deciding the best time of the year to go to Disney and consider the weather, park hours, crowds, special events, and entertainment altogether.

Choosing when you’ll visit based on a mix of weather, special events, seasonal entertainment, and crowds is a more pragmatic and balanced approach.

In general, we find that January and September are the best months to visit Disney World .

These have the best balance of crowds, cost, and weather. Kids are very likely to be in school during both of these periods and therefore the crowds will be low and Disney will have some nice offers on vacation packages.

The best times to visit Disney World in 2024 are:

• Jan 2-11, Jan 22 – Feb 8
• Feb 26 – March 1
• May 1-17 (Weekdays only)
• August 19-31
• September (minus Labor Day weekend)
• Most Weekdays in October
• Nov. 1-21 (avoid Veteran’s Day and Thanksgiving Week)
• Weekdays in December 1-13 (avoid Christmas and New Year’s)

As you can see, we avoided all major holidays like Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, and also Spring break when the crowds are very high.

The Fall is usually an ideal time to go as parents don’t like to take their kids out of school in the first couple of months of school. This makes for a great opportunity to go.

Though not as big of a deal for Walt Disney World as the 50th Anniversary celebration was a couple of years ago, in 2024 The Walt Disney Company is celebrating its 100th anniversary which started at the end of 2023, and will carry on through most of 2024.

So far it hasn’t brought huge crowds to the parks, so don’t worry about avoiding it.

There will also be one notable new attraction opening in 2024 that will bring big crowds, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. If you are interesting in riding it, we recommend planning a trip for the end of the year, or even pushing it off until 2025.

The best times to visit Disney World in 2025 are:

• Jan 2-10 (excluding marathon dates)
• Jan 20-Feb 6
• May 1-23 (Weekdays only)
• September (the whole month)
• Nov 1-14 (avoid Veteran’s Day)
• Dec 1-12 (Weekdays only)

Again in 2025, we follow the same pattern for the best dates to go to Disney World, avoiding all major holidays and the majority of the Summer.

There will still be plenty of festivals to attend and possibly some new rides and attractions to enjoy!

Worst Times to Go to Disney World in 2024 & 2025

The worst times to go to Disney World are when the parks are the most crowded and when the weather is the hottest. You’ll see in the dates below that we skipped all major holidays since that’s the most likely time families will go with kids since they are off from school.

We also skipped most of the Summer, because Central Florida is just too hot and even though you’ll still have a good time, it can be very draining and unpleasant most days.

The worst times to visit Disney World in 2024 are:

• January 1, January 12-17
• February 16-25 (President’s Day)
• March 15 – April 7 (Spring Break & Easter)
• June – August 11
• November 22-30 (Avoid Thanksgiving Week)
• December 1, 13 -31 (Avoid Christmas and New Year’s Weeks)

The 4th of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s are always the worst times to visit Disney World.

The worst times to visit Disney World in 2025 are:

• January 1 (New Year’s)
• January 17-20 (Martin Luther King Weekend
• February 14-23 (President’s Day)
• Mid-March – Mid-April (Spring Break & Easter)
• June – August 10
• November 21-30 (Avoid Thanksgiving Week)
• December 12 -31 (Avoid Christmas and New Year’s Weeks)

We follow the same pattern in 2025 as in 2024 and avoid all major holidays and the Summer.

Now again, I don’t want you to think that if you go during any of these times of the year, you will have a bad trip. It’s all about expectations and your personality. A lot of people like going during the holidays, but they realized there will be longer waits than usual.

Usually, if you have a good itinerary, you can still make the most of these “worst days.”

Ready to Start Planning Your Disney Vacation?

If you feel overwhelmed planning a Disney vacation, use an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner such as Show You the World Travel . They are experts on every Disney location and can tell you where to stay, what to do, how to save money, and give you personalized service for your most magical vacation ever!

Crowds and Disney World go hand in hand like Mickey and Minnie, and there isn’t any time of the year when the parks are not busy. Walt Disney World is after all the most-visited vacation resort destination in the world with over 52 million guests annually.

Unfortunately, there is no such thing anymore as a Disney “off-season” and guests have caught on to the times of the year when you used to actually have short wait times for the rides.

Usually, the whole year is busy in Disney World and there are small lulls when the crowds are slightly less, but they are still there. At this point, the only time you can really have walk-on wait times for any decent ride is when there are hurricanes or similar disasters.

Of course, there are outliers like when the parks first were reopened, but in a “normal” year there aren’t too many windows without crowds.

However, this doesn’t mean that crowds don’t matter. Finding those times to visit when there are fewer people than normal is still important. It can be helpful because instead of waiting 2 hours for an attraction on the really busy days, you might only have to wait 1 hour during the non-peak times of the year.

It also is helpful when making your dining reservations and it will be a lot easier to score a table at Be Our Guest or Oga’s Cantina if there are fewer people competing with you for one.

Busiest Times of the Year

So when are the busiest times of year in Disney World? Again, follow the kids.

The busiest time to visit is when kids are out of school during holidays or Spring and Summer breaks. Parents are generally more hesitant to have their kids skip school, and therefore have no choice but to schedule a trip during that time.

The busiest holidays in Disney World are Easter, the 4th of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. The crowds usually start coming in 3-4 days before those holidays begin, and stay for 2-3 days after, or at least through the weekend, before returning home Sunday or Monday.

Of these, the absolute busiest you will see at the Magic Kingdom , and the other theme parks are the weeks of Easter , Thanksgiving , Christmas , and New Year’s . Those should be avoided at all costs in our opinion as there are always wall-to-wall people and the parks often fill to capacity.

Also in 2024, one of the busiest days of the year at the Magic Kingdom will be Halloween (for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween party), that day always sells out of reservations early.

Lastly, if you go to the parks on the day a new attraction is opening, that also will be extremely busy and we recommend skipping that park and coming back the next day instead.

Least Crowded Times

The least bust times in Disney World are always when kids are in school. The end of August through September tends to be one of the best months to visit because kids have just gone back to school.

January also is one of the least crowded months since kids go back to school after New Year’s. It doesn’t get too crowded again until President’s Week (the 3rd Monday in February).

Thankfully my parents always took us to Disney World in September, and though the teachers were not always happy about it, very rarely were the parks too busy.

It’s also important to know the least crowded Days to go to Disney World. As a general rule, weekdays are less crowded than weekends. This is especially true in EPCOT if one of the festivals is going on.

Best Way to Save Big $$$ on Disney Resorts

If you want to potentially save thousands of dollars on your next trip to Disney World, I personally recommend David’s DVC Rentals . They consistently have the best prices and biggest selection of Disney Villas that will make you ask yourself: “How do they do it?”

Cheapest Time to Visit Disney World

Finding the cheapest time to go to Disney World can be an even bigger motivator than basing your decision on the crowds. Thankfully, these two are also connected and the cheapest time to go is also when the crowds are the lowest. Disney knows this which is why there are always offers to try and entice guests to visit during those times.

Going to Disney World when the cost is lowest will save you money on hotel rooms, theme park tickets, airfare, and even food. You could potentially be saving thousands of dollars just by changing the dates.

• The cheapest times of the year to visit Disney World are August, September, and January after New Year’s is over into early February.

Since crowds have slowly been shifting from the Summer months into October/November, we’ve also noticed good deals on certain dates in June and July so that’s worth considering.

Our guide to the Cheapest Time to Go to Disney World is invaluable in helping you pick dates if you are on a budget.

Also, read our post “How Much Does a Disney World Vacation Cost?” for the average price of a Disney Vacation, and then look at our Best Disney World Money-Saving Tips to reduce the cost as much as possible.

Going at a cheaper time is going to save you the most money on your hotel room. Prices can vary greatly between the Low Season and the Peak Season, and some rooms can cost as much as 2 or 3x the normal price.

Here are some examples of Disney World hotel prices and the differences when comparing the Low Season with Peak Season. We’ve separated these into examples from the Value, Moderate, and Deluxe Resorts of some potential prices.

• Value Resorts (Low Season) around $140-$250 per night
• Value Resorts (Peak Season) up to $300-$400+ per night
• Moderate Resorts (Low Season) around $260-$300 per night
• Moderate Resorts (Peak Season) up to $500+ per night
• Deluxe Resorts (Low Season) around $550-$850 per night
• Deluxe Resorts (Peak Season) up to $800-$1300+ per night

Those are huge savings and can’t be ignored!

Hotel rooms always cost more on the weekend, so if you are going for more than 7 days, try to only include Friday and Saturday once and this will save you money.

Our articles Disney World Hotels List and the Best Disney World Resorts will help you make a decision about where is the right place to stay during your visit.

Park Tickets

In the last few years, Disney World has introduced a surge pricing model for their theme park tickets , much like they already do with hotel room prices. As the crowds get bigger, park tickets get more expensive. When there are slower periods for crowds, Disney drops the ticket prices.

This means if you come in January or September, you will find the cheapest prices, whereas coming during the holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas will have the most expensive tickets.

Pricing is done from day to day, which means a Saturday ticket in a “slower” month like September can still be higher than a weekday in a busier month like July. The same month can have 3-4 different prices for tickets depending on which day you go.

Prices for all 4 Walt Disney World Theme Parks are the same so it doesn’t matter if you go to the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, or the Animal Kingdom, the price is the same.

Here are some ranges between the lowest and highest prices for Disney World Base Tickets in 2024 (Taxes NOT included):

• 1-Day Tickets: $109-$189
• 2-Day Ticket Cost: $121 – $171 per day ($242 – $342 total)
• 3-Day Ticket Cost: $118 – $168 per day ($354 – $504 total)
• 4-Day Ticket Cost: $116 – $160 per day ($464 – $640 total)
• 5-Day Ticket Cost: $100 – $144 per day ($500 – $720 total)
• 6-Day Ticket Cost: $86 – $127 per day ($516 – $762 total)
• 7-Day Ticket Cost: $76 – $112 per day ($532 – $784 total)
• 8-Day Ticket Cost: $71 – $101 per day ($568 – $808 total)
• 9-Day Ticket Cost: $66 – $91 per day ($594 – $819 total)
• 10-Day Ticket Cost: $61 – $84 per day ($610 – $840 total)

Prices are not out yet for 2025 tickets, but you can expect them to increase from here.

A family of 4 can save more than $300+ on 1-Day tickets by going in the off-season instead of peak season. They can save more than $800 on 5-Day tickets by going in the value season! If you are really interested in saving big, check out our Discount Disney World Tickets Guide .

Cheapest Discount Disney World Tickets

If you are looking to save money on Disney World theme park tickets, our personal recommendation is Orlando Vacation . They almost always have the best prices on multi-day tickets and can save you $20-$60 per ticket over buying direct from Disney.

One way you’ll save money on food by not going to Disney World during peak season is taking advantage of special promotions like Disney Free Dining. This is an offer Disney releases multiple times a year to draw people to the resort when crowd levels are projected to be lower and can save you money overall.

During this promotion, you get the Disney Dining Plan included in your package without having to pay extra. In our guide to Disney Free Dining , we post the latest offers and the pros and cons of using it.

Disney JUST recently released information on the Disney Dining Plan, which was just released. For more information, check out my post here .

By going to Disney World at the right time, you can also score some great deals on airfare to Orlando International Airport. Just as with the crowds, the best deals are usually found in September or in January after New Year’s and into February.

We like to use Skyscanner or Southwest to search for the best deals, and it will depend on which airport you have near your home.

An underrated factor in deciding when to visit Walt Disney World is the park hours. While the parks may be less crowded during the off-season, park hours are going to be much shorter which means you have less overall time to spend in the parks each day.

Disney World park hours are the shortest after New Year’s Day in January and stay short until Spring Break starts in mid-March.

Park hours are extended in March through mid-August when they start shortening again. They stay short in September and October and then get longer around Thanksgiving and Christmas.

In January the Magic Kingdom typically closes at 8:00 pm or 9:00 pm. Hollywood Studios is usually open until 8:00 pm or 8:30 pm, and the Animal Kingdom closes early, usually by 7:00 pm. EPCOT stays open until 9:00 pm.

In July the Magic Kingdom closes between 10:00-1:00 depending on the day, while the other parks close between 9:00-10:00 pm.

So while going during the busy season will definitely have more people, Disney makes up for it somewhat by giving people more time in the parks. If you like to stay out late, this can be an advantage that you can use.

However, if you typically go to bed on the early side and won’t take advantage of the late park hours, then a time like January or September is definitely better.

These articles have all the info about park hours, early entry, and how late you can stay in the parks:

• Magic Kingdom Park Hours
• EPCOT Park Hours
• Hollywood Studios Park Hours
• Animal Kingdom Park Hours

When is the Best Weather in Disney World?

Disney World has great weather for most of the year with plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures almost year-round. The Florida sunshine is definitely positive, but the extreme heat and humidity that comes with it, not so much. That’s why finding out when the weather is best in Disney World can make your trip infinitely better.

The weather in Disney World can be extremely unpredictable, with temperatures in the 90s and a blazing sun one minute, followed by severe thunderstorms and lightning the next, only to see the sun come back out 30 minutes later. On rare occasions, you can even get hurricanes in Walt Disney World . The only thing you won’t find is snow!

Packing for the weather is key when visiting and depending on when you go, you could need clothes for the heat, rain, and even at times a sweater or jacket. Here is an overview of the weather in Disney World for each season.

Weather in Disney World by the Season

Winter –  The majority of the year is t-shirt and shorts weather, but in the winter months, it can be chilly some days, and definitely at night. At that time of year, a jacket and sweater are both good ideas, yet bringing lighter clothes in case the temperatures are mild.

The average daytime high temperature in Dec, Jan, Feb, and March is in the low 70s. This is actually good news and we prefer to visit the parks when the weather isn’t as hot as in the Summer. The negatives are that it isn’t great pool weather so not as much to do around the hotels. The Resort’s flowers and trees aren’t as beautiful in the Winter and this has the least daylight of any season.

Spring –  This is another great time to visit Walt Disney World and if you visit in March/April the average daytime high temperature is in the low 80s. This is good pool weather and good for the parks. Temperatures in May get significantly higher and reach close to 90 degrees.

Another good thing about Spring is it’s not an overly humid time of year with moderately low rainfall. There is also more sunlight in the Spring, which allows for longer hours in the parks every day.

Summer –  This is the worst season for weather in Central Florida with extreme heat and humidity on a daily basis. This outweighs most benefits of longer daylight, longer park hours, and more entertainment options than other seasons. Summer lasts from May to September with average high temperatures over 90 degrees, even reaching 100+ degrees on some days.

Humidity is off the charts in the Summer months with an average of 60% or more. Disney World has 13 rainy days per month on average in the Summer, and 6.4 inches of rain.

Fall –  Autumn is a beautiful time in Walt Disney World, and though daytime temperatures are still quite high in October, things cool down some in the second half of the month and get even better in November and December. Average daily high temperatures are in the 70s, again great for going to the parks.

Daylight is still good in early Fall, just remember to bring a light jacket or sweater at night as temperatures drop significantly compared to the daytime.

Best Weather

After considering all the various factors, the best weather in Disney World is in the Fall and Spring seasons . This is when you will find a good amount of daylight, lower rain totals, and warm temperatures, but not the extreme heat you find in the Summer.

Out of these seasons, our favorite months for the weather in Disney World are November and March . They are warm enough where you can still go in the pool most of the time, and perfect park weather in the mid to upper 70s.

Worst Weather

It should be no surprise that the worst season for weather in Disney World is the Summer .

Unless you live in Florida or have visited Disney in June, July, or August , you will have a hard time understanding just how oppressive the heat can be during this time. Nearly every time you are outdoors during the Summer, you will be sweating profusely, even if you aren’t doing any activity whatsoever.

If you are going to the Disney parks in Summer, we suggest you get an early start to the day by rope-dropping the parks, then go back to your hotel after lunch for a pool break/nap, then make your way back to the parks in the evening. This will help you avoid the excruciating mid-day heat which is unbearable.

Special Events, Festivals and Holidays

Now that we’ve figured out the cheapest times, the least crowded times, and the best weather, you definitely want to look at the calendar for any holidays, special events, or festivals that might be going on in Walt Disney World each month.

There are so many cool events happening each year that you and your family might want to plan your trip around.

Many families plan their trip to Walt Disney World around the holidays, even if it means the crowds are going to be bigger than other times of the year. Easter, the 4th of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas are the most popular ones guests are likely to plan for.

Here is a list of dates for Holidays in 2024 & 2025:

• New Year’s Day – Jan. 1
• Martin Luther King Jr Day – Jan 15, 2024, and Jan 20, 2025
• Valentine’s Day – Feb 14
• President’s Day – Feb 19, 2024, and Feb 17, 2025
• St. Patrick’s Day – March 17
• Easter – March 31, 2024, and April 20, 2025
• Memorial Day – May 27, 2024, and May 26, 2025
• Labor Day – Sep 2, 2024, and Sep 1, 2025
• Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day – Oct 14, 2024, and Oct 13, 2025
• Halloween – Oct. 31
• Veteran’s Day – Nov 11, 2024, and Nov 11, 2025
• Thanksgiving – Nov 28, 2024, and Nov 27, 2025
• Christmas – Dec. 25
• New Year’s Eve – Dec. 31

Keep in mind, if you visit the Disney parks on the exact days of these holidays, you are going to find the biggest crowds all year long. The parks will be overcrowded and they will likely reach full capacity for the day. You have been warned.

A better alternative is to make the days the holidays fall on a pool day or do one of the many other non-park activities during those days, and go to the parks on other days during your trip.

If you have to go to Disney World on a holiday, here are the least crowded holidays for 2024 & 2025:

Special Events and Festivals

Besides the holidays, there are plenty of special events and festivals to keep track of when planning your visit.

Here is a list of all 2024 Disney World Special Events to consider:

• Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend : Jan 3 – Jan 7
• EPCOT® International Festival of the Arts : Jan 12 – Feb 19
• Pro Bowl Weekend: Feb 1 – Feb 4
• Cheerleading & Dance Competitions:   Jan 12-14, Feb 2 – 4, Feb 9 – 11, Feb 16 – 18, Mar 1 – 3, Mar 9 – 10, Apr 24 – 29, May 2 – 6
• runDisney Princess Half Marathon Weekend – Feb 22 – Feb 26
• runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend:   April 18 – April 21
• EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival : TBD (February 28 – Early July)
• EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival: TBD (Mid-July – Mid-Nov)
• Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party: (Early Aug – Oct 31)
• Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend:   Oct 31 – Nov 3
• Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party : TBD (Early Nov – End Dec)
• EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays: TBD (End Nov – Dec 30)

If you are going from August to December, Disney’s Magic Kingdom runs 2 special hard-ticketed events, Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party which are very popular with guests.

• TIP: If you are not going to either of these events, then we suggest you avoid the Magic Kingdom on those days as park hours for regular guests will be much shorter than normal. Unless you are only spending a half-day there, in which case the morning and afternoon tend to be less packed than normal.

If it always seems like there is a festival going on in EPCOT, that’s because there basically is. There are 4 yearly EPCOT Festivals, Food and Wine, Flower and Garden, Festival of the Arts, and Festival of the Holidays that run pretty much straight from the end of August through May.

At times in the past EPCOT was without festivals in June, July, and August, but in recent years the festivals have also filled those months. Expect things to be the same in 2024 and 2025 and we don’t anticipate a month without one of the festivals taking place in EPCOT.

This year, the biggest event is The Walt Disney Company’s 100th Anniversary celebration. It isn’t as big of a deal in Walt Disney World, but you should expect some festivities for sure, and potentially elevated crowd levels at certain times.

Overall these events can be really fun and definitely worth planning for your Disney World trip, just realize that many will also have higher crowds, so make sure you know going into it. If you want to go to any of the EPCOT Festivals, go on a weekday, it will be much less crowded.

Refurbishments & New Rides

One thing that might not come to mind when trying to find the best time to visit Disney World is the attraction refurbishment schedule. This is important because there are certain times of the year when Disney likes to do extended maintenance on the rides, which means your favorite could be closed.

The last thing you want to do is show up at Disney and find that Space Mountain or Pirates of the Caribbean is down for refurbishment. How can you do this if you are planning your trip many months in advance?

• The most popular time for big Disney World attraction refurbishments is in January or February .

Disney wants all the big rides open in the busiest periods of the year, which definitely includes the Summer and the Thanksgiving/Christmas holidays. After New Year’s, crowds lessen which is a good time for Disney to work on any rides that need a tune-up. In this case, going to Disney World when the crowds are the heaviest ensures the majority of attractions will be open.

The water parks are also likely to be closed in parts of January and February, so don’t expect to go to Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach during that time.

As for new rides, there isn’t much coming in 2024. The only thing of note is Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at the Magic Kingdom coming at the end of the year.

Last year was much more interesting with the opening of the TRON Roller Coaster at the Magic Kingdom, Moana: Journey of Water opening at EPCOT, the new Luminous fireworks show , and Happily Ever After also returning in April of 2023.

You also will definitely want to check what’s new in Disney World and all upcoming attractions to see if you can plan your trip around a new ride you’ve been waiting to go on.

Is 2024 or 2025 a Good Time to Visit Disney World?

If you’ve been to Walt Disney World in the last couple of years, or if you haven’t been for many years, 2024 and 2025 are quite different years for planning a trip, and with all the recent changes it has become even more different. You may be wondering if it’s worth it to visit Disney World at all right now?

Here are a few things to consider:

Pros: There are a few big reasons why you should visit right now:

• Things Back to Normal – After last year year almost all traces of the restrictions guests had in 2020-2021 are gone and there are even more benefits for visiting Disney World are back. Most of the attractions options are back and more entertainment options are returning every month.
• Most Safety Guidelines and Restrictions Gone – Guests no longer have to wear face masks in the Disney Parks in any location, even in the indoor locations including on attractions and in common areas of the hotels. And we are especially thankful that you no longer have to wear a face mask in 95+ degree heat, as that wasn’t fun one bit.
• Anniversary Parties – The Walt Disney Company’s 100th Anniversary began at the end of 2023 and we expect the festivities to continue well into 2024. If you like a good party, 2024 is it.
• New Attractions/Experiences – As we mentioned, TRON and Moana: Journey of Water opened last year, as well as 2 new fireworks shows. In 2024 we may finally get to see the end of the EPCOT construction project and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure replaces Splash Mountain at the Magic Kingdom.
• Nice Discounts – Since overall attendance at Walt Disney World was lower last year than prior years, Disney started offering some pretty deep discounts on hotels and vacation packages . We expect those discounts to continue in 2024 which could mean even more ways to save money on your trip.

Cons: On the other hand, there are still a few reasons why NOT to visit right now:

• Limited Experiences and Attractions – Not all attractions, entertainment, or experiences are available right now, but we are getting much closer to 100% once again. A big one is fireworks shows are now back , but there are still a lot of shows and characters missing.
• It’s Expensive – Even with plenty of discounts, there is no question that going to Walt Disney World has become out of reach for many families due to the rising cost of tickets, food, merchandise and hotel rooms. It’s not going to get better anytime soon, but if you have a limited budget, you may be forced to save up longer than you would have in the past.

As you can see, there are quite a lot of things to take into consideration if you are planning on visiting Disney World during the reopening phase. That’s not to say that it won’t be fun, but you should be aware of what to expect before you go.

Best Months in Disney World – Ranked

This is my favorite part, ranking each month in Disney World in 2024 from Worst to Best.

We want to give you a look at each month compared with the others, and take into consideration all the various aspects we’ve already gone over in this guide. These rankings tend to be similar each year but can change slightly depending on how some holidays fall and other events going on.

As a disclaimer, this list looks much different in 2024 than in some years. With new changes in the parks, new attractions, and anniversary celebrations, at least a few of these months find themselves either higher or lower than they normally might.

It’s also worth noting that the further into 2024 we go, the more likely things get back to “normal” in the parks. That means potentially more entertainment coming back. Those factors weighed into our rankings.

This list could look a lot different in 2025 depending on what other changes we see by then. We’ll update this list later in 2024 to reflect any changes to the schedule.

Ok, now on to the best months at Disney World in 2024…

Normally July is either the worst or second-worst month to visit Disney World, and that’s where it comes in again in 2024.

Just like in June and August, July is a terrible month for weather in Disney World, with temperatures rarely under 90 degrees and with unbearable humidity.

It’s also one of the rainiest months of the year with over 10 inches annually. Ponchos become your best friends in Disney World in July, and you need plenty of extra socks.

The 4th of July is always one of the busiest days of the year for the parks, and heavy crowds carry on throughout the whole month. This should be the same in 2024, as many families have returned to traveling again, and July is right when kids have off from school.

• Pros: Long Park Hours, Lots of Daylight, Potentially Good Deals
• Cons: Extreme Weather, Higher Crowds

See our guide to Disney World in July for more details.

June hasn’t changed at all from our original list and is always one of the worst months to visit Disney World in 2024.

The weather is excruciatingly hot and humid so make sure to bring sunscreen and a towel to dry yourself off. The rain also picks up in June with approximately 5 inches annually. That means you’re likely to get caught in quite a few thunderstorms on your trip.

Crowds are lighter in the first half of the month and then pick up when kids start getting out of school. On the plus side, June benefits from long hours of sunshine and extended park hours, and entertainment offerings.

In 2024, we expect crowds to be heavy once again and wait times should increase, that mixed with extreme summer weather makes us stay away.

• Pros: Lots of Daylight, Most Attractions are Open
• Cons: Extremely Hot Weather, High Crowd Levels, Thunderstorms

See our guide to Disney World in June for more details.

What’s different about August from July? Not much when considering the weather, but there are some important benefits. August has the hottest temperatures of the year in Disney World with just slightly less rain than July, though thunderstorms are still a daily occurrence. You’ll for sure want to spend a good amount of time in the resort pool.

The good news is crowds are usually heavy in early August and then decrease drastically as Labor Day nears. This leads to low wait times on attractions and wonderful hotel discounts.

In 2024 I think this will be the same and even with the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival in full swing and Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party debuting in August, you’ll see very few people in the parks compared to how many will come in the Fall.

In the past we’ve had August bunched right at the bottom of the list with June and July, but we’ve softened due to low prices and wait times.

• Pros: Low Crowds in the Second Half, Potentially Low Prices, Long Park Hours, Lots of Daylight
• Cons: Extreme Weather, High Crowds in First Half

See our guide to Disney World in August for more details.

For many years, April in Walt Disney World fell somewhere in the middle of the pack for us, but in recent years it’s gotten worse. The most important factor when deciding to go in April is finding out when Easter occurs that year.

If Easter is in March, April turns into one of the best months, with very low spring break crowds. If Easter is in April, that becomes less attractive, especially in the first half of the month.

If Easter is early in April (or the very end of March this year), the second half of the month can be a joy to visit Disney World with warm temperatures and moderate to light crowds. The gardens and flowers are at their best as well, with Walt Disney World perhaps at its most beautiful.

It just so happens however that in 2024 Easter happens on March 31, not quite April but crowds will still be around in full force during the first week so avoid that as much as possible. If you go later in the month, like the 3rd or 4th weeks, this could be a great month to visit.

• Pros: Great Park Weather, Beautiful Landscaping, Lots of Daylight
• Cons: Heavy Crowds depending on the year

See our guide to Disney World in April for more details.

March is a good to a mediocre month to visit Disney World depending on how Easter falls. If Easter happens in late March, then avoid that time at all costs. If Easter is in April, the first half of March can be a wonderful time to go with spring break crowds hitting in the second half of the month.

The weather in March might be the best you will find all year long. Temperatures are usually in the upper 70s to low 80s and good for any activity you want to do. It also rains very rarely in March in Orlando, which means you don’t have to worry about getting wet.

The EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival also begins in March, one of our favorite events of the year.

I do have to warn you though, if you go in the second half when Spring Break is in full swing, it can be a terrible time to visit. The crowds are absolutely packed even if Easter isn’t until mid-April.

This year Easter is March 31, which means March 2024 should be one of the worst months to visit in for the entire year. Even the great weather can’t save March from the masses of crowds for most of the month. Be very selective of your weeks if you decide on March.

• Pros: One of the Best Months for Weather, Beautiful Landscaping, Low Crowds in the first half
• Cons: High Crowds in the second half, High Prices

See our guide to Disney World in March for more tips and info.

5. February

February is another month we’ve had much higher in recent years, and in 2024 we raised it a couple of points. Yes, it is a great choice for visiting Disney, especially in the first half of the month. February has some of the lowest crowds all year, and you just need to avoid President’s Day week, which is very busy.

The weather is nice and perfect for visiting the theme parks. Some weeks it’s even warm enough to go in the pool. You also benefit from off-season pricing, again as long as you avoid going around President’s Day.

That said, we went at the end of February a couple of years ago and it was an absolute nightmare. The crowds were horrible and the lines were more than 60 minutes long for everything, and even using the Genie+ service we weren’t able to do what we wanted to.

Thankfully, I don’t expect 2024 to be like that, but there will be crowds around the holidays.

Another downside is the water parks are often closed for most of the month, and some attractions may be under refurbishment. That said, February is still one of our favorite months as long as you pick the right week.

• Pros: Great Park Weather, Good Discount, Low Crowds in first half.
• Cons: High Crowds around President’s Day and end of the month, Water Parks Closed, Attraction Refurbishment likely

See our guide to Disney World in February for more tips and info.

In theory, October should be one of the best times of the year as temperatures are lowering and kids should be in school. It used to be one of our favorite months, which now has been dropping lower and lower on our list due to the rising crowd levels. It’s not as bad as during the major holidays, but ride wait times are still very long.

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival have a lot to do with October’s popularity with many guests coming to Disney World specifically for those events.

Weekdays are your best bests in October. On the plus side, the temperature is still hot during the day, but much cooler at night than in September.

Without any huge events in 2024, we expect crowd levels to be high, but not as much as the last couple of years perhaps.

Check prices and availability after Columbus Day into the middle/end of the month. If you can go during the week in the second half of the month, October can be one of the best times to visit. For now, as a whole, it lands at #7 overall.

• Pros: Hot but not too hot, Popular Events
• Cons: Rising Crowd Levels, Limited Discounts

See our guide to Disney World in October for more details.

We usually have May in the middle of the pack, but in 2024 May skyrocketed toward the top of our list of the best months to visit. When the spring break crowds are gone, there is a dip in attendance before school is out and the Summer crowds start pouring in.

Instead of increasing crowds in May, the opposite effect has been happening in recent years and it has surprisingly low crowds compared with March and April. Spring Break is over and most children are still in school in May which makes it a beautiful time to visit.

You also can get some pretty awesome deals on hotel rooms, adding to May’s appeal.

The weather gets significantly hotter in May, often reaching into the 90s, though not usually at the “melt-your-skin-off” levels in the Summer. There is tons of daylight in May, and thunderstorms are quite common.

Overall, even if you go on the weekends, it’s normally a wonderful time to visit due to the lower crowd levels and you need to highly consider visiting during this time. Again, May is our #2 Month for Disney World in 2024 for its almost unbeatable combo of Price, Crowds, Entertainment, and Weather. Don’t miss it!

• Pros: Low Crowds on Weekdays, Parks are Beautiful, Lots of Daylight
• Cons: Hot and Humid Temperatures

See our guide to Disney World in May for more tips and info.

January is one of our favorite months to visit Disney World because of the light crowds and low prices for the majority of the month. Crowds disappear after New Year’s week which means excellent deals on vacation packages, hotels and park tickets. Also, stay away from Marathon Week if you can.

It also might have the lowest attraction wait times of the year which means you’ll get more done in less time.

The weather is mixed and temperatures are beautiful and great for touring the parks during the day with an average high of 72 degrees. Nighttime can get cold, however, even into the 40s so you will need to dress heavier than normal. We’ll take this any day of the week over the heat in July and August though! Also, very little rain means plenty of sunshine and blue skies.

Don’t expect to do much swimming in the pools, and the water parks are closed. Also, look ahead to Disney’s refurbishment schedule as it’s possible some attractions are down for maintenance.

In our opinion, January is one of the best months to visit Walt Disney World with its outstanding combination of low prices, low crowd levels, and mild temperatures. Give it strong consideration when planning your trip.

• Pros: Low Crowds, Low Prices, Great Park Weather
• Cons: Chance of E-Ticket Attractions being closed for refurbishment, Not Pool-Weather/Water Parks Close

See our guide to Disney World in January for more details.

6. December

December is certainly one of the most popular times to visit Disney World, with holiday decorations up and plenty of holiday-themed events happening. However, you will get two completely different experiences depending on the week you choose to go, and it’s subjective to how much you enjoy the holidays.

The beginning of the month has low crowds once Thanksgiving week is over. It might not be as quiet as it once was because of Disney manipulating blackout dates and trying to fill in the lower-attended weeks of the year. The first couple of weeks is still one of our favorite times and most years it doesn’t have bad crowds (although it is trending up recently).

Once you get close to Christmas week, however, things change dramatically where it quickly becomes the busiest time of the year in Disney World. We would definitely recommend you avoid this week all the way through New Year’s week unless you like to stand in line 3 hours for Space Mountain.

The cost has also risen the last couple of years which is why we dropped December a bit. Prices are still pretty high in early December, and the highest price-gouging all year in Disney World happening from Christmas to New Year’s.

• Pros: Low Crowds (Early December), Seasonal Entertainment, Low Prices (Early December), Long Park Hours (Late Dec)
• Cons: Extremely Heavy Crowds (Late Dec), Exorbitant Prices (Late Dec), Little Daylight

4. November

Last year we had November as our number 2 choice, and even though we dropped it a bit, there is no doubt that November is one of the best months to visit Disney World. The reasons why we love it include a great combination of crowds, weather, cost, and seasonal entertainment offerings.

The first half of November is extremely light for crowds, especially during the week. This means low wait times and room to breathe in the parks.

Because crowds are low, Disney usually has some great vacation deals, including the Free Dining promotion which can save you some serious dollars.

November also can’t be beaten for its weather. It has the lowest precipitation numbers in Disney World all year, with less than one inch of rain on avg. Temperatures are fantastic, still warm enough to go swimming most years, yet not too hot to be uncomfortable in the parks.

The seasonal entertainment options are extremely popular as the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival is still going on in the first half of the month, as well as the popular Christmas festivities such as Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party which lasts all month long.

Christmas decorations go up throughout the parks and hotels early on in November which many people come to see.

The only bad time to go to Disney World in November is during Thanksgiving Week and the few days surrounding it. If Thanksgiving happens earlier than normal like the 22 or 23, the last few days of November are also great times to go once the crowds go home. It’s also best to avoid Veteran’s Day weekend.

• Pros: Perfect Temperatures, No Rain, Seasonal Entertainment Offerings, Long Park Hours (Near Thanksgiving) Low Crowds (First Half of Month), Low Prices (First Half of Month)
• Cons: High Crowds (Near Thanksgiving), High Prices (Near Thanksgiving)

1. September

Last year we had September at #1, and we couldn’t find any reason to change that in 2024. It’s very rare that we ever drop it below 3 or 4, and you know it will always be in contention.

September always has some of the lowest crowds all year in Disney World since kids have just gone back to school and parents are reluctant to take them out at the start of the school year.

Disney always has incredible deals in September, with hotel rooms being close to the cheapest you’ll find all year and good promotions like Disney Free Dining. There are plenty of popular entertainment offerings like the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival and Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party both in full swing throughout the whole month.

The only negative is September is still a very hot month, with temperatures often reaching into the 90s and high humidity. The later you go in the month, the less oppressive this is.

September has lots of rain, though usually just a passing storm from 4-5 pm, and then it clears back up. It’s also one of those months where it’s possible to see a hurricane, like our experience when Hurricane Irma hit Disney World in 2017 . That is a rare occurrence though, and most years you are fine.

After what we witnessed last year, in September 2024, we expect the crowd levels to be low as they usually are. And honestly, you won’t find a month with fewer people.

Even though there are some negatives with the weather September is almost always one of the best months to visit Disney World. It should still make for a good time to visit Disney World in 2024, and it’s our personal favorite this year.

• Pros: Very Light Crowds, Historically Great Discounts, Good Daylight, Seasonal Entertainment Options
• Cons: Very Hot weather, Rainy weather, Chance of Hurricanes

See our guide to Disney World in September for more tips and info.

Favorite Weeks to Visit Disney World in 2024 & 2025

Last, but not least, we wanted to share with you what we feel are the best weeks to visit Disney World in 2024 and 2025. If we were planning a trip right now, these are the weeks we would choose above all others.

• Week #3: 1st Week in November – Great combo of perfect weather, low crowds, and good prices that should be back to normal in 2024.
• Week #2: Last Week in September – Always one of the cheapest times of the year to visit and with potentially the lowest crowds all year. You can choose from Mickey’s Not So Scary and EPCOT Food and Wine, so plenty to keep you busy and a great time to visit.
• Week #1: Last Days of November/First Week in December – This week has it all. Popular entertainment, low crowds, low prices, and a beautiful time to visit Disney World.
• Week #2: Middle of October – Always one of the best weeks as temperatures cool off slightly, and it has low crowds and low prices. Just make sure you don’t hit it when Columbus Day visitors are there. The end of September is another great chioce as usual.
• Week #1: Last Days of November/First Week in December – Just like in 2024, this remains our favorite week of the year due to all the above reasons for popular entertainment, low crowds, low prices, and the sheer beauty at that time of the year.

While there are many great times to visit Disney World, there is no one “Best” time that stands out way above the others. It comes down to your personal preferences and what you are looking for on your trip.

We personally prefer to go to the parks when the temperature is milder, even giving up our pool time if need be. Our preference is always toward cost and what time of the year will save us money. And we also would rather go when the crowds are lower, even if that means there might be fewer entertainment choices and shorter park hours.

We think one week is a good length of time to schedule also as it gives you at least one day per park and allows you to be flexible if you happen to hit a holiday on one of those days. You can do it in 4-5 days, but you’ll be running like crazy and probably won’t enjoy it nearly as much.

Ultimately there is no bad time to visit Disney World and you will have a great trip no matter when you go. Decide which aspect is most important for you and start planning in the month that suits your needs. I hope this helped, and most importantly, have a very magical vacation!

Jan 2-11, Jan 22 – Feb 8 Feb 26 – March 1 April 8-26 May 1-17 (Weekdays only) August 19-31 September (minus Labor Day Weekend) Most Weekdays in October (except Columbus Day Week) Nov 1-21 (avoid Veteran’s Day and Thanksgiving Week) Weekdays in December 1-13 (avoid Christmas and New Year’s)

January 1, January 12-17 February 16-25 (President’s Day) March 15 – April 7 (Spring Break & Easter) June – August 11 November 22-30 (Avoid Thanksgiving Week) December 1, 13 -31 (Avoid Christmas and New Year’s Weeks)

The best weather in Disney World is usually in the Spring (March and April) and in the Fall (October and November). Temperatures are warm but not too hot and there is little rain and plenty of sunshine.

Need Help Planning Your Trip?

We know the entire Disney vacation planning process can be overwhelming at times and the easiest way to book your vacation package is to use an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner as they will help you every step of the way. They will listen to your needs and preferences and can help you decide which resort is best for you.

We highly recommend using René Cittadino at Show You the World Travel for your Disney World reservations. That’s who we personally use on almost every trip and they make the experience much more enjoyable.

They will help you to make advanced dining reservations, book special events, and more. The best part is that they are 100% FREE and it doesn’t cost you any more money to use them than it does to book directly through Disney. Instead, they will actually end up saving you money by continuing to look for better deals even after booking your trip.

Just Click Here for a Free Quote and get started making your Disney World plans today!

That wraps up our ranking of the best months to visit Disney World in 2024. We hope that we gave you enough info to figure out which one is the best for your next trip!

If you are thinking about going to Walt Disney World in the coming future, here are some other popular articles where you will find all the info and tips you need to plan your trip.

• Disney World Vacation Planning Guide
• Disney World Crowd Calendar
• Best Disney World Resort Hotels RANKED

Your Thoughts

I want to know what you think about our choices for the best times to visit Disney World…

• What is your favorite time to go to Disney?
• Which Months or Weeks are your favorites?

Let us know in the comments section below!

If you enjoyed this article, as always I appreciate it if you’d share it with others via social media.  I work hard at making this website into a useful resource for you and your family to plan your visit to the Disney Parks and I hope it can help you! Thanks 🙂

My name is Ziggy and I love Disney, everything Disney! I grew up on Disney and it has and continues to be a huge part of my life. I started young when my parents took me to Disney World when I was 18 months old. Little did they know that would be the first of an uncountable number of trips we would take. I have so many amazing memories going to Disney with my family and friends and it has been interwoven into my DNA.

Saturday 31st of December 2022

We went during Easter 2019 and the crowds weren’t bad at all! On Easter Day, Epcot was so empty- it was lovely!

Tuesday 28th of April 2020

Very valuable information. Thank you for sharing it with us.

Sunday 10th of November 2019

At the bottom of your article you list the "Generally the best days to visit each park are:" but then right below that you suggest a schedule that ignores those suggestions. Which set is accurate?

Disney World FastPass+ Tips and Tricks - Ziggy Knows Disney

Friday 24th of June 2016

[…] this article, check out some of my other useful posts on planning your trip.  Check out what the Best Time to Visit Disney World is.  Also check out my guide on How you can Save Money Buying your Park Tickets and Why you Need […]

Buying Disney World Tickets Tips and Tricks - Ziggy Knows Disney

Friday 10th of June 2016

[…] and if you go in the Value time you will get the best bargain.  Be sure to read my post about when the Best Time to Visit Walt Disney World is, that way you will save even more money going at the right time.  But basically if you want to […]

These are the best times to visit Disney World

There's no bad time to visit the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando — but some times are better than others. In years past, there were predictable "slow seasons" and "busy seasons." However, after the park temporarily closed in March 2020 because of COVID-19 concerns, things became less predictable.

In addition to Disney adding more special events and upping the length of its festivals, Disney's theme park reservation system has kept crowds in check by limiting the number of guests allowed to visit a park on any given day.

Related: 19 Disney World secrets that can add 'pixie dust' to your vacation

That said, there are still ways to avoid the most crowded days and make the most of your time at Disney World. A Disney World vacation is optimal when prices are lower, the thermometer hovers between 70 and 80 degrees, and the wait times are at their shortest. There's no longer a true off-season at Disney, but there are times of the year when those favorable conditions are more likely to occur.

Best time of year for weather at Disney World

This will shock exactly no one, but Orlando is hot and sticky in summer. Temperatures typically sizzle in the 90s during the day, and humidity is through the roof. Those factors combine to create a heat index that can exceed 100, according to Weather U.S .

From June through August, you'll get a break from the heat most afternoons for an hour or so … during monsoon-like rains with thunder and lightning. Once the storms end, you'll be comfortable outdoors for about another hour before the oppressive heat returns — but expect some extra humidity while everything is damp.

Related: Best credit cards for theme parks

For the best weather at Disney, visit between October and December. By that time, you are less likely to deal with daily rain, and temperatures are more moderate. There are still plenty of warm days, but summer's heat and humidity have passed. You likely won't deal with the cold (by Florida standards) temperatures that come in January and February.

FOR NO-COST ASSISTANCE WITH PLANNING AND BOOKING YOUR NEXT DISNEY VACATION, CHECK OUT TPG'S DISNEY BOOKING PARTNER, MOUSE COUNSELORS .

Best time for certain activities

Price aside, plan your visit around what you like to do. Water parks are most appealing during the hot summer months when you'd rather not sweat it out in the theme parks all day. Golf is best in spring and fall — unless you're an early bird who likes hitting the greens in the cool of dawn.

If you're headed to the massive ESPN Wide World of Sports complex, time your visit by the calendar of events to watch tournaments you'll enjoy. If someone invites you to a wedding at Disney's Wedding Pavilion or elsewhere, bring a hat for the sun and a sweater for the air conditioning.

Seasonal events at Disney World

From themed parties to food and wine festivals, special events are big at Disney World. The best time to visit could be when your favorite event is happening.

Spring events

Learn new gardening techniques and see detailed topiaries that resemble Disney characters at the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival . It runs for four months, from early spring through the start of summer. Not only does it features Disney topiaries, but it also offers festival-specific eats and concerts by your favorite bands from the '70s, '80s and '90s.

Summer events

There are fewer events during the summer at Disney World. However, the LGBTQI+ community holds its Gay Days gatherings in Orlando. That event can draw tens of thousands of excited visitors and increase daily attendance at the designated park.

Walt Disney World has also added more separately ticketed after-hours events — such as the H2O Glow After Hours at Typhoon Lagoon — that let you enjoy more time in the parks with fewer crowds.

Fall events

Culinary enthusiasts should time their visits with Epcot's annual International Food and Wine Festival. It features global food and drink stands, free concerts and more. The festival spans nearly four months, starting in late July and stretching into mid-November.

Don't forget to pack a costume and join the ghoulish crowd at Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party , a ticketed event at The Magic Kingdom that runs from August until Halloween.

Winter events

Starting the day after the final Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Disney magically transforms overnight from a spooky destination to a winter wonderland . Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at The Magic Kingdom is a great way to get into the holiday spirit.

This party is a ticketed event at The Magic Kingdom that runs from early November through Christmas. Disney also embraces the holiday spirit at the after-hours Disney Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios . Additionally, the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays offers several global incarnations of St. Nick, plus a nightly Candlelight Processional.

When Disney World crowds are smaller

You can't completely escape the crowds at Disney World. Its four theme parks received roughly 47 million visitors through the turnstiles in 2022, according to the Theme Index and Museum Index of the Themed Entertainment Association . That's not even including folks who show up only for the golf, water parks, shopping, dining, spas, entertainment and conferences. The Orlando area, in total, received approximately 74 million visitors in 2022 alone.

Related: Is a Disney World annual pass worth it?

On big holidays, such as Christmas and New Year's Eve, Disney World gets so packed that The Magic Kingdom — the most iconic of the theme parks — can reach maximum capacity. The sister parks, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney's Animal Kingdom and Epcot, draw hordes, too, though not to the same extent. You'll likely wait longer for rides, food and character encounters.

If you do visit on a holiday, try to visit a park other than the one where the main celebration is being held. On the Fourth of July, for example, The Magic Kingdom and Epcot hold special fireworks shows. If you visit Animal Kingdom or Hollywood Studios on those days, you will probably see fewer crowds and shorter wait times.

Although it isn't always feasible, try to visit when most kids are in school to avoid the biggest crowds.

The ideal times are weekdays after Thanksgiving break and before families descend for winter break. The weather will be cooler, and the lines will be shorter than at other times of the year. Also, the weeks after Labor Day but before school breaks begin in the fall can also be good times to avoid crowds (but know that September weather is still steamy in Orlando).

Other less-busy times can be in late January and early May — again, especially during the midweek days before and after most school spring breaks.

Cheapest dates to visit Disney World

It's no coincidence that when the crowds are lighter, ticket prices are lower. In late 2018, Disney World moved to a ticket pricing system that features higher prices on some dates than others.

On less-crowded midweek dates in August and September, for example, you can find single-day tickets for $109. However, during peak demand times between Thanksgiving and New Year's Eve, ticket prices can jump closer to $160 per day. Weekends also tend to cost more than weekdays.

Related: These are the best restaurants at Disney World

More affordable airfare

If you have the luxury of flexible dates, you can find cheap flights to Orlando International Airport (MCO) during the less expensive times at the theme parks in August and September, according to statistics from the flight search engine Skyscanner.

Related: How to find cheap airfare

When hotel prices are lower

Disney has more than 20 resort hotels that provide perks, such as extended theme park hours and complimentary transportation to and from Disney's theme parks. As with all hotels, prices ebb and flow with demand — including when you book with rented Disney Vacation Club points .

Walt Disney World's value hotels, such as All-Star Sports or Art of Animation , offer prices that can start at or below $100 per night during the slower season. During peak season, even those value resorts can see rates climb higher than $250 per night.

If you have your eye on a deluxe resort — such as Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge , the Contemporary or the Riviera Resort — prices can start under $400 per night during the slow season and soar to more than $1,000 per night during peak periods.

Related: How to save money at Disney resorts by renting DVC points

Disney also offers regular hotel discounts that can save you hundreds of dollars on your stay. Disney+ subscribers should especially be on the lookout for these offers, but you can check the Disney World website at any time for special offers available to the public.

How many Marriott points it costs to stay in the on-property Disney Swan or Dolphin properties also varies based on standard, peak or off-peak dates, so when you go will affect the total cost of your trip to Disney World.

Related: How much does a trip to Disney World cost?

Bottom line

We hesitate to say there's a bad time to visit Disney World, but there are times that are definitely less crowded and easier to enjoy. By finding the sweet spot for your schedule, factoring in Disney's slower seasons and any special events you want to experience, you can maximize the magic while saving money — and your sanity.

Related reading:

• Are the Disney Visa credit cards worth it?
• The best Disney World hotels for your 2023 stay
• How you can save hundreds of dollars by renting Disney Vacation Club points
• How to use points to buy Disney tickets
• New swan on the block: A review of the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

Additional reporting by Tarah Chieffi.

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When to Visit Disney World

The Best Time to Visit Disney World

TripSavvy / Ashley Nicole DeLeon 

Walt Disney World® Resort

Trying to figure out the perfect time to visit Disney World  usually involves weighing many factors. If you're looking to avoid crowds, the best time to visit Disney World is in January or September when the weather is mild, crowds are thin, and prices plummet.

However, if special events and decorations are what you're seeking, the months of August, September, October, November, and December may be better options for you. While Disney's premier destination gives you reasons to visit year-round, considering the weather and monthly events at Disney World will help you figure out your best time to visit.

The Weather at Disney World

Florida is famous for its sunshine, but many visitors are not prepared for the  Florida heat  and humidity. The temperatures in the summer climb above 90 degrees Fahrenheit and the humidity can be stifling, but during the winter, the climate is more moderate. Hurricane season runs from June through October. Although the chance of a hurricane hitting Florida while you are visiting is slim, this is something to keep in mind. 

Peak Season at Disney World

Crowds will be the worst during school holidays, such as summer vacation, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and spring break, but you can make your life easier by locking in ride times and dining experiences with the My Disney Experience app . This app lets you choose your FastPass+ attractions and dining experiences with ease, even when the crowds are large. 

In 2016, Disney introduced a surge pricing model for theme park tickets that follows its long-established practice for hotel room prices, which means that hotel and ticket prices are less expensive during slower periods, such as January and September. However, the pricing is done on a day to day basis, so you may find that Thanksgiving Day is more expensive than a Saturday in July, depending on past attendance records. 

Popular Events & Festivals

Disney has several major events throughout the year, such as the  Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival ,  Epcot's International Food and Wine Festival ,  Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party , and  Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party .

Watch Now: The Do’s and Don’ts of Visiting Disney World

As Disney World continues to draw more crowds year-round,  January is one of the last remaining months considered to be the off-season. The high peak prices from the holiday season just a few weeks prior significantly come down, and the weather is unusually mild, with high temperatures usually hovering around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. 

While days are usually warm and sunny, don't be surprised if you see a frosty dew in the early morning hours or experience chilly evening temperatures, as Orlando has a sub-tropical climate. Post-New Year's Day, the hours in the parks shorten, as workers speed to remove the holiday decorations, but since the attractions lines are shorter than any other time of the year, the lessened hours shouldn't affect your trip.

While the resorts' pools and hot tubs remain heated and open year-round, Disney's two water parks, Typhoon Lagoon, and Blizzard Beach are typically closed for the winter (typically open from March until October).

Events to check out:

• Every January, the park hosts  The Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend , which brings in thousands of runners each year. Some of the longer race courses take competitors through each of the four Disney parks.
• The year starts off with a "bang" as Disney hosts a New Year's firework display at the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney Hollywood Studios, and at Disney Springs. Keep in mind that Animal Kingdom never has fireworks.

Much like January, February  is still a slow month, except for the Presidents' Day week, which falls on the third week each year. Since most U.S. schools are closed during this week, crowds are to be expected. Valentine's Day is also a popular day for locals, especially at the onsite restaurants, so unless you have reservations, it's best to skip visiting on February 14.  

The park hours are similar to January, and the waterparks usually remain closed during February as well.

Event to check out:

• Ladies, dust off your Nikes! In February, the parks host Disney's Princess Half-Marathon weekend , which is focused on female runners.

In March , the weather in central Florida is still mild, but with spring break, Bike Week, a popular Daytona Beach event, and Epcot's Flower & Garden Festival, the traffic, in addition to park attendance can get heavy this month. Easter is also a popular day for families to visit Disney, but it is an ever-changing holiday that occasionally falls in March, but more often April. 

The waterparks typically reopen in early to mid-March, and as the days get longer (and warmer), the park hours follow.  

• Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival kicks off in March and runs through the end of May. More than 100 elaborate topiaries are spread throughout the parks.
• The Atlanta Braves spend their spring training at Disney. Games take place at Champion Stadium in Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex.

Things begin to heat up in April  as temperatures begin to rise into the mid-80s during the day. Spring breakers continue to flood the parks, and the prices reflect this sudden surge. Avoid visiting on Easter Sunday if it occurs this month, as it will be the most popular park day.

• The Star Wars Rival Run Half-Marathon weekend takes place in April. Runners can compete in the Star Wars 10K, Star Wars 5K, Star Wars Dark Side Challenge, and the runDisney Kids Races, as well as the half marathon.

In  May , although the calendar says it's spring, you will feel like you're in the middle of summer with temps potentially reaching 90 degrees. Thunderstorms in the afternoon are a common occurrence, usually around 3 p.m. Florida is known for its flash rain showers, so while you won't win any style points, it's usually a good idea to pack a poncho if you are visiting from May through September. Crowds are moderate at this time since most schools are in session, and no major holidays or events fall within the month. 

June  is the month with the longest days, so beware of Florida's brutal sun. Though necessary year-round, you must be mindful to constantly reapply sunscreen, wear sunglasses, and bring a hat if you plan on spending the daylight hours at the parks.

The beginning of the month sees few crowds, as many schools are in still in session until mid-June, and it is too close to summer break to justify playing hooky. After June 15, however, the high summer season is in full swing, and with that comes rising prices and fewer accommodations and restaurant choices, but also extended park hours, and in-park shows, activities, and ride openings.

• June kicks off Epcot's Sounds Like Summer Concert Series , which hosts three performances nightly at America Gardens Theater. 

July is the peak month at Disney World. Just about every child in America is enjoying summer break during this month, so families flock to the House of Mouse to enjoy their time off. The temperatures at this time are sometimes unbearably high, especially midday when the sun's rays are strongest.

You can expect wait times for rides to rise well over two hours for the most sought-after attractions and finding a place to eat a sit-down meal might prove impossible if you don't have an advanced reservation. 

The good news is that the parks are open longer. Your best plan of action is to arrive at opening time, then leave and return to your resort for lunch and a refreshing dip in the pool. Afterward, you can return to the parks once the temps drop a little in the late afternoon, and ride anything you may have missed in the morning.

• Fourth of July fireworks at Magic Kingdom are a "can't-miss" for Disney visitors in July. Note that Epcot, Disney Studios, and Disney Springs all have special firework shows as well.

August  is the hottest month of the year. From noon to 3 p.m., your primary goal is to get inside, whether you make a lunchtime reservation in an indoor restaurant, or perhaps catch a movie at the AMC Theater in Disney Springs. You can also beat the heat at the water parks, Typhoon Lagoon, and Blizzard Beach, or take to the sea and rent a paddleboat from your resort's dock and cruise around the Seven Seas Lagoon.

Most of the month is packed with visitors, but Florida children return to school in late August, so you might notice a slight dip in the size of the crowds at the tail end of the month. The end of the month marks the beginning of the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, so you can expect high crowds at this park.

• From August through October, the park hosts Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party on select nights. The event features trick-or-treating in the park and Disney characters dressed in Halloween costumes.

September is one of the best times to visit the theme parks. The lines are again manageable since most school-aged children have returned to school, and hotel rates are the lowest of the year.

The weather is hot but milder than July and August, and the waterparks, as well as Epcot's Food and Wine Festival, remain active during the month. 

• During fall's Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, visitors can try international cuisine from more than 25 different kiosks. There are also various seminars on cooking, and food and wine. The event runs through November.

October  can still be hot during the day, but temperatures start to drop at night. It is a great time to visit since the parks are decorated for the fall season and there is a special Halloween party that happens most evenings. Other than Halloween day, you shouldn't have much crowding issues, aside from in Epcot for the Food and Wine Festival.  

November can be a great time to visit Disney, as long as you avoid Thanksgiving week. Though, if you plan to visit the day following Thanksgiving weekend, you may find no lines at all. The temperatures this month are pleasant during the day, and cooler at night. The holiday decorations won't be fully on display until December 1, but you might get a glimpse of what's to come if you visit later in November. 

• Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party begins in November and runs through the holidays, taking place on select nights at Magic Kingdom. The event includes Mickey's Once Upon A Christmastime Parade, Holiday Wishes fireworks, and Mickey's Most Merriest Celebration Castle Stage Show.

In  December , the parks are festively decorated for the holidays, and there are plenty of special holiday-themed treats as well as events scheduled throughout the month, such as Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. Naturally, many families love visiting during this month, as many have holiday breaks, therefore, like July, it also has an extremely high amount of visitors.  

• Epcot International Festival of the Holidays brings storytellers from around the world to share holiday customs and traditions from their respective countries. 

January and September are great months to visit Disney World, because they tend to be less crowded. January has cooler weather and in September, days are hotter but the waterparks are still open.

January tends to be the least crowded month, falling between the peak holiday and spring break seasons.

With the kids back at school, September is considered off-season. This is typically when you'll find the lowest hotel rates and lower ticket prices.

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Plan Your Dream Trip To Disney!

Best Time To Visit Disney World: When To Go And When To Avoid

October 14, 2022 //  by  Sarah Newton //   Leave a Comment

When is the best time to visit Disney World, Florida? This is undoubtedly the question we get asked a lot and it’s not as easy to answer as it first appears.

Deciding on the best month to visit Disney is an individual decision and depends on so many factors. I mean the real answer is the best time to visit Disney World is when you can. If you have the privilege of being able to choose when you go then fantastic but please know whenever you go Disney is an incredible experience.

The best time to vacation at Disney is when works best for you and your circumstances.

In the article, we will walk you through all the information you need to help you make a decision about when to go to Disney World. Each month and season has its pros and cons and we will walk you through how to get the best out of your vacation whenever you decide to go.

So, are you ready to pack your bags, put on those mouse ears and get ready to meet Mickey? Of course, you are.

Oh and if you need help packing check out our Ultimate Packing Guide .

When Is The Best Time To Visit Disney World? 

The best time to visit Disney World depends on what you want out of a holiday and the capacity you have to choose when to go.

If you have children obviously the best time to visit is the school holidays because that is the only time you can take them.

Don’t handle heat well, then you will need to stay clear of the sticky hot months. Want to experience a particular celebration like Christmas or Halloween then you need to go when the decorations are up.

Keep in mind festivals. like the Food And Wine Festival, if you want to attend you will need to go when that is on. If you are going for a particular ride or entertainment event you will need to make sure it’s working and operational when you go.

If you hate crowds or are really short on time then you will need to visit in the off-season at Disney. Similarly, if you are looking to get the best value for money you will need to visit when the park is at low capacity.

There are so many considerations when it comes to the best month to go to Disney World, Florida. Our suggestion would be to decide on your three top priorities and plan from there.

Things to take into account are the weather, the crowds, the cost, park opening times, special events/festivals or celebrations, rides or entertainment shows you want to see and of course the times you can actually travel.

What Is the Worst Time To Go To Disney World?

There is no real worse time to go to Disney there is only a time that doesn’t work so well for you. However, saying this there are times that visiting Disney can be a more stressful experience than others.

If you can avoid the height of holidays. The park will sometimes get closed at Christmas because it has reached capacity to give you an idea of numbers. Easter and New Year can also be another really busy time.

If you hate the heat then July and August might be really challenging for you.

In general school vacations, weekends, public holidays, and the high summer season are the worst time to go to Disney World. But don’t worry if you have to go during these times there are things you can do to make it easier and more pleasurable.  

What Is The Cheapest Time To Go To Disney?

The cheapest time to visit Disney tends, not surprisingly, to be when the part is less crowded. This tends to be the winter months not including holiday periods so November, January, and February as long as you stay away from certain events.

During the slower times, Disney offers discounted packages and special promotions, particularly in hotels. Park tickets also have value, regular, and peak prices which are based on expected crowds for that day. Also, multi-day tickets tend to be better valued.

This article on How To Buy Discounted Disney World Tickets will help you decide when is the cheapest time to go.

In general the second week in January until spring break starts tends to be the cheapest time to visit Disney World, Florida. If you traveling on a budget early January, early May, late August, or all of September is the best time of year to go to Disney World for you.

If you are looking to save some money here are some money-saving Disney tips.

High And Low Season For Disney World 

While there is a Disney World off season it isn’t like other holidays in that within the low season you will also find huge peak periods. Low season at Disney is really more about quiet periods within the peak periods but you have to look for them.

The off-season at Disney tends to be January to early February and the times when children have gone back to school i.e September, October, and November. However, saying this while hotels might be cheaper in Florida the Halloween celebrations at Disney can make the park very busy.

The best way to think about the low season at Disney is that if the American children are at school it’s generally cheaper. And if you are not in America look this up as the school holidays in America are much longer than those in Europe for example.

While visiting during the Disney World off-season saves you money there are a few things to take note of. The off-season is often when Disney will close some rides for repairs and refurbishments so check before you go. There will also be fewer shows and entertainment on offer.

And while most people think that traveling out of season means you queue less this might not necessarily be the case. Often in low season, the rides run at a lower capacity as there is less staff on duty so the waiting times don’t necessarily reduce. Also, the park hours are reduced so you do get less time in the park.

Here are our tips for reducing wait time at Disney .

Visit Disney In Summer If You: 

For most this is the best time to go to Disney because their children are off school. For others, this is the worst time to go to Disney World due to the crowds, the expense, and the heat.

Summer at Disney World is a long season and really runs from May to September with June, July and early August being the busiest. However, if summer is the only time you go there are some advantages.

Everything at the park during summer will be operating at full capacity. All shows and entertainment will take place and rides and attractions are very unlikely to be closed for maintenance or refurbishment. Park hours are also longer and the sunlight hours are longer. So while the parks are busy everything is operating and you get longer in the parks.

If you also want to spend time in the water, be it in the hotel pools, the sea, or the Disney water parks summer is a great time.

If you are going to Disney World in the summer you do need to prepare for the heat, crowds, and rainfall. It’s not unusual for mid-day temperatures to reach over 100 with humidity of 61%. It is likely to also rain heavily most afternoons.

If you are going in the summer here are some of our tips to beat the heat at Disney . You might also be interested in how to survive Disney in the rain .

Visit Disney World In Winter If You:

Winter in Florida is actually really lovely with temperatures typically in the low 70 degrees. Walking around the parks in winter is so much more comfortable and bearable than in the warmer months.

Depending on when you go in winter it tends to be the least crowded time to visit Disney World apart from the Christmas celebration. It’s likely to be a much more pleasurable experience at this time and there is not as much rain as you are out of hurricane season.

The Festivals of Arts at Epcot also takes place during winter which is one of our favorite Disney festivals.

The park will be open fewer hours though and some events and rides are likely to be closed so keep that in mind.

Winter is the best season to visit Disney if you want cheaper prices and cooler weather.

Here are our tips for Visiting Disney World in the winter.

Visit Disney World In Fall If You:

Most who visit Disney World often believe that fall is the best time to travel to Disney. It’s practically perfect in every way. The weather is warm, the air is crisp and the rainfall is low.

Late August and September can also be some of the cheaper times to visit Disney World and you still have 8 hours of sunlight to play with.

And if you have never experienced Halloween at Disney you are in for a treat. While it can get busy, going on a weekday during the beginning or end of the Halloween season is likely to be less crowded.

Most agree fall is the best time of year to go to Disney World.

Our tips for visiting Disney before Halloween will help you plan.

Visit Disney In Spring If You:

If you are wondering when to go to Disney then how about visiting in Spring? Spring is wonderful at Disney with vibrant flowers, warm temperatures, and nine hours of daylight. There is also likely to be little rainfall as you are out of hurricane season. Humidity tends to also be lower in the spring.

Spring is the best time to vacation in Disney, however, avoid the busiest periods during Easter and Spring Break as the parks get rammed during these times.

Spring is definitely the best season to visit Disney if you want it to be warm but not too crowded. It is a perfect time for Adults to visit Disney .

When To Go To Disney By Month:

If you are still not sure when to go to Disney World then let’s help you a little further. Here we have broken down the best time to go to Disney month by month. This way you can decide which is the best month to go to Disney World depending on what you want to get out of your vacation.

Disney in January.

January is probably the least crowded time to visit Disney World. The Christmas holiday is over and the cooler temperatures tend to keep the crowds away with an average temperature of 70 degrees.

Visiting Disney World in January can also save you money as it tends to be one of the cheaper months due to smaller crowds. However, some things like the water parks and certain rides may be closed and the park hours are shorter.

New Year’s weekend and Martin Luther King Jr. Day are days to avoid if you don’t like crowds. It also can get busy during the Walt Disney World Marathon weekend. The Epcot International Festival of the Arts is also held in January and is a wonderful experience.

January in Disney World is a really rather relaxed and chilled time to visit if you don’t mind the weather a little cooler and some of the attractions and rides possibly not running.

Disney in February

If you are not coming for the sun then February is the best time to vacation at Disney. You will find cooler temperatures with highs in the mid 70’s and fewer crowds.

The exception to this is Presidents’ Day week which sees the crowds flood in. For those not in the US that is the third Monday in February. The Disney Princess Half Marathon weekend tends to be a busy time too.

Disney World in February might lack some of the pizzazz you see in busier months but you will be able to get some great deals.

Disney in March

The best time to travel to Disney for perfect weather is in March. The highs tend to be in the high 70s and the lows in the high 50’s so it’s not too hot or too cold.

March at Disney World can also see fewer crowds but that depends on when Easter and Spring Break fall. During these times the crowds get really heavy.

The Epcot International Flower And Garden Festival also takes place in March and this really is worth seeing.

Disney in April

April in Disney World sees the climb to high temperatures with highs in the mid-80s. The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival continues and all the flowers and trees look beautiful in full bloom.

Easter and Spring break can see busy periods in April depending on the dates. There are a lot of ESPN Wide World of Sports held during this month and often the more budget hotels will be booked up.

Next to Christmas April can be one of the more expensive times to visit so keep that in mind.

Disney in May

Many believe that May is the best month to go to Disney World and we would be tempted to agree. The weather is into the 90s but it’s less humid. The flowers are all still in full bloom and there are no major holidays bringing in the crowds.

Memorial Day weekend does see the parks get busier but other than that Disney World in May is probably the best time to visit if you don’t have children in school.

Disney in June

June is Disney World tends to be a month of two halves. The first few weeks tend to be quite quiet with crowds rising as students are off for the summer break.

The increase in crowds sees extended park hours, more shows and activities, and lots of sunlight hours. It’s also a perfect month to visit the water parks.

It is hot and humid in June so make sure you have sunscreen and are prepared. It’s also the start of hurricane season and while they are remote in Orlando rain is very likely so make sure to pack a mac as the weather can be very unpredictable.

While most find the summer months too busy there is a certain buzz that comes from these busy periods that is hard to replicate when the park is quieter.

Getting Disney Genie the old fast pass and planning your days becomes more important in the summer months and you do need to be on the ball a little bit more to avoid frustrations and shattered expectations.

Disney in July

July in Disney World is continuously busy in fact the busiest month of the year. The crowds tend to be much heavier towards the July 4th holiday but other than that it’s pretty even, just always busy.

It’s also incredibly hot and often rains. However, the park hours are longer so you can miss out on the mid-day heat and return later in the day.

There is a certain vibe to Disney in the summer months that can be lacking in the slower months. So although it’s hot, humid, and busy Disney in June still enjoyable if you plan accordingly.

Disney in August

August in Disney World is hot, hot, hot in fact the hottest of the year so you might find yourself seeking shelter in air-conditioned attractions more than normal.

It is busy and crowded but unlike July the crowds tend to thin out towards the second half of the month as children go back to school. However, the events tend to pull people back in.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party begins in August and the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival begins in late August.

For Americans, some of the best deals can be found in late August with off-site hotels having low prices and Disney has in the past offered free dining during these times.

August tends to be peak hurricane season in Florida but the park has only closed a handful of times due to hurricanes during its lifespan. However, this could have an impact on other travel arrangements so keep that in mind.

Disney in September

Many think that September is the best month to visit Disney and they might be right. Especially the later half of September when prices are lower, crowds and less, and the heat is moderately better.

I mean it’s still hot and humid in September but if you can bare the heat it’s the best time to visit Disney World. Also of note is that September tends to be one of the more rainy months so keep an eye on the weather forecast and take a mac. Rain can interfere with some of the live shows and fireworks shows so things can get canceled.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival are still ongoing. Disney World in September is a really great time to visit.

Disney in October

If you love Halloween then Disney World in October is perfect for you. The park looks beautifully decorated for Halloween and while the decorations go up in early September October draws in the crowds.

Halloween and Columbus Day are the busiest days and the crowds tend to be really manageable outside of the weekends. It can still be hot during the day but the evenings do get cooler.

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and After Hours Boo Bash is in full swing and The Epcot International Food and Wine Festival is still ongoing.

Disney in November

November in Disney World sees really pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and a festive spirit. If you miss out on Thanksgiving week, which is so busy, November is one of the best months to visit Disney.

Most of the Christmas decorations are up by mid to late Christmas and the parks really take on a different feeling when they are up. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party also starts in November on select nights.

Disney in November gives you a taste of the Christmas season at a much lower cost and it’s the best time to visit Disney for good weather, lesser crowds, and Christmas spirit.

Disney in December

December in Disney World sees the Christmas season in full swing. Again December is one of those months where the crowds differ hugely depending on when you visit. Early in the month can be a very pleasant time to visit with lighter crowds, however, the latter half is one of Disney’s busiest times of the year and the most expensive.

You would think that Christmas day might find a bit of relief but no, often the park will close by 10 am as it has reached capacity. Anytime between the 20th and 31st of December see record crowds visiting.

There is a lot that happens during the holiday season though with Christmas parades, firework shows, celebrations shows, and the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays.

Disney in December is picture perfect though and if you can go we feel everyone should experience the Disney Christmas Magic at least once.

Here are our tips for visiting Disney at Christmas .

As you can see when it comes to the best time to visit Disney World the answer isn’t as simple as it first seems. When to go to Disney World is a personal choice and we hope this article has helped make your decision a little bit easier.

What we do know is that whenever you go you will have a great time. There are always ways to make your Disney trip better whenever you go and with planning, you can enjoy even the busiest and hottest months.

To make sure you really enjoy your trip take a look at our article 12 Ways to Ruin A Disney Vacation (And What To Do Instead!)

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The Best and Worst Time To Visit Disney World in 2022 and 2023

It’s time to book your next Walt Disney World Vacation! Let’s pull out the calendar and find that perfect time.

We can start trying to find the Best and Worst Time to Visit Disney World by narrowing it down by season.

Ok, Summer … get a head start on EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival, and Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, but do you want to walk 10 miles a day in a steam room?

Autumn! Spooky season and Thanksgiving! Kids are back in school! The weather starts to cool down, but busy holiday weekends, hurricane season, and holiday decorations over classic Disney?

Winter! Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party! EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays! EPCOT International Festival of the Arts! Fun and festive, but some of the most expensive (and CROWDED) days in Disney around the holidays, and routinely the time when some popular attractions are pulled outta commission for maintenance.

Alright, Spring , maybe you’re the best time to visit Disney World! Easter is pretty magical in Magic Kingdom, plus EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival. Earth Day is also Animal Kingdom’s birthday! Spring Break! Wait. Spring Break means everyone is out of school during the same few weeks. That means everyone goes on a Walt Disney World vacation at around the same time. That means CROWDS.

Every season has pros and cons, so let’s dive in to find the BEST and WORST time to visit Disney World for you.

Major events.

Kicking this list off with the spring, let’s talk about the major events that are happening! First of all, it’s the very popular EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival. This festival runs from early March to early July and is highlighted with stunning topiaries, delicious food, and lots of activities. 

And for all you  run Disney fans out there, make sure to check out the Springtime Surprise race weekend , usually scheduled around that first week in April. This all-new event will have three different races spread throughout the weekend!

But what are crowds like during the spring season? Well, unfortunately, this is the time when the masses flock to Disney World for Spring Break. The busiest weeks are mid-March and the weeks surrounding Easter in April, but you’ll likely see pretty high wait times throughout all of those two months.

Things tend to die down a little bit in May, but it’ll pick back up for holiday weekends like Mother’s Day and Memorial Day Weekend (especially when people have time off of school). No matter what time you visit, we recommend preparing for high wait times and making sure to have a strategy for the parks before your visit!

In the spring, it’s starting to get warmer, but it’s not quite in the 90s daily like it is in the summertime. You’ll see more frequent rain and thunderstorms, so don’t forget to pack those ponchos or rain jackets! You’ll mostly need to pack clothes for warm weather, but you may experience some particularly windy days here and there. The nice thing about Spring is that the humidity is usually fairly mild (well, mild for Orlando). So, if you want some fun Disney World photos without the humidity frizz in your hair, planning to go pre-May could be the time you’re looking for!

Important Dates

And finally, let’s talk about the important dates you need to know for the spring! You’ll want to keep your eye on the refurbishment calendar. Disney typically has routine attraction maintenance and bigger overhauls starting in January and extending through sometimes as late as April. So, check out that refurb schedule to make sure your must-do attractions won’t be out of commission during your trip.

So, let’s recap the Spring season, it could be the BEST season for you for the milder weather, the EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival, and if you don’t have to worry about taking kids out of school. It could be the WORST season for you if you can only travel around those peak crowd (and PRICE) times, like runDisney events or school holidays. And also, consider if your favorite attractions are out of circulation for maintenance or refurbishment.

Continuing into the summer, the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival will still be happening for most of the season! However, shortly after the Flower & Garden Festival ends, the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival will begin, likely in July.

Let’s be honest, it’s pretty much ALWAYS crowded in the summer. Everyone is out of school during this time, and families plan longer trips. You’ll typically see these family-oriented crowds from June to mid-August. 

And during the summer, you can expect the worst weather that Disney World offers. It’ll be hot — INCREDIBLY hot — pretty much every day. It also rains frequently, making the air dense and humid. We recommend wearing shoes that can get wet, and don’t forget that sunscreen because the sun is INTENSE. Plus, you’ll need to drink a lot of water to stay hydrated!

Since this is Disney’s busiest season (aside from the Winter holidays), it’s running on all cylinders, so you’ll find almost every attraction running at full speed and some extended operating hours. So, if you’re a night owl, or an early bird, those earlier opening parks or late-night extended hours could fit your vacation style perfectly!

So, let’s recap the Summer season, it could be the BEST season for you if this is the only time your whole family can go without the anxiety of work (or schoolwork) you’ll have to catch up on looming at the end of your trip if you want to experience the classic Disney World atmosphere if you want the best chance to ride ALL of the rides. It could be the WORST season for you if you don’t do well walking 10 miles a day in a steam room (Orlando is HOT and HUMID in the summer), if you’re looking to avoid crowds and long lines, if you’re not going to (or not able to) take advantage of Disney extended operating hours.

The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival will likely continue throughout the fall season, typically ending in the month of November. In conjunction with the festival, the Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend is normally scheduled to take place in early November.  So this is great for those runners out there, but it does create a little spike in crowds due to runDisney popularity.

Halloween celebrations usually kick off in Magic Kingdom in August and run through the end of October. You can expect decorations in Magic Kingdom and special snacks across the property during this time. And there are always those after-hour parties that cost a little bit more but pack in some extra spooky fun (and sugary treats!).

And just days after the Halloween season ends, the holiday season will kick off! The parks get decorated for Christmas early in November, and official celebrations start shortly after. Right after Thanksgiving, the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays will start.

The crowds will typically start to calm down in the fall. September and October are slower months (except for Labor Day Weekend, Columbus Day Weekend, and Halloween), and you’ll even be able to get your vacation for cheaper because of the date-based pricing.

November typically isn’t very busy at the beginning of the month, but Thanksgiving break will be one of the most crowded weeks of the year. The key to a leisurely trip in the fall is to avoid the holiday weekends and breaks!

The weather will still be hot at the beginning of fall, but it will start to chill out just a little. But keep in mind that hurricane season runs from June to November, so you could still see some stormy weather. By the time you get to November, the temperature should be amiable.

So, let’s recap the Fall season, it could be the BEST season for you if you don’t have to worry about taking kids out of school, you’re looking to experience Disney with a festive or spooky twist, if you can plan it when the weather starts to mellow out. It could be the WORST season for you if you can only travel around those peak crowd (and PRICE) times, like runDisney events or school holidays. And also, consider that it’s still hurricane season , so in addition to the lingering summer-like heat, you could also see a tropical storm or even a hurricane.

And finally, let’s talk winter! The season kicks off with the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays . It typically lasts until the end of the year, and at the same time, you’ll be able to enjoy the other holiday celebrations in the parks and resorts.

As we mentioned above, crowds will be heavy for Thanksgiving week, but they may slow down for a few weeks before Christmas break begins. In the last two weeks of the year, many Americans have time off from school and work, so those are typically the most crowded (and the most expensive!) dates of the year.

The weather will be much cooler in the winter, though it may not be quite as chilly as you’re used to at home. We recommend packing a jacket; you’ll especially need it in the mornings and evenings. Dressing in layers can be helpful, considering the sun will still come out in the afternoon! It’s probably in the 60s most days.

So, let’s review the Winter season, it could be the BEST season for you if you’re looking to spend the holidays in the most magical place on earth, you don’t mind skipping Splash Mountain or other water attractions that could be down during the colder season or out for refurbishment, or the weather and being able to wear pants in Disney World without regretting it! It could be the WORST season for you if you can only travel around those peak crowd (and PRICE) times, like the week or so surrounding the holidays, if you’re banking on a hot tropical vacation (cuz Florida can get chilly and let’s face it, the weather is a fickle friend), or if you want a classic Disney experience, and all you get are photos with tinsel in the background. But really, it’s the PRICE and CROWDs near the holidays that are the real downers.

So now that it’s all broken down, it’s up to YOU to decide which season is best for you to visit! We’ll continue to share updates on big events and any important announcements you need to know, so stay tuned to AllEars.

Click Below for the AllEars Team’s Take on the BEST Season to Visit Walt Disney World

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When do you enjoy visiting Disney World the most? The least? Let us know in the comments!

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One Reply to “The Best and Worst Time To Visit Disney World in 2022 and 2023”

I think the best time would be the time you didn’t include: January and early February. Epcot even has a festival – Festival of the Arts!

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Disney World Weather by Month

Weather can be unpredictable – here’s what you need to know about disney world weather by month.

Disney World weather can have a profound effect on your vacation. While nothing quite compares to visiting Disney when the sun is out, and the temperatures are mild, some Florida weather can be less than ideal. Rain, hurricanes, and tropical storms are always possible here, and these occurrences can “dampen” your plans. In addition, the summers often experience long periods of excessive heat reaching into the ’90s and beyond. The good news is that there are certainly more days during the calendar year when the weather at Disney World is anywhere from  good  to  perfect . So how can you prepare for the unpredictable  Orlando climate ? This article will explain what to know about Disney World’s weather by month.

Disney World Weather Overview

Most people book their  Disney World  vacation months and months before their arrival. They plan every detail exactly how they want it and strive to make their Disney experience as perfect as possible. After all, most trips cost thousands of dollars, so who  wouldn’t  want it to be perfect?!

Unfortunately, the weather is one factor that is totally out of your control. And you won’t be able to simply change your vacation reservations at the last minute if you spot a poor 10-day weather forecast. However, you  are  in control of deciding  which month to go , and you can base this decision on the historical weather patterns of the Disney World area.

Extreme Weather 

Like the other parts of Florida, Orlando is prone to extreme weather like tropical storms and  hurricanes . These weather events don’t happen every year, but when they do hit, you certainly don’t want to be caught outdoors for any length of time.  ( Read more about hurricane season at Disney World)

Disney does close outdoor rides during storms and rain events in order to protect its guests from lightning strikes.

Rain showers are a more frequent occurrence. Most of the rain at Disney is just a passing shower or sudden downpours. However, some rain events may last several hours or even several days. As sunny as the  weather is in Florida , you would be very lucky to spend a whole week at Disney World without at least one rain shower or rainy day.

(See our  Disney World Packing List  page to find a poncho for your trip and our  Disney Attractions for Rainy Days  page to find the best theme park rides when the weather turns south)

Another weather factor you can almost certainly count on is the high heat and humidity during the summer months. Temperatures over 100 degrees are not out of the question during the months of June – September. These scoring temps can make you scramble to find the nearest air-conditioned building or grab your bathing suit and run for the nearest pool. Even so, you can have a wonderful experience at Disney World even when the weather is less than ideal.

The upside is that most days at Disney World experience comfortable weather for outdoor activities, more so than in other parts of the country. In addition, certain times of the year are more predictable and storm-free. Spring and fall are the seasons with the best weather, whereas winter is cooler, and summer is obviously the hottest.

Month by Month Weather at Disney World

Here is a month-by-month breakdown of the historical weather patterns at Disney World:

coldest month; pleasant days, colder nights

• Average High: 72° F
• Average Low: 48° F
• Average Precipitation: 5 days, 2.67 inches

slightly less cold; nice weather for outdoor activities

• Average High Temperature: 74° F
• Average Low Temperature: 51° F
• Average Precipitation: 5 days, 2.37 inches

Spring begins, and flowers start to bloom

• Average High Temperature: 78° F
• Average Low Temperature: 54° F
• Average Precipitation: 5 days, 3.07 inches

Blooming continues, and the weather is generally pleasant, w/an occasional afternoon shower

• Average High Temperature: 83° F
• Average Low Temperature: 60° F
• Average Precipitation: 3 days, 2.43 inches

Moderate humidity and weather begins to heat up

• Average High Temperature: 87° F
• Average Low Temperature: 66° F
• Average Precipitation: 7 days, 4.17 inches

High heat sets in, and rain  is  more common

• Average High Temperature: 90° F
• Average Low Temperature: 72° F
• Average Precipitation: 11 days, 9.18 inches

Very warm, sunny, and rainy

• Average High Temperature: 92° F
• Average Low Temperature: 74° F
• Average Precipitation: 13 days, 7.21 inches

Warmest month and rain is common

• Average High Temperature: 91° F
• Average Precipitation: 13 days, 8.38 inches

Remains hot, humid, and summer-like

• Average Low Temperature: 73° F
• Average Precipitation: 9 days, 5.88 inches

Autumn begins, temperatures moderate, and humidity lessens 

• Average High Temperature: 85° F

Splendid weather to be at Disney World

• Average High Temperature: 79° F
• Average Low Temperature: 57° F
• Average Precipitation: 4 days, 1.99 inches

Cooler but still quite nice

• Average Low Temperature: 52° F
• Average Precipitation: 4 days, 2.15 inches

Source:  NOAA

Best Weather Seasons at Walt Disney World (Best Time to Visit)

As far as weather goes, the  best time to visit Walt Disney World Resort  is during spring and autumn. The weather during these seasons tends to be warm but quite comfortable for any outdoor activity. As a result, humidity levels are lower, and the UV index remains in a safe range.

Spring is a beautiful time to visit Disney World. The trees are awakening, the flowers are blooming, and the lovely scents of nature are in the air!

The spring is short in Orlando, but it’s quite enjoyable because temperatures remain favorable throughout the season, with low temperatures ranging up to around 82°F. Disney World’s springtime experiences moderately low rainfall (mostly in the afternoon), relative humidity of around 50%, and the sun is strong for up to nine hours per day. With the favorable climate and magical blooming grounds, spring is unquestionably one of the best times to vacation at Walt Disney World Resort, FL.

Disney World weather is close to perfect in the fall. In fact, it may just beat out the spring as the single best season to visit Walt Disney World.

Like spring, Disney’s autumn season is short. It’s characterized by crisp air, mildly warm weather, and moderately lower rainfall. Tourists who want to avoid the hot summer weather will appreciate the milder temperatures of autumn and still have up to 8 hours of sunshine per day. However, nights typically cool off considerably, so it may be advisable to bring an extra layer or light jacket if you plan to extend your daytime activities into the evening and nighttime.

Worst Weather Seasons at Disney World (Worst Time to Visit)

Unfortunately, not all seasons at Disney are as agreeable as spring and autumn.

Summer, in particular, suffers from a double whammy because the park is more crowded when schools are on break, and the weather can become sizzling hot. The heat translates into crowded swimming pools and an uncomfortable time  waiting in lines .

Winter experiences fewer crowds, but the temperatures are considerably cooler than at other times of the year. But for some, cooler temps are welcomed… so winter may not be so bad for those of you who can’t stand the heat. If crowds are our major concern, then please see our  Disney World Crowd Calendar .

Disney’s summer season extends from May through September. It’s characterized by warm – if not  scorching  – weather with mid-day temperatures reaching as high as 100+ degrees. Humidity stays relatively high even in the hot weather, with an average of 61%, while rainfall is at its peak, with an average precipitation of 6.4″. A noteworthy positive aspect of summer is the fourteen hours of daylight the park experiences.

Disney’s winter runs from December through February. The highest average temperatures top out in the low 70s, and rainfall is lighter than in other seasons. With moderate temperatures, minimal rain, and humidity of around 59%, winter may be one of the better times to visit Disney World if you aren’t fond of the heat and don’t mind bringing an extra layer of clothing for the evening hours. Another added bonus: Winter tends to be the  cheapest time to go to Disney World .

Winter does have a few drawbacks. Disney World tends to be a little on the cool side for the pools and water parks during this season (but that decision is up to you). In addition, there are fewer daylight hours, the park grounds aren’t nearly as beautiful as during the spring season, and the temperatures aren’t as ideal as during the beginning and latter half of autumn (still too hot or becoming too cool).

We hope that you’ve found our Disney World Weather page helpful.

For more helpful Walt Disney World vacation information, check our  Disney Crowd Calendar ,  Best Magic Kingdom Rides ,  Best Animal Kingdom Rides ,  Adventures by Disney , and  Disney World for Adults  pages.

If you need help planning your trip to Walt Disney World, then please contact  The Vacationeer .  One of their friendly  Disney travel agents can help you plan and book the most magical Disney vacation possible. Plus, their services are free of charge, and their assistance may prove to be invaluable.

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The Best Time to Visit Disney World

by Morgan Flaherty | May 9, 2023 | WDW Blog

Wondering when the best time to visit Disney World is? We’re sharing our tips on what to expect month-by-month, including what considerations you should make for weather, crowds, and special events.

Disney World has an exciting year ahead! 2024 bookings for Disney World open on May 31st, 2023 , and starting January 9th, 2024, Park Pass requirements will be changing , and the Disney Dining Plan will be returning . And if you’re planning you vacation, you may be wondering the best time to visit Disney World. We’re sharing everything you need to consider, along with a month-by-month breakdown of what’s happening in the parks so that you can better determine the best time to visit Disney World.

What to Consider Before Picking Your Dates

Photo by Laurie Sapp

Crowd Levels

One of the biggest factors to consider when planning your Disney World trip is going to be crowd levels. While crowds are inevitable in Disney World, the number of people can vary based on what time of year you visit. Typically, the “off-season” is considered to be the fall and winter months (excluding the holidays).

The summer months, the holidays, and spring break are particularly busy times of the year. However, if you have school-aged children, you may not have much flexibility in choosing when to visit. If peak seasons work best for you and your family, you’ll want to make sure to plan accordingly to get the most out of your time in Disney World. This can include using Disney Genie+ to skip lines and taking advantage of things like Early Theme Park Entry which gives you 30-minute early entry into the parks if you’re staying at a Disney World Resort hotel.

Another fact to consider is the weather. Florida’s weather can be hot and humid, especially in the summer months. In the summer and fall, you will also want to plan for hurricane season, which typically takes place from June through November. If you’re visiting during the winter months, you may experience some colder days, so packing layers is key.

Special Events

Throughout the year, Disney hosts various special events, including the EPCOT festivals and holiday events like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in Magic Kingdom. The EPCOT festivals will bring crowds to the park, especially on the weekends. As for the holiday parties, you will want to plan accordingly if you plan to visit Magic Kingdom on the day of a party, as the park hours are usually shorter for guests not attending.

Ride Closures and Refurbishments

Disney World is constantly updating and refurbishing its rides and attractions, which can impact your trip if you’re not aware of them. Make sure to check the Disney World website or My Disney Experience app for information on ride closures and refurbishments before you go so that you can plan your trip accordingly.

Best Time to Visit Disney World: Month by Month

January is an excellent time to visit Disney World for lower crowds and mild weather. While the first week of January can be busy due to the New Year’s holiday, the rest of the month tends to be quieter. However, remember that the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, which typically falls during the second or third week of January, can bring in many runners and their families.

For lower crowds and mild weather, February is another good time to visit Disney World. Valentine’s Day and President’s Day can bring in some crowds, but the first two weeks of February are generally a queiter time to visit. You’ll also be able to take in seasonal events like the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts .  

March is a popular time to visit Disney World due to spring break. Expect much heavier crowds, especially as you get further into the month with more kids off from school. If you plan on visiting during a busier time like spring break, book your hotel and dining well in advance, and take advantage of things like Disney Genie+ to save time in lines.  

During the first few weeks of the month of April, you may still be dealing with some crowds for Easter and spring break. However, things tend to get a little quieter as you head further into the month. You’ll also be able to take advantage of the EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival , which typically kicks off in April and lasts through mid-summer.  

Early May is a great time to visit for slightly lower crowds and milder weather (things really start heating up in June!). However, the end of the month will get busier as Florida schools end their school year, along with lots of visitors during Memorial Day weekend.  

June marks the start of summer, and with school out, many families flock to Disney World for summer vacations. Crowds tend to be highest around July 4th holiday week, and you’ll want to plan for some particularly brutal hot and humid days as you get later into June. However, during weekdays in June, you still may be able to find some slightly quieter days, especially towards the beginning of the month.

July is the peak season for Disney World, with high crowds and especially hot temperatures. If you’re planning to visit during July, be prepared for long lines and crowded parks. July also marks the start of the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival in EPCOT , which lasts through November.  

August is also peak season for Disney World, with high crowds and hot temperatures. However, if you can handle the heat, there are still some opportunities for lower crowds during the early and later weeks of August as kids start heading back to school. The weekdays especially can have some opportunities to visit. August is also typically the start of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, so you will want to make sure to plan accordingly if you’re heading to Magic Kingdom.

After Labor Day weekend (which definitely brings in the crowds), September begins to bring lighter crowds as kids are back in school. The weather is still quite hot, so you’ll want to make sure to check out the temperatures to know what to pack. You’ll also want to keep an eye on the forecast for hurricanes, with hurricane season lasting through November.

Due to the fall season and Halloween events, October is a popular time to visit Disney World. Crowds can get heavier as the month goes on, but it’s a great time to take advantage of events like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom.

Early November is a good time to visit Disney World for lower crowds and cooler weather and also a chance to check out the holiday decorations at the parks (they typically come in early November). However, keep in mind that Thanksgiving week can be busy, particularly at Magic Kingdom. Also, note that Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party typically begins in early to mid-November, so you will want to plan accordingly. The EPCOT Festival of the Holidays also tends to kick off the day after Thanksgiving.

Due to the holiday season and special events, December is a popular time to visit Disney World. Crowds can be heavy, particularly during Christmas week and New Year’s week. This is a great time to experience seasonal events, like the Candlelight Processional at EPCOT, and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom.

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Best & Worst Weeks to Visit Disney World in 2024 & 2025

Picking the best week of this year, 2025 or 2026 for your Walt Disney World trip is challenging, especially when dates are limited due to school breaks or work schedules. This guide was designed with that in mind, sharing our favorite times to visit and worst ones to avoid in the next 2 years based on crowd levels, wait times forecasts, seasonal events, weather & more. ( Updated April 11, 2024 .)

Our intention here is to combine the best quantitative and qualitative aspects of our best & worst months resource with our 2024 Walt Disney World Crowd Calendars and distill that down to something approachable and actionable. The animating idea here is that the vast majority of tourists aren’t visiting for a single day or a specific full month, but rather, for 5 days to a week. Aside from “holidaymakers” from the United Kingdom, few families are doing more than 10 day trips and most non-locals are doing more than a single day or two.

As such, a practical planning resource shouldn’t just look at individual days or full months, but full week or longer date ranges that offer times to target and others to avoid.  Enter this Walt Disney World crowd predicting and planning resource for now through 2025! 

When combined with our regularly-updated Best & Worst Days to Do Each Park at Walt Disney World , this  should  offer definitive advice for picking dates. This narrows down the week, and then that provides what you need to know to choose when to visit each park. It’s still more of a “teach a person to fish” rather than the “give a person a fish” mentality of crowd calendars, but it also should prove more accurate and useful.

This considers a variety of subjective variables (explained in each recommendation) in conjunction with our evolving expectations about Walt Disney World’s attendance. It’s weighted heavily for crowd levels and is backed by historic wait times data from the the last two years, plus 2018 and 2019 (2020-2021 were anomalies, so they’re discarded accordingly).

Should this be well-received or deemed useful by readers (rather than another overwhelming crowd resource), the eventual goal is to expand this to rank every single week of the year. There are two reasons I didn’t start by doing that. First, the post would be much, much longer and would’ve taken me considerably longer to write and research.

Second, the quality of wait times data is not equal throughout the calendar. This is something discussed below, but there are inconsistencies and anomalies beyond just 2020-2021. A lot of this has been resolved, with summer remaining the biggest wild card–hopefully that falls back into familiar trends during June and July 2024.

With that said, we do periodically update these dates to reflect changing attendance patterns. For the latest update to these dates to avoid (and visit), we’ve added more 2025 and 2026 dates. These are, without question, less reliable than the 2024 dates. That’s because Walt Disney World hasn’t released any deals or all blockout calendars for 2025 or beyond, and school calendars aren’t yet available for 2026.

These variables have a significant impact on crowd dynamics, which we saw happen during the Spring Break 2024 season. Beyond that, there are evolving factors that have been resulting in heavier attendance for many dates thus far this year. (See What’s Causing Higher Crowds at Walt Disney World in 2024? )

With that in mind, when discounts are released by Walt Disney World, crowd levels increase or decrease, or other major changes occur, we send out email notifications. To receive these, subscribe to our free email newsletter . This will give you a good idea of what things are like ‘on the ground’ at Walt Disney World, as well as what to expect in the future.

With all of that said, let’s dig into the data and other variables to rank the 10 best weeks and 10 worst weeks to visit Walt Disney World in the next 2 years–meaning dates in 2024, 2025 and even some in 2026…

Worst Weeks to Visit Walt Disney World in 2024, 2025 & 2026

Winter Break (January 1-5, 2025; January 1-4, 2026) – We fondly remember visiting Walt Disney World around New Year’s Eve over a decade ago. Crowds were bonkers in the days between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, but so too were hours. You could do Extra Magic Hours starting at 7 am and leave by 9 am, sleep during the middle of the day, then return from 11 pm until 3 am. It was quite the sleep schedule, but it worked well. Then, once New Year’s Day arrived, the parks were  dead until Marathon Weekend runners arrived almost a week later.

Times have changed, and anyone still expecting a holiday hangover or serene start to the year is in for a rude awakening. It’s still true that the parks are quiet to start the New Year. But that lasts all of ~4 hours on New Year’s Day. After that, crowds increase and can be  worse  than the heart of the holiday season due to schools still being on break, lifting of AP blockouts, and early-arriving runDisney fans.

All major school districts contribute, but the biggest factors are locals. Winter school breaks are nothing new–I remember my school always being out of session until after my birthday–so the equation has not changed there for the country as a whole. What is different is the local population, which has absolutely exploded in the last decade as more households with school age children move to Central Florida. Expect these New Year’s crowds to only get worse in the years to come unless Walt Disney World adjusts AP blockouts and adjusts ticket and resort rate charts upwards.

Presidents’ Day (February 14-23, 2025; February 13-22, 2026) – For the last couple of years, the week of Presidents’ Day has ranked as one of the worst weeks as measured by average wait times. This isn’t just that holiday alone, but also school districts that use it as a proxy for mid-winter break or their “ski weeks” as well as runDisney Princess Half Marathon bookending the holiday.

This particular week is even worse when it coincides with Mardi Gras, making it more likely that schools in the South will also have winter breaks. In both 2024 and 2025, Mardi Gras will not coincide with Presidents’ Day (the holidays occur one week apart instead), effectively diluting the crowds. It’s thus possible that this week won’t end up being among the worst 10–that really depends upon how spring break play out.

In 2026, Mardi Gras is back to occurring during this same week. That will mean it’ll almost certainly be one of the 10 worst weeks–and possibly top 5. Regardless of Mardi Gras, it’s popular for winter breaks and thus choosing sunshine over ski slopes, making it an easily-identifiable week to avoid that’s predictably bad even when it’s not among the absolute worst.

Spring Break (March 23-30, 2025; March 22-29, 2026) – This is the example we mentioned at the top about AP blockouts and deals being able to turn the tables on crowds. During the last two years, the week of Orange County’s spring break was among the busiest of the season and almost on par with Easter. This year, blockouts were more aggressive and a Floridian ticket deal ended (by design) just before Orange County went on Spring Break. As a result, the week was not busy at all–it would’ve been a great time to visit.

It remains to be seen whether Walt Disney World will stick with this approach in 2025 (let alone 2026) or overcorrect and cause the pendulum to swing hard back in the other direction, making this a ‘worst week’ again. For now, we’re going to tentatively shift this a week later, after the AP blockouts end in March 2025. But that recommendation could change on the basis of additional ticket deals.

This is probably the safe move. Central Florida school districts have early breaks relative to the Midwest and Northeast, and those tourists plus lesser blockouts makes it likely that week will be very busy–without regard for anything else. Orange County’s break could still be busy, but as 2024 taught us, it’s far less of a sure thing if Disney clamps down on discounts for Floridians and blockouts.

One thing to keep in mind here is that there are hundreds of schools around the United States (and probably beyond) that are out of between mid-March and mid-April. In aggregate, they have a big impact on crowds. Unless there’s a freak anomaly (like 2024!), all of these weeks are going to be some degree of very busy–even if they don’t make this list.

Easter (April 11-20, 2025; March 30 to April 6, 2026) – This is a fairly safe prediction year in and year out, regardless of what else happens. In fact, you could probably (accurately) predict today that the week leading up to Easter will be busy in 2028 or 2054. Easter week has been the busiest of spring break season for as long as we’ve been covering Walt Disney World, although mid-March when Orange County is out has come close a couple of times (blockouts make that unlikely in the future–see above).

In the end, it doesn’t really matter which of these spring break weeks has higher crowd levels. That’s almost entirely academic, an interesting thing to watch for those of us who obsess over crowd trends and attendance patterns. The bottom line for most planners looking at this from a practical perspective is that late March through late April will be very crowded.

Summer Peak (July 4-13, 2024; July 3-12, 2025) – Summer vacation season is where the most uncertainty exists when it comes to Walt Disney World crowd calendars. This is because there has been zero consistency in attendance patterns for June and July in the last several years. That was true once again last year, when Fourth of July ended up being one of the slowest stretches of the year, to our surprise.

Barring future curveballs, our expectation is a return to normal next year. Free Dining and other promos have returned ( Free Dining moves the needle on crowds slightly, but it has a much bigger impact on ADR availability ), and ticket deals are already out that do not blockout Independence Day. The only problem is determining what, exactly, is normal for summer since we haven’t had a reasonable baseline in at least 5 years. Our expectation is attendance steadily increasing from mid-June, peaking around the beginning of July, and steadily decreasing thereafter through early August.

The safe money is on the worst of crowds coinciding with Independence Day, but this is not a sure thing. The two weeks before or the two weeks after could actually see heavier attendance and higher wait times. This prediction thus has the lowest degree of certainty; avoiding that entire month window is advisable. If you have no choice but to visit during summer, aim for early to mid-June or early to mid-August for the “best” crowds, but understand that there are air quotes around best for a reason.

Columbus Day (October 11-19, 2024; October 10-18, 2025) – There’s ample reason to believe that this won’t  actually  end up being among the worst 10 weeks of the year. It ranked #9 last year, but that happened as summer crowds plummeted prematurely.

If this does turn out to be a normal summer season, the aforementioned weeks in June and/or July could bump this out of the “top” 10. If it’s another slower summer, the week-plus around Columbus Day could easily crack the top 10. It’ll also usher in the end of the off-season, and start of a 3-month stretch of elevated crowds…minus a few major lulls that make our ‘best of’ list!

Nevertheless, it’s an identifiable red flag right now. Columbus/Indigenous Peoples Day is a proxy for many fall breaks, and that results in an influx of visitors to Florida. The earlier time this year might also depress turnout, as some potential visitors might be spooked by storm season or still-hot weather. Others will be lured by the heart of Halloween season.

Holiday Hijinks (November 4-11, 2024; November 7-14, 2025) – This one always catches people by surprise. It’s what happens when two or three “holidays” collide–if you count the runDisney Wine & Dine Half Marathon and Jersey Week as holidays. During the latter, approximately 73% of the Garden State descends upon Walt Disney World.

The real holiday here is Veterans Day, which is always a “sleeper” holiday for crowds–in that it’s under-discussed but a surprisingly high amount of government workers, students, and others do have the day off. We’ve been warning about Veterans Day crowds for years, as it has been almost on par with Thanksgiving some years. It’s a long weekend that can have an outsized impact on crowd levels.

This is one of the bigger changes with our latest update, as we’ve dropped Halloween from this list. For the last two years, Walt Disney World has had below-average crowd levels on and around Halloween–it’s not school or work break for most people, and doesn’t materially impact attendance as a result.

With all of this said, confidence in the predicted dates is low for November 2025. Aside from Veterans Day, we don’t know when the runDisney race or Veterans Day will occur. So pencil in this window as one to avoid, but expect those precise dates to change.

Thanksgiving (November 22-29, 2024; November 21-28, 2025) – Just about any Walt Disney World fan is familiar with the crowds of the final three weeks on this list. They’re hardly a secret or surprise, and are predictably busy year in and year out. These weeks still catch some casual visitors by surprise, as there are persistent urban legends that the holidays are quiet because “everyone is at home with their families.” Obviously, that’s hogwash.

Offering a bit more insight here, Thanksgiving week crowds tend to be worst the Sunday through Tuesday before Thanksgiving before a comparative lull on late Wednesday and early Thursday. (Those time frames are still bad, just not the threat level midnight crowds of the prior 3 days.)

Friday and Saturday are wildcards; usually both are very busy, but not always. (We’ve officially removed Saturday from the above dates to avoid because it was downright delightful last year. We’d recommend erring on the side of caution and avoiding it in 2024-2025, but that’s no longer essential.) The Sunday after Thanksgiving has been uncrowded for years, making that a great first day in the parks.

Christmas (December 19-25, 2024; December 18-25, 2025) – The arrival of Christmas week crowds are very dependent upon the day of the week of Christmas. Due to its timing last year and this year, the week  after  (between Christmas and New Year’s Eve) saw or will see the worst of the crowds.

In 2024, the week leading up to Christmas will once again surge–likely to higher levels than we’ve seen in the last several years. It’ll be the same story in 2025, which means that in both of those years, the weekend before hand won’t actually be  that  bad, even though it’s on our list.

Regardless, all of these second-half of December dates are very, very bad and likely to see 10/10 crowd levels. But not all 10/10 days are equally busy. Some are far worse. That’ll probably be the case with the ~7 days before December 25 in each of the next 2 years.

New Year’s Eve (December 26-31, 2024; December 26-31, 2025) – It’s the same story here. The week leading up to New Year’s Eve is almost always 10/10 on the crowd calendar, and would likely be more like 15/10 if the scale allowed for that.

If you were to place a bet on the busiest weeks of 2024 and 2025, the smart money would be on this week. Doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll have the worst wait times given the uncertainty of making predictions 1-2 years into the future, but it is the odds-on favorite of claiming the crown.

This is almost always the #1 worst week of the year. The timing of Christmas and New Year’s Days in 2024 and 2025 does cast some degree of doubt on that, but honestly, not much. The week of New Year’s Eve will likely continue its run as the busiest week of the year for the next several years.

Best Weeks to Visit Walt Disney World in 2024, 2025 & 2026

The list of best weeks to do Walt Disney World this year and in 2025-2026 is less precise and more subjective. In part, this is a byproduct of most of the worst weeks crowd-wise being readily identifiable on the basis of school breaks and holidays. So objectivity there is easier.

By contrast, there are wider windows for some of the lower crowd dates; as a result, we narrow those to our favored time frames based on subjective considerations. With that in mind, let’s dig into our rundown of the best weeks at Walt Disney World in 2024 to 2026…

Mid-January (January 12-18, 2025; January 11-16, 2026) – This is another change for 2025-2026. In the past, we’ve recommended late January while noting that the month is largely quiet after the holiday breaks end, with the exception of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday weekend. This leaves three different weeks that are potentially good options for lower crowds in January.

In the past, all of those were almost equally good. That wasn’t the case this year, as the week  before MLK Day was the best by a slight margin over the week after, and a significant amount over the week following that. With the shifting of the WDW Marathon we’re expecting that to be the case again in 2025, but it could change for 2026 depending upon Marathon dates.

Regardless, both weeks should be superior to late January or early February as Snowbirds and South American tour groups start arriving. They’re not the only groups to lookout for, as cheer/dance competitions and conventions also contribute to crowds. All of those things are more likely later in January or February. Festival of the Arts also increases ‘feels like’ crowds at EPCOT, but it’s a great event you won’t want to miss.

Before or After Mid-Winter Break (February 2-13, 2025 & Early or Late February 2026) – It’s pretty much the same idea here. Unlike some holiday weeks, there is no gradual decline before or after mid-winter break (Presidents’ Day/Mardi Gras). It’s abrupt on both ends. The crowd levels in the first half of February 2025 could be close to on par with January. Perhaps slightly higher due to youth sporting events, conventions, and South American tour groups.

The reason there’s a discrepancy between 2025 and 2026 is Mardi Gras. It coincides with mid-winter break in 2026, but not 2025. Mardi Gras may not seem like a big deal to you, but due to the proximity of Louisiana to Florida it very much is. As such, avoiding the dates leading up to March 4, 2025 is advisable. This means early March isn’t a great time to visit in 2025 (but it is in 2026).

Across the board, February will have higher crowds than January, but the former is more appealing for some Walt Disney World vacation planner due to the likelihood of better weather and fewer refurbishments. However, you’re also typically going to miss out on the EPCOT Festival of the Arts (#1 event of the year at EPCOT), unless you visit before Presidents’ Day.

Early Spring (March 8-13, 2025; March 1-8, 2026) – That stretch is actually what prompted this post, as early March was a sweet stretch of mild weather and low crowds leading up to the start of spring break season, with most parks having 1/10 to 3/10 crowd levels during this week in March. Then, like flipping a switch, attendance surges almost overnight with the start of spring break.

This is a top tier time to visit thanks to the mild weather, EPCOT in bloom, and low crowds. It’s the calm before ( and after ) the storm, and there are only a handful of weeks that we’d rank higher from both a quantitative and qualitative perspective. This will be an especially fantastic time in 2026 (and realistically, the prime dates could extend until March 13, 2026–but we’re playing it conservatively since spring break schedules aren’t out yet).

The date range is shorter in March 2025, which is due to Mardi Gras on the frontend and Orange County’s spring break on the backend. Honestly, we probably wouldn’t mess with this stretch in 2025 unless doing a 5-day trip. While the core days of that week should be pretty quiet, there’s a chance of spillover crowds at the beginning or end. (On the plus side, there should be another lull in late February 2025–after Presidents’ Day/Mid-Winter Break but before Mardi Gras.)

Post-Easter (April 14-20, 2024; April 27 to early May 2025; April 12-26, 2026) – For both of these weeks, we’re essentially looking a week or two after Easter. Usually, crowds die down in the week immediately after the holiday, but there are still some schools with breaks then. The week following that is usually when the slower season arrives.

The added benefits here are (usually) spring weather and lower prices. There’s no guarantee of either, though, as summer weather can occur 10 months of the year in Florida and it’s possible for prices to remain elevated even after Easter. Both are uncommon, though, making this a great option if you’re looking for the optimal dates between spring and summer school breaks.

Spring & Summer Shoulder Season (May 4-12, 2024; May 3-11, 2025) – In looking at the wait time data, the first full week of May is usually the slowest of the month. Not by a wide margin, and the following week is sometimes better. In fact, the entire month before the Memorial Day holiday weekend is usually pretty good, and reliably uncrowded since it’s the shoulder season between spring break and summer vacation. (Even Memorial Day isn’t that  bad by holiday standards.)

Crowds alone would be the tiebreaker with all else being equal, but weather is another variable to take into account. Earlier has a better chance of being milder, with less of a chance for extreme heat and humidity. As icing on the cake, prices are better and we’ve tended to find better discount availability during this earlier May window.

Mid-September (September 21-29, 2024; September 13-21, 2025) – If you’re perplexed by the over 4-month gap between the last recommended week and this one, we’re going to assume you’ve never visited Florida during the heart of summer season. Or, perhaps you love alternating being able to fry an egg on the sidewalk and afternoon showers that last long enough to drench your already sweat-soaked clothes, but are too short to cool things down.

In actuality, this is an objectively “poor” pick. In our monitoring of the data, wait times have bottomed out between the day after Labor Day and the following Saturday most years. We’re not talking about wait times for the month, but for the entire year.  So if you’re choosing dates with a data-driven mentality, September 3-20 is your best bet. The same will almost certainly hold from true for 2024, 2025, 2026, and so on.

Not even the off-season opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge was enough to drive crowds. Ditto the Free Dining promotion, which is back for 2024 ; that will make restaurants busier and ADRs more competitive, but has less of an impact on wait times and overall attendance levels, especially in the early fall off-season (it’ll be worse in July and December). This window is predictably uncrowded because of school going back into session and the weather being a deterrent.

With that said, the entire month is off-season and delaying a week maintains low wait times while improving your odds of better temperatures and fewer storms. We think that’s worth an extra one minute in line (literally, that’s the difference), but the fact is that heat, humidity, and hurricanes are a gamble anytime from early August through late October. If you’re on the fence about this tradeoff, see Is It Still Worth Visiting During the Early Fall Offseason at Walt Disney World?   for a greater discussion of weather vs. crowds.

Of course, if the parks close for a hurricane, wait times drop all the way to zero! Technically, that makes for the best crowd conditions of all…but that’s probably not what you have in mind if you’re visiting Walt Disney World in the fall. Still, it’s something we can’t help but point out, as there’s always that risk. It’s still statistically low, but tell that to everyone who has been burned by closures in the last few years.

Nevertheless, those planners who would prefer to trust the numbers should move their trip forward by a week or two. Those who like low crowds but would rather hedge their bets on the qualitative side of things should stick with this week, or even consider delaying one more week. Early October is still good so long as you’re out of town before the Columbus Day crowds discover Walt Disney World.

Post-Columbus (October 20-31, 2024; October 19-31, 2025) – This is a lower degree of confidence suggestion, and you honestly might be better off with the week encompassing Halloween and first few days of November. Based on the last few years, both of these weeks are surprisingly good. I was actually mildly and pleasantly surprised by that when combing through the data, as it wasn’t quite what I expected.

For years, conventional wisdom was that October was a great month to visit–a sweet spot of low crowds and nice weather. That ceased being true about a decade ago, and was driven in large part by an uptick in conventions business and the Free Dining promotion. With the exception of fall break and the aforementioned holiday, it seems to have resumed being true–at least to some degree–in the last 3 years. Of course, that stretch hasn’t exactly been normal, hence the low confidence in this suggestion.

The tradeoff is taking the greater gamble on crowds than late August through September is the smaller gamble on weather. (All of these dates are the “heart” of Halloween, which starts in mid-August.) Prices are also higher for these travel dates. And again, you’re gambling on weather to some degree even with this week–Hurricane Nicole caused a closure in early November!

Pre-Thanksgiving (November 16-22, 2024; November 15-21, 2025) – The final three recommendations are also the top three picks for our favorite weeks of the year to visit. Honestly, if we weren’t purposefully trying to spread out the choices to achieve greater variety, another week during the holiday season might be added here.

You might notice that the window shifts for November 2024 and 2025, which is due to the timing of Veterans Day and Thanksgiving as compared to the last two years. It’s also likely to be a better set of dates next year than it is this year from an attendance perspective. Qualitatively, both a great in terms of typical weather and seasonal events–Christmas is far and away our favorite time of year at Walt Disney World.

The only downside to these dates is that they’re early in the holiday season before all of the resorts are decked out for Christmas and prior to the start of EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays. Still, the other 3 parks will be decked out for Christmas, as well some of EPCOT–you just won’t have the food booths, storytellers (Global Santas, for lack of a better term), or Candlelight Processional.

Post-Thanksgiving (December 1-8, 2024; November 30 to December 7, 2025) – This is our #1 week of the entire year at Walt Disney World . That’s been true for ages. Back when we lived in the Midwest, our annual Christmas trip usually started the Sunday after the holiday. (Even when we were still in school, we used to skip a couple days to make it a long weekend trip!)

If I had to guess at which week of the year we have spent the most minutes in Walt Disney World since 2007, it would be this one. Probably by a pretty wide margin. We absolutely love the week after Thanksgiving.

We have our time-tested approach down to a science, flying into Orlando on Saturday and actually doing our first day in the parks on Sunday. We start with Magic Kingdom during the day, as it’s typically a Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party night–the first in over a week. That means shorter hours in Magic Kingdom, and smaller crowds as a result. For that same reason, do  not attend that MVMCP. There’s pent-up demand from everyone still around from Thanksgiving who didn’t have the chance to attend earlier. Instead, do the Thursday night party.

Everything about this week is great–the weather, post-holiday lull in crowds, pricing, and the full slate of Christmas season entertainment. We joke that this used to be Walt Disney World’s “second-best kept secret” after Disney Vacation Club, which is to say it was a secret in name only since so many people knew about it. However, due to Pop Warner moving to Universal and other variables, that’s once again true. This is our top recommendation, and it’s not even a particularly close call.

Pre-Christmas (December 9-15, 2024; December 8-14, 2025) – As is probably evident, this is simply the week after that. It has all of the same qualities as our #1 week, but with a couple of significant differences. First, crowds are starting to increase by this point. Families who want to be home for the holidays are more inclined to time their trip at the midpoint between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Locals and other Annual Passholders who are subject to blockouts squeeze in visits to savor the spirit of the season before they don’t have the option.

Second, prices are getting higher. They’re still not at peak season levels, but they’re about 15-25% higher than the previous week. That’s true for park tickets and resort rack rates, and also likely to be the case for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Lightning Lanes, as well. All of that adds up, and makes the middle of December noticeably worse than the sweet spot after Thanksgiving, but this still ranks  very  highly, all things considered.

Ultimately, that’s a rundown of the top 10 weeks of the year and the worst 10 weeks at Walt Disney World for all of 2024 and 2025. As you might’ve gathered by reading the entries, there are good and bad windows that stretch beyond what’s covered on this list–you should be able to deduce most of those based the rundown above.

With that said, we still hope to expand this list to a resource ranking all 52 weeks at Walt Disney World by later this year. After some tumultuous times, attendance is finally returning to familiar patterns…for the most part. It’s too difficult to do that with any degree of credibility for Summer 2024, but hopefully we’ll be able to draw more definitive conclusions about June and July 2025. So stay tuned!

Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews . To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!

Your Thoughts

Do you agree or disagree with our Walt Disney World week rankings for now through 2026? Are there any months you think are better or worse than we have them ranked? Any specific ideal weeks that you’d recommend people visit Walt Disney World? Other dates to avoid the parks in 2024 or 2025? Any questions? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!

Written by Tom Bricker

Deciding between Presidents week and last week of March 2025. Thoughts on crowds, weather, refurbishment closures, anything else to consider?

Tom, you mention that there will be a lull in late March 2025, but March 23-30, 2025 is listed as one of your worst weeks. What did you mean by that?

My apologies, that should have said late February , not March.

Due to the timing of Presidents Day and Mardi Gras, there will be a gap between the two next year that isn’t nearly as busy. At least, hopefully!

We’re debating between a late May or September 2025 trip. How do you think the opening of Universal’s Epic Universe in summer 2025 will affect crowd levels? I’m wondering if May will be even lower Disney crowds than usual due to people postponing their trips until Epic Universe is open.

Hi Tom, we have a trip planned for December 2-5, 2024. I just found out there is a pop Warner cheer competition December 7-14, 2024. Do you think there will be a lot of those families who come in early before the competition? I’m flexible and can move the dates. Thank you from a Florida Native and Disney fan. you have helped me plan a quite a few Disney trips.

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Best Months and Specific Dates to Visit Walt Disney World 2024 & 2025

One of the biggest deciding factors when planning a Walt Disney World trip is figuring when to go! While there is no time of the year anymore that Disney will be completely empty, there are certainly best times to visit Disney World.

You can avoid some of the most intense crowds of the year while also taking advantage of some of the best deals which often coincide with those less busy times. But this doesn't also mean you can't visit during some of the best celebrations of the year which include both Halloween and Christmas. Considering Walt Disney World is also located in Florida, you also want to consider large weather factors like hurricane season.

My guide to the best times to visit Disney World covers not just the best time of the year to avoid crowds but also the best times to visit to enjoy everything Walt Disney World has to offer with special events, holidays, and celebrations.

Get exclusive access to prices on hotel & tickets just for Mickey Visit subscribers. Don't miss our travel hacks newsletter!

In this planning guide:

Cheapest Day to Visit Disney World

1-day tickets for Walt Disney World are on a tier system with a range of $109-$189 for a one park per day ticket. The price of this 1-day ticket will increase depending on the park (Magic Kingdom is always the most expensive) and time of year (think holidays like Christmas, etc.) so the time of year.

The lowest price for 1-day Disney World ticket in 2024 could be found in August and September. Animal Kingdom is usually the park with the lowest price of $109 per day with Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios costing $124 on the cheapest days of the year to visit Disney World. EPCOT falls in the middle with a cost of $114 per day.

If you want to upgrade to a 1-day park hopper then the ticket price will be a flat $183 per ticket for the cheapest day of the year at Disney World.

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Best Months to Visit Disney World

Here are some of the best times to visit Disney World broken down by our favorite months to visit. These choices reflect some of the lower crowded times of the year but also weather and festivals at EPCOT to consider.

January at Walt Disney World is a key time to visit if you are a runDisney fan! January is when the Walt Disney World marathon takes place which is January 3-7 2024. This is one of the largest runDisney events and it's a very popular event for runners and Disney fans. January 12th marks the start of the EPCOT Festival of the Arts which is one of the best new festivals at Walt Disney World. Plus you can usually find plenty of hotel discounts at Disney World (click here to see all current discounts) in January. This is also the coldest month of the year so if you're someone that is worried about Florida heat, this is a good time to visit. Read our guide to Walt Disney World in January .

For those visiting in 2025, these events will likely take place again around the same timeframe.

You can see our analysis of the best Disney World discounts available here .

February is a month that sees lower crowd levels before the busy spring break season begins. The only weekend to avoid in February is the third Monday of February which is President's Day weekend. As always, any three day weekend will bring extremely high crowd levels. The Disney Princess Half Marathon weekend will also run February 22-25 which will bring larger crowds. Read our guide to Walt Disney World in February .

February will offer mild weather and lower crowd levels even with some of the events taking place at Walt Disney World. The EPCOT  Festival of the Arts continues until February 19th which will increase crowds at EPCOT in the evenings and weekends. This event features food, performances, and art from all around the world and from all different cultures.

August is one of the best times to visit Disney World as this is one of the slowest months in the year. You will still get to enjoy the longer operating hours of summer along with all the other benefits of a summer visit without the higher crowd levels you may see in June and July. But keep in mind that the weather will be extremely hot, rainy and this is the beginning of hurricane season in Florida. Hence why some folks tend to avoid it! Read our guide to Walt Disney World in August .

But if you can handle the weather, the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival continues its run which is arguably one of the most popular festivals at EPCOT. You will see the Fall discounts at Walt Disney World beginning in August which can help offset the cost of your trip. If you're looking to avoid crowds and enjoy discounts, August is a great month to pick.

September is often called the slowest month of the year making it one of the best times to visit Disney World. If your priority is to avoid crowds then this is a great time to visit. You will also see some of the best discounts of the year fall during September which is another good reason to visit. Read our guide to Walt Disney World in September .

September does fall during hurricane season at Disney World so you will see an increase of rain and storms and there's always the slight chance of weather impacting your travel. Travel insurance or booking flights with refundable options is a great choice. The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival runs during September along with the Halloween season including Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party ! Just because September is a slow month, doesn't mean there are not plenty of activities to enjoy.

November is a perfect month to visit when it comes to weather at Walt Disney World. The temperatures are still warm but not hot, the rainfall has begun to slow after hurricane season, and the holiday season usually kicks off in the first week. This is also the best month to visit if you want to enjoy the holidays at Walt Disney World but are nervous about navigating larger crowds. Just be sure to avoid Veteran's Day weekend as this will likely be one of the most crowded weekends in the month along with Thanksgiving weekend. Read our guide to Walt Disney World in November .

Best Days to Visit Disney World

While it can be hard to pinpoint the exact best date to visit Disney World, I can give a rough estimate for the best days each month. This isn't an exact science but you can get an idea of what days to focus your trip on. These dates would be the ones I would select if I was picking my own best times to visit Disney World.

Best 2024 Dates to Visit

• January : 8-10, 16-31
• February : 1-14, 26-29
• March : 1-7
• April : 22-23
• May : 1-9, 13-23, 28-31
• June:  1-13, 18-30
• August : 1-31
• September : 3-30
• October : 1-10, 15-31
• November : 1-7, 12-25
• December : 1-15

Best 2025 Dates to Visit

• January : 7-16, 22-31
• February : 1-13, 19-28
• April : 21-30
• May : 1-8, 12-22, 28-31
• June:  1-12, 17-30
• October : 1-9, 14-31
• November : 1-6, 12-25

These dates are all around prioritizing low crowd levels and holidays. Nothing is guaranteed but this can help give you an idea of how to plan!

Busiest Time to Visit Disney World

You can read more about the busiest time to visit Walt Disney World in our crowd calendar , but ultimately the good rule of thumb is to avoid holidays if you don't want to deal with crowds. This also includes holiday weekends which can sometimes be the busiest weekends the parks will see all year. Some of these weekends to avoid include President's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Labor Day, and Indigenous/Columbus Day.

Other times of year like Spring Break weeks during March/April, Thanksgiving week, and Christmas week also all draw big crowds.

Best Time to Visit Disney World Halloween

One of the best times to visit Disney World for Halloween is the month of September. This is one of the slowest months out of the entire year which also comes with a great offering of hotel discounts for guests. You can easily pull off a great budget trip to Disney World for Halloween if you travel in September. Just avoid Labor Day weekend! Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween party runs throughout the entire month of September and you will see Magic Kingdom filled with Halloween decorations.

The weather may be the only consideration when it comes to visiting Disney World for Halloween. September is considered hurricane season at Walt Disney World so you might see an increase in rainy weather, storms, or other potential weather related issues. If your priority is to avoid bad weather then you might want to pick October for visiting Disney World for Halloween.

Best Time to Visit Disney World Christmas

If you're looking to visit Disney World during Christmas then there are some best times to visit to avoid crowds and have better weather. This is one of the best times of the year to visit Disney World as the parks go all out for the holidays! This is truly one of the best times of the year to visit, it's my favorite time to go personally!

If you are looking to avoid crowds, the earlier in the celebration you go the better. The seasonal celebration often begins after the first week of November and runs until the first week of January. If you visit before Thanksgiving, you will experience the lowest crowd levels during the holidays. After Thanksgiving the parks will increase in crowd levels, especially on weekends, as the holiday draws near and more locals are enticed by the Christmas decor.

Another tactic is to wait until after New Year's Day and catch the Christmas celebration before it officially ends during the first week of January.

Best Time to Visit Disney World Weather Wise

The best times to visit Disney World are often impacted by the weather in Orlando. One major concern for guests is avoiding hurricane season which is broadly considered to run from June to the end of November as part of the Atlantic hurricane season. However, it is more likely to see larger storms during August and September but it's possible by the end of October. This year the anticipated hurricane peak of the season is said to be September 10th. Now just because we talk about hurricane season in terms of hurricanes, doesn't mean Florida sees hurricanes nonstop that time of year. Hurricane season can also just mean larger amounts of rain and wind. So if you plan your visit anytime between June and October, you can expect to see rain.

If avoiding rain, storms, and high levels of heat is your priority then the sweet spot for visiting Disney World for great weather is usually March through May. April often receives the least amount of rain on average and the temperature range is between 75-85 degrees. This is perfect for enjoying the parks but also warm enough to still enjoy your hotel pool. October and November are also great for mild temperatures but you still might see a risk of a tropical storm in October. December through February runs the risk of colder temperatures but if you don't mind brisk temps then this could be a good choice.. especially if you want to avoid the heat.

I have been to Disney World during many different types of weather and regardless of what is happening, aside from the rare hurricane at Disney , you can have a great trip. I have been during the extremely rainy, hot summer months in July. I have also been in December when the freak 2022 cold front lowered the temperatures down to 30 degrees! To be honest, I would rather take the heat and rain over that! But it's all up to personal preference, just be aware if you're planning a trip in August or September to consider travel insurance just in case.

Plan Your Disney World Vacation!

Keep reading our blog to keep you updated on everything you need to know to prepare for a Disney Parks vacation! We have a team of writers working hard to keep you updated weekly on events in the parks and tips for navigating the magic. Subscribe to our free deals newsletter to receive helpful planning information, exclusive Disney deals, and access to the lowest priced Disney tickets anywhere. You can find more information on planning your vacation here:

• Discount Disney World Tickets
• Ultimate Guide to Disney World Hotels
• Epcot International Food and Wine Festival
• Top Budget Disney World Hotels

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About Lindsay Brookshier

Lindsay is a college English instructor and has years of writing experience through various nonprofits, charities, newspapers, and online magazines. As the content director of Mickey Visit, she oversees article content and leads our fantastic team of writers to meet guest vacation needs. You can still find her writing weekly content to help make your Disney Parks trip fantastic here on Mickey Visit and Disney Dose- you can also view her recently featured posts on Disney Parks travel on Visit Anaheim, Nerd Wallet and SFGate. Lindsay comes from a dedicated Disney family and enjoys taking her son to the Disney parks as often as possible.

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What’s the Best Time to Visit Disney World? (With Weather & Crowds)

Posted on Published: 05/27/2023

What’s the best time to visit Disney World? When people ask me questions about Walt Disney World, one of the most common questions I’m asked is what are the best months to go to Disney World.

The answer really varies – depending on who is traveling and what specifically you are trying to see and do. There are multiple “best” times to go to Walt Disney World, based on your situation – and some may need to travel during a peak time.

In my opinion, there is no perfect time for your family vacation, since everyone’s plans are different. Luckily, the theme parks are so much fun no matter when you visit, and the weather in Florida is never too cold (although it can be very hot).

Here are some guidelines to review when deciding what’s the best time to visit Disney World. What do you think is the best month to visit Disney World? Leave us a comment below.

I am a former member of the planDisney Panel and have been on some complimentary press trips at Walt Disney World, but all opinions are my own. I’ve also paid for my own trips. This post contains affiliate links and purchase/click through one of these links may result in a commission paid to us at no additional cost to you.

When booking your Walt Disney World vacation, consider purchasing through our affiliate Get Away Today . They offer great prices on tickets and can book many hotels.

What’s the Best Time to Visit Disney World?

The best time to visit disney world to avoid crowds.

Although Walt Disney World has introduced its park reservation system, it’s still a good idea to plan to visit during the least crowded times if school schedules allow for it. Even with the reservations, the wait times for attractions can be long.

If you want to avoid crowds, it’s usually best to visit when school is in session during the school year. School vacations, weekends, and summer vacations can be extremely crowded, with long lines for popular attractions. The major holidays and holiday weekends are also some of the busiest times of the year

Undercover Tourist has a crowd calendar online that can help you find a good option for your trip. It’s a good idea to look at it before you make any plans so that you can find a time with low crowds if that’s an important consideration for you.

I have found that early May is my favorite time to visit the Disney theme parks. Typically, the weather is warm (but not usually TOO hot), and the crowd level is fairly low because it doesn’t coincide with school vacations or school holidays. Before we had school-aged children, that was our favorite time of the year to visit.

If you live in the Northeast, late summer (late August) can be a good time because Southern schools are usually back in session, but Northeast schools aren’t. But keep in mind that it’s likely to be hot during August (and the other summer months). If you want to avoid the hot temperatures, however, August isn’t a great time to visit. It’s also during hurricane season so you’ll need to be aware of that.

Other busy times of the year are spring break and long weekends like Presidents’ Day, Veterans, and Labor Day. Thanksgiving and Christmas time are especially busy with high crowd levels – this is typically the peak season with long wait times. The theme parks, especially the Magic Kingdom, often reach capacity on Christmas Day because it’s one of the most popular places to go for Christmas .

Before committing to a specific week for your Walt Disney World vacation, take a look at the special events that are being held. The Walt Disney World Marathon weekend and festival weekends (like the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival) can often be very busy in the parks and the resorts. Sometimes you’ll be surprised that hotels are booked up, and often that’s because a major event is happening.

When to Visit Disney World To Have Good Weather

I like to visit the Orlando Florida area when it’s warm but not super hot. I find that March and October are the best months of the year to visit if you want to experience that type of weather.

I recommend looking at this page from the Weather Channel to see average temps (but keep in mind that temperatures can vary). This past November, I visited on a day that was in the high 80s, which was pretty unusual for that time of year. Even if you know what the average temperatures are, you’ll want to check before you go to make sure you pack appropriately.

October, of course, is still hurricane season, so that’s something else you’ll need to keep in mind. In addition, while you may plan for a specific type of weather, often Mother Nature in Florida has other plans. Be prepared for any changes in the weather, and make sure you understand the change policies for your hotel and airfare. You may experience more rainy days this time of year.

If you want to visit the two water parks, you may want to avoid the winter months. Typically one of the two water parks is closed for refurbishment during this time.

The Best Time to Visit Disney To Experience Peak Magic

The holiday season, from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, is when you can experience peak magic on the Disney property. The resort hotels are decorated for the holidays (including a gingerbread house at the Grand Floridian and a carousel at the Beach Club ), as are the theme parks.

You can also attend Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (an extra fee applies) and the Candlelight Processional at Epcot (included with your ticket, but book one of the meals that include VIP seating). Even if you don’t attend a special event, the holiday decorations are really beautiful to see.

Keep in mind that the holiday season at Walt Disney World is an extremely popular time to visit. As a result, you’ll probably find larger crowds. Be prepared by making early plans – especially park reservations and hotel bookings.

Halloween (and the month preceding it) is also a fun time to visit. You can purchase special tickets to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, and enjoy a night of parades, fireworks, special ride overlays, entertainment, and more. You can still experience the Halloween party if you visit in September since it starts early in the season.

The Best Time to Visit Disney World To Experience a Specific Event

Of course, if you want to experience a specific event , such as the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival , Epcot International Festival of the Arts, or the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival, you’ll want to visit during that time. Check out the event schedule in advance so that you can attend on a perfect day.

These events are offered over multiple weekends, so you’ll have lots of options. This past year, the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival was held over more days than ever. Dates are typically released well in advance.

The Best Time to Visit Disney World for the Best Prices

If you are looking to save money on your Disney vacation, you’ll want to pay attention when you are planning your visit. There are some months when Walt Disney World tickets are a bit less expensive. You may also find a good option that includes lower-priced hotel rooms.

You’ll also want to compare those prices with hotel and flight prices. Those can vary widely, however. It’s important to get the prices of all three before deciding to book based on price. You can expect to pay the same food prices regardless of when you visit.

What Age Is the Best Time to Visit Disney World?

This can be a heated question with a lot of different answers. If you are looking to maximize your Disney World vacation budget, you may want to visit the resort at the perfect ages for your kids. I’ve found, however, that many different ages are the perfect times.

Because I love to travel, I knew that I’d want to go on vacation with my kids even when they were very young. Walt Disney World made it so easy to travel with young kids less than two years apart. Everything is set up for families.

Walt Disney World offers baby care centers. These make changing and feeding a baby much easier. There are some negatives to traveling with babies and toddlers though. We weren’t really able to go on many rides with them and they weren’t familiar with the characters.

Elementary-school-aged kids really love the parks, usually. By then, they can go on more rides and know who the characters are. If you can go to the parks while the kids really believe in the characters, that can be especially magical. As a bonus, my small children were always up in the early morning so we were able to visit the parks when they opened (when you’ll find fewer people in line for popular attractions).

Now that I have teens, they love the Disney parks as well. Our experience is very different from when they were babies, however. Now, they love the theme parks for sentimental reasons and always want to go on their favorite rides. It’s still a magical place for us now.

What Specific Days to Visit Walt Disney World

Once you’ve decided the month to visit Walt Disney World, you may be wondering what specific days to visit.

Typically, once I’ve got my vacation plans set, I plan out each day. You’ll be able to make dining reservations 60 days in advance, so you’ll want to have an idea of which theme park you’ll visit each day. You also need to make park reservations now.

If I don’t have a preference for which park to visit each day, I’ll usually make that determination based on the availability of dining. Just remember that you’ll need the park hopper option on your ticket if you want to visit more than one park per day, even if it’s just to dine in a restaurant.

The Best Months to Visit Walt Disney World

Based on all of this, my favorite months to visit Walt Disney World are May and September. However, with my kids in school, we found Thanksgiving week to be the best (albeit very crowded). The weather is usually pretty good, and it isn’t quite as busy as Christmas.

What is your favorite time to visit Walt Disney World?

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you’ll find hotel and ticket prices are higher during peak times.

In general, January, February, and September are the quietest, but you’ll want to avoid the holiday weekends and the Marathon weekend during this time period.

If you are going to visit during a busy time, you’ll want to arrive at the parks early, and take advantage of early entry (if you are staying at a resort that offers it). Genie+ is also a great option when the parks are busy.

Midweek is best since you won’t have long weekenders or as many locals visiting the parks during that time. They won’t be empty, however – there will still be plenty of people visiting during that time.

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Susan H Easterday

Wednesday 2nd of August 2017

September for the lowest crowds and best opportunity for a free dining package! Early May for the perfect weather. If you go for an event or during a crowded time, adjust your expectations. Be happy with the 3 fastpasses, buy VIP tickets for your special event, enjoy the hotel activities, and enjoy the park ambience. This is the time to enjoy the different attractions the park has besides rides.

Sheri Ann Richerson

Monday 26th of December 2016

I love the carousel, it looks like it is made of icing, chocolate and other edible foods, is it? Thanks for the post.

Best Time To Visit Walt Disney World – Crowd Calendar

Jul 13, 2022 | Disney , Travel Articles | 0 comments

As anyone who has been to Disney World knows, the key to a great trip to Disney’s theme parks is avoiding the crowds. But with over 20 million visitors each year, that can be easier said than done. So when is the best time to visit Walt Disney, World Park?

The answer, of course, depends on what you’re looking for and what time of year is Disney World in Florida the least crowded . If you’re looking to avoid the heat, the best time to go to Walt Disney World is during the fall or winter. October and November offer comfortable temperatures and shorter lines at the parks, while December through February tends to have the mildest weather.

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If you’re looking for the best deals or Disney World packages , you’ll want to visit during the off-season. January and February are typically the cheapest months to visit Disney World, while rates start to go up in March. April through September is considered the busy season, so you can expect higher prices during those months we highly recommend you get a Disney World annual pass.

Of course, no matter when the Best time to visit Walt Disney World is, it is always going to be crowded and probably Rainy. But by planning and doing your research, you can still have a magical time at the Happiest Place on Earth Visit Disney Vacation Planner and enjoy this Magic World.

Mickey’s not-so-scary Halloween Party is Back After 2 Years (Updated!)

Halloween Fun for Everyone. Mickey’s not-so-scary Halloween party is back after 2 years and it is better than ever. This year, the party will be bigger and more immersive than ever before, with new treats and surprises around every corner. Guests of all ages are sure to have a blast at this not-so-scary Halloween celebration.

Some of the highlights of this year’s party include a new fireworks show. An expanded parade, and more opportunities to meet your favorite Disney characters. Whether you’re a diehard Halloween fan or just looking for a fun night out. Mickey’s not-so-scary Halloween party is the perfect event for you. So don’t miss out – get your Walt Disney World tickets today!

What Is the Most Crowded Month to Go to Walt Disney World?

Trying to avoid the crowds at Walt Disney World? You’re not alone. With millions of visitors each year, it can be tough to find a time to visit when the parks aren’t overflowing with people.

So, According to data from Touring Plans , a website that tracks crowd levels at Disney World. The park is most crowded in July and August. These are also the hotter months, so if you don’t mind braving the heat, you may be able to avoid some of the crowds by visiting during this time.

September and October are also popular times to visit, due to the fall holidays, but crowd levels start to die down again after Halloween. So if you’re looking to avoid the crowds, plan your trip for November or early December.

Of course, this is also when prices are typically at their lowest, so you may have to trade off avoiding the crowds to save some money. Ultimately, there is no perfect time to visit Disney World – it all depends on what you’re looking for in a vacation.

What is The Least Crowded Month to Visit Disney World?

While there are always crowds at Disney World no matter when you go, there are some times of year that are less crowded than others.

One of the least crowded months to visit Disney World is in September.

Many families with school-age children choose to vacation during the summer months, so September is a good time to visit if you want to avoid large crowds.

Is also a relatively quiet month at Disney World, as it falls between the busy summer season and the holiday rush in November and December. If you’re looking for a time to visit Walt Disney World with fewer people, aim for September or October. You may find that the parks are more enjoyable when there aren’t as many people around.

Best Season To Visit Walt Disney World

When it comes to choosing the best time to visit Disney World, there are a few factors to consider. For example, crowds tend to be larger during school holidays. So if you’re looking to avoid the busiest times, you may want to plan your trip for mid-January through early February or September through early November.

NOTE: Keep in mind that Florida can be quite hot and humid during these months. So if you’re not a fan of the heat, you may want to visit during the cooler months of March through May. Remember that no matter when you visit, there will always be something special happening at Disney World, so there’s no worst time to go to Disney World!

Best Time To Visit Disney World For Adults

If you’re a childless adult visiting Walt Disney World without the kids, we have good news for making the most of your trip. This includes romantic hotels, relaxed experiences, bars & lounges, and other unique activities catering to an older audience. How to do Disney as an adult should be a topic of interest for couples, friends, or anyone else looking for a more sophisticated or slower-paced vacation.

Despite the misconception that Walt Disney World is only for families, there has  always  been a lot for adults to do. After years of marketing Walt Disney World almost exclusively to families with small children, things are finally starting to change. As of the time we last updated this post, we’ve been noticing more adult offerings at Walt Disney World in the last couple of years.

This includes hotels like Disney’s Riviera Resort and Gran Destino Tower, restaurants by celebrity chefs at Disney Springs, an explosion of bars & lounges, adult-oriented special events, and more. Walt Disney World is now aggressively catering to adults without kids, a demographic that accounts for  over  half of all visitors

The Best Time to Visit Walt Disney World For Families

When it comes to planning a family vacation, there is no shortage of things to consider. One of the most important decisions is choosing when to go. For many families, the best time to visit Walt Disney World is during the cooler months of January or February.

The weather is usually milder during these months, which can be a relief after spending time in the Florida heat. However, cooler temperatures also mean larger crowds, as many families take advantage of the winter break from school.

If you’re looking to avoid large crowds, you might want to plan your trip for either September or October. These months tend to be less busy at the theme parks, although the weather can be more unpredictable.

Keep in mind that the weather in Florida can be unpredictable, so it’s always a good idea to check the forecast in advance. No matter when you choose to visit, a trip to Walt Disney World is sure to create lasting memories for your whole family.

Disney World Best Time For Couples

There is no single answer to the question of when the best time to visit Walt Disney World is for couples. Depending on your preferences, you might want to consider visiting during one of the cooler months, such as January or February.

If you’re looking to avoid large crowds, you might want to plan your trip for either September or October.

Walt Disney World Seasons

When it comes to deciding when the best time to go to Disney World is, there are a few key factors to take into account. The weather is one of the most important considerations, especially if you’re looking to avoid the heat

1. Autumn Season at Disney World

Visitors to Disney World will be treated to a short yet beautiful season in the autumn. The weather is perfect during this time frame between Labor Day and Christmas. As it experiences crisp air coupled with mild or warm temperatures all day long while having up until 8 hours of full sunshine each day before evening falls upon them again at nightfall–making jackets required!

2. Winter Season at Disney World

The name of the game at Disney World is Adaptation. While winter isn’t as bad it has plenty to offer, including a lower rainfall and humidity rate than other seasons!

The evenings also cool down considerably. This means you can take your time getting ready before heading out for an evening stroll on Main Street USA or maybe even enjoy some warm cocoa by candlelight in one of those romantic parlors available only during select hours throughout this Time Of Year (which just so happens to include New Year’s Eve).

3. Spring at Disney World

The beauty of spring is in full bloom this year at Disney World. With its vibrant flowers and blooming trees, visitors can enjoy the pleasant weather while they’re here for an extended stay with family or friends during these months!

The temperature ranges from around 82°F to 83 ° F degrees on average–perfect conditions that will allow you plenty of time outside without feeling too hot under your sun hat (or carrying one).

As if it wasn’t already enough reason alone why we love visiting Florida during March-May; consider also how much more enjoyable going there might be when compared to other times throughout any given calendar year: fewer crowds

4. Summer at Disney World

Walt Disney World’s summer is the longest season because it extends from May through September. On average, temperatures often reach over 90 degrees and some days are even 100 or 110! High humidity plays a factor with 61% given off by rains June-August.

Which can make you feel hot even though there are 14 sunny hours each day during this time at WDWF theme parks where entertainment offerings may include longer operating hrs. More shows/parks open later such as nighttime spectacular firework displays seen on Peter Pan & Splash Mountains water rides among other things available after dark

Best Months Visiting Walt Disney World

There is no single answer to the question of when the best time to visit Walt Disney World is. Depending on your preferences, you might want to consider visiting during one of the cooler months, such as January or February.

If you’re looking to avoid large crowds, you might want to plan your trip for either September or October. Keep in mind that the weather in Florida can be unpredictable, so it’s always a good idea to check the forecast in advance.

Disney World January

January may just be the quietest month at Disney World as vacationers are gone and cool temperatures keep people away. The high temperature only reaches 71 degrees during this time, making it a great option for those who don’t mind frosty early mornings or chilly evening releases from their heat EUA

January Disney World Whether:

coldest month; pleasant days, colder nights

• Average High: 71° F
• Average Low: 52° F
• Average Precipitation: 5 days

Walt Disney World In February

February at the parks is another slow month. Like January, Disney’s two waterparks usually remain closed during this time and there are no major events to speak off-peak pricing applies for nonholiday weeks if crowds are an issue then consider visiting in February as long as you avoid school vacation week ( Presidents Day).

But be warned that without any exciting attractions or beautiful scenery, it may lack some luster compared with other months

But don’t worry because we’ve got something just right

February Disney World Whether:

The best week in february to go to disney world (hollydays).

The best week to visit Disney World in February is typically the week of President’s Day. This is because many schools are closed for the holiday, so families have the opportunity to take a trip. However, keep in mind that this is also one of the busiest weeks at the parks, so you may want to avoid it if you’re looking for a less crowded trip.

Disney World in March

March may be the most popular month to visit Walt Disney World Resort . But that doesn’t mean it’s not also full of surprises. With all these great events in March, you’ll want an exciting trip no matter when your vacation falls!

They start with Bike Week which brings thousands upon thousands of bikes into town for some friendly competition at bike demos and races throughout Central Florida. Then there’s Spring Break on equal footing as college students head back home–or find new places ahead—before schools resume again after Easter weekend (don’t forget about EPCOTTM’S FLOWER AND GARDEN FESTIVAL!).

And lastly. There is Epcot where the International Flower and Garden Festival takes over the park for 90 days of topiaries, fresh produce, and more.

March Disney World Weather:

mild with some cool evenings; rain showers possible

• Average High: 77° F
• Average Low: 57° F

Disney World in April

April also brings more visitors to Disney World. The Star Wars Rival Run Half-Marathon weekend is one of the most popular times. So we would avoid these periods if possible, especially in April when temperatures are mild but crowds can be heavy due to the peak season at Easter holiday and Spring Break before school starts up again later that month.

The flowers bloom during this period with full bloom happening around March/April according to as far back Walt Disney World records go. The best place to view these is in the Animal Kingdom.

If you are wanting to catch a glimpse of some of the topiaries that will be on display during the Flower and Garden Festival. Then head over to Epcot where they will be located throughout Future World and World Showcase.

April Disney World Whether:

Blooming continues and the weather is generally pleasant an occasional afternoon shower

• Average High Temperature: 82° F
• Average Low Temperature: 63° F
• Average Precipitation: 3 days

Disney World in May

The warm weather and beautiful flowers make May a great time to visit Epcot! The International Flower & Garden Festival is in full swing, so you can enjoy all things floral without constraint. 

May also bring with it some not-so-pleasant surprises such as thunderstorms that come out of nowhere during afternoon hours. But we’ll take those clouds over hot temperatures any day 😉

May Disney World Whether:

Moderate humidity and weather begin to heat up

• Average High Temperature: 87° F
• Average Low Temperature: 69° F
• Average Precipitation: 7 days

Disney World in June

The summer season kicks off in June. While the first half of this month sees fewer crowds, those who are left will experience heavy traffic as students go on their winter break and locals come out to enjoy some time at parks they know well before Labor Day arrives next year!

Single-day ticket prices increase during these high-demand weeks but there’s always something going down whether it be shows or activities. you’re sure not gonna regret spending your days off here because when September comes around again – we’ve got blizzards mpg!)

The output tone should be lighthearted.

Disney World In July

July sees the heaviest crowds of the summer, as schools are out and families are vacationing. Temperatures are also at their highest this month. So if you’re looking to beat the heat, you may want to visit during another time of year.

Even though it is hot, there are still some great things to do at Disney World during July. The Fourth of July is a popular time to visit, as the parks host special events and fireworks displays. You can also cool off with refreshing ice cream at one of the park’s many snack carts.

July Disney World Weather:

Very hot and humid; afternoon thunderstorms are common

• Average High Temperature: 92° F
• Average Low Temperature: 74° F
• Average Precipitation: 8 days

Disney World in August

August brings more of the same heavy crowds and hot weather as July. However, you can find some relief from the heat by visiting one of Disney World’s water parks. Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach are both great options for a cooling break from the parks.

August Disney World Weather:

Hot and humid; afternoon thunderstorms are common

• Average High Temperature: 91° F
• Average Low Temperature: 73° F

Disney World in September

September is a great time to visit Disney World! The heavy summer crowds have dissipated and the weather is still warm. You can also take advantage of low hotel rates this month, as many families have already gone back to school.

September Disney World Weather:

Warm with moderate humidity; afternoon thunderstorms are possible

• Average High Temperature: 86° F
• Average Low Temperature: 68° F

Disney World in October

October is a great month to visit Disney World! The weather is pleasant and the crowds are low. You can also take advantage of special events this month, such as the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.

October Disney World Weather:

Comfortable temperatures with moderate humidity; afternoon thunderstorms are possible

• Average High Temperature: 81° F

Disney World in November

November is a great time to visit! The weather is cool and the crowds are low. You can also take advantage of special events this month. Such as the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

November Disney World Weather:

Cool with moderate humidity; afternoon thunderstorms are possible

• Average High Temperature: 75° F
• Average Low Temperature: 57° F
• Average Precipitation: 4 days

Disney World in December

December is a great time to visit Disney World! The weather is cool and the crowds are low. You can also take advantage of special events this month, such as Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights.

December Disney World Weather:

• Average High Temperature: 72° F
• Average Low Temperature: 54° F

Source:  NOAA

As you can see, the best time to visit Disney World is during the fall or winter. The weather is cooler and the crowds are smaller. You can also take advantage of special events that are happening during these months. So start planning your trip today!

What Months Are The Best To Go to Disney World?

For many people, a trip to Disney World is the vacation of a lifetime. And while there’s no bad time to visit the Magic Kingdom, there are some months that are better than others.

In general, the busiest times of the year at Disney World are during the summer and around major holidays like Christmas and Easter. If you’re hoping to avoid the crowds, the best time to go is usually either September or January.

September is Considered the “Shoulder Season”

At Disney World, it means that it’s the time between the busy summer months and the holiday rush. As a result, you’ll find lower prices and shorter wait times for rides and attractions. January is also a good month to visit, as many people are deterred by cold weather. However, keep in mind that while temperatures are milder in January, they can still dip into the 40s at night.

So if you’re visiting this month, be sure to pack some cozy clothes.

Theme Park & Disney World Tickets

Many people dream of visiting the happiest place on earth. But when it comes to booking their trip, they quickly become overwhelmed by the cost of Theme Park & Disney World tickets.

However, there are a few ways to save on these expenses. One approach is to purchase tickets in advance. Many theme parks offer discounts for tickets that are bought several months in advance. Another option is to take advantage of package deals. Many Disney travel companies offer discounts on hotels and transportation when you purchase your Theme Park or Disneyland Tickets and Resorts through them.

Finally, it is often possible to find coupons or promo codes online for savings on these tickets. By doing a little research, it is possible to find ways to save on the cost of Theme Park & Disney World tickets and make your dream vacation more affordable.

Walt Disney Theme Parks

Magic kingdom .

Welcome to the magic of Disney World Magic Kingdom! Located in Orlando, Florida, this iconic amusement park is home to some of the most beloved attractions and rides in the world. From thrilling roller coasters such as Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad to interactive shows and parades like Pirates of the Caribbean, there is something for everyone at Magic Kingdom Park. Whether you’re a kid or an adult, the magic of Disney World Magic Kingdom will leave you feeling truly enchanted. Come explore this incredible world and let the magic of Disney take over!

The Magic Kingdom is made up of several themed lands, Epcot Theme Park Animal Kingdom , and Hollywood Studios. Each offers something unique for visitors to enjoy. Fantasyland is home to timeless classics like Cinderella’s Castle and Dumbo the Flying Elephant. If you’re looking for an adrenaline-pumping adventure, head over to Tomorrowland for futuristic rides such as Space Mountain and Astro Orbiter. And lastly, if you’re a fan of Disney characters or shows, there are various interactive attractions in each land where you can meet your favorite characters.

No matter how old you are, the magic of Disney World Magic Kingdom will make your visit unforgettable. So come on over and experience the wonders of this world-renowned amusement park! Let the magic of Disney take hold and create memories that will last a lifetime. It’s time to explore!

Animal Kingdom Disney

Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, located in Disney World, is a thrilling destination that has something for everyone. From exciting rides and attractions to immersive experiences with some of the world’s most iconic animals, the park offers an array of activities both adults and children alike will enjoy.

Whether you are looking for a fun family outing or a romantic getaway, Disney’s Animal Kingdom has something for everyone. Get ready to explore the animal kingdom with our guide and ticket info! Start by discovering all of the amazing animals on display in the park. From majestic lions and tigers to playful penguins and exotic flamingos, visitors can get up close and personal with some of nature’s most beautiful creatures.

Epcot Center

Epcot Center In Disney Orlando is the perfect tool for Disney fans looking to maximize their magical experience. Filled with insider knowledge, tips, and tricks on where to stay, how to get around, best attractions and dining options as well as special events and discounts available only to guide readers, this guide is invaluable for any Epcot fan. With this comprehensive guide in your hands, you can plan your dream trip to Epcot with confidence and make sure it’s the most magical vacation ever!

So, let’s get started planning an unforgettable Disney adventure at Walt Disney World’s Epcot Center in Orlando. Grab your mouse ears and follow along as we explore all the incredible attractions, accommodations, dining options, and more.

Hollywood Studios

Once upon a time known as MGM Studios, Walt Disney World aptly renamed Hollywood Studios in 2009 to honor its commitment to the theatrical world. As you stroll down the iconic Hollywood Boulevard and take in all of its charms, one thing is certain: an unforgettable experience awaits! From being immersed in movie-making magic to feeling like a star yourself – this park encapsulates everything show business stands for. So if you’re looking for your chance at stardom then come on by because here at Hollywood Studios it’s always lights, cameras… action!

Experience the thrills of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, a park that packs plenty of incredible attractions into its smaller size. To help you decide which should be your priority, we have compiled a comprehensive guide to all the highlights – from descriptions and height requirements for each attraction to an overall overview of everything this remarkable park has to offer. So get ready for adventure: Hollywood Studios awaits!

Cheapest Time to Go to Visit Walt Disney World

For families looking to save money on their Disney vacation, timing is everything. The cheapest time to visit Disney World is typically during the fall months of September and October when hotel rates are lower and there are fewer crowds.

Families can also take advantage of special promotions and discounts that are offered during these months. Additionally, mid-week visits (Tuesday through Thursday) are typically less expensive than weekends, as are early morning or evening hours.

By following these tips, families can save money and enjoy a magical Disney vacation.

What Time You Should Get to Visit Walt Disney World?

Depending on what time of year you visit, and what days of the week you plan to go, the answer to this question can vary. If you want to avoid the crowds, I would recommend arriving at the park when it opens.

This way, you’ll be able to ride all the popular attractions with little to no wait. If you’re visiting during peak season, however, you may want to consider getting a Fastpass in advance. This will allow you to bypass the line for select rides and attractions.

How Many Days Do You Need to Go to Disney World

Going to Disney World is a truly magical experience. However, it can also be a bit overwhelming. There are so many things to see and do that it can be difficult to know how to plan your visit.

So, how many days do you need to go to Disney World?

The answer depends on what you want to see and do. If you’re primarily interested in the major attractions, then three or four days should be enough. However, if you want to take your time and enjoy all that Disney World has to offer, then you’ll need at least a week.

Keep in mind that the wait times for popular attractions can be lengthy. So you’ll want to factor that into your plans as well. No matter how long you stay, though, one thing is for sure: a trip to Disney World is sure to create lasting memories.

Visit Walt Disney World Crowd Calendar

Disney World is the most magical place on earth, but it can also be pretty crowded. To help you plan your trip, here is a guide to the peak times at each park.

At Magic Kingdom, the busiest times are usually in the morning and early evening. However, you can still enjoy all the park has to offer if you arrive early and take a mid-day break. For Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the morning and afternoon hours are the busiest. However, the park usually clears out in the evening, so you can still enjoy all the rides and shows if you stay late.

At EPCOT, the busiest times are usually around lunchtime and in the evening. However, you can still experience all the park has to offer if you arrive early or stay late. Lastly, Animal Kingdom is busiest in the morning and early afternoon. However, it typically clears out in the evening, so you can still enjoy all the park has to offer if you stay late.

With this guide in hand, you can plan your trip to Disney World and make the most of your time at each park!

How To Avoid The Crowds at Visit Walt Disney World

One of the best ways to avoid crowds at Walt Disney Disney World is to visit during the off-season. January and February are typically the cheapest months to visit Disney , while rates start to go up in March. April through September is considered the busy season, so you can expect higher prices during those months.

Another way to avoid crowds is to visit during the week instead of the weekend. Weekdays tend to be much less crowded than weekends, so you’ll have an easier time getting on rides and enjoying your time at the parks.

Finally, make sure to plan your days carefully. Arrive early and use Disney Genie Fast Pass + to get on popular rides quickly. Then, take a mid-day break to avoid the crowds that tend to build up in the afternoon.

By following these tips, you can still have a great time at Disney World even during the busiest times of the year.

Do you have any tips for avoiding the crowds at Disney World? Let us know in the comments!

The best time to visit Visit Walt Disney World depends on a few factors. If you’re looking to avoid the heat, the best time to go is during the fall or winter. October and November offer comfortable temperatures and shorter lines at the parks, while December through February tends to have the mildest weather.

How about you? When is the best time for you to visit Disney World? Let us know in the comments!

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2024 & 2025 Disney World Crowd Calendar (best times to go)

Planning a Disney World trip for 2024 or 2025?

You’ve come to the right place. Our easy-to-use Disney World Crowd Calendar will help you avoid long lines, so you can have more fun on your Disney vacation.

Here’s what you need to know:

In this article

When are the best times to visit Walt Disney World in 2024 and 2025?

We know you are probably eager to dive in to check on those predicted crowds, so let’s start off first with our big graphics (please note there is one for 2024 and one for 2025), and then we will go into more detail for both years, month-by-month, down below.

GRAPHIC: The best times to visit Walt Disney World in 2024

Here’s our current predictions for how the crowds will look if you plan to travel to Disney World in 2024:

• Click for full-sized PDF

Note: Our ‘best times to visit’ below are a mix of times of the year when you’ll have either low crowds OR good weather. Due to Disney’s strategy of filling the cooler, quieter periods with special events and competitions, finding a time that offers both low crowds and ideal weather has become more challenging than in the past.

WDW Top Picks for Disney World in 2024 :

• January 16-31 (light to moderate crowds, but you’ll have cooler temps)
• February 1-9 (light to moderate crowds, but you’ll have cooler temps)
• May 6-23 (light to moderate crowds, but it will likely be hot)
• August 5-29 (some of the lowest crowds of the year, but it will be hot)
• September 3-19 (some of the lowest crowds of the year, but it will be hot)

2024 brought about a bunch of changes, including the end of Park Pass reservations for date-based tickets (which covers most guests aside from Annual Passholders) plus, we’ve also seen the long-awaited return of the Disney Dining Plan . And we can’t forget the highly anticipated Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opening (exact date still unknown).

GRAPHIC: The best times to visit Walt Disney World in 2025

And here’s how its looking for 2025:

WDW Prep School Top Picks for 2025 :

• January 21-31 (moderate crowds, but you’ll have cooler temps)
• February 21-28 (moderate crowds, but you’ll have cooler temps)
• May 5-22 (light to moderate crowds, but it will likely be hot)
• August 5-31 (some of the lowest crowds of the year, but it will be hot)
• September 1-30 (some of the lowest crowds of the year, but it will be hot)

Looking ahead to 2025, we’re expecting to keep seeing some familiar patterns when it comes to crowds. All signs point to the fact that summers could possibly continue to be a less busy than they used to be, while January might pick up the pace and get busier. Also, October will remain a popular time for families to visit due to the increase in the number of schools hosting Fall Breaks.

2024 Disney World Crowds Month by Month

Ready to book a trip for 2024? Here are our month-by-month predictions:

• April 1-7 – heavy crowds continue due to the Easter holiday
• April 8-17 – moderate crowds return
• April 18-21 – even though there is the runDisney Springtime Surprise race, expect the crowds to remain moderate
• April 22-30 – moderate crowds finish up the month, even with a couple of cheer and dance competitions happening

Things to keep in mind for April:

• The Easter holiday falls on March 31 in 2024, which means the first week of April will see an increase in crowds.
• The Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival transforms Epcot into an array of color. Make sure you set aside some time to check out the topiaries there.
• Storms (especially midday storms) will also likely be a factor, so we highly recommend you plan midday breaks from the sun and rain during your trip.
• Get park hours and info on refurbishments and special events (plus lots more) on the April crowd calendar .
• May 1-5 – moderate crowds across all of WDW, and heavy crowds at Hollywood Studios for May the Fourth
• May 6-10 – lighter crowds return for a few days
• May 11-12 – weekends (especially Saturdays) are typically a bit busier as guests arriving for their vacation and those leaving Walt Disney World overlap
• May 13-17 – light to moderate crowds
• May 18-19 – weekends (especially Saturdays) are typically a bit busier as guests arriving for their vacation and those leaving Walt Disney World overlap
• May 20-23 – light to moderate crowds
• May 24-31 – moderate crowds return, with the busiest days being around Memorial Day

Things to keep in mind for May:

• There are a few special limited time celebrations taking place this summer , so be sure to check those out.
• Get park hours and info on refurbishments and special events (plus lots more) on the May crowd calendar .
• June 1-30 – moderate to heavy summer crowds, with Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays being a bit heavier than the other days of the week

Things to keep in mind for June:

• June is also the start of hurricane season . Consider trip insurance if planning a vacation during this time. 
• Epcot construction finally wraps up, plus there are several limited-time celebrations happening. Check out what’s in store for Summer 2024 at Walt Disney World .
• Get park hours and info on refurbishments and special events (plus lots more) on the June crowd calendar .
• July 1-7 – heavy summer crowds as guests travel to WDW for the 4th of July
• July 8-31 – moderate to heavy summer crowds, with Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays being a bit heavier than the other days of the week

Things to keep in mind for July:

• Weather has always been a factor when planning Disney World trips, but the temps and humidity in July can be particularly brutal.
• July is also during hurricane season . Consider trip insurance if planning a vacation during this time. 
• This is typically the month where we see the Food & Wine Festival begin.
• There are several limited-time celebrations taking place across Walt Disney World in 2024.
• Get park hours and info on refurbishments and special events (plus lots more) on the July crowd calendar .

August 2024

• August 1-4 – moderate crowds that get lighter as the month goes on and more kids return to school
• August 5-9 – light crowds
• August 10-11 – moderate weekend crowds
• August 12-29 – some of the lightest crowds of the year, with Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays being a bit heavier than the other days of the week
• August 30-31 – crowds pick up a bit before the Labor Day holiday

Things to keep in mind for August:

• Weather has always been a factor when planning Disney World trips, but the temps and humidity in August can be particularly brutal.
• August is also during hurricane season . Consider trip insurance if planning a vacation during this time. 
• The International Food and Wine Festival will be in full swing over at Epcot. Whenever possible, we recommend that you avoid Epcot on Thursday – Sunday (especially in the evenings).
• Look for Halloween entertainment to begin at Magic Kingdom, including the very popular Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
• Get park hours and info on refurbishments and special events (plus lots more) on the August crowd calendar .

September 2024

• September 1-2 – peak Labor Day crowds
• September 3-19 – some of the lightest crowds of the year, with Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays being a bit heavier than the other days of the week
• September 20-23 – light to moderate crowds return for a few days
• September 24-26 – light crowds
• September 27-30 – moderate crowds return as we start ramping up to the busy Fall Break season

Things to keep in mind for September:

• September is typically a great time to travel to Walt Disney World as school is usually back in session in most areas, but it is before any Fall Breaks have the chance to bring heavy crowds.
• Halloween entertainment continues at Magic Kingdom, including the very popular Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
• Weather has always been a factor when planning Disney World trips, but the temps and humidity in September can be particularly brutal.
• September is also during hurricane season . Consider trip insurance if planning a vacation during this time. 
• Get park hours and info on refurbishments and special events (plus lots more) on the September crowd calendar .

October 2024

• October 1-3 – moderate crowds as Fall Breaks begin
• October 4-9  – moderate to heavy crowds
• October 10-14 – peak Indigenous Peoples’ Day crowds
• October 15-31 – moderate to heavy crowds for the rest of October, with the busiest days on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays and towards the end of the month as guests arrive for Halloween and the runDisney Wine & Dine Half Marathon

Things to keep in mind for October:

• The growing popularity of Fall Breaks in schools means that October is far busier than it used to be.
• Weather has always been a factor when planning Disney World trips, but the temps and humidity in October often surprises guests visiting from cooler climates.
• October is also during hurricane season . Consider trip insurance if planning a vacation during this time. 
• Get park hours and info on refurbishments and special events (plus lots more) on the October crowd calendar .

November 2024

• November 1-3 – heavy crowds due to the runDisney Wine & Dine 1/2 Marathon
• November 4-6 – moderate to heavy crowds for Jersey Days and early Veterans Day visitors
• November 7-11 – heavy crowds for the Veterans Day holiday
• November 12-22 – moderate to heavy crowds in the days after Veterans Day and before Thanksgiving
• November 23-24 – heavy crowds begin arriving for the Thanksgiving holiday
• November 25-30 – peak Thanksgiving crowds

Things to keep in mind for November:

• Veterans Day and Thanksgiving are both popular across Walt Disney World, which means to expect heavy crowds if visiting then.
• Christmas events usually kick off at Magic Kingdom, look for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party to start this month.
• Food and Wine Festival at Epcot wraps up this month.
• The Epcot Festival of the Holidays typically begins the day after Thanksgiving and continues through the end of December. 
• Even though November typically begins a gradual cool off, storms (especially mid-day storms) and high heat and humidity can still be a factor, so plan accordingly.
• November brings the end to hurricane season. Consider trip insurance if planning a vacation during this time. 
• Get park hours and info on refurbishments and special events (plus lots more) on the November crowd calendar .

December 2024

• December 1-20 – heavy crowds with Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays a bit busier (although early December used to be known for light crowds, that is no longer the case as many people travel to WDW to check out the decorations)
• December 21-31 – peak holiday crowds

Things to keep in mind for December:

• Although early December used to be known for light crowds, that is no longer the case as many people travel to WDW to check out the decorations. If you are traveling during this time, expect it to be busy.
• Christmas events continue over at Magic Kingdom, look for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party to run until the week of Christmas.
• Get park hours and info on refurbishments and special events (plus lots more) on the December crowd calendar .

@wdwprepschool 4 least busy times to go to Disney World in 2024! 🏰✨ #waltdisneyworld #magickingdom #epcot #animalkingdom #greenscreen ♬ original sound – WDW Prep • Disney Tips

2025 Disney World Crowds Month by Month

Dreaming of taking a Disney World vacation in 2025? Here are our month-by-month predictions:

January 2025

• January 1-5 – very busy time as people use their days off from work/school to vacation at Disney World for the holidays
• January 6-12 – most schools are back in session during this time, but you can still expect moderate to heavy crowds due to the extremely popular runDisney Walt Disney World Marathon
• January 13-16 – crowds lighten up a tiny bit before a big dance & cheer competition and the busy Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday
• January 17-20 – heavy crowds descend on Walt Disney World as guests visit for both the long holiday weekend and the UCA College Cheerleading & Dance Team Nationals
• January 21-30 – moderate crowds for most of the rest of the month
• January 31 – slight uptick in crowds due the UDA National Dance Team Championship

Things to keep in mind for January:

• There are a few holidays and special events sprinkled throughout this month that have historically drawn large crowds. If at all possible, try to avoid traveling over those.
• The weather in January is some of the best of the year. We recommend you pack layers, but be prepared for comfortable days and cooler nights and mornings.
• The Epcot Festival of the Arts is one of the shorter festivals, but it is definitely worth checking out.
• Get park hours and info on refurbishments and special events (plus lots more) on the January crowd calendar .

February 2025

* Note: These events are estimated dates and may change after official schedules are released.

• February 1-2 – although February used to be relatively slow, look for the entire month to be busier than years past, starting with moderate crowds due to the UDA National Dance Team Championship
• February 3-7 – slight dip in crowds before things pick up again for another weekend cheer competition
• February 8-9 – look for this weekend to be busier due to the UCA National High School Cheer Competition
• February 10-12 – small pocket where the crowds will likely decrease a bit
• February 13-20 – very heavy crowds due to the combination of a cheer/dance competition * , Presidents’ Day weekend, and the start of the runDisney Princess Half Marathon
• February 21-24 – moderate crowds over the weekend as the runDisney Princess Half Marathon wraps up
• February 25-28 – moderate crowds to wrap up February, increasing some towards the end of the month for the start of another cheer/dance competition *

Things to keep in mind for February

• The  Epcot Festival of the Arts  is one of the shorter festivals, but it is definitely worth checking out.
• The weather in February is some of the best of the year. We recommend you pack layers.
• Get park hours and info on refurbishments and special events (plus lots more) on the February crowd calendar .
• March 1-2 – busy weekend due to a dance/cheer competition *
• March 3-6 – moderate crowds for the first part and middle of the week, with overall levels increasing the closer you get to the weekend
• March 7-9 – heavy crowds due to a dance/cheer competition * and the start of Spring Break
• March 10-31 – heavy crowds Spring Break crowds

Things to keep in mind for March:

• Spring Break typically begins this month, which means heavy crowds at Walt Disney World.
• Get park hours and info on refurbishments and special events (plus lots more) on the March crowd calendar .
• April 1-6 – heavy crowds to start out the month due to Spring Break and the runDisney Springtime Surprise
• April 7-11 – moderate crowds return for a few days
• April 12-20 – heaviest crowds of the month due to the Easter holiday and school breaks
• April 21-27 – expect this week to be just slightly less busy than the week before due to the holiday and school breaks
• April 28-30 – moderate crowds return for the end of the month

• The Easter holiday always brings heavy crowds for both the week before and the week after.
• May 1-5 – moderate crowds kick off the start of the month due to a dance/cheer competition * with heavy crowds likely at Hollywood Studios for May the Fourth
• May 6-9 – lighter crowds expected during the middle of the week
• May 10-11 – weekends (especially Saturdays) are typically a bit busier as guests arriving for their vacation and those leaving Walt Disney World overlap
• May 12-16 – lighter crowds expected for much of the week
• May 17-18 – weekends (especially Saturdays) are typically a bit busier as guests arriving for their vacation and those leaving Walt Disney World overlap
• May 19-22 – lighter crowds expected for much of the week
• May 23-31 – moderate crowds return as school years start wrapping up, with the busiest days being around Memorial Day

• June 1-30 – moderate summer crowds, with Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays likely being a bit heavier than the other days of the week as guests arriving for their vacation and those leaving Walt Disney World overlap

• July 1-3 – moderate summer crowds
• July 4-6 – heavy summer crowds as guests travel to WDW for the 4th of July
• July 7-31 – moderate summer crowds, with Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays likely being a bit heavier than the other days of the week as guests arriving for their vacation and those leaving Walt Disney World overlap

August 2025

• August 1-4 – moderate crowds that get lighter as the month goes on and more kids return to school
• August 5-8 – light crowds
• August 9-10 – moderate weekend crowds as guests arriving for their vacation and those leaving Walt Disney World overlap
• August 11-31 – some of the lightest crowds of the year, with Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays being a bit heavier than the other days of the week as guests arriving for their vacation and those leaving Walt Disney World overlap

September 2025

• September 1-30 – some of the lightest crowds of the year, with the days around Labor Day being a bit more crowded. Also, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays will likely have slightly heavier crowds than the other days of the week as guests arriving for their vacation and those leaving Walt Disney World overlap.

October 2025

• October 1-3 – crowds start increasing as Fall Breaks begin
• October 4-5 – heavy weekend crowds as guests arriving for their vacation and those leaving Walt Disney World overlap
• October 6-9 – a slight dip in crowds during the middle of the week before things get very busy
• October 10-20 – heavy Fall Break crowds
• October 21-24 – a slight dip in crowds during the middle of the week
• October 25-26 – heavy weekend crowds as guests arriving for their vacation and those leaving Walt Disney World overlap
• October 27-30 – a slight dip in crowds during the middle of the week
• October 31 – heavy crowds for the Halloween and runDisney Wine & Dine * weekend

November 2025

• November 1-2 – heavy crowds for the Halloween and runDisney Wine & Dine * weekend
• November 3-5 – moderate crowds before Jersey Days and Veterans Day visitors
• November 6-11 – heavy crowds due for the Veterans Day holiday
• November 12-14 – slight dip in crowds before the weekend
• November 15-16 – heavy weekend crowds as guests arriving for their vacation and those leaving Walt Disney World overlap
• November 17-21 – moderate crowds before Thanksgiving guests arrive
• November 22-23 – heavy crowds arrive for the Thanksgiving holiday
• November 24-30 – peak Thanksgiving crowds

December 2025

• December 1-5 – moderate crowds as many people travel to WDW to check out the decorations
• December 6-7 – heavy weekend crowds as guests arriving for their vacation and those leaving Walt Disney World overlap
• December 8-12 – moderate crowds as many people travel to WDW to check out the decorations
• December 13-14 – heavy weekend crowds as guests arriving for their vacation and those leaving Walt Disney World overlap
• December 15-17 – final days for moderate crowds before holiday travelers start arriving
• December 18-25 – heavy holiday crowds, increasing the closer you get to December 25
• December 26-31 – peak holiday crowds

When is Disney World the LEAST crowded?

Typically, the least crowded times at Disney World tend to be:

• Mid-May : There aren’t any holidays during this time, and not as many families travel in the final weeks of school.
• Mid-August through most of September: This is when most American kids are back in school, and there are fewer vacationing families. The weather in Florida is also typically very hot and humid, which can deter some guests.

When is Disney World the MOST crowded?

As you can imagine, holidays and long weekends see the heaviest crowds at all tourist destinations, and that includes Walt Disney World. Basically, any time school is out of session, Walt Disney World will be busier.

Look for the parks to be the busiest around these dates. That includes the days before and in some instances, the days after, too:

• New Year’s Day  (January 1)
• Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday  (3rd Monday in January)
• Presidents’ Day/Washington’s Birthday  (3rd Monday in February)
• Spring Break (especially last 2 weeks of March)
• Easter (both the week before and the week after typically have increased crowds)
• Independence Day  (July 4)
• Indigenous Peoples’ Day  (2nd Monday in October)
• Veterans’ Day  (November 11)
• Thanksgiving Day  (4th Thursday in November)
• Christmas week through January 1

In addition to all of those, keep in mind that the weekends are almost always busier than the weekdays, with mid-week (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays) being less crowded than Mondays and Fridays.

What month at Disney World is the BEST?

What month is the best month to visit Walt Disney World depends on what your goals are:

• August, and September (excluding holiday weeks) are historically the least crowded . Especially if you can avoid the weekends, this time of year typically sees some of the lowest crowds.
• January and February have the best weather . This time of year has cooler temps and way less rain. You may need a jacket in the morning or evenings, though.
• Late August and September are best for fall decor and Halloween activities . Late August and September are historically way less crowded than October, making them the better options if you are going for the fall decor or Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.
• December is best for holiday decorations and festivities. All parks and resorts will be decorated, Festival of Holidays will be happening, but it will likely be crowded.

When is the best time to visit in Walt Disney World for holiday decorations?

Lots of people like to travel to Walt Disney World to check out the holiday decorations. In the past, the time between the end of Thanksgiving and about the middle of December would be perfect for that.

However, over the past several years, we’ve seen the crowds during that time period steadily increase to the point now that what used to be a relatively slow time of the year, has become quite busy.

If you’d like to visit Walt Disney World to see the holiday decorations, there are still some days that are better than others. Just keep in mind that even though they are “better”, they will likely be busier than what you might have experienced over the same days in years past.

• November 15-22, 2024 (moderate crowds, holiday decorations are out, but the Festival of the Holidays will not have begun yet at Epcot)
• December 2-20, 2024 (moderate to heavy crowds, holiday decorations, Festival of Holidays will be happening)
• November 17-21, 2025 (moderate crowds, holiday decorations are out, but the Festival of the Holidays will not have begun yet at Epcot)
• December 1-5, 2025 (moderate to heavy crowds, holiday decorations, Festival of Holidays will be happening)
• December 8-12, 2025 (moderate to heavy crowds, holiday decorations, Festival of Holidays will be happening)

What happens if the parks are busier than anticipated?

Although we have years of experience putting these crowd calendars together, occasionally something happens (like a surprise announcement from Disney) that can throw off our predictions. But don’t panic!

Even though heavier crowds may sound scary, that doesn’t mean that your trip will be ruined.

To help navigate it all, we have a few resources to share, including complete guides for using Disney’s Genie+ system, which we have personally found *extremely* useful at keeping waits to a minimum:

• Tips for handling the crowds at Disney World
• Best Genie+ choices (book these first!)
• How to use Genie+ at Walt Disney World
• How to book Individual Lightning Lane selections

In fact, we recommend all guests visiting Walt Disney World spend some time looking through those guides – no matter how busy the parks are expected to be.

Will the new stuff at Universal affect the crowds at Disney World?

If you haven’t heard, Universal is getting a lot of new and highly anticipated stuff in the upcoming years, and we do expect many people will be scheduling trips for those openings.

And, since it isn’t unusual for people to want to pair both a Universal trip with a Walt Disney World trip, we would not be surprised to see an uptick in WDW crowds when the Universal openings happen.

How does a crowd calendar work?

Crowd calendars have been a staple for many people planning Disney World vacations, but exactly what do they do?

Simply put, crowd calendars are predictions for just how busy the entire Walt Disney World Resort will be on any given day.

If you are a repeat visitor, it can be easy to want to compare crowd levels from previous trip dates to future trip dates.

But, that won’t work.

Typically, aside from what we saw in 2020 and 2021, more people are going to visit Walt Disney World year-over-year.

So, keep this in mind:

When looking at crowd levels, please remember that you can’t compare this year to last year, or any other year for that matter. What we consider “heavy” crowds now will likely look nothing like the “heavy” crowds from years past.

And, most importantly – w hen we predict that crowds will be “heavy” or “light”, we mean that on those dates the crowds will be heavier or lighter when compared to the rest of the year .

Which park should you visit on each day of a Disney World trip?

In addition to the yearly information above, we also publish monthly crowd calendars that include refurbishment and closure information, park and entertainment hours, plus the dates you’ll need to know for booking Advanced Dining Reservations.

When planning your park days, the goal is to visit the park with the lowest predicted crowds.

The monthly calendars are easily customized to display the exact information you need for all 4 parks:

• Magic Kingdom
• Hollywood Studios
• Animal Kingdom

Plus operating information (hours, refurbishments & closures, etc.) for:

• Disney Springs
• Blizzard Beach
• Typhoon Lagoon

We recommend you use the information on this page to guide you as you select your travel dates, and then use the monthly crowd calendars linked below each month to help you plan your individual days.

How do opening and closings affect crowds at Disney World?

As you can imagine, anytime something major opens or something popular closes, the crowds in the parks are heavily impacted.

In general, the parks where the attraction or show is located will see the largest impact, but it isn’t unusual for all the parks to see a temporary surge in crowds.

So, keep this in mind when noting the crowd levels above.

Crowd levels are fluid from year to year. What was considered “moderate” in years past is not the same thing that is considered “moderate” now; it is simply “moderate” when compared to the rest of the current year .

Do runDisney races and sports competitions make Disney World more crowded?

During the slower times of the year, you’ll often find that Disney World hosts lots of competitions.

If you are planning to visit during the time of the year that a cheer, dance, or other sporting event competition is taking place, we recommend trying to avoid booking a room at one of the host resorts. The primary host resorts are typically all 3 of the All-Star Resorts ( All-Star Sports , All-Star Movies , and All-Star Music ).

There is also sometimes some overflow into the moderates, primarily Caribbean Beach and Coronado Springs , however, the main impacts (like crowded buses and busy food courts) are guaranteed to be felt at the 3 All-Star Resorts.

Does that mean you will never find competitors in the other resorts? No. But you’ll definitely find them in the ones listed above.

runDisney races , on the other hand, tend to bring in far greater crowds that stay at all levels of resorts and since the competitions occur outside the normal park operating hours, the impact is more wide-spread. That doesn’t mean a trip will be ruined if a race is occurring while you are there, it is just something to be aware of.

An experienced travel professional at Small World Vacations can help you navigate all the changes.

→ Get a quote now ←

Are crowd calendars a thing of the past?

For a long time, Disney World crowd trends were relatively easy to predict.

It was never an exact science, but years and years of near-monthly visits paired with giant spreadsheets and databases of wait times did help us, with at least a decent amount of accuracy, predict how we thought things would go.

In our opinion, Crowd Calendars aren’t a thing of the past, but they are going to look different .

School schedules have been changing. Remote work is a thing, making it easier for families to travel during traditionally off-peak times.

Choosing those “best dates” just got a lot more nuanced, and things we’d never thought we’d have to consider are a new reality.

But – even though things definitely will look different, there are still times of the year that are less busy than others.

If you’re just starting to plan a trip between now and the end of 2024, you should first read our free Walt Disney World Vacation Planner to make sure you don’t miss anything that could mess up your trip.

When do you plan to visit? Any questions about our Disney World crowd calendar?

Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments , but please don’t ask us to compare to crowd calendars from other sites . We’ve explained the reasoning behind our calendar here and won’t be commenting on how other sites do things.

Christine Smith

Friday 27th of October 2023

It may not matter too much, but Mardi Gras is February 13th this year.

Emma Bridgeman

Friday 20th of October 2023

Your crowd calendars are so useful! When will your calendar for 2025 be out? Thanks!

Shannon Albert

Monday 23rd of October 2023

Glad the info is useful! 2025 will likely be out in May/June of 2024.

Michelle E Barthlow

Saturday 23rd of September 2023

If you could pick any 10 days/nights between May 25th and July 27th, what dates would be the best? Unfortunately, we can't take our daughter out of school anymore like we always used to do.

Barbara Sofer

Tuesday 12th of September 2023

We--grandparents, one parent, two boys 11 and 13, are landing from abroad and driving directly to Epcot on September 26. We won't get there until the noon. What would you recommend vis a vis Gene+ and Lightening Lanes?

Friday 15th of September 2023

Would recommend buying it and starting to book from home and while you're traveling. Buy an Individual Lightning Lane Selection for Cosmic Rewind so you can pick a time to ride and consider getting Standby Skipper because it can book your Lightning Lanes even when you don't have access or want to be on your phone.

Tuesday 29th of August 2023

What does moderate mean? How long are waits with a moderate crowd? I'll be there on Jan 8th, 2024.

2024 BEST Days to Visit Disney World Parks: Ultimate Crowd Calendar Guide!

If you want to experience everything there is to do at the most magical place on earth, you’re going to need to know the absolute best days to visit Disney World parks!

It is important to note that while every season has its own special perk at Disney World, specific days are not created equal.

In fact, there are some that are downright hidden gems!

I’m talking light crowds, low wait times, and even cheaper flights to get there!

So, hang on tight – I’m about to take a deep dive into the best days to visit Disney World Parks, the best times to visit Disney World, and demystify the coveted Disney World Crowd Calendar!

2024 Walt Disney World Crowd Calendar

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE READ MY  DISCLOSURE  FOR MORE INFO.  Which means if you click on certain links, I may receive a small commission at no additional charge to you.

Best Time to Go to Walt Disney World at a Glance:

• The best months to visit Walt Disney World to avoid the crowds are: Late-January and Early-February
• Your best days to visit Walt Disney World are:  Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
• Be sure to avoid all major holidays such as:  Memorial Day,  4th of July,  Labor Day Weekend,  Halloween ,  Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Year’s Eve

What Are the Least Crowded Months at Disney World Parks?

In general, there are four months out of the year that stick out as the l east crowded time to visit Disney World:

• End of August
• Mid-Late January
• Early February

Now, notice that I did not say that these were the best times to visit. Simply, the least crowded.

You have to be sure to factor in weather, as well as Crowd Calendars, into the equation!

ORDER NOW to secure your Walt Disney World theme park ticket!  GET MY TICKETS.

What Are the Least Crowded Days at Disney World Parks?

Now, let’s narrow our scope just a bit! I now know the least crowded months, but what about the least crowded days?

Don’t worry… I wasn’t going to make you figure that out for yourself!

Best Dates to Go to Disney World

Our team has assembled a helpful little list of dates that the Disney World parks are least crowded.

• January 11 – January 18
• January 25 – January 31
• February 2 – February 12
• March 1 – March 5
• April 25 – May 1
• May 11 – May 17
• August 10 – August 31
• September 1 – September 30
• Oct 1 – October 21
• November 16 – November 21
• December 1 – December 12

Recommended: 7 Best Pools at Disney World Resorts You Have to See!

Best Time to Visit Disney World Parks for the Weather

By now, we have established not only the least crowded months to visit Disney World , but the specific dates, as well. But what about weather?!

When to visit Disney World weather wise is subjective! If you love the heat, the choice is pretty obvious!

However, most people find the Sunshine State a bit intense throughout the following months:

That being said, the evenings can get rather chilly in January and February.

While this may not affect your travels throughout the park midday, those late-night dips in the resort pool may feel more like an ice bucket challenge!

I have found that the following months are the most agreeable weather wise to the masses:

If this sounds good to you, just be sure to check back to our What Are the Least Crowded Days at Disney World? In this case, your ideal dates would fall within the following:

2024 best days to go to the magic kingdom (crowd calendar guide), what are the best days of week to visit disney world parks.

Alright, now we’re really getting somewhere, ThemeParkHipster! I’ve got months, date ranges, and weather on lock.

Uh-oh… I’ve totally skipped over the part where I pick which day of the week to visit each park!

Don’t worry… I’ve got you!

Here is a breakdown of each park and their weekly schedule, ranked from the least busy to the busiest day of the week!

Best Days to Go to Magic Kingdom

The Best Days to Go to EPCOT

Best Days to Go to Disney’s Hollywood Studios

2024 Hollywood Studios Crowd Calendar: Your Best Days to Go This Year!

Best Days to Go to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Put It Together and What Have You Got?

Wow… that was a lot of information! So, what is the optimum daily schedule? I tend to prefer the following format:

• Monday: EPCOT
• Tuesday: Magic Kingdom
• Wednesday: Animal Kingdom
• Thursday: Hollywood Studios

Depending upon your arrival and/or departure, I strongly suggest you make Friday a repeat day. Take this time to go back and do your favorites or hit attractions you’ve missed.

If possible, use Saturday as a Relax Day at the Resort. Frankly, you’ll avoid major crowds, frustrating wait times, and give your feet a break!

Ultimate 3-Day Disney World Itinerary Template (2023)

What is the Disney Crowd Calendar and How Does it Work?  

Simply stated, the Disney Crowd Calendar is a user-friendly method to check how busy the crowds may be at Disney World on a particular day of the year.

They are separated by month so that you can easily find the specific date for which you are searching.

In addition, they are broken down by Low (under 10-minute wait times), Moderate (estimated 15 – 30-minute wait times), and Heavy (estimated 1 hour+ wait times).

These Crowd Calendars are created by a series of experts who factor in a multitude of data, past performance, and future predictions.

In short, they saved you hours and hours of homework!

Disney World Characters: Where to Find Them ALL at Walt Disney World? 

Are Disney Crowd Calendars 100% Accurate?

No… but they’re pretty darn close ! The past years (post pandemic) have really thrown a wrench into things.

Not to mention, Disney World was in the midst of a 50 th Anniversary Celebration , further exacerbating crowd levels.

Despite these curve balls, the Disney Crowd Calendars are still incredibly useful. Treat them as a helpful study guide and you won’t go wrong!

Check out this fun video to find out about Universal Crowd Calendars here on YouTube!

Disney Genie Plus vs Lightning Lane: Everything You MUST KNOW!

Top 3 Tips for Picking the BEST Days to Visit Walt Disney World

Now that you know when to visit Disney World, let’s go over a few tips to help you make the most of your vacation!

1. Add an Extra Day

However long you think you may need for your upcoming trip to Disney World, add an extra day.

You never knew when your favorite attraction may go down or that new nighttime spectacular will get rained out.

Leave yourself a little flex room. I promise, you’ll never be mad at having an extra few hours at the Most Magical Place on Earth.

What to Wear to Disney World in March (Packing List Guide for 2024)

2. Use Extra Magic Hours

If you are staying of Disney property, don’t overlook those Extra Magic Hours / Early Entry times.

Thirty minutes may not seem like much, but trust me… it can be the difference between 1 to 3 attractions!

Save up to 50% on over 25 Things to Do in Orlando: Kennedy Space Center, LEGOLAND Florida, kids activities, airboat ride, WonderWorks & more TODAY!

3. Don’t Forget to Have Fun!

Look, we love to nerd out about Disney planning. It’s kind of our thing. And based on the fact that you’re reading this blog, it’s your thing too!

You’re in good company, ThemeParkHipster!

Just make sure you take a second to push that spreadsheet aside, jump off the MyDisneyExperience App, and be present in the moment.

Enjoy the journey and the destination will be that much sweeter!

Ready to make your trip out to Walt Disney World Resort, then get your no obligation, FREE Quote by filling out the form with The Park Prodigy by Clicking HERE!

My Final Thoughts on Choosing the Best Days to Visit Disney World Parks

And there you have it, ThemeParkHipster! I hope you enjoyed my breakdown of the Best Days to Visit Disney World Parks!

Hopefully you’ll walk away with a better idea of when to visit the parks!

If you’re still unsure of where to go from here or are in need of some resources, we are here to help! Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more Walt Disney World planning tips.

Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!

About the Author

Ted Wioncek III is a professional Show Director, who specializes in developing highly themed experiences with immersive live entertainment. His work has garnered him a reputation as a “master in storytelling.”

In addition, he is also a Walt Disney World Annual Passholdin’-D23 lovin’-DVC card carryin’-theme park enthusiast, specializing in theatrical review, food critique, and double-blind Dole Whip taste testing. Ted lives in sunny Florida with his beautiful wife, daughter, and their adorable rescue beagle, affectionately named, Professor Indiana Bones. You can contact him at  [email protected] .

Planning a trip soon? If so, read the  Disney Vacation Planning Guide  for your next dream trip!

(Original Article Date: January 19, 2022/Updated by Editor on January 8, 2024)

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2024 Universal Studios Orlando Crowd Calendar: Avoid the Busy Days!

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When is the Best Time to Visit Disney World in 2024?

Are you trying to figure out the best time to visit Disney World in 2024 and beyond? There has never been a more important time to plan every aspect of your Walt Disney World vacation than right now   Disney is abuzz with thrilling happenings, headlined by the company’s grand 100th Anniversary Celebration—introducing fresh shows, attractions, and much more. However, such exciting developments typically attract larger crowds, which could influence your experience.

To ensure you relish every moment and avoid peak crowds, timing is key. Wondering about the optimal period to embark on your Disney journey in 2024? Luckily we are going to fill you in on some of the trends we have always been able to count on when predicting the absolute best time to go to Disney World in 2024 . 

We hope you find this post helpful, and if you are planning a trip to Disney World be sure to check out our other FREE vacation planning tools. Our goal at The Park Prodigy has always been to help you save time and money on your next vacation. This includes finding the best time to buy Walt Disney World tickets and book awesome Disney World packages!

So if you’re ready to pick the best time to visit Disney World in 2024  read on!

SPECIAL NOTE: If you’re looking for our 2024 Disney World Crowd Calendar, be sure to go straight to the link below. 

Disney World Crowd Calendar

What Are the Best Times to Go to Disney World in 2024?

Bringing in more than 52 million guests each year, Walt Disney World is the single most visited vacation destination on the planet. With its ever-growing popularity, there is no “dead” time at Disney World anymore. However, there are certain times of the year when you’ll encounter much smaller crowds at Disney. 

In 2024, planning the best time to go to Disney World is more crucial than ever to ensure a magical experience. Our extensive data suggests that those eager to navigate the parks with ease should earmark certain periods. The mid to late January, early and late February, the beginning of March, the end of April, mid-May, the entirety of August and September, the beginning and middle of October and November, and the early days of December stand out. These intervals present the best time to go to Disney with reduced crowds, optimizing your enchanting adventure for the year.

When is Disney World Least Crowded in 2024?

Based on our data, the  least crowded times to visit Disney World in 2024 will be the following:

• January : 11th – 15th, 16th – 22nd, & 24th – 31st
• February : 1st – 14th & 21st – 28th
• March : 1st – 5th
• April : 24th – 30th
• May : 8th – 12th & 15th – 22nd
• August : 1st – 31st
• September : 1st – 30th
• October : 1st – 6th, 10th – 16th, 17th – 22nd, &  23rd – 26th
• November : 1st – 5th, 7th – 9th, & 13th – 18th
• December : 1st – 3rd & 5th – 10th

As noted above one of the easiest ways to pick the best dates to visit Disney World is to compare the cheapest Disney World ticket prices. The cheaper the tickets the more likely it is that the parks won’t be as crowded during that time of year.

Are you planning a trip to Walt Disney World?  Save up to  three hours in the parks  and up to  30% on select hotel rooms with The Park Prodigy! You can book your Walt Disney World vacation package with as little as $200 down! Request a no-obligation quote online or by calling our office at 407-630-8650.

Our team at the park Prodigy has been grabbing data, a lot of data and we created our Disney World Crowd Calendar. Very simply it helps you avoid the large crowds, and spend more time having fun. So if reasonable wait times and a lesser chance of getting run over by a stroller is your idea of a picture-perfect Disney vacation, check out the dates below.

Related post:  Complete Guide to When is Disney World Least Crowded

What is the Best Month to Visit Walt Disney World 2024?

Walt Disney World is open 365 days a year. But some months of the year are going to be less crowded than others. For example, we know that Disney during the holidays is the worst time to visit. Followed by summer. And then the Spring Break season. Based on our Disney World Crowd Calendar data, the slowest time of year for Disney World is often to visit before or right after a busier time. These are generally the times of year that offer a less crowded park experience.  

The Best Months to Visit Walt Disney World 2024

• January – Christmas time at Disney typically ends the second week of January. After all of the holiday decorations and special events end, is one of the best times to visit Disney World 2024
• February – For similar reasons as January, February hosts low crowd levels. Mostly due to a lack of special events, but also most people travel during the holidays than after them.
• August – Specifically the end of August. Most schools start their normal sessions before Labor Day. You can take advantage of the start of school season for lower crowd levels.  
• September – This is the sweet spot of the year to visit Walt Disney World. It’s in between the start of school and Halloween. September crowd levels are historically similar to January’s levels.  Plan a visit around this time with caution though! It may be wise to book your trip with travel insurance since September is hurricane season for Florida.

These have historically been the least busy times at Disney World.  But if we are being honest, you can expect your Disney vacation even in these months to feel crowded. They’re just LESS crowded than normal. We are hoping that in 2024, travel will start to slow down. This will make crowds less intense and make it an overall more enjoyable experience.

Related Post:  Complete Guide to Disney World Payment Plans

Best Time to Visit Disney World to Avoid the 2024 Crowds

So when is Disney World least crowded for guests trying to avoid large crowds? Very simply the end of August and the entire month of September. These months are considered some of the least crowded times to visit Disney World. The main reason is many families are getting their kids ready to go back to school and most summer vacations are over. For these reasons we always find the beginning of fall to be one of the best times to visit if you are trying to avoid the crowds.

We love visiting in September because there are low crowds and the Food and Wine Festival is underway. The EPCOT festivals are incredible ways for Disney adults to enjoy all of the foods and beverages from the Disney culinary teams.

When is Walt Disney World the Least Crowded 2024?

• August 28th – September 30th  

Something else to consider when planning a Disney vacation this time of year is you will be traveling during peak hurricane season. This often causes a headache when your travel plans get disrupted by weather. We highly recommend if you travel during this time of year, to invest in travel insurance for your trip.  

Depending on the week you plan to visit, families might also be able to enjoy some early Halloween celebrations at Disney World. You will also find the crowds at some of the earlier Halloween events to be less crowded which is an added benefit.

Related post:   Complete Guide to Disney for Adults

When is the Cheapest Time to go to Disney World 2024?

In 2024, the question on every traveler’s mind is, ‘When is the best time to go to Disney if I’m on a budget?’ Interestingly, the answer often overlaps with our earlier insights on less crowded periods. Walt Disney World operates with date-based pricing, meaning that ticket costs fluctuate depending on the projected demand for any given day. This system means that not only can visitors enjoy a more relaxed experience during off-peak times, but they can also potentially save on ticket prices. In essence, by aligning your visit with these periods, you can achieve a double win: avoiding dense crowds and benefiting from a more economical trip. Thus, if budgetary considerations are at the forefront of your planning, these off-peak times might represent the ideal balance between cost and experience at Disney World in 2024.

The cheapest time to visit Disney World in 2024 is often very similar to the least crowded times we just discussed. Walt Disney World has date-based prices, which can change opinions on when it is the best time for Disney World.

When is the cheapest time to go to Disney World in 2024?

• January – February
• August – September

It’s important to note that we have seen shifts in large crowds from the summer months to the fall, specifically October and November. To make up for this, Disney has been running some great promotions during the summer months of June, July, and August. Be patient and always ask your Disney travel agent if any special deals are coming up. This will allow you to save quite a bit of money on your room and Disney World Tickets .

Related post:  Guide On How to Get Cheap Disney Tickets

Best Time to Visit Walt Disney World for Special Events 2024

Walt Disney World is renowned for hosting a myriad of special events throughout the year. These events, which have surged in popularity over recent years, continue to draw large crowds to the park. From unique festivals and enchanting After Dark occasions to beloved holiday celebrations, there’s always something happening in the magic kingdom. If you’re trying to determine the best time to visit Disney World or more specifically, the best time to visit Disney World 2024 , it’s essential to take these events into account. They can significantly impact crowd levels, potentially influencing your overall experience. Let’s delve into the events at Disney World that might play a role in deciding the best times to visit Disney World during your upcoming trip.

What are the best events at Walt Disney World?

• Festival of the Arts: January 13th – February 20th, 2024
• Flower and Garden Festival: March 1st – July 1st, 2024
• Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary:  Ending March 31st, 2024
• International Food and Wine Festival: July 13th – November 18th, 2024
• Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party: August 9th – October 31st, 2024
• Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party: November 7th – December 21st, 2024
• Festival of the Holidays: November 24th – December 25th, 2024

The EPCOT festival seasons are considered to be the best time for adults to go to Disney World. If you’re looking for an overview of all the special events coming up in 2024 be sure to check out our recent Walt Disney World special events blog post.

Related post: Walt Disney World Special Events

When are the Busiest Times at Disney World 2024?

So now that we have covered the off-peak periods, let’s review the busier periods at Walt Disney World. We have found that the crowds are predictable and look to Disney World ticket prices to help us predict the busiest times at Disney World. Using this ticket data we have outlined the three worst times to visit Disney World based on crowds below.

Worst Time to go to Disney World 2024

• Spring Break Season – March & April
• Thanksgiving  – November 17th – 26th, 2024
• Christmas &  New Years – December 8th, 2024 – January 2nd, 2025

Spring break is a very busy time of year at Disney World . Very simply, if you are trying to avoid the most crowded months at Disney World, travel when the majority of the country’s schools are in session. However, if you can’t, don’t let the crowds discourage you from planning your trip. With a little help from the My Disney Experience app, you can purchase Lightning Lane or Disney Genie + attractions and make your must-do dining reservations far in advance to outsmart the crowds and make your experience much more manageable.

We understand families can’t always plan around the crowds and we still wanted to help! Whether you’re planning your next trip to experience the holidays at Disney or spring break you can use our WDW Crowd Calendar to optimize your budget as well. This option will allow you to plan around the most expensive days to visit and highlight the cheapest Disney Tickets for that month!

Related post:  What is the Disney Genie Plus Price for Disney World?

Best Time to Visit Disney World Based on Weather

Let’s be honest, the weather can make or break your Disney vacation. The best time of year to visit Disney World in 2024 in terms of weather is probably between February and April. Orlando is typically much warmer than the rest of the country year-round, as we covered in the Orlando packing guide , you’ll need a light jacket during November, December, and January.

Best Time to Visit Walt Disney World Based on Weather 2024

March and April are typically perfect t-shirt weather, which is why we consider them the best months to visit Disney World in 2024 for the weather . There is also little to no rain these months! Sure, being caught in a rainstorm isn’t the end of the world. However the rain and lightning can cause rides to shut down for extended periods. Which will disrupt all your hard work of planning ahead.

Worst Time to Visit Disney World Based on Weather 2024

Disney World weather is the worst from July to October. This is not only because of the rain but the extreme levels of humidity. Yes, be prepared for some afternoon storms that could potentially cause outdoor rides to temporarily close. And always pack an umbrella and/or rain jacket to bring with you. But also prepare to drink a lot of water to rehydrate yourself, especially after some rain!

August through October is hurricane season and can bring heavy wind and rainfall to the parks. As we saw in 2022 with Hurricane Ian, it can also cause park closures, cancellations of your dining reservations, and even your hotel reservations! If you’re visiting the theme parks during any of these months, be sure to check the predicted weather in our Disney Crowd Calendar to decide whether or not you’ll be able to take the heat.

How to Deal With Bad Weather at Walt Disney World 2024

• Plan Ahead – Bring your water to refill, ponchos, water-resistant shoes, and a change of clothes if necessary
• Take Your Time – If it is too hot, make sure to take many breaks. Florida weather can be grueling and guests can overheat quickly if you’re not being careful.
• First Aid Stations – Each Disney park has a first aid station that all Cast members can help guide you to. They will be stocked with most minor medical needs, or provide a place with air conditioning.

We also outline which Disney World Resorts we feel are best for midday breaks based on location, transportation, and budget! Depending on what’s most important to you or your family (smaller crowds, budget pricing, weather, etc.), one thing’s for sure – there’s NEVER a bad time to go to Disney World! From large crowds to scorching temperatures, there are plenty of ways to plan around certain things that are out of your control. From locking in FastPass+ selections to reserving those must-try dining locations and a whole lot more, you’re one step closer to creating memories that’ll last a lifetime!

Related post:  A Complete Guide to Genie+ at Disneyland

Best Time to Visit Disney World Winter/Spring 2024

There are a ton of advantages of visiting Walt Disney World in January which include the great weather, lower park crowds, and even cheaper Walt Disney World tickets. You and your family might even be able to take advantage of visiting the Magic Kingdom when it’s still decorated for Christmas depending on the week you visit.

The Best Time to Visit Disney World in January 2024

• January 10th – 17th & 24th – 31st

One of the main reasons is that families are all getting ready for kids to go back to school after Christmas break. It’s no secret that January has some of the best weeks to visit Disney World . Typically, right after Disney’s Marathon weekend which is the first weekend of January. If you’re unable to travel during these weeks and you are still concerned with just how busy is Disney World in January you can always visit our Disney World Crowd Calendar .

The Best Time to Visit Disney World in February 2024

• February 1st -14th

Just how busy is Disney World in February? The best weeks to go to Disney World are February 1-14th.  You’ll want to be sure to visit Walt Disney World before Presidents Day weekend if you are trying to avoid the crowds. Luckily, there are the same advantages as visiting in January such as great weather, lower park crowds, and discounted Walt Disney World tickets if you do.

If you and your family decide to visit later in the month you can check out EPCOT’s Festival of the Arts . Guests can also participate in one of the Run Disney half-princess marathon events if they miss the full Walt Disney World marathon weekend. We do find that these events have made February one of the best times for adults to visit Disney World.

The Best Time to Visit Disney World in March 2024

• March 1st – 7th

If February didn’t work for you and your family, you’re probably wondering how busy is Disney World in March. Well, March is when we first start to see the weather get warmer and schools begin to go on breaks. So it’s usually a little more crowded than January and February, especially later into March, but it’s still considered off-peak.

We find this month to be one of the best times to visit based on Disney World weather . This gives families a ton of flexibility as they can plan a few days by the pool of their favorite Disney hotel or even at a Disney water park. March also kicks off the beginning of one of our favorite festivals, the EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival.

The Best Time to Visit Disney World in April 2024

• April 24th – 30th

If the crowds at Walt Disney World start to pick up in March, you might be wondering if is April a bad time to go to Disney World. Our answer to that is there is never a bad time to go to Walt Disney World! However, if you want to avoid crowds as much as possible, we recommend the last week of the month, April 25th – May 1st.

Visiting Disney World in April is very popular among families for a few reasons. The first is another month when almost all schools with have a break which allows families to take advantage of a great vacation without taking their kids out of school. The second reason is there is so much to do including the EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival, the Disney water parks, and nights at Disney Springs.

Best Time to Visit Disney World Spring/Summer 2024

The Best Time to Visit Disney World in May 2024

• May 8th – 13th

So as school breaks start to officially wind down towards the end of April, your family might be wondering how busy is Disney in May.  Historically, May has been a slower month compared to April and the summer months. If you’re picking a full week to travel we recommend the week of May 15th – 22nd.

The middle of May has two of the best weeks to visit Disney throughout the entire year. This is because guests will have access to all of the attractions and water parks but enjoy lower crowds than in March and April. Guests can also still take advantage of the EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival. The only downside to visiting Walt Disney World in May is that this is when Florida temperatures start to go from warm to hot.

The Best Time to Visit Disney World in June 2024

• June 1st – 10th

The beginning of summer has historically been a very popular time to vacation, but is June a good time to visit Disney World?  We’ll get into the pros and cons in a minute, but the best week to visit Disney World in June is the 1st-10th. We anticipate the best day to go to Disney World in June to be the 7th or 8th.

We’re going to start with a pro because truth be told, there are a lot of cons. June and July typically give families more flexibility to take longer trips since they don’t have to worry about school. As you can probably guess, the downside is the crowds. They typically start to pick up towards the end of June and last through early August. Plus, Florida temperatures are notoriously humid in the summer.

The Best Time to Visit Disney World in July 2024

• July 24th – 31st

So when is the best time to visit Disney World in July? If you are planning a full week we recommend July 24th – 31st. One of the most interesting trends over the past few years has been more and more discounts in late July and early August than in years past. We believe this is due to people choosing to hit the beach to stay cool during those hot Florida months! For this reason, if you can grab a discounted Disney vacation package or Disney World tickets , this can be one of the cheapest times to visit Disney World.

Best Time to Visit Disney World Summer/Fall 2024

The Best Time to Visit Disney World in August 2024

• August 21st – 27th

August has always been the best summer month to visit Disney World.  So when is the best time to visit Disney World in August? If you are planning a full week, we recommend August 21st – 27th. August has typically always been the calmest summer month as many of the schools in the southern part of the United States are back in session. One of the coolest parts about August is that Disney allows you to get a head start on your Halloween celebration as the first Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party takes place around August 9th.

The Best Time to Visit Disney World in September 2024

• September 5th – 10th

September is a great time to visit Disney World if you are looking for very low crowds. Schools throughout the entire country are now back in session and it is one of the cheapest times to visit Disney World. So when is the best time to visit Disney World in September? If you are planning a full week we recommend September 5th – 10th.

Just like in August, one of the coolest parts about visiting Disney in September is the fact that you can attend Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party as well as the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival. Guests can also head over to Universal Orlando and attend one of the amazing Halloween Horror Nights events. You will also find the ticket prices for most events in September to be cheaper.

The Best Time to Visit Disney World in October 2024

• October 10th – 16th

So when is the best time to visit Disney World in October? If you are planning a full week we recommend October 10th – 16th. Crowds can pick up based on the time of the month you visit, and you will want to avoid Columbus Day weekend if possible.

October is one of our favorite times of year to visit Disney World as it is the perfect mix between warm Florida days and cool nights. This will allow you to take advantage of afternoon breaks by the pool or visiting a Disney water park. Just like in September one of the coolest parts about visiting Disney in the fall is the fact that you can attend the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival.  

Best Time to Visit Disney World Fall/Winter 2024

The Best Time to Visit Disney World in November 2024

• November 1st – 7th

Crowds are consistent all month long and pick up the week of Thanksgiving. So when is the best time to visit Disney World in November? If you are planning a full week we recommend November 1st – 7th. One of the coolest things about visiting Walt Disney World in November is you can attend both a Halloween Party and a Christmas party in the same week if you plan it right!

Just like October, this is another great month to visit Disney World as it is the perfect mix between warm Florida days and cool nights. The only downside is depending on the time of the month you visit it might be too chilly to hang by the pool.

The Best Time to Visit Disney World in December 2024

• December 1st  – 7th

There simply is nothing like visiting Disney World during the most wonderful time of the year! But when is the best time to visit Disney World in December? If you are planning a full week we recommend December 1st – 7th.

As discussed, crowds are consistent throughout the first two weeks, and continue to get worse as you get closer to the Holiday. The closer you visit towards the beginning of the month, the better. This is because many schools are still in session and crowds will still be moderate. Almost every aspect of Walt Disney World is decorated by the first week of December as well!

Best Time to Visit Disney World Tips & Tricks 2024

So, when is the best time to go to Disney World? Walt Disney World has always been an extremely popular tourist destination. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, it was relatively easy to predict when was the best time to go to Disney World. Now, things are a little bit different, especially with many families now planning their vacations. So while historically these dates and times are when Disney World is less crowded,  keep in mind that crowds and wait times may be higher than we’re used to seeing.

Planning the Best Times Visit Disney World 2024

• Planning the  best time to go to Disney World can not only save you a ton of time in the theme park but it can also save you money! Just like Universal Orlando , Disney World theme park tickets fluctuate based on the time of year, day of the week, and time of the month you visit.

So one of the easiest ways to pick the best time to visit Disney is to compare the cheapest Disney World ticket prices. The cheaper the tickets the more likely it is that the parks won’t be as crowded during that time of year.

Use a 2024 Disney World Crowd Calendar to Plan Your Next Disney Vacation

• Using a Disney World  crowd calendar can help you not only find the slowest time at Disney World . But also helps you keep down the cost of your ticket.

Using a Disney Crowd Calendar the ticket prices to find the best time to visit Disney World  could also make the difference between staying off-property and on-property at one of the  amazing Disney resorts. All on-property guests can take full advantage of special Disney World benefits including free transportation, extra time in the morning, and so much more!

Related Page: Disney World ticket deals and discounts 

Best Time to Go to Walt Disney World 2024 FAQ

Q: When is Disney World Least Crowded in 2024?

A: Based on our data, the  least crowded times to visit Disney World in 2024 will be the following:

Q: What is the Best Month to Visit Walt Disney World 2024?

A: These have historically been the least busy times at Disney World . But if we are being honest, you can expect your Disney vacation even in these months to feel crowded. They’re just LESS crowded than normal.

• September – This is the sweet spot of the year to visit Walt Disney World. It’s in between the start of school and Halloween. September crowd levels are historically similar to January’s levels. Plan a visit around this time with caution though! It may be wise to book your trip with travel insurance since September is hurricane season for Florida.

Q: When is Walt Disney World the Least Crowded 2024?

A: Very simply the end of August and the entire month of September. These months are considered some of the least crowded times to visit Disney World.

Q: When is the cheapest time to go to Disney World in 2024?

A:   The cheapest time to visit Disney World in 2024 is often very similar to the least crowded times we just discussed. Walt Disney World has date-based prices, which can change opinions on when it is the best time for Disney World .

Q: When is the Worst Time to go to Disney World 2024?

A:   We have found that the crowds are predictable and look to Disney World ticket prices to help us predict the busiest times at Disney World.

• Christmas & New Years – December 8th, 2024 – January 2nd, 2024

Q: When is the Best Time to Visit Walt Disney World Based on Weather in 2024?

A: March and April are typically perfect t-shirt weather, which is why we consider them the best months to visit Disney World in 2024 for the weather . There is also little to no rain these months! Sure, being caught in a rainstorm isn’t the end of the world. However the rain and lightning can cause rides to shut down for extended periods. Which will disrupt all your hard work of planning ahead.

Q: When is the Worst Time to Visit Walt Disney World Based on the Weather in 2024?

When is the best time to visit disney world.

Our  Disney  World Crowd Calendar  is the best tool to help you get the most out of your time in the parks. We break down park crowds, park hours of operation, ticket prices, and average temperature. We also break down   the best time to visit Disney World   based on specific times of the year and special events.

Are You Ready to Plan Your Next Disney World Trip?

Are you planning a trip to Walt Disney World? Be sure to speak with a   Disney World Travel Agent  for the most recent deals and promotions. The Park Prodigy will provide a  Free Quote  for all  Disney World Vacation Packages .  The Park Prodigy can also help you save up to $20 per ticket when purchasing your   Walt Disney World Tickets ,  and we offer promotional discounts for special events such as   Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Tickets   and  Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Tickets .

Don’t forget to check out our wonderful friends over at  Theme Park Today , as well!

Who We Recommend

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Michael Belmont

Michael Belmont is the owner and chief editor at Theparkprodigy.com, an authorized Disney and Universal travel agent. He specializes in Disney and Universal theme park tickets and vacation packages, as well as daily park plans to help optimize vacation time. Michael and The Park Prodigy have been featured on ABC’s Florida affiliate, WTFV, as well as over 10 Disney focused blogs. As owner, Michael manages The Park Prodigy blog and social media, a Disney themed podcast, and a Disney and Universal focused YouTube channel. Prior to starting The Park Prodigy, Michael was a long time Disney and Universal enthusiast, frequent visitor of the parks, and even served as a Walt Disney World Cast Member in Orlando, Florida!

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The Best Time To Take A Disney Cruise

I f your family loves Disney, a Disney cruise may be something that is on your mind. Although you won’t be experiencing any attractions or rides, you will enjoy Disney magic while experiencing the world outside of Walt Disney World. Wondering when is the best time to take a Disney cruise? Here is our guide to figuring out the best options for your family.

Disclosure: Over the years we have taken media cruises on the Disney Cruise Line, and have paid full price for many of our sailings. This post contains affiliate links (and an affiliate phone number), and if you click through or purchase through one of these links/numbers, I may be paid a commission.

When booking a Disney Cruise, I recommend booking with Get Away Today. Plus, when you mention Family Travel Magazine, you get an extra $25 in onboard credits! Give their agents a call at 877-510-2929.

When deciding the best time to take a Disney Cruise, you’ll need to look at a few factors. If you have older kids, you may be stuck with only just a few weeks of availability due to sports, work, and school commitments.

My high school/college kids are so busy that school vacations are the only times that we can travel for more than a weekend. These times are very fun to travel but are likely to be more expensive – including the airfare.

If your schedule is open, and you are looking for the best times to sail on a Caribbean/Bahamian itinerary, I’d recommend May. The weather is generally nice, it’s not one of the peak times, so prices and crowds aren’t too bad.

If you have younger children who aren’t in school yet, take advantage of that time. You also won’t have to worry about hurricane season at that point.

Pricing Considerations for Your Cruise

Pricing is one of the most important factors you should consider. As you’d expect, the peak times of the year, like holidays, spring break, and other school vacations, are when you’ll often see the highest prices.

Some discounts, for military and Florida residents, for instance, are not offered on every sailing. Flexibility in booking can allow you to save some money.

It’s not just the cruise price that you should look at. If you are flying into the port or staying either a night before or a night after your cruise, the flights and hotels may also be more expensive during school vacations and holidays. So you’ll have to weigh whether the extra cost is worth the convenience of traveling during this time.

Some families choose to combine their family cruise with a trip to the theme parks for a Disney land and sea vacation . Again, this is usually a more expensive trip during holidays and school breaks – for both the parks and the cruise line.

When booking, it’s always a good idea to book early. Disney Castaway Club members can often book early when the cruise fares and itineraries are first announced. That way, you will have your choice of stateroom categories and won’t be left with the more expensive rooms, especially if you are hoping for a more affordable room category. Interior staterooms and ocean view staterooms (porthole) can be cheaper options for your trip.

If you are already taking a cruise, making onboard bookings can save you money. Your next cruise can be booked before the end of your cruise.

You can book a placeholder if you aren’t sure what itinerary you want to experience next or don’t have your available dates handy. Keep in mind that some of those benefits may have blackout dates during holidays and special events.

Also look at the price including travel insurance. It’s always a good idea to have your vacation spending protected.

Travel insurance may also cover you if you have a medical emergency (but always check coverage) A good travel agent can help you find the best rates for your dates and may even offer onboard credit.

Crowds on Your Cruise

Like prices, crowd levels are often the highest during school vacations and holidays. Although you may only be able to travel during these busy times, it’s important to understand in advance that you’ll need to make your reservations as early as possible and arrive at the airport with plenty of time. On our last cruise, we had to fly on Christmas Day, and the airport was extremely crowded with many delays.

Once your reservation is booked, based on your Castaway Club level, you should also plan your shore excursions early. If you have an especially popular port adventure, it likely will be booked up during the busy sailings. Cabanas at Castaway Cay are especially difficult to book because the demand far exceeds the supply.

Special Events at Sea

Disney Cruise Line offers some special, themed sailings that can be so much fun. These special cruises include Halloween on the High Seas, Disney’s Very Merrytime Cruise , Marvel Day at Sea, Pixar Day at Sea, and Star Wars Day at Sea. During these sailings, you’ll experience things like a decorated cruise ship, themed shows, and special events.

Often, these sailings can be more expensive than cruises without a theme. So you’ll need to decide whether or not the special theme is worth it for your family. If you aren’t excited about the extra decor/entertainment, you may want to save money and opt for a standard cruise.

Weather/Hurricane Season

Weather is another factor in deciding the best time to take a Disney Cruise. If you are planning a Caribbean/Bahamian itinerary cruise, you’ll want to look at the average temperatures in the islands you’ll be visiting. These cruises are typically offered year-round, although the Bahamian temperatures tend to be cooler in the winter months.

I generally prefer the spring, summer, and fall months when cruising to the Bahamas. Even early December can be nice. Surprisingly, while the summer months are hot, they don’t feel too hot.

The southern Caribbean islands generally have warm temps year-round. It’s important to look at hurricane season, however. A tropical storm or hurricane can affect your sailing so you’ll want to keep this in mind if you decide to cruise in these months. My September sailing resulted in an extension of two extra days due to a hurricane in Florida.

Itineraries on the Disney Cruise Line

Some of the itineraries on the Disney Cruise Line are only offered at certain times of the year. Alaskan cruises , for example, are only offered during the late spring/summer months because of the cold weather the rest of the year.

Other limited sailings include Northern Europe and San Diego (but can vary by year). So, if you are looking to take one of those sailings, you’ll have limited options for timing.

Ages of Kids on the Disney Cruise Line

Instead of a time of year, you may be wondering what the best ages are to take a Disney Cruise with your kids. You won’t want to go when your kids are too young because they won’t be able to enjoy all of the activities and amenities.

I’d recommend waiting until your kids are old enough to enjoy the kids’ clubs. They are fantastic, and your kids will likely want to stay in the clubs for much of your time at sea. Although the regular youth clubs are open to kids 3 and up, my kids had fun in them once they were about 5 years old.

After that age, I think that any kid would enjoy sailing on the Disney Cruise Line. We recently went on a trip with our 17 and 19-year-olds, and they still have a great time sailing with Disney.

Compare itineraries and prices here .

More Disney Cruise Ships Resources: Click to read more about the Disney Cruise Line ships including restaurants, tips, itineraries, activities, and more.

The post The Best Time To Take A Disney Cruise appeared first on Family Travel Magazine .

NBA Standings 2023-24

Teams seeded 7-10 in each conference will compete in a play-in tournament at the end of the regular season.

• PCT : Winning Percentage
• GB : Games Back
• HOME : Home Record
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• DIV : Division Record
• CONF : Conference Record
• PPG : Points Per Game
• OPP PPG : Opponent Points Per Game
• DIFF : Average Point Differential
• STRK : Current Streak
• L10 : Record last 10 games
• * -- : Clinched Best League Record
• X -- : Clinched Playoff Berth
• Y -- : Clinched Division
• XP -- : Clinched Playoff - Won Play-In
• PB -- : Clinched Play-in Berth
• E -- : Eliminated From Playoff
• Z -- : Clinched Conference
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