The Best Time of Year to Visit Walt Disney World

When people start looking at planning a trip to Walt Disney World, they often ask when would be the best time of year to visit. Obviously, for some, such as myself, any time of year is perfect if it means I'm hanging out with the Mouse himself. For others, there is the obstacle of work schedules, children's schedules, not wanting to go when the weather is too hot, and not wanting to go when the weather is too cold. Some people are looking to go during a time when their favourite event is running, or may be looking to go during their favourite holiday to help make that day extra special. No matter what your reason is for wanting to go, most people want to head to Disney when the crowds are low, and the weather is bearable.

Historically the lowest attendance occurs from just after New Year's Day to just before President's Day, from Labor Day to the week before Thanksgiving, and the week after Thanksgiving to mid-December. Crowds pick up for President's Day right through to the beginning of March, late April through to early June, and for Columbus Day weekend. The parks are at their peak during Presidents Day Weekend, Spring Break (mid march through to late April), Memorial Day weekend, summer break (mid June through to Labor Day), Thanksgiving Day weekend, and Christmas week through New Year's Day. It is always a good idea to take a look at the dates you are looking on traveling to make sure that there are no US holidays that fall during that time, not only will the crowds be crazy, but often times airfare can be quite expensive as well.

When planning a trip to Walt Disney World, it may also be a good idea to take a look at what event, if any, will be running during your stay. Personally, I am quite open to any event that may be running as I see it as a new cultural experience or an event I can learn from, but for example, I have read reports from people who visited during Gay & Lesbian weekend, and were horrified.

Example of Events:

January - Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend - January 7 -10

February - ESPN the Weekend

March - Epcot's International Flower & Garden Festival

Princess Half Marathon Weekend

Atlanta Brave's Spring Training

April - Epcot's International Flower & Garden Festival

May - Epcot's International Flower & Garden Fesitval

Star Wars Weekends

June - Sounds Like Summer Concert Series

Star Wars Weekends

July - Sounds Like Summer Concert Series

ESPN RISE Sports Festival

August - Sounds Like Summer Concert Series

September - Epcot's International Food & Wine Festival

Night of Joy

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party

October - Epcot's International Food & Wine Festival

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party

November - Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party

December - Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party