Once you’ve decided to plan your first visit to Walt Disney World the natural next questions is: “When”?!
I think that any day is a GREAT day to visit Disney but I definitely have my favorite times to visit. If you came to this post helping I’d give you specific dates that are the best times to go, I’m afraid I’m going to disappoint you. I really believe that, depending on what you’re looking for in a vacation, there are many “best” times to visit Disney World.
Let’s look at what you can expect during different months of the year as far as crowds, weather, special events and other factors and hopefully that will give you an idea what the best time for you to visit Disney world is.
January and Early February: The first week of the year tends to be very busy with guests still on holiday. With the exception of MLK Jr. and President’s Day week/weekend the rest of January and February are fairly slow times to visit. The weather can be very unpredictable, however, but is typically on the colder side, especially in January. The beginning of the year is a popular time for refurbishments and there is usually only one water park open. The low crowds and temperate weather make it a nice time to visit, however.
Late February/Early March: In my opinion this is one of my favorite times to visit. The crowds are still fairly low and the weather is starting to warm up but it’s certainly not too hot yet! Epcot’s International Flower and Garden Festival usually kicks off in early March, and it is a wonderful experience. From the beautiful topiaries to the delicious food and drink it is a wonderful way to spend the day. Again, lower crowds and mild weather, along with the Flower and Garden Festival add to the appeal of a late winter visit.
March, April and May: Crowds are starting to pick up and the weather is getting warmer, but it’s certainly not as hot and humid as it is during the summer. Again, you’ve got the International Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot, which is a huge draw. Easter week is typically very, very busy with high crowd levels. While I’m lumping the spring together for the most part there are certainly better weeks to visit if you are hoping to avoid major crowds. That’s where seeking the help of a World of Magic Travel Services agent, the preferred agency of Chip and Co., can come in handy!
June, July, August: This is the busy season at Walt Disney World. Children are out of school, families are planning vacations and the weather is HOT! This is also the time of year when you are bound to see rain shower (albeit short ones – usually) daily. Crowd levels are also very high and wait times for popular attractions (and even some of the less popular ones) can be very long. That said, a summer vacation at Walt Disney World will always remind me of my childhood and there is something nostalgic about trying to eat a Mickey Bar faster than it will melt!
September: The crowds are significantly lower once school is back in session! The weather is still pretty hot, however, and the chance of rain showers still high. If it were me, I’d avoid early September and look at late September into early October. That said, with a little planning you can avoid the heat of the day while still experiencing everything Walt Disney World has to offer. Typically Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party kicks off in September as well. This is a hard ticket event but an awesome experience (and gives adults the chance to dress up as their favorite Disney characters!).
October: This is a wonderful month to visit! First, the International Food and Wine Festival is happening at Epcot and it’s a must-do! This is a free event, with park admission, and one of my favorite things about a fall visit. Second, Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is in full swing. Again, this is a hard ticket event that takes place at Magic Kingdom on select nights. It’s the chance to meet some not often seen characters and experience Halloween Disney-style. Crowds are lower and the weather is become less steamy! There is not one bad thing I can think of when it comes to an October visit.
November: Thanksgiving at Walt Disney World, need I say more?! Early November will see lower crowds (and the parks already decorated for Christmas) while late November tends to be very busy with guests visiting for the holidays. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party also starts near the beginning of the month. Like the Halloween Party this is a hard ticket event but so worth it! Disney certainly knows how to celebrate the holidays! The weather this time of year is beautiful. One of my first visits to WDW as a young child was in mid-November and that time of year will always hold a special place in my heart.
December: The holiday season is a wonderful time to visit Walt Disney World. The weather is moderate (about as perfect as Florida weather can get!) and the parks look amazing. There is no better way to celebrate the holidays! That said, while there are moderate crowds in early/mid December, the later we get into the month the busier and busier the parks get. Expect Magic Kingdom to reach capacity on Christmas Day (and again on New Years Eve). You can also catch Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and the Osborne Lights this month! And the last week or so before Christmas Disney allows everyone to experience the magic of the holidays without a special ticket with the holiday parade and fireworks show being the norm from about the 19th or 20th of December through the holidays!
Think you’ve narrowed down the best time for your family to visit? Let me help you plan that first trip, dream vacation! I am a Travel Magician with World of Magic Travel, the preferred agency of Chip and Co and the Disney Addicts! Email me today at alissa@worldofmagictravel.com to start planning your “Magical” vacation!
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