There are pros and cons to traveling to Disney World at all times of the year. Today, I have my favorite times to go overall as well as the best times to visit if you’re working around a school schedule.
I also have a quick tip for people traveling in January.
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These are notes from this episode. There’s much more info included in the audio so be sure to listen to the episode for a better explanation.
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My favorite times to visit Disney World
You can see my overall predictions in my 2015 chart of best times to visit Disney World.
These are my favorite times to visit:
- Late April and early May – light crowds, Flower and Garden Festival, warm enough to swim, can overlap with Star Wars Weekends in mid-May
- September and early October (before Columbus Day) – moderate crowds, end of September has Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Food and Wine Festival
- Early November – moderate temps, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Food and Wine Festival (and you can catch the last Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party if you go at the very beginning of the month)
- Week after Thanksgiving – low crowds, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Candlelight Processional, resorts are all decorated
If you’re working around a school schedule, I’d suggest these things:
- Early spring breaks are a good time to go – if you happen to be in a school district that has spring break in early March, those crowds are moderate compared to spring breaks that are close to Easter
- Late May, early June and late August are moderate crowds – If you happen to be in a school district that dismisses early or goes back late, take advantage and travel during slightly less busy times
Quick tip of the day
People traveling in January should make a room-only reservation before packages are released to allow them to make all dining reservations 180 days in advance.
Have a quick tip of your own? Call it in at https://www.speakpipe.com/WDWPrepToGo
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- Walt Disney World Temporarily Closing Due to Hurricane Ian
- 2023 Disney World Packages Available To Book June 8, Plus Genie+ Purchase Change
- Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Returning In August 2022
- Minnie Vans Returning To Disney World In Summer 2022
- Traditional Character Meet & Greets Are Returning To Disney World & Disneyland
- Sailing Concierge on the Disney Wish– PREP 348 - March 14, 2023
- Flower and Garden Festival 2023 – PREP 347 - March 7, 2023
- Traveling on the Spectrum – PREP 346 - February 28, 2023
Lizzie
Thursday 23rd of April 2015
Hi! Your website is so very helpful, especially the toddler suggestions. I've learned so very much from you as I plan our first trip this coming late September! Thank you! I have a question about crowds. What does "moderate crowds" mean? I'm planning and wish for a ballpark estimate of wait times in line in late September. I know there's no way to tell for sure, but I'm scared of not making it to dinner reservations etc...since they now charge $10 for not canceling reservations a day ahead. Thanks again!! Liz
Andrea
Friday 27th of March 2015
I believe you mentioned some upcoming November deals in this podcast? I searched your website and FB page and I can't seem to find anything. Did I miss them?
I'm just starting to plan a first time trip for our family of 7 and I'm completely overwhelmed. We're hoping to go in November. Thank you so much for all of your research. Your site is SO helpful!
Mary
Wednesday 4th of March 2015
We always go late April and it's never light crowds anymore. It's crazy busy that time. Then again there are rarely any light crowds now with Disney!
Tiffany
Monday 2nd of March 2015
Is it worth mentioning that as far as resort rates go they are cheapest during late August and early September (feel free to correct me if I am wrong). This might affect people that have more freedom in their travel dates and want to decide between early May and early September (although still quite hot in Sep). Thanks!
Amy
Thursday 5th of March 2015
Thanks!