How to Choose the Best Time to Visit Disney World

Planning a trip to Disney World?

One of the first decisions you make will be when you want to go.  Your initial thoughts may be to avoid the crowds, but it’s not quite that simple.  Picking the “right” week depends on your family’s priorities, needs, and schedules.  Here’s how to choose the best time to visit Disney World for your family.

There are several factors you should consider when choosing your travel dates:

• Work/School Schedules
• Holidays/Seasonal Events/Special Occasions
• Debuts and Refurbishments
• Prices
• Weather
• Crowds
• Park Hours

As far as work and school go, you know which dates are open for a vacation.  It’s up to you whether you’d prefer to use existing holiday breaks or take some time off for fun.

Here’s what you should factor in when it comes to Disney World.

Holidays/Seasonal Events/Special Occasions

If there is a specific event you’re looking forward to, or you’d like to celebrate a special occasion while you’re there, you’ve already narrowed down your dates.  Here are some popular events to enjoy:

• Spring Break
• Epcot Festivals: Festival of the Arts, Flower & Garden Festival, Food & Wine Festival
• Halloweentime
• Christmastime

Check the dates of seasonal events so you know your travel window.  Remember that Disney celebrates holidays like Halloween and Christmas over the course of several weeks – this means you have the opportunity to visit during less crowded times and still get in the spirit of things.

Also, don’t worry if you can’t plan a trip directly on a special occasion.  It can be just as much fun to celebrate your birthday or anniversary at a later/earlier date- it’s like getting a second birthday!

Debuts and Refurbishments

If you’re looking forward to the grand opening of a specific attraction or land (such as Pandora – The World of Avatar), do some research to find out the opening dates.  The first weeks of a new attraction can be very busy, so try to visit after the initial hype has died down for less crowds.

Many of Disney’s refurbishments occur during the off-season, typically centered on Jan – Feb.  However, attractions are periodically closed throughout the year as well, and may not be announced until after you’ve booked your trip.  Work with a vacation planner who specializes in Disney travel to get the most up-to-date information.

Keep in mind that debut and refurbishments dates can change due to unforeseen events.  It can be disappointing to learn your favorite attraction will be closed during your trip, but remember that there can always be a “next time”!

Prices

Ticket prices and resort rates fluctuate throughout the year, so knowing the best time to go can really make a difference in your budget.

Disney Resorts offer different categories for pricing: Value, Fall, Regular, Summer, Peak, and Holiday.  For example, a Standard View room at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside would cost $213 during a Value season and up to $323 during a Holiday season (before any discounts).

Rates are at their highest during the week between Christmas and New Year’s.

Rates are also higher on Friday and Saturday night stays.

Discounts are offered throughout the year on select dates, so if you see a great deal be sure to book it (there are typically only a limited number of rooms at those prices).

You’ll find the best rates in January, February, September, November, and early December (with the exception of holiday weekends).

You’ll also find great rates in May, late August, and October.

Work with your vacation planner to navigate the pricing to find the best value for your family.

Weather

Florida is known for its heat, rain, and humidity, so be sure to take weather into account when planning your trip.

Temperatures in Florida typically range from the 50’s to the upper 90’s.  As expected, the highest temperatures are from June through August (90+ degrees).  If you’re sensitive to heat, or just don’t like the humidity, try to avoid those months.  On the other hand, if you’re looking for a beach vacation, it can get a little cool January through March and November through December.

Rainy season in Florida occurs from late May through mid-October.  April and November have the lowest rainfall.

If you’re concerned about hurricane season, it runs from June 1 – November 30, peaking between early August and the end of October.  Because Orlando is located in central Florida, it is rarely affected (although it can bring rain).  If you’re traveling during these months I highly recommend purchasing travel insurance to give you peace of mind.

The best months overall for weather are April, May, and October.

Crowds

The general rule for crowds at Disney World is this: if school is out of session, the parks will be crowded.  This includes Spring Break, summer vacation, and any long weekends or holidays.

Crowds are also higher on the weekends than during the weekdays.

The most crowded weeks at Disney World are the week leading up to Easter and the week between Christmas and New Year’s.  If you can avoid visiting during those weeks I recommend it.

The best times for the least crowds are as follows:

• mid-January – late February
• first three weeks in May
• late August – September
• mid-November – mid-December

This gives you a wide range of dates to visit.  Again, a vacation planner can assist you in both choosing dates with the least amount of crowds and creating an itinerary that will help you avoid any crowds to begin with!

Park Hours

The last thing to consider is park hours.  If you’re the type of family who likes to stay late into the night enjoying fireworks and attractions, be aware that park hours are shorter during the off-season.

Hours peak during Spring Break, the summer, and Christmastime.  They can range from 9-5 to 9-midnight, depending on the park.

Hours are typically later on weekends than during the week.

 

Choosing the Best Time to Visit Disney World

Putting it all together, the best time for your family to visit Disney World depends on your priorities.

Are you set on visiting during a specific event or holiday?  Or are you stuck traveling when the kids are out of school?  Try to pick dates during the weekdays or during less crowded weeks.

Looking to avoid crowds all together?  Visit during January or February for the lowest crowds, or pick a trip in May, late August, September, or November.

Overall, the best times to visit Disney World are early May, September, and November.  The weather is warm, crowds are low, there’s tons to do, and you’ll find plenty of value in your vacation packages.

 

I hope this helps you narrow down the best dates for your trip.  If you have any questions, feel free to send me an email at jtullino@themouseexperts.com!

 

Ready for your next Disney trip? Let me help design your dream Disney vacation! I offer stress-free vacation planning, personalized itineraries, 1-on-1 concierge services, and more at no cost to you. Request a free, no-obligation quote through my web form, email me at jtullino@themouseexperts.com, or call me at (321) 222-DSNY. I’d love to help your plan your most memorable vacation yet!