When Should I Go To Disney World?

There are many theories on what is the best time of year to visit Walt Disney World, and there are websites and apps and charts and graphs and all kinds of information that can help you determine when the crowds will be the smallest. Even we have touched on it many times.

I know for me, crowds are only one factor in considering when to visit WDW, and here are some things to think about that will help you make the decision of “When Should I Go to Disney World?”

Consider Your Party – If you will be traveling with school age children to Walt Disney World, then timing becomes a huge factor, and you have to decide if it’s worth pulling them out of school to go when WDW Is less busy (like in the early fall or winter months), or do you brave the spring break crowds? Many parents believe it is well worth the lower cost and lesser crowds and do opt to pull children out of school for a WDW vacation, but there are many people who believe the opposite is true, so that’s really a personal choice you and your family have to make for yourselves. If you will be traveling with a large party, or are looking to save a little money, then the value seasons’ will be better for you cost wise, and the Disney Resorts are cheapest during the months of January-Mid February, and the end of August/Early September.

Florida Weather – Orlando weather is not the most predictable thing, and they see their fair share of rain and thunderstorms, especially during the summer months and hurricane season, which can be anytime from May through October. During these months you can expect humid, hot days with afternoon showers, so I recommend you bring along a poncho, and consider some rainy day activities so the rain won’t ruin your day!

Special Events – Even if you pick a random time when all children are in school and there are no holidays, there might be some special events occuring at the Parks that will draw larger than normal crowds. Disney sponsors marathons and 5k races, an annual garden festival, and an annual food and wine festival, among other things. Check out the WDW Special Events page for more information and specific dates and locations for these events. Some of these were started to ramp up Park attendance during the value seasons, and they have worked as they are all wildly popular!

Holidays – This one might be kinda obvious, but the crowd levels will be higher around major holidays like Christmas, Easter, and New Year’s. What might surprise you is that even smaller holidays like Columbus Day or Veteran’s Day will tend to draw larger local crowds – there are plenty of people who live nearby and might want to take a long weekend at Disney during these weekends, so keep that in mind too! Not only are the holidays crowded, but they tend to be pricey – with Resort costs being higher during these times. That being said, there really is nothing like Disney at Christmastime, or ringing in the New Year in the Magic Kingdom

Once you settle on when to go, you can start all your other planning!

Personally, I love Disney at any and all times of year, and I grew up going during the crowded spring break months, so I am more used to the crowds. That being said, for me, the ideal time of year would be September – when the fall decor is up and I can spend some time in the Halloween spirit at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.

What do you think – when is the best time of year is to go to WDW?

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