An estimated 155,991,000 people visited Disney parks around the globe in 2019. That’s almost 13 million people every month!
It’s no surprise that so many people take Disney World vacations, as the parks offer enjoyable attractions for individuals of all ages and interests.
If you are planning to take a trip to Disney, it’s crucial to consider the time of year that you will visit. Some weeks are more crowded and expensive, and others are sweltering hot! This post will help you choose the best time to visit Disney World.
Best Time to Visit Disney World If You Want to Avoid Crowds
Since Disney World is such a popular destination, you can’t avoid crowds altogether. The busiest times to take a trip to Disney World are:
- Holidays
- Weekends
- School vacations
- Summer
Moreover, many people plan a Disney World vacation right after a new attraction opens.
Nevertheless, there are some times of the year when the large masses dwindle, and the lines shorten. These periods are:
- January 2nd until President’s Day
- Labor Day weekend until the week before Thanksgiving
- Thanksgiving Weekend until the week before Christmas
During these times, families are busy with school and work and have fewer opportunities to get away from their responsibilities.
Best Time to Visit Disney World for Mild Weather
Although most people love the sunshine, the Florida heat and humidity can make your trip to Disney miserable. Meanwhile, rain and thunderstorms can put a damper on the fun, especially if the attractions need to close down.
If you don’t want to deal with extreme weather when visiting Disney World, we recommend scheduling your trip for the spring or fall seasons. These months tend to be the most comfortable and have lower levels of humidity. Yet, there are advantages to each season at Disney, so let’s take a look at each!
Spring
Spring is a wonderful time to visit Disney because the flowers and trees are in full bloom. It’s also a great time to visit Epcot, which holds the International Flower & Garden Festival from March to May.
Fortunately, the temperatures are moderate in the spring months and average 76- 86°F, depending on which month you choose to visit.
Summer
Summer offers visitors fourteen hours of daylight, which gives visitors more time to enjoy their favorite attractions. However, the heat, humidity, and unpredictable thunderstorms are a major downside. Of course, if you plan on visiting Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon, this may be the best time to come.
Autumn
The beginning of autumn is still quite hot, resembling summer. Yet, as the weeks pass, the weather cools down, and the rain is less frequent. Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival begins at the end of August and runs into October, which is the perfect opportunity for foodies to sample dishes from around the world.
Winter
There are a lot of advantages to visiting Disney World in winter. First of all, the weather is in the low 70s, and it doesn’t rain as often as in other seasons. Moreover, the humidity dies off, making it much more enjoyable to walk around and enjoy the attractions.
Yet, there are a lot fewer daylight hours during winter. And, you may not want to go on any water rides or dive in the pool, especially in the evening. Moreover, the parks are not as green since the plants are not in bloom.
Best Time to Visit Disney World to Save Money
The busiest times to visit Disney are also the most expensive. So if you want to get a good deal, you should avoid peak seasons.
Disney recently implemented a new ticket pricing system, which breaks single-day passes into three separate tiers- regular, peak, and value. Then, depending on the demand for a specific day, the price increases or decreases. So, booking your trip carefully can save you a huge amount of cash!
Of course, lodging and dining will likely be the largest expenses, so you should look into programs like the Disney Vacation Club that can save you money (more information about the DVC buying process here). Other options include staying at AirBNBs instead of resorts and leaving the park for lunch.
Best Time to Attend Festivals at Disney World
Disney is always a magical place, but festivals can make your visit to the park extra-special! Let’s take a look at the most popular annual events at Disney.
Winter Events
Just because the park is less crowded in winter doesn’t mean that the fun stops! For example, there’s an incredible New Year’s fireworks show at several Disney World parks. There is also a marathon and a half-marathon held in the park during winter.
Spring Events
The most popular event in Spring is the Flower and Garden Festival. Furthermore, sports fans enjoy watching the Atlanta Braves spring training at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex.
Star Wars fans can also enjoy running in a themed half-marathon, 10K, 5K, and other fun challenges.
Summer Events
Summer is a busy season at Disney World, so there aren’t as many events in June. However, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party begins in mid-August along with the International Food and Wine Festival.
Autumn Events
Both Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and the International Food and Wine Festival continue into October. Thus, it is a great time to bring the kids to Disney. You’ll enjoy great food, and they’ll be happy to celebrate Halloween with their favorite Disney characters.
Winter Events
The holiday season is packed with special events, including:
- Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
- Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration Castle Stage Show
- Holiday Wishes fireworks
- Epcot International Festival of the Holidays
- Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade
Of course, this season is also very busy because many people have vacation time from school and work. But, if you want to enjoy these festive events, you may not mind the crowds and higher-priced tickets!
Deciding When to Visit Disney World
No matter the season you decide to visit, you are bound to enjoy all the things to do in Disney World! However, most people agree that the best time to visit the park is when there are fewer crowds, and the prices are lower. By following the tips in this guide, you’ll save a lot of money and
Did this article help you discover the best time to visit Disney World? If so, check out more of our informative travel-related articles!
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