People from all around the globe like to visit Walt Disney World – families, tour groups, couples, friends, and even individuals. The FastPass+ system has helped cut down wait times at many rides, but if you’re just hoping to enjoy the Most Magical Place on Earth without wading through huge crowds, when’s the best time to go? A lot depends on what you like best about your visit, and/or which events you’re willing to brave a crowd for. Almost any month of the year has some advantages and disadvantages to visiting.
January – The weather will be cool and mild, and the crowds are typically low. Early in the month, Christmas decorations will still be up, so you can enjoy the magic without the hustle and bustle. Prices are typically lower, and FastPasses and dining reservations are easier to get. You WILL still need to make those advanced dining reservations to ensure you get the dining venues and experiences you want. And, usually the second weekend of the month will bring an influx of runners and their families and friends for the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend. Downsides – some rides may be closed for refurbishment, park hours may be reduced, and it may feel too cool for swimming, even in WDW resort heated pools, visits during the Marathon weekend can make securing room reservations difficult.
February – Weather in central Florida will still be cool and mild and may require a heavier jacket at night. Crowds are lowest at the beginning of the month, and couples love to visit around Valentine’s Day. Just after the holiday come the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend, and President’s Day Weekend which draw crowds. Downsides – expect park hours to continue to be reduced in some parks, swimming to still be less comfortable, and large crowds/long waits during President’s Day weekend, visits during the Half-Marathon may make coveted room selections at resorts harder to obtain, and Disney transportation on the weekend may suffer delays.
March – Spring means cool mornings and evenings, but warm, comfortable days. Crowds begin to pick up (think moderate crowds) with the opening of the International Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot, and can be large crowds if Easter comes early in the year, bringing Spring Break crowds. Due to the Flower and Garden Festival, you’ll want to be sure to make advanced dining reservations for any table service meals at Epcot. And FastPasses will help reduce wait times, even when crowds are larger. Downsides – Spring Break crowds can be among the largest. If Easter and Spring Break join St. Patrick’s day celebrations, March can be a very busy, crowded time.
April – Temperatures start to climb, and sunscreen is a must, though a poncho should also be close at hand, as pop-up showers are common. The International Flower and Garden Festival continues, and Spring Break and Easter usually fall in April, meaning larger crowds. Be sure to use FastPasses, advanced dining reservations, and extra magic hours to your advantage during April. Downsides -Lines will be long for the most popular attractions. Make an effort to visit those early in the day so your wait time will be shorter.
May – It almost feels like summer in May at Walt Disney World! Wear warm-weather clothing, drink plenty of water, and be sure to wear sunscreen! 2015 will have what we’re told is the last Expedition Everest Challenge run, so there will be a moderate crowd of runners for this 5K plus Scavenger Hunt. But May also means Star Wars Weekends at Hollywood Studios, which come on the heels of the closing of the International Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot mid-month. Moderate crowds and shorter lines will be in evidence near the end of the month as the nation’s public schools finish up. Single rider lines can help to reduce wait times on some rides. Downsides – rainstorms in the afternoons mean that ponchos will be needed. If you’re not afraid to get a little wet, most attractions carry on as usual, and lines reduce. Or, you can make plans to return to the resort each afternoon for a little down time. Once the storm passes, you can hop in the pool!
June – School is out, and it’s hot! Crowds are large, and during peak season, reservations for resorts are at a premium both in terms of availability and pricing. Visits to the Walt Disney World water parks – Typhoon Lagoon, and Blizzard Beach may help make the visit comfortable. Make use of extra magic hours, and the all-important FastPasses, and secure advanced dining reservations early. Downsides -those afternoon showers will be in full-force, and wait times will definitely be long.
July – Hottest and most crowded time of the year. Many parks may reach capacity during July. If you’ve booked your stay earlier in the year, you or your travel agent should check promotions to be sure you’re getting the best value before you travel. Parks generally have extended hours at this time of year, but you’ll want to make use of the FastPass system as well as advanced dining reservations. This is the best time of year to enjoy the cool and the water rides. You might also head to the parks early in the morning, and return to your resort for an afternoon nap or dip in the pool, then return to parks when the hottest part of the day has passed. Downsides -even those who don’t usually burn can be caught off-guard by the Florida sun in July. Sunblock is a must! Stay hydrated, as well! Counter-service locations in the parks will give you a free cup of ice water, just request it!
August – Still hot, hot, hot! Enjoy those indoor attractions, and the water parks. Crowd levels will continue to be high until schools start at mid-month. Enjoy the long park hours as parks will likely open early and stay open late. FastPasses are still a must, and finding cool places or activities at mid-day is recommended. Downsides – August is hurricane season, so this may affect your travel plans. Be sure to invest in travel insurance to help avoid any real problems with this. Afternoon showers are now hot and wet, and sometimes torrential. Be prepared with ponchos, umbrellas, or alternative plans.
September – Hot, but growing more comfortable. Crowds begin to thin as most children are back in school. Weekends are still very popular times to visit, so expect larger crowds then. Several events begin or take place during September, including the beginning of Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, and Night of Joy, a Christian music festival. Check those promotions for your stay as room discounts, and dining discounts, or even free dining are often offered during the fall. Downsides – while it may feel like fall in some sections of the country, the sun can still be brutal in central Florida. Sunscreen is important. If Free Dining is offered during your stay, you’ll want to be sure you have advanced dining reservations, or table service meals will be almost impossible to come by. Some rides may be closed as this is an off-season. Be sure to check on your favorites before you arrive.
October – Mild to moderate temperatures and moderate crowds make October a wonderful time to visit Walt Disney World. Exciting events like the continuation of Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, and the beginning of Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival mean that there’s a lot to see and do. Visit water rides during the warmest part of the day, and bear in mind that Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party requires its own ticket for participation. With the Free Dining promotion, you’ll want to be sure you secure your advanced dining reservations. Decorations at Magic Kingdom, and food and wine offerings and demonstrations at Epcot make this a wonderful time to visit. Downsides – some rides or attractions may be closed for refurbishment. Occasionally, participants at the International Food and Wine Festival at Epcot get a little less than family-friendly, so make plans to visit World Showcase at Epcot during the day if you have young children.
November – Temperatures begin to drop. Though it may still be warm during the day, nights can be cool, so be sure you have jackets. Sunscreen will still be needed during the day. Lots of events: Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party continues for a short time, the International Food and Wine Festival continues, along with the Eat to the Beat concert series, Epcot’s Wine and Dine Half Marathon takes place near the beginning of the month, and then everything turns toward Christmas with Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom, Holidays Around the World and the Candlelight Processional at Epcot, The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Hollywood Studios, and Mickey’s Jingle Jungle 5K at Animal Kingdom. Decorations are up and stunning! Crowds increase around Thanksgiving. Downsides – Separate tickets or reservations are usually needed for events. Crowds for the Wine and Dine Half Marathon can be large.
December – Cooler temperatures, and holiday decorations make this a wonderful time to visit Disney. Crowds can be large, however. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom, Holidays Around the World and the Candlelight Processional at Epcot, The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Hollywood Studios continue. Crowds are at their peak, and parks may reach capacity on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Downsides -Make dining reservations well in advance. The closer your travel dates are to Christmas week, the more difficult it will be to secure reservations. The Disney Transportation System will be operating at peak capacity. Be sure to allow extra time to reach your destination. Resort pools are heated, but it may still be too cold to swim comfortably in December.
So there are my tips for visiting Walt Disney World throughout the year! I hope they help to make your next visit as magical as it can be!
I’m Jeri and I’m a Disney Addict! I’m also an Independent Travel Agent with World of Magic Travel Services, the preferred agency of Chip and Co. and Disney Addicts. I’d love to help you book your magical vacation at Walt Disney World and help you navigate all the ins and outs of each month! You can contact me today at jeri@worldofmagictravel.com.
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