The Best Times of Year to Visit Walt Disney World in 2024

There’s never a bad time to visit Walt Disney World, but there are times of year that can be better, depending on what you’re looking for! With so many variables that affect a trip to Walt Disney World, we’re sharing some of the best times of 2024 to visit the ‘most magical place on Earth’.

EPCOT Festivals

Fans of Epcot know there’s no better time to visit than a Festival. Currently, Epcot has four festivals - ‘The Epcot International Festival of the Arts’, ‘The Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival’, ‘The Epcot International Food and Wine Festival’, and ‘The Epcot International Festival of the Holidays’. While every Festival has its own theming and distinct fun, you can plan on every Festival having amazing food and a great entertainment lineup. This year’s festivals will take place as follows:

EPCOT International Festival of the Arts: January 12th to February 19th, 2024

At the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, you'll enjoy a celebration of performance, food, and visual art. Take in Broadway stars performing classic Disney songs, browse art exhibits, and snack on culinary dishes where presentation is just as important as taste!

EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival: February 28th to May 27th, 2024

Spring is in bloom and so is Epcot, with dazzling floral displays, topiaries, and fresh outdoor kitchens that celebrate the new season. After admiring the floral beauty, take in an outdoor concert during the 'Garden Rocks Concert Series' with new bands every few days.

EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival: August 29th to November 23rd, 2024

Consider yourself a foodie? Then the best time of year in 2024 to visit Walt Disney World might be during the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival! Explore food and beverages from six continents, while enjoying live music, and fun scavenger hunts for kids!

EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays: TBD - approximate dates are late November - late December.

It's the merriest time of year at Epcot. The Epcot International Festival of the Holidays combines magical decor, with seasonal food, and Holiday storytellers, who tell Holiday legends from around the world. The centerpiece of the festival is the beloved 'Candlelight Processional'. A 50-piece orchestra and celebrity narrator tell the 'Christmas Story', in a stirring performance that's sure to become a family favorite.

Weather Preferences

Orlando is known for its subtropical climate - which means it rarely gets cold in the winter months, but it does have more than its fair share of humidity, heat, and storms. While a rainy day at Walt Disney World is better than a sunny day anywhere else, some times of the year can guarantee better weather.

Winter and spring in Orlando can be ideal - sunny and warm days, with cool evenings and not too much rain. Those visiting in the summer months will have plenty of warm weather to take advantage of your resort pool. Autumn brings rain, but also a break in the heat.

Lower Crowd Levels

Looking for the best time to visit Walt Disney World in 2024 which has lower crowd levels? May, August, and September have some of the historically lowest crowd levels in the park, as school is in session, and people put off travel for summer or the holiday season. This means you can enjoy the best of Walt Disney World without the wait times! As an added benefit to lower crowd levels, Advanced Dining Reservations are easier to secure for some of the best Disney restaurants. Lower crowd forecasts usually mean great deals - which Be Our Guest Vacations can help you secure as an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner! During some lower crowd months, you can also find a fan-favorite event, Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at The Magic Kingdom.

Holiday Events and Decor

Many people consider Walt Disney World to be where they go to be ‘home for the holidays’. The parks and resorts deck the halls early, starting at the beginning of November, and stay decorated until mid-January. The added decor, special performances, festivals, parties, extended park hours, and events make this one of the most magical times of year to be at the resort. Guests planning holiday vacations should note, that the closer you get to the holidays the more crowded the parks can become. The week between Christmas and New Year's Eve in particular is historically one of the most popular times to visit in the calendar year. Below, are some 'not to be missed' items for the holiday season.

The Christmas Tree Stroll at Disney Springs: Explore elaborately decorated Christmas Trees at Disney Springs, that have a distinct Disney flair!

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party: This hard-ticketed event has an incredible lineup of entertainment, with a parade, fireworks, multiple stage shows, and a plethora of characters in festive costumes. Enjoy specialty food and make the most of reduced wait times for attractions in the Magic Kingdom.

Disney Jollywood Nights: Enjoy the glamor of a Hollywood-themed Christmas at this hard-ticketed event. Event-exclusive shows, festive food, and swanky entertainment make this an evening to remember at Hollywood Studios.

Epcot International Festival of the Holidays: Epcot joins the holiday fun with a full festival dedicated to the most wonderful time of the year. Enjoy decor around the park, while eating seasonal food and enjoying festive entertainment.

Gingerbread displays at the Disney Resorts: Disney Resorts feature lavish holiday decorations - in fact, a whole day could be dedicated just to taking in the sights! An iconic life-size gingerbread house is featured in Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa lobby, while you'll find a gingerbread castle a short monorail ride away at Disney's Contemporary Resort. Head to Disney's Beach Club to see a working chocolate carousel, and then make your way to Disney's Boardwalk Inn to see the gingerbread deli. End your tour with a stop at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge to see the gingerbread giraffe and zebra.

No matter what time of year you visit, you’ll create memories with loved ones you’ll cherish forever. Our team is here to make the planning process fun and stress-free. Reach out for your free quote today!