When to Visit Walt Disney World

When to Visit Walt Disney World

The best time to visit Walt Disney World will depend on many factors and is not the same for everyone.

Typically, school vacation times and holidays are the most crowded. Value Season when rates are at their lowest is usually January through the second week of February, August through the end of September and after-Thanksgiving until the middle of December. This will be the least crowded time in addition to the least expensive.

In addition to crowds another factor to take into account is the weather. The summer months are very hot. Humidity is also a factor to consider if you are not used to it. September and October are the height of hurricane season so you can guarantee you will have some rain during your stay. The parks are open when it rains with the rare exception of a hurricane that is heading straight for Orlando. December, January and February have the greatest range of temperatures with possible highs in the 70s, possible lows in the 20s and everything in between. The good thing is that the pools at all of the resorts are heated so no matter when you go you can still go in the pools.

The winter months also tend to be the time when different rides are taken out of service for preventative maintenance. If you have a favorite ride you may want to keep an eye out to make sure its not scheduled to be closed when you are there (click Refurbishment Schedule).

Walt Disney World also has special events that many people like to plan their trips around. In the spring there is a Flower & Garden Festival at Epcot, October brings Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and the Food & Wine Festival, December you get not only the holiday decorations but also Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party and the Candlelight Processional with celebrity narrators (click for Special Events).

Finally if you are flying you will want to take airfare into account. If you are going at a busier time of year you will want to book your airfare early to get the lowest rates.

So you see there is no simple answer to your question. A combination of factors comes into play. The best time to go to Walt Disney World is when your schedule and budget allow you to go so that you can fully relax and enjoy your vacation because once you go to Walt Disney World you will want to go back!

Elyse S., a member of the MouseEarVacations.com Team contributed to this page