The Best Times to Visit Walt Disney World Resort
If you’re planning your next Walt Disney World Resorts trip, you already know that it’s a significant investment. Beyond the time spent preparing and traveling, the average family of four will spend a whopping $6,033 on a typical visit. It’s no wonder most families want to get the most out of their trip.
In other words, planning your vacation at the right time can sometimes make or break your trip. The decision depends on whether you’re prioritizing good weather, a less crowded Disney World adventure, or special events. With a bit of careful planning, you may be able to strike a balance between all three!
No matter your preference, let’s take a look at the best times of year for a Disney World trip.
The Best Times for Good Weather
Florida is called the Sunshine State for good reason: you’ll often enjoy sunny skies no matter when you visit. Of course, the state is also prone to the occasional bad weather, including tropical storms and severe downpours. Toss in the extreme heat of mid-summer, and you have a recipe for chaos!
To increase your chances of mild weather, your trip planning should consider Florida’s climate.
If you want comfortable temperatures and low humidity, the best time of year for Disney World is from November to May. Traveling during the fall to spring seasons lets you avoid most of hurricane season, which runs from June to the end of November. You’ll also avoid the sweltering summer temperatures.
Often, the temperatures from November to May will range from 50-70 degrees Fahrenheit during these months. Keep in mind that these temperatures can change fast! You’ll still want a mix of cool, breathable fabrics and light sweaters.
The Best Times for Fewer Crowds
If you’d like to enjoy a less crowded Disney World, your trip planning should focus on the off-season months.
You can expect heavy crowds on weekends and around school breaks or vacations. On days around holidays like Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, visitors often surge. Summer vacation also brings a lot of traffic through the parks.
On the other hand, experienced trip planners advise planning your Disney World vacation at these times for fewer crowds:
Mid-January to Mid-February
Not only do these months bring mild weather, but you’ll also enjoy milder crowds. Avoid visiting until after Martin Luther King, Jr. day to avoid a holiday surge. By Presidents’ Day weekend in February, crowds will rise back to their peak.
Late April to Early June
Despite the adage about April showers, these months tend to be sunny and mild in Orlando. As long as you plan your Disney World trip after spring break, which most schools celebrate in the first half of April, you’ll see fewer families and students in the park.
June is the beginning of the peak summer season in Disney World, but you’ll often enjoy an emptier park experience as long as you sneak your trip in early.
Mid-September to Mid-November
By mid-September, most U.S. schools are back in session, which often leaves the parks less crowded. International visitors, however, may still be getting in their last Disney World vacations during this time.
October and November are the beginning of the off-season at Disney World. Avoid late November, however, as visitors often arrive in droves around Thanksgiving and the run-up to Christmas. These periods also tend to have the highest prices of the season.
The Best Times for Special Events
If you’re hoping to plan your Walt Disney World Resorts trip around a major celebration, be sure to check the special events calendar! The parks host a variety of parties, festivals, and other events throughout the year.
Some events, like Star Wars: Galactic Nights, occur year-round. Others, like the ones below, happen on a seasonal basis.
January-April Events
In the early months of the year, Disney World hosts several running events, including the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend and the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend. The Epcot International Festival of the Arts, which runs from January to February, is a great event for art enthusiasts of any kind. Disney’s springtime event, the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, is a great way to celebrate the new spring blooms.
May-August Events
During the longer days of late spring and summer, Disney World includes plenty of late-night events. After Hours sessions at various parks give visitors a chance to meet beloved characters and ride fun attractions. For foodies, the best time of year for Disney World is the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, which begins in August.
September-December Events
If you want to plan your Disney World trip around your favorite late-year holiday, you’re not alone! Halloween enthusiasts won’t want to miss the After Hours Boo Bash, which runs from September to October. Thanksgiving and Christmas are great times for Holidays at Disney Hot Springs, Disney Very Merriest After Hours, and the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays.
Plan Your Walt Disney World Resorts Trip
When you’re hoping to make the most of every minute on your Walt Disney World Resorts trip, planning is key. The tips above can help you find a balance between the best times for great weather, low crowds, and your favorite special events.
This can be a tough juggling act, but you don’t have to do it alone!
Our travel experts at Finding the Magic Travel love helping vacationers create the travel experience of their dreams. Whether you’re dying to see a specific event or you want tips on reserving outside of peak season, we’ll guide you along the way. Request more information today or contact us with specific questions.