Probably the most asked question of me is: When is the best time of year to visit Walt Disney World?
And, I reluctantly reply: There is no “one” best time of year to visit.
So, I’m the asked: Well, when do YOU like to go?
And if you lean in close, I’ll let you in on my secret little pockets of time when Walt Disney World is at its most enjoyable.
January and February
A lot of people tell you to avoid holiday weekends. And usually, I agree. But the weekends and holidays in January and February are usually low key compared to other times of the year. And weekdays? Can you say “Walk on rides all day long?” They also typically draw locals and Annual Passholders. And locals and Annual Passholders know their way around the parks. They’re efficient. They’re patient (because they know they’ll be back soon.) They’re helpful and friendly. It’s one of my favorite times to year to chat up a local and get their best tips and tricks.
Pros
- The weather is cooler than the summer months.
- Value pricing for resorts and tickets.
- The park hours are perfect for mid-day lovers – they don’t open super early and aren’t open super late.
- Crowds levels are moderate to low most days.
Cons
- Cooler weather also can bring downright cold weather. Some days (and many nights) you’ll have to bundle up.
- Pricing can be hit or miss depending on holidays and special events. Pay close attention.
- The most popular rides may be closed due to maintenance, updating and refurbishing.
- If you have children, they may have to miss school to make the trip worthwhile.
- Unless you’re a polar bear, the water parks are chilly (and sporadically closed for refurbishing) this time of year.
- Early birds and night owls will not like the mid-day heavy park hours.
May
During one of our homeschooling years we visited in early May and fell in love all over again. This is probably the best time of the year to visit Walt Disney World in the Mouseterplanner’s Family opinion. The weather is warm but not scorching. Crowd levels are manageable. And, it’s extra beautiful with the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival still in full swing. Even until the end of May, crowds are still easy to navigate. Schools in our state release the Friday before Memorial Day weekend. We visited Memorial Day weekend and the week after. I was bracing myself – my husband was going to be miserable. He hates crowds. But except for Sunday and Monday of the holiday weekend, it was actually pretty nice. When I asked a Cast Member about the “low” crowds he snickered and said, “It’s the lull before the storm.”
Pros
- Low to moderate crowds.
- EPCOT’s Flower & Garden Festival
- Reasonable resort and ticket rates.
- The weather hasn’t gotten too uncomfortable yet.
- Perfect time of year to visit the water parks.
- Most attractions are available.
- Park hours are longer and plentiful.
Cons
- Your kids may not be out of school and taking out this time of year may be difficult.
- Crowd levels tend to build the later in the month.
September
Avoiding Labor Day weekend (and even that weekend isn’t so bad) September is a low crowd, low price time to go. But again, if you have to take kids out of school, especially just as school has started, you may not be able to swing it. Plus, this is hurricane season. There’s no predicting what you’ll run into but you can check out the National Weather Service for their best guess. And it’s HOT. But pack the right stuff, and you’ll be good to go. That said, my daughter and I had a girls only trip in September and it’s one of my favorite trips. We typically spend a week at a time. This was a trip that we were able to do everything we wanted and then do it again and again and again.
Pros
- Low crowd levels.
- Value prices for resorts and tickets
- Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party has started
- Great time to visit the two water parks: Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon.
Cons
- Weather can be VERY hot and steamy. And of course, there’s hurricane season.
- The heat can take a lot out of you so you’ll need to plan mid-day rests at the resort.
- Did I mention it can be very hot this time of year?
November and December
Yes. You read that right. During some of Disney’s busiest times of year (Thanksgiving and Christmas – New Year’s) comes some of Disney’s quietest times of year. My boys and I took a trip the week before Thanksgiving and it was amazing. Cool, comfortable and easy to navigate through the crowds. Then my daughter’s class performed at the Candlelight Processional in early December. Same experience. Awesome.
Pros
- You have to time it right: first three weeks of November or first 2 weeks of December.
- Weather is very comfortable.
- Holiday decorations are up at the parks and resorts. A beautiful time to go!
Cons
- Have kids? Yet another time you’ll have to take them out of school.
- Prices can vary depending on how you time it.
There you have it – some of the absolute best times of the year to visit Walt Disney World.
When is YOUR favorite time to go?
