The Best Time to Visit Walt Disney World

If you're looking to book a trip to the "most magical place on earth," Walt Disney World, there's one phrase you need to keep close to your heart: "Timing is everything."

Of course, what that means, exactly, will depend on what you want to get from your trip. If you want to get the full experience with the maximum amount of Disney World-brand magic, it will mean one thing. If you want to ride as much as you can in as little time as possible, it will mean something completely different.

Regardless which choice is your preference, it's important to know that crowds are the key. If you go during a down time of year, you'll most likely be able to eat wherever you want and ride whatever you want whenever you want. Disney World fanatics call it the "walk on" time of year, because you can walk up to a ride and walk on to your vehicle within just a few minutes. You're not shoulder-to-shoulder, and you're not dodging indescribably wide double strollers every five feet.

On the other hand, you're also leaving the park much earlier, you're not seeing fireworks every night or parades more than once each day, and you won't see as many costumed characters, street performers, and special surprises that might pop up during the peak times of year.

If you're on the other end of the spectrum and want to get the most magic for your money, you might want to visit when crowds are buzzing. Then, you'll likely be able to stay at the parks past midnight occasionally, be able to see up to three parades plus a fireworks show almost every day, see costumed characters galore, and encounter talking trash cans, citizens of Main Street, barbershop quartets, Jack Sparrow, etc. On the other hand, you'll be experiencing those things as you strain to hoist your chin over the shoulder of the tank-topped, sweaty man in front of you, whose DNA you've already inadvertently absorbed through your cheek skin.

It's all a balancing act.

Personally, I think the best balance can be found in late May and early June, when the parks are still somewhat uncrowded but preparing for the big bustle of summer. Most of the special acts are out and either busy or practicing, but crowds are still manageable enough to not pull your hair and teeth out. Do note, however, that the first few weeks of June are typically the time for "Gay Days," an unofficial celebration that will swallow the park in red T-shirts, which tell the casual observer "I am gay." I've been during this time and, as a heterosexual, was not bothered or offended. However, some might have an issue with the openness and PDA, so be aware.

Traditionally, the most busy times of year for Disney World are the week of Christmas and, to a slightly lesser degree, late June, July and August. Christmas does boast the memorable Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Parade, but it also boasts the highest crowd capacity and the threat that any park might close on any day due to capacity. It's just not worth it. Instead, go during Thanksgiving. You won't see the big parade, but the parks will be decorated for the holiday and most cast members will already be in Disney World PLUS Christmas spirit mode.

If you're looking to miss the big crowds, pencil in the months February, September and late April. Those are the times that you're most likely to find the park uncrowded and more relaxed.

Regardless, you should know what to expect when you're reserving a vacation. Don't get blindsided by empty streets or sardine-can-like conditions.