Best Time of Year to Visit Disney | Top Days & Weeks

When it comes to planning a trip to Walt Disney World, choosing the right time of year can make all the difference. With so many factors to consider, it can be overwhelming to decide when to visit.

Some of the information below includes affiliate links. When you click these links Moms with Mouse Ears may make a commission from your purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The good news is that there are certain times of year that are better than others for visiting the parks.

Understanding Disney’s seasonal variations is key to planning the perfect trip. The parks experience peak and off-peak periods throughout the year, which can affect everything from crowd levels to ride wait times.

By knowing when the busiest times are, you can avoid the crowds and maximize your time in the parks. These seasonal variations have fluctuated from year to year, but one thing holds true – if you have flexibility in when you can book your trip, you should be able to get a better deal and potentially pick weeks where crowds will be lower than peak visiting times.

Let’s discuss the best times to visit Disney, including top days and weeks to avoid the crowds. We’ll also provide tips for planning your Disney vacation, experiencing the parks, and dealing with crowds. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Disney pro, this guide will help you choose the best time of year to visit the happiest place on earth.

Best Time to Visit Disney World Highlights

Understanding Disney’s seasonal variations is crucial for planning a successful trip.
Choosing the right time of year for your family to visit can help you avoid crowds and maximize your time in the parks.
With proper planning and preparation, you can have a magical Disney vacation no matter when you visit.

Use this quick reference guide to look at our recommended weeks to start checking for planning. These weeks should be non-holiday weeks and many of the weeks fall in the “in-between” weeks of the busiest times of year.

If you’re wanting to visit Disney World during lower crowd levels, these weeks will give you a great starting point to begin planning your trip.

Best Times to Visit Disney

When planning your trip to Disney, it’s important to consider the best times to visit in order to make the most of your experience.

If you have the flexibility to plan your trip at any point during the year, you may want to consider lower crowds and potentially lower booking prices during “off weeks” that aren’t anticipated to have the highest crowd levels. We have put together this guide for 2024 with suggested weeks to compare.

Here are some additional tips to help you plan your visit to Disney:

Best Months to Visit Disney

May is one of the best months to visit Disney. The weather is warm, but not too hot, and the crowds are generally lower than other peak seasons. Additionally, the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival takes place during this time, which is a must-see event for any Disney fan.

February and September are also two months where the weather isn’t at its extreme heat or cold point, and can have lighter crowds in weeks that are not holiday weekend weeks.

If you’re planning to visit during a holiday month (November or December) you can enjoy the festivities and avoid the highest crowds by going at the opposite end of the month from any holiday dates. For November and December this would be a week early in the month, and in November the week after Thanksgiving is also a great time to visit.

Personally our family visits the most for spring break in March or April (due to scheduling more than to get lower crowds), in October during fall break to see the Halloween decorations and festivities, and in the summer due to older children school schedules.

However when our girls were younger, some of our favorite times to visit were during “off peak” times, and we frequently visited in May, September, the last week of October and the middle of November, to take advantage of lower crowd levels.

Best Weeks to Visit Disney

The weeks after Labor Day in September and early November before Thanksgiving are some of the best weeks to visit Disney. The crowds are low, the weather is mild, and the park is decorated for fall. This is a great time to take advantage of shorter wait times for popular attractions.

Best Days of the Week to Visit Disney

If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the best days to visit Disney. These days typically have the lowest attendance, giving you shorter wait times and a more enjoyable experience.

Many visitors start their trips on a Monday and also happen to visit Magic Kingdom first, so if possible you’ll want to avoid Magic Kingdom on a Monday.

Additionally, if it is during a festival at EPCOT (especially International Food & Wine Festival in the fall), these special events may draw a local crowd that can cause crowds to become larger on the weekends. Avoid the first and last weekends of the International Food & Wine Festival at EPCOT, unless you’re ready to brave the crowds.

Regardless of which theme park you’re planning to visit at Walt Disney World, planning your trip during the best times of year can make all the difference. Consider visiting during May, the weeks after Labor Day, and planning to start your park days on a Tuesday or Wednesday to make the most of your visit.

Peak and Off-Peak Hours

When planning your visit to Disney, it’s important to consider the peak and off-peak hours. Peak hours are the busiest times of the day when crowds are at their highest, and wait times for attractions are the longest. On the other hand, off-peak hours are the times when crowds are lighter, and wait times are shorter.

Peak hours at Disney are typically from 11 am to 4 pm, with the highest crowds and longest wait times occurring in the early afternoon. This is when most visitors arrive at the park, and the lines for popular attractions can be hours long. If you want to avoid the crowds, it’s best to arrive early in the morning or later in the evening. We often take a break mid-day to recharge or go to a lunch dining reservation.

During off-peak hours, you can experience shorter wait times and smaller crowds. The best times to visit are during the early morning or late evening hours when the park is less crowded. If you’re willing to brave the early morning, you can often ride several attractions with little to no wait time.

Crowd levels vary throughout the year, with the busiest times being during the summer, holidays, and weekends. If you’re looking for a less crowded experience, consider visiting during the off-season, such as January, February, or September.

In summary, peak and off-peak hours can greatly affect your experience at Disney. Plan your visit accordingly to avoid the crowds and long wait times. By arriving early or late, you can maximize your time and enjoy more attractions without the stress of large crowds.

Choosing the Best Month to Visit Disney

When planning a trip to Disney, the “right month” may vary from family to family. Choosing which month to visit can make a big difference in your overall experience however, so you’ll need to keep in mind which factors are most important to your family between budget, weather, crowd levels.

Basing Your Choice on Weather

The weather in Florida can be unpredictable, but generally, the best time to visit is during the fall and winter months. The temperatures are cooler, and there is less humidity. Spring and summer can be hot and humid, with frequent thunderstorms.

Basing Your Choice on Budget

There are times of year that are the most expensive to visit Disney, during the most crowded weeks of the holidays and peak travel weeks throughout the year, and there are other times when you can get a relatively good deal. The more flexibility you have in your travel the dates, typically the better deal you can find.

Basing Your Choice on Crowds

Like budget previously, less crowded weeks also tend to be cheaper weeks. If you have flexibility in when you can travel, it is recommended to compare multiple weeks to each other on the Disney World website to see which budget and more availability of resorts indicates a lower crowd week.

So what’s the best and worst?

Best Month: The best month for crowd levels and moderate weather to visit Disney is typically September. The crowds are lower, the weather is still warm, and it’s after the peak summer season. Plus, there are often special events, such as the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival.

Worst Month: The worst month to visit Disney when avoiding extreme is typically July. The weather is hot and humid. It’s also hurricane season, which can lead to park closures and other weather-related issues.

The best time to visit Disney is subjective, and depends on your personal preferences. Consider factors such as crowds, weather, and special events when making your decision. And no matter when you go, be sure to plan ahead and make the most of your time at the Most Magical Place on Earth!

Understanding Disney’s Seasonal Variations

When planning your trip to Disney, it’s important to understand the seasonal variations that can affect your visit. Form figuring out when the least crowded time of year is at Disney World to knowing when the average temperature will be at its highest,

Here are some key factors to consider:

Season

Disney’s peak season is typically during the summer months and major holidays such as Christmas and New Year’s. This means longer wait times for attractions, higher prices, and larger crowds. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, consider visiting during the off-season, which is generally from January to early March and late August to early December.

Weather

Florida is known for its hot and humid summers, with temperatures often reaching the mid-90s. If you’re sensitive to heat, you may want to plan your visit during the cooler months of November to February. However, keep in mind that these months can also bring occasional rain showers.

Rain

Florida is known for its unpredictable weather, and rain is a common occurrence throughout the year. However, the rainy season typically runs from May to October, with the highest rainfall occurring in August and September. Be sure to pack rain gear and plan for indoor attractions during these months.

Disney During Holidays

If you’re looking for a magical holiday experience, Disney is the perfect place to be.

It’s also one of the busiest times of the year at Walt Disney World, so you will want to arrive on either Thanksgiving Week or Christmas Week with a well thought out plan. If you’re willing to accept that it is one of the worst times to visit for crowd level purposes, it is truly one of the most magical ways to spend your holiday!

Disney goes all out during the holidays with extravagant decorations, special events, and holiday-themed treats. This is also one of the busiest times of year, so you’ll need to make sure to pack your patience if you plan your trip during one of the peak travel weeks.

During Christmas time, the parks are decked out in beautiful lights and decorations. Main Street USA is transformed into a winter wonderland with snowflakes and wreaths adorning every corner. At Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, there are a bundle of festive activities, including: festive treats, holiday stage shoes, the nightly fireworks show is also transformed into a special holiday edition, and a Christmas parade that features an appearance by Santa Claus himself.

EPCOT also celebrates the holidays around the world with the International Festival of the Holidays. Explore the sights and sounds of the holidays through each of the countries in the World Showcase, and take part in special activities like the Cookie Stroll.

Halloween is also a popular time to visit Disney, with special events like Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom. The parks are decorated with spooky decorations and there are plenty of opportunities to dress up in your favorite costume.

Image Courtesy of Disney (Mariah Wild, Photographer)

No matter what time of year you visit, Disney always has something special in store for guests. From the beautiful decorations to the special events, you’re sure to have a magical experience.

Dealing with Crowds at Disney

When it comes to visiting Disney, dealing with crowds can be a challenge. With millions of visitors each year, it’s important to plan ahead and have some strategies in place to help you navigate the crowds and make the most of your time at the park.

Here are some tips to help you deal with crowds at Disney:

Plan ahead: Before you go, research the park’s busiest days and plan your trip accordingly. Consider visiting during the off-season or on weekdays when the crowds are smaller.
Use Genie+: Genie+ is a service that allows you to reserve a spot in line for some of the park’s most popular attractions. This can help you avoid long wait times and enjoy more of the park.
Use Individual Lightning Lane Options: For those “must do” high traffic rides, consider getting an Individual Lightning Lane pass. These cost an additional fee for each person wanting to ride the ride, however it moves you to the front of the line and after you purchase, guarantees a time slot for you to ride. I typically purchase an Individual Lightning Lane pass for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, as it is one of my favorite rides at EPCOT. At Magic Kingdom, the ILL is available for TRON Lightcycle / Run; at Disney’s Animal Kingdom the ILL is available for Pandora: Flight of Passage; and at Disney’s Hollywood Studios the ILL option is available for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.
Arrive early or stay late: The park is typically less crowded in the early morning and late evening. Consider arriving early or staying late to avoid the crowds and enjoy shorter lines.
Take breaks: It’s important to take breaks throughout the day to rest and recharge. Consider taking a mid-day break and returning to the park later in the day when the crowds have thinned out.
Stay hydrated: With large crowds and long wait times, it’s important to stay hydrated. Bring a refillable water bottle and take advantage of the park’s many water fountains.
Be patient: Finally, remember to be patient and stay positive. Crowds can be frustrating, but with a little planning and patience, you can still have a great time at Disney with your family.

Planning Your Disney Vacation

Planning can help you have the best time on your Disney vacation. From what to pack and wear, to making sure your trip is planned at the right time of year for your family, a little planning at the beginning goes a long way in ensuring you have the experience that is the best match for your family.

Determine the Best Time to Visit

Choosing the best time to visit Disney is crucial for a successful trip. You’ll want to consider factors such as crowd levels, weather, and special events.

Generally, the best times to visit are during the off-seasons, such as January, February, May, and September, when crowds are lower and temperatures are milder.

Decide on Accommodations

Staying on-site at Disney World can help ease the burden of getting back and forth to the theme parks when you utilize Disney’s free transportation, and depending on your resort selection there are often perks like Extra Magic Hours that are exclusive to Disney Resort guests.

Purchase Tickets and Make Reservations in Advance

Get your park tickets ahead of arriving and have a plan for which theme park you plan to visit on each day of your trip. You can also reserve dining reservations 60 days prior to your visit on the My Disney Experience app.

Plan Your Itinerary

With so much to see and do at Disney, it’s important to plan your itinerary in advance. Make a list of must-see attractions and shows, and prioritize them based on your interests.

Use Disney’s Genie+ system to reserve your spot on popular rides, and consider booking dining reservations in advance to avoid long wait times.

Our suggested itineraries for every single Disney World theme park are here:

Whether you’re traveling with family or friends, a little preparation can go a long way in ensuring a magical experience.

Staying at Disney Resorts

When planning a trip to Walt Disney World Resort, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is where to stay. There are many benefits to staying at a Disney Resort, including convenient transportation, extra magic hours, and access to exclusive experiences.

Disney Resorts offer a range of accommodations, from budget-friendly options to luxurious suites. Each resort has its own unique theme and amenities, so you can choose the one that best fits your preferences and budget.

When you stay at a Disney Resort, you’ll also receive complimentary transportation to and from the theme parks, water parks, and Disney Springs. This includes buses, monorails, and boats, making it easy to get around without having to worry about parking or driving.

Another perk of staying at a Disney Resort is access to Extra Magic Hours. This allows you to enter the parks before they open to the general public or stay after they close, giving you more time to experience your favorite attractions.

Use our Resort Guides below to determine which Disney Resort may be the best fit for your family:

What to Wear During Every Time of Year

Use our Packing Guides to plan what to wear during each month at Disney!

Disclaimer:

** All opinions are unbiased and independent. This post contains affiliate links. Moms with Mouse Ears is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com

Best Time of Year to Visit Disney | Top Days & Weeks

Best Time to Visit Disney World Highlights