Have you ever heard the expression, “A bad day at Disney is better than a great day anywhere else”? Personally, I’ve never really experienced a bad Disney day (which proves the point, I guess), but there have certainly been visits that are much more enjoyable than others.
So, what makes some trips stand out above the rest? For me, those extra-magical vacations happen when I prioritize planning visits during the times of year that fit my family’s individual needs the best. When we travel as a multi-generational family –– with grandparents and very young children –– we’re probably looking for mild weather. If I’m opting for an adults-only visit, I might be prioritizing an EPCOT festival or picking dates where Walt Disney World offers an after-hours event. The good news, though, is that whatever “perfect” looks like (even if it changes from one trip to the next), there’s always a great time to plan that visit.
And don’t worry if you’re not sure what time of year is going to be the perfect fit for your vacation style –– that’s where we come in! The Be Our Guest Vacations team can tailor your Walt Disney World Resort visit based on your individual needs, helping you to create the most magical experience possible for your family. So, no matter what it might look like for you, let’s explore some common things to consider when you’re picking the best times to visit Walt Disney World Resort.
While the roar of the crowd might be great at a baseball game, it may not be quite as exciting to find a packed house as you wander through a Walt Disney World theme park. And let’s be honest –– the reality is that you’re unlikely to find the parks completely empty, no matter when you visit. But just because you shouldn’t expect to have Main Street, U.S.A. all to yourself, that doesn’t mean there aren’t certain times of the year when you can enjoy your visit with smaller-than-average crowds. And the best part is you can actually find these lower-crowd periods spread throughout different parts of the year, so there isn’t just ONE option when you’re searching for the perfect window to visit.
Best Times to Beat the Crowd
First up, you can usually find low-to-moderate crowds levels from mid-January through mid-February (this happens to be the time my family visits the most, so it has a special place in my heart). This period usually begins after Martin Luther King Day and lasts through the first week of February. Just keep in mind, though, that this time has also become more popular for hosting events like cheer competitions in recent years, which has led to some increased crowds (especially during the weekends). That said, it’s still a great lower-crowd option.
If you’re interested in a spring visit, it might surprise you to learn that May can also be a great time to find smaller crowds. This is especially true if you can prioritize weekday visits over weekends, but the good news is that it holds true for most of the month. However, once we get close to Memorial Day, all bets are off –– once schools are out for the summer, especially at the beginning of the summer vacation in late-May and June, expect to see much larger crowds.
And while you’re likely to see an uptick in visitors during June and July, that doesn’t mean the entire summer is off limits if you want to avoid the rush. In fact, August and September are typically when you’ll find the lowest crowds of the entire year, even during Labor Day weekend. Just keep in mind that while this period can be a great time to find shorter waits, it will also be HOT (we’re talking fiery-inferno, surface-of-the-sun hot) –– that means it might not be the best option for heat-sensitive visitors.
Top tips for crowd control, no matter when you visit:
- If you’re staying at a qualifying Disney Resort Hotel, be sure to take advantage of the Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Theme Park Hours benefits. This is an awesome opportunity to enjoy your favorite attractions with lower wait times, even during busy seasons.
- If you’re a night owl, jumping in line for popular attractions right before the park closes can have a big payoff for your waiting game. This can be an especially effective strategy for a park like Magic Kingdom, where many guests plan to enjoy evening entertainment like Happily Ever After, rather than jumping in a line during that time.
Best Times to Enjoy Mild Weather
For many people (especially if you’re traveling with kids), visiting Walt Disney World Resort makes the most sense during the spring and summer. Whether you’re working around school breaks, looking for a foodie festival experience at EPCOT, or ready to enjoy plenty of pool time, the warmer season has plenty to offer.
But what if I told you there was an equally magical time to visit that doesn’t require you to boil alive or wade through the summer rains? How about a time where you might want a sweatshirt in the morning, but you’re likely rocking shorts and a t-shirt by the afternoon (plus, you can actually break out that new spirit jersey you picked up at the Emporium)? If that sounds practically perfect in every way, it’s time to consider winter in Walt Disney World.
MUCH milder weather typically begins at the tail end of hurricane season in mid-November and lasts through February. During this time, it isn’t uncommon to see daytime highs range from the mid-60s to the low-80s. And not only will you find comfortable temps for cruising the parks, but you’re also more likely to miss that daily afternoon deluge that’s common during the summer.
Because of our schedule, I mentioned this period is almost exclusively when my family gets to travel, so I speak from a lot of experience here –– if sunny, sweat-free days sound like a dream, you’ll definitely want to give those cooler months a try. And don’t get me wrong, you’re never guaranteed perfect weather, no matter when you visit (unfortunately, that Disney weather bubble is a myth). To be frank, I’ve even visited in December and January when the weather has been downright cold. But in my experience, those days are usually the outliers –– after a day or two of chilly temps, you’re likely to be rewarded with more perfect park days before the end of your stay.
Top tips to beat the weather, even when Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate:
- If you plan to visit during an especially hot or rainy season, let Be Our Guest Vacations book a midday Disney Dining Reservation for you. Not only is this a great opportunity to enjoy the A/C or dry off, but it lets you refuel (and rehydrate!) so you’re ready to enjoy the rest of your day.
- Before you head out for a park day, be sure to pack a refillable water bottle. Not only will you find plenty of bottle filling stations throughout the park, but you can also ask for a complimentary cup of water at any Quick Service Dining Location.
- No matter the season, ponchos are the one item you’ll ALWAYS find in my park bag. Whether you’re caught in a downpour, draping a stroller, or trying to find a clean, dry place to sit, these easy-to-pack items have you covered (literally!).
Best Times to Experience Special Events
So far, we’ve talked about great times to visit if you’re looking to minimize crowds or dial down the intensity of the weather, which can definitely help to make an enjoyable trip for many people. But what if instead of avoiding something, you want an experience that puts you right in the middle of all the action? If that sounds like your idea of a perfect visit to Walt Disney World Resort, you might consider planning your trip around on the many special events happening throughout the year. And the really cool thing is no matter what time of year works best for you, you’re likely to find an event to enjoy.
First up, let’s talk EPCOT festivals. Four of these incredible events happen throughout the year, and to be honest, there are only a few weeks where you won’t find a festival happening. That means even without specific planning, there’s a great chance you’ll have an opportunity to enjoy one of these events. And my favorite part? EPCOT festivals are included with your park admission, so you don’t need to purchase a separate event ticket to enjoy everything they have to offer:
- If all-things art –– from incredible demonstrations and installations to Broadway entertainment –– is your vibe, you’ll want to plan your visit during the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, which runs from mid-January through the end of February.
- Experience the beauty of nature (and check out more flowers that you could ever imagine in one place) from early-March through early-June during the EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival.
- If food is at the top of your must-do list, the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival is definitely for you. One heads up, though –– while this festival usually runs through mid-to-late November, the starting date has fluctuated over the last few years (beginning anywhere from mid-July to the end of August). So if this is a must-do event for you, you may want to consider a planning September or October visit to guarantee that your dates align.
- For a little extra Holiday spice, you won’t want to miss the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, which celebrates the vibrant holiday traditions from around the world from late-November through the end of December.
For those of you who don’t get enough of walking during your average Walt Disney World visit (do those people even exist?), you can take those steps to the next level by participating in a runDisney event. During these incredible weekends throughout the year, you’ll find 5K, 10K, half-marathon, and marathon options (not to mention a few extra special challenges for you overachievers who want to run more than one event). Plus, there are even kids events if the whole family wants to join in on the fun. Just keep in mind that registration for these events happens well in advance and many of them fill up VERY quickly, so it’s best to plan ahead. If you’d like to visit during a race weekend, this is an area where I recommend reaching out to a Be Our Guest Vacations travel pro well in advance. They can help make sure all your travel dates and plans align with the event, so all you’ll need to focus on is getting ready for the starting line.
And finally, if you’d like to add something a little EXTRA festive to you trip, consider including an after-hours holiday party in your plans. Not only will you get to experience extended time in the parks with limited crowd sizes, but you’ll find party-exclusive entertainment, special character appearances, and even some snacks included with your ticket. While these offerings can change from year to year, holiday-exclusive events typically happen on select nights during Halloween and Christmas. At Magic Kingdom, this means Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, which usually runs from late-August through November 1, and Mickey’s Very Mery Christmas Party, which starts at the beginning of November and goes through the end of the year. And for the last few years, Disney’s Hollywood Studios has also played host to a swanky, after-hours soiree called Jollywood Nights, which also happens throughout November and December.
Top tips for adding extra magic to your visit, even without an event:
- While the four Walt Disney World theme parks have more than enough excitement to keep you busy, don’t sleep on all the recreation activities at Disney Resort Hotels, either. You’ll find everything from Movies Under the Stars to campfires (complete with s’mores, of course), making tie-dye t-shirts, and so much more. While some of these activities have a small fee, many are completely FREE and can be a great way to add a little something extra to your day.
- If you’re interested in a ticketed special event like Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, but you’re visiting at the wrong time of year, check to see if a Disney After Hours event is happening during your stay. These events include many of the same perks –– extra time in the parks with smaller crowds, complimentary snacks, and more –– but are often available during seasons without holiday parties or other special events.
Best Times to Find Great Deals
When it comes to finding a great deal at Walt Disney World Resort, summer is the clear winner. From great deals on Disney Resorts Collection hotel rooms to discounts on park admission, you’re most likely to find them if you plan to travel during the warmest months of the year.
And if you’re looking for another great option that combines fun AND summer savings? Don’t forget that Walt Disney World is offering free admission to Disney Resort Hotel guests to both Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park on their Resort arrival day throughout 2025 and 2026. While this deal is available for the entire year, steamy Florida temperatures make summer the perfect time to take advantage of this exciting perk!
Top tips to keep your wallet happy, all year long:
- If you’re traveling with little people, don’t forget that kids under age 3 are considered “Guests of Mickey Mouse”, so they can enter any Walt Disney World Theme Park free of charge. Plus, if you plan to enjoy a buffet or restaurant with a prix fixe menu, the under-3 crowd is also welcome to enjoy food off your plate without paying for a separate meal.
- While you might not call a visit to Walt Disney World Resort a “bargain” vacation, there are tons of free activities to take advantage of throughout your stay. You can party with Chip and Dale over at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground during Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long, head to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge see the animals right from the hotel lobby, or wander into Club Cool during your EPCOT visit to sample beverages from around the world (don’t skip the Beverly, it’s um… delicious…), and so much more!
No matter when you choose to visit, Be Our Guest Vacations is here to help you plan your perfect Walt Disney Resort vacation. Ready to get started? Fill out our handy Vacation Request Form to connect with one of our talented travel professionals today!