Disney World crowd levels – when is the best time to go to Disney World?
When is the best time to go to Disney World?
Making the decision to take your family on their dream vacation to the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida is just the start; there are many decisions you will need to take and perhaps the most important is when is the best time to go to Disney World. The Resort is one of the most popular vacation destinations and every day hundreds of thousands of people flock to the four theme parks. You’ll never find a time when the parks are so empty that you get them to yourselves, but you will find that some times of year are better than others for you and your family.
Personally we think the best time to go to Disney World are the first two weeks of November. We love this time of year because the crowd levels are low and the weather is warm enough for shorts and swimming but not hot enough that you melt when you step outside! Of course you might not be able to take your vacation in November, and besides if everyone did the crowds wouldn’t be low anymore 
So read on and I’ll give you the lowdown on each and every calendar month so you can decide on the best time of year to visit Disney World for you and your family.
Here’s the lowdown on the best weeks to visit Disney throughout the year:
Busiest Weeks to Visit Disney:
- Christmas Day through New Year’s Day
- Thanksgiving weekend
- President’s Day weekend
- Memorial Day weekend
- College Spring Break (April)
- Two weeks around Easter
- Summer months – June, July and August
Best time to go to Disney – Disney World quiet times:
- Week after Thanksgiving until the week before Christmas
- November up until Thanksgiving
- September and October
- January 4 until the first week in February
- Week after Easter until early June
Why January could be the best time to go to Disney
The first week in January can be quite busy because lots of people like to celebrate the New Year at Walt Disney World. However, after about the 7th of the month it starts to quieten down. One thing you need to keep in mind is that low crowds brings shorter opening hours, but since you should be able to see and do more during the day you don’t need to worry if the parks close earlier in the evening.
If you love to run then you might want to consider taking part in the Disney World Marathon; if you don’t want to go anywhere near exercise on your vacation then make sure you find out the dates of the marathon as you will need to avoid the Magic Kingdom on that weekend.
Why February could be the best time to go to Disney
From the start of the month through to President’s Day Weekend is one of the least crowded periods at Disney World. As you would expect the crowds build over the Holiday weekend but then diminish again for the last two weeks.
If you are looking for an affordable Disney world vacation then the first two weeks in February are the cheapest time of the year to travel. Room rates increase by about 40-50% over the Holiday weekend and then stay that way until the Easter period.
The weather in February can be cool and variable and you should expect to see some rain. Don’t let this put you off though as rain can be a great thing at Disney as it keeps the crowds away, all you need is a poncho and then go relive your childhood and play in the rain You should also keep in mind that because this is a low crowd month Disney often takes advantage of this to refurbish some of the attractions. You will also find that one of the water parks is closed at this time of year, but it’s probably too cold for swimming anyway!
Why March could be the best time to go to Disney
If Easter falls during March then this month can be one of the busiest months of the year, it can also be quite expensive. However, the weather is improving and becoming warmer and the refurbishments are usually finished. If you have children then March might be the best time for you to visit Disney as you may wish to take advantage of Spring Break.
The Epcot Flower and Garden Festival usually kicks off in early March and the topiaries of Disney characters are absolutely wonderful.
Why April could be the best time to go to Disney
As for March, depending on when Easter falls April can be busy and the room rates continue to be expensive. However, the weather is probably the best it can be all year. The Epcot Flower and Garden Festival continues through April which is a great time to visit Epcot.
Why May could be the best time to go to Disney
The first three weeks of May usually have quite low crowd levels and the weather is warming up so it’s great if you like the sun. The main downside of travelling to Disney World at this time of year is the May Bugs which will splatter all over your windshield!
Room prices and crowd levels start to rise just ahead of Memorial Day. If you want to check out the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival then it’s still going on in May.
Why June could be the best time to go to Disney
Come June the crowd levels have started to build as have the prices and the temperatures! As long as you know how to beat the lines then you don’t need to worry about the crowd levels though.
Why July and August could be the best time to go to Disney
Hundreds of thousands of visitors flock to Disney World to celebrate the Fourth of July weekend and from this point on the crowd levels, temperature and humidity build right through to the end of August. Of course with high crowd levels come longer opening hours so you can spend longer in the parks. If you travel at this time of the year then you really need to be up and at the park gates early to get a head start on the crowds.
Why September could be the best time to go to Disney
Once Labor Day weekend is over, September becomes one of the quietest months of the year and the hotel room rates drop to their lowest levels too.
The two best reasons to visit Disney World in September are the Mickey’s Not so Scary Halloween Party which is a hard ticket event held at the Magic Kingdom, and also in recent years Disney has offered a free dining promotion to encourage visitors.
Of course the downside of visiting during September is the risk of hurricanes! Again don’t let the rain put you off, just grab a poncho and go enjoy the low crowds at the parks.
Why October could be the best time to go to Disney
The second half of October has near-perfect weather (if the hurricanes stay away), low crowds and moderate room rates making it a great time of year to visit. You will also get the chance to attend one of the Mickey’s Not so Scary Halloween Parties which are not to be missed.
Why November could be the best time to go to Disney
As I’ve said before the first two weeks in November are my favourite time of year to visit the parks and I think they are hands down the best time to go to Disney. The crowds and the room rates are low and the weather is perfect. The other great thing about this time of year is that in the first couple of days Disney removes the Halloween decorations and starts decorating for Christmas. Another party comes to the Magic Kingdom in the form of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party where you can meet Mickey and his friends in their Holiday attire.
Crowds and prices pick up as Thanksgiving approaches.
Why December could be the best time to go to Disney
Crowd levels and room rates are low at the beginning of the month and as you would expect pick up as you move closer to Christmas. The Christmas festivities are in full swing with not only the Magic Kingdom Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party but also the Candlelight Professional over at Epcot.
What about the weather?
Best weather months (average daily temps):
- October (late hurricane season – chance of rain) – (75)
- November (68)
- February (62)
- March (67)
- April (72)
Warmest weather months (average daily temps):
- May (77)
- June (81)
- July (82)
- August (82)
- September (82)
Mildest months (average daily temps):
- December (62)
- January (61)
There is a risk of rain at any time due to the tropical climate; usually in the form of scattered thunderstorms. You can expect most rain during the summer months (June to September) though this can be a welcome relief from the heat – a full day of rain is unusual.
More detailed Walt Disney World weather information can be found here.
Travelling in low season
While the weather may be more manageable there are some downsides to travelling in off-season. The parks usually don’t open until 9am and then tend to close earlier than in the summer months (9 or 10pm). Some attractions close for refurbishment during this time – and during the months of November through March only one water park is open instead of two. However the low crowd levels make it easier to tour the parks and lines are definitely shorter.
So there you have it – the best times to visit Disney World
Use this information on the best time to go to Disney to help you plan your vacation, but don’t worry if you have to travel during peak season because you have kids in school you can still have an enjoyable trip.
Source: Thanks to The Unofficial Guide® to Walt Disney World® 2010 (Unofficial Guides) for the information included in this update. If you are interested in crowd levels for specific weeks of the year to help you decide on the best time to go to Disney then be sure to pick up a copy of this book.
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What’s the weather like at Walt Disney World?
In a previous article I talked about the best times of year to visit Walt Disney World – covering crowd levels and briefly touching on the weather.
Today I thought I’d share some more detailed information about the weather you might experience at different times of the year. The good news is that thanks to the [...]
I have been to Disneyland but have not made it to the south east states yet. One of the many things on my to do list
. Great details about visiting though and will put a link across from my travel site.
Anne
I’ve never been to the USA so when I go and as I want to see Disney World, I will be sure to make it around November
Michael Pedzotti recently posted..Guess who is guest posting
Hi Clare,
I have not been to Disneyland or Disney World but I do have a daughter who has \’requested\’ that we go, many times.
The way that you have set out all the details regarding what month to go, the weather and other great information is very useful.
I will be back to visit your blog again soon.
Take care.
Robyn
Thank you for the invaluable information. I\’m probably one of 2 people in the USA who has never been to Disney World. My kids went with their dad and were satisfied to not want a second trip… Oh well, at least it\’s something to keep in mind when I have the time to get away. I have already noted your recommendations and will look at it again when possible. You put a lot of effort into your post and I thank you!
Best,
Elizabeth
ElizOF recently posted..Yoga Love- Learn to Add Balance to Your Life…
Hi Clare,
You have put together the ultimate when to go guide for Disney World. I have bookmarked it because honestly I haven’t yet gone! This would be great for future reference and I’m so glad you shared it with us. Thanks so much.
Thu
Thu Nguyen@BloggingFor recently posted..The Complete Helium Report REVIEW by Bob Younce of The Writing Journey
I love how you listed every month as a possible great time to visit! Hooray!
As a Disneyland lover, I’m always being asked the best time to visit the parks, and from now on I’d directing people here. Same concepts seem to be true for both US parks, including weather. Awesome summary.
Peace,
Lauren
Lauren Lionheart recently posted..Top 7 Ways Cruises Are Superior to Flights
Hi Clare,
I have to say that January is the best time to go. I went mid-January a couple of years ago. We left FREEZING (10ish degree weather) NJ and arrived in nice 60-65 degree weather to see the Floridians all bundled up with the scarves and gloves. They stay out of the “cold” around that time, leaving plenty of free space to roam around Disneyworld. We just walked right up to the entrance (no lines) – all except the more extreme roller coasters (and the safari ride) were a breeze to get on as well!
I’m a fan of Jan!! LOL
Gwen
Gwen Tanner@Product Creation Blog recently posted..10 Free Tools for Your Product Creation Toolkit
Hi Clare,
I have never been to Disney World, however I have been to Disney Land. I went when I was 19, 20 years ago! Ouch I feel old!
I went in January on the Super Bowl Day! This was the best. The park was only full of outside tourist and not the locals as everyone was home watching the super bowl! I got to the park at opening and stayed to close. I managed to go on all the rides twice and some of them 3 times. Got to get around to all of the park and see most of the shows due to no queues.
I recommend people go on Super Bowl day!!!!!
Cheers
Jacinta
Jacinta Dean @ Creating A Business Online recently posted..The 100 Blog Comment Challenge Update!
I’ve always wanted to take the kids to Disneyland but due to finances and the long flight I’ve never got there as of yet.
Your post is really helpful for people planning a Disneyland vacation and I will be back if I pluck up the courage to fly that far.
Regards
Dawn Kay
Dawn Kay recently posted..Free Internet Marketing Blueprints and Checklist Guides
Clare:
We booked our Disney vacation about 2 months ago. We are going November 11 to November 17. I love Disney but have not been for 10 years. My son is 9 and my daughter is 6. We held off going until my daughter was tall enough to ride some of the bigger rides. We have gone to a couple of other parks and she got a little upset when she couldn\’t ride some of the bigger rides. So our Disney vacation is long overdue.
We did a lot of research to determine the best week for us to go, plus we have the kids sporting activities to consider. The dates we have selected should be after baseball season and right before basketball season.
We are staying at the Carribbean and we can not wait.
Great informative post!
- Rick
Hi Clare,
My daughter has been continually moaning at me to take to her disney world, but I have not managed to get it organised yet.
Found your post really helpful, I have booked marked this page for when I do decide to take jade,
Thanks for sharing this information, Mum’s like me will benefit greatly from it.
Sally
Sally @ Blog Hopping Queen recently posted..Writing Testimonials Benefit You Too
The first time I went to Disney World was in April – April 23rd, St George’s Day.
I wore a T with the flag of the English patron saint on it. Nobody knew what that was about but I had a lovely day
John
Author of ‘Sticky Memory’
http://johnedler.com/blog/sticky-memory-have-i-coined-a-new-term-/?/html
Hi Clare,
Been there once toward the end March 1996 it was a warm rainy day it seemed like a good time to go but we weren’t expecting the rain went anyways not much of a crowd though still had a little fun.
Mike
Mike Fleming recently posted..100 Blog Comments Challenge
Hi Clare,
I love Disneyworld and have been at several different times of the year but like you I love November. The weather is perfect and the crowds none exsitent.
The worst time for crowds and I’n not sure why was the begining of Decemeber.
Michelle
Hi Clare
Some nice information about when is the best time to visit Disney. Never been to US yet, but this is one of the things my wife would love to go to. I do have plans for a trip to US hopefully next year, let see how things unfold till then.
Cheers!
Abizer
Hello Clare, You are the go to site now for all Disney related travel. You write very well, you’re easy to understand and thorough as can be. I haven’t had the pleasure of a Disney World vacation as yet. I’m pondering the idea though. Best of luck ahead, Steve D.
Hi Clare
Wow! Very thorough. I loved it. You did a great job. You can count on the rain in the summer months for sure. The 3pm blast and everything is fresh again. Thanks for posting. I have a better perspective of what a good niche site is.
Alex
Great Post! Wonderful tips about disney. I plan to take my little boy in a year or so.
Amy Steelman-Prueter recently posted..Are you up for the Challenge
HI Claire,
I have never been to the Disney in Florida. I have been to the one in Anaheim, Ca. I lived out there in the 80’s I now live in central, New York. I would like to visit there at some point and I appreciate all the good advice. I’ll definately bookmark this one for future reference.
Take Care,
Steve
Steve@stevetroutman.com/blog recently posted..BoilerMaker 15K Roadrace July 11- 2010
Hi Clare,
Wow that a great resource. I’ve never been to Disneyland but I will keep this in mind when I decide visiting the park.
Take care,
Andreas
Hi Claire,
What a great site you have for info on Disney World.
A very informative post with masses of useful information, will recommend it to anyone going.
Great to meet you on the challenge Claire.
Brian
Brian Alcock recently posted..So You Failed…So What!!
This site is a great resource. When I was a child, I dreamed of going to Disney but we couldn’t afford it. I took my children in June 2002. We stayed in a resort hotel so I didn’t have to drive. I think I enjoyed it more than my kids did!
I’ve posted a link to this page on identi.ca for you (makes a change from Twitter!)
Martyn Boaden recently posted..What Was Your Biggest Challenge When You Started Your Internet Marketing Online Business
Hi Claire
I’ve never been with the family but used to work for a company that supplied some of the rides
.
A great post for anybody who is not sure about where to start and lets face it, detailed knowledge can make the difference between having a great family holiday and disaster.
Best wishes
Mike
Mike Calmot recently posted..Blog Comments Challenge- Using the “Power of Six”…to drive traffic!
Thanks for the article, Disney land and Disney World are awesomely fun, not only to kids but adults as well.
Thanks for sharing this information about when you should go to the land of magic
Daniel M. Wood @ Sales Techniques, Motivation and Success recently posted..How to Use Motivation to Accomplish Your Goals and Start Living Your Dream Life
Great resource. Wish there had have been something like this years ago when I took my kids there. I’ll keep it bookmarked for the grandchildren.
Sandy
Sandy Halliday recently posted..Failure Is Not An Option In Making Money Online
Hi Clare,
Nice blog first off!
I have bookmarked you for when the time comes to go to Disney. My little girl is nearly 3 and I have another due in November so I will be waiting a while until they can both appreciate it more. Euro Disney first then the big one!
Thanks for the info!
Daniel Sumner recently posted..Self Learning – Outsourcing – Student and Teacher
Hi Claire,
This is some great information, if I had only seen this post a couple of weeks back. My freind took his family to Disney World just last week.
He took them to the one in France. As he is from th UK. He said it was good for his child but so damn busy and expensive.
At least I have the info incase I take my kids.
Cheers
Craig
Craig recently posted..Put Your Email Marketing On Auto Pilot By Using An Auto responder
Hey Claire,
I thought any time was the best time to go to Disney!!!:)
Just kidding…thanks for these Disney vacationing tips!This article can save a would be Disney traveler a lot of headache.
J
The Cartoon Coach
Carstarphen recently posted..Which Online MLM System is really the best
Congratulations! on an absolutely fantastic resource for anyone planning the trip of a lifetime to Disney World.
This really is a must read site, stuffed with useful info, well done!
My kids would love the trip, better start saving!
Stuart Turnbull recently posted..We need your ‘make money online’ ideas!
Hi,
Really informative post on the best time to visit Disney World.
My family just went (I was gone) and they had a blast even though it was hot in July. They could have used some good advice on the best time to visit Disney World. Thanks for the informative post!
Peace,
Darren L Carter
Darren L Carter recently posted..Free Atomic Bomb Survivor Inspiration Book – Finished!!
Hi Claire…
This is a wealth of valuable information on booking and visiting Disney.
I take a yearly trip with my daughter and grandchildren at Christmas every year…early Dec. and my daughter has to start booking early in the year to get her first choices.
Anyone who is thinking of visiting Disney will benefit from exploring and studying your site.
Thanks for the excellent information!
Kathy
Kathy Dobson@Outsourcing to the Philippines recently posted..HiveDesk…Track Your Outsourced Workers Time
Hi Clare
Very detailed post, with all of the reasoning behind each month. Just need to find the time and of course the funds to make use of your information.
igor
igor Griffiths recently posted..Hitting My Marketing Objectives
I will be back to check on dates for travel to Disney World. Great info!
Fran T
Fran T recently posted..Betalains to the rescue!
Hi Clare, I\’ve never been to Disney land and have no plans to as yet. Of course it\’s one of those places that we all wish to visit at some point in our lives.
Your post is fantastic and just what people need if and when they do visit.
R&R, Barry
Barry@The Newbies Guide recently posted..Bloggers- Need A Little Lift
Hey Claire
Great post, some very useful information. When you come from the other side of the world, planning is critical if we want to make the best out of our trip. By the way I have a question for you could you please tell me why or how you developed an interest is Disney World. Are you a travel agent?
I found your post very informative. Need to start planning my next trip to the States. Thank you
Stan Young recently posted..Technology is changing our world-Entrepreneurs- Did you know-are you ready for the Challenge
Hi Clare,
Missed my chance to visit Disney when I was in Orlando so many years ago. Even though now I can simply go Hong Kong\’s Disney which take only less than 2 hours of flight. I think I would really want to visit Orlando cause I love it when I was there. And I won\’t miss Disney if I make it this time round.
Thanks for your information here. Bookmarked!
Cheers
Jason Ser
Very useful post Clare, the internet is great for holiday-makers now this information can be accessed so easily.
I used to work in the travel Industry which was at the forefront of the technological revolution – people were really impressed with our ‘view-data’ screens.
I haven’t got any children, but I know that isn’t an excuse for not visiting Disneyworld.
I would go on an excursion nearby: I’ve always wanted to see a Space Shuttle take off and feel the air vibrate with it’s power. 
John
John McNally recently posted..Financial Trading Scam
Hi Clare, great informative post about Disiny World. Good unique information for people to use. If I ever wind up in Disney World I will not forget your post. Thank you, Clare.
Terry Conti
Terry Conti recently posted..Sell your ebook on its own or put it on Clickbank What do you think
Hi Clare
This is Great information!
We went last year…I sure could have used this info back then
Still it’s already on the list of where to go on holiday again, so I’ll be sure to pop back.
Cheers
Steve
I visited Disney World as a young teenager. Great experience.
Your information here is a valuable travel planner.
I live in the UK, so Disney,Paris is a bit closer.
We plan on visiting next year as we are going to France on holiday.
Pete
Pete Carr recently posted..Your Blogging Toolbox Part 1
Hi Clare
Thanks for some great information. If I ever get to go to Disney World I will certainly take your recommendation to go in November with the cooler weather and lower crowd levels. I know for sure that I wouldn’t enjoy it in the baking summer heat.
Lynn
This is a useful post as I am going to Disney in March next year! Very glad you joined the challange, good luck with it!
Enjoy the journey.
Mandy
Mandy Allen recently posted..How do you relax
WOW…thanks this info iz really helpful! im really gonna bookmark this post just like Christine OKelly said! Thanks so much http://www.operationpixiedust.com/book-it/whens-the-best-time-of-year-to-visit-walt-disney-world/
Thanks for stopping by Christine – I’m glad you’ve found my site useful :0)
I’ve been to Disneyland a couple of times and love it – but it is only a fraction of the size of WDW and you’ll discover lots of wonderful things if you plan a trip to the East Coast!
Awesome tips! I’m definitely bookmarking this post. I just watched a special on DisneyWorld – I had no idea how many cool things there were to do there. I’m in Southern California and we’ve been to Disney Land plenty of times. I guess I wrongly assumed that the two parks were pretty similar!
Christine