When Should YOU Visit Walt Disney World?

You don’t know what you don’t know. That’s why starting with a travel advisor is always the best first step.

We’re often asked about the “best time of year” to visit Walt Disney World – from first timers and veteran parkgoers alike.

Data-driven websites and apps are quick to tell you the exact week that would win out, which parks to visit and the optimal order of attractions. Still, data can’t tell the whole story.

“You need to decide what is important to you – low crowds? Good weather? Fewer refurbishments? Special Events? Avoiding kids missing school? Each type of “best” will fall at different times,” says MVT Agent Jess. “That’s where having a travel agent can help you determine what is best for YOU, not just what a calendar says is best.”

To help navigate what matters most to for you and your family, we’re mapping out some of the factors that our agents use to book their own trips to the most magical place on earth.

Crowds and Walt Disney World go hand-in-hand, a trend that won’t waiver entirely at any one time of year.

Instead, if crowds are something you know you want to avoid, consider booking your trip at a time when schools are in session, and no holidays are on the radar.

“Last week of August is the best, since most of the country is in school, except for the Northeast,” said Agent Cori. “I love to walk around the World Showcase during that time because it’s literally empty. I can go on rides multiple times, and sometimes even stay on rides, without getting off.”

“My favorite times to go are early September, because kids just started back to school, and early May, because it’s just before kids get out for summer break,” said Agent Candice.

As tempting as it may be to schedule a Disney getaway during spring break or the famous “Jersey Week” in November, keep in mind that you’ll be far from the only families vying for dining reservations or boarding groups.
The same goes for event weekends like cheer competitions, or any of the runDisney race celebrations that draw spectators and athletes alike at various points throughout the year.

While many would book their trips to bypass holiday times, plenty of others jump on these dates because of them.

Special occasions like EPCOT Festivals, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party are wildly popular. They invite guests to lean into the changing seasons and holiday events, adding to the pixie dust already threaded throughout the parks and resorts. Attractions are decked out in holiday garb, activities multiply, and fresh festive menus draw huge attention from those wanting a limited-time Disney treat.

Yes, there will be crowds, but we’ve yet to see this deter guests who want to taste their way through marketplace booths in World Showcase or sing along with the Boo to You Parade.

If holiday times give you the warm and fuzzies, it may just be worth braving a few extra crowds to soak up the holiday season in and around Walt Disney World, but that doesn’t mean you can’t come armed with a few tricks to make your experience smoother.

“We often visit Sunday through Thursday to avoid a lot of local crowds- especially during the holidays,” said Agent Renee, “And ALWAYS avoid Disney Springs on the weekends! We also love the second week of December, when everyone else is home preparing for the holidays!”

It’s true that crowds are typically lower just before school gets out and just after it picks up again in the fall, despite popular events like the start of the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival or Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. However, aside from the school year starting, these are also some of the hottest months in Orlando.

“Most people think that summer is crowded because kids are out of school,” said Jess. “But the Florida heat keeps many people out of the parks in July and August. If you can stand the heat, it can be a great time to go!”
On the flip side, if steamy sunglasses and sweating isn’t your ideal scenario, opting for the holidays and earlier in the year may be your golden ticket.

We’ve experienced some incredible Disney vacations from November through February, where temperatures can range from the 40s to the 90s. It may be somewhat erratic, but catching a fall-like day that ends with fireworks and a sweatshirt is certainly something to write home about.

Regardless of the date on the calendar, Florida weather is notoriously unpredictable. It’s unlikely you’ll experience (real) snow on Main Street, U.S.A., but you’ll want to be prepared for sun, rain, heat and chill… even if the chill is strictly from a pit stop at Country Bears to cool off.

Finally, refurbishments are one of our top contenders to take into consideration when booking your next Walt Disney World vacation. Our agents are well-equipped to help you plan around park and resort construction, so don’t be shy to ask for help.

In some cases, you may have nailed down travel dates, only to find out the pool at your chosen resort will be undergoing upgrades, or a certain restaurant will be closed for freshening up.

No matter the cause or case, a travel advisor will be ready and able to help you fill in the blanks or move around reservations wherever possible.
Still, if you have your heart set on a particular pool, view, meal or character experience, be sure to let us know so that we can prioritize what means the most to you and your group.

Despite the ads and data science, there’s no “best” time to visit Walt Disney World… at least not a one-size-fits-all date that works for everyone.

The first step is to identify what is of most importance to you and your party. It may be crowds, events, weather, new attractions, or even transportation options.

The good news is, you don’t have to do any of it alone. MVT Agents know which questions to ask to build your dream Disney vacation. All you have to do is ask, and we’ll get started.