Visiting Walt Disney World During Winter and Spring Break

After you make the decision to take a Walt Disney World vacation, deciding when to go is paramount. Disney World is always hopping, but there are dramatic differences in crowds, climate and activities throughout the year. How do you decide what's best for you and your family? By researching what's going on when you want to go and comparing the pros and the cons of the season, this article will analyze those first three months of the year to determine what makes winter a time to enjoy or a time to avoid.

What's happening? The January/February/March time period varies dramatically within its three month span. The beginning of January completes the holiday season and is addressed in more detail in "Seasons of Walt Disney World: Visiting During the Holidays". One item that kicks off the year outside of the holidays is the Disney World Marathon, where devoted runners and speed walkers can compete in full or half marathons throughout the disney property, including the parks. Moving further into the month finds a limited selection of activities and more of a lull in the Disney World features. Because of this typically very slow period, Disney has begun offering the Magic Kingdom's "Pirate and Princess Party" on select nights beginning in January. This hard ticketed event appeals to both boys and girls and makes the Magic Kingdom park come alive with special fireworks, a nighttime parade, meetings with characters and searches for treasure. While not a reason in and of itself to travel to Disney, the party is a lively addition to your already planned vacation. Moving into February, in addition to the Pirate and Princess parties, Valentine's Day merchandise begins to show up in store windows and displays. Mardi Gras will bring visitors dressed in purple and gold, and many guests and cast members alike begin sporting brightly colored beads. March continues the same events with a little green decorating the stores when St. Patrick's day comes around and crowds continue to spike with Spring Breaker hitting the parks.

The Pros. First and foremost among the pros of this time of year are the temperatures. Humidity is down and balmy 75 degree days are not unusual. Disney World in the winter feels like spring in the northern U.S. and makes touring the parks a joy. The first six weeks of the year will also offer lower value prices on lodging, airfare and rental cars and the crowds are light, making for easy waits for rides and attractions. Finding a table or seat by the pool will be easy, as along with the lighter crowds many people will avoid the cooler water temps. Reservations for meals nad events are easier to come by and you don't necessarily have to hit that 180 day mark to make your choices. Being spontaneous and getting seated as a walk up is a lot easier when the crowds are low. Spring Break will also eliminate pulling your kids out of school, which is a big appeal for many parents and teachers. Finally, if you live in a place where snow is the main ingredient of your winter, a break in Florida sunshine may be just the right medicine for that mid winter break!

The Cons. Because of the lower crowds during the first part of the winter, park hours tend to be cut. There are still Extra Magic Hours, but the summertime ability to hit the Magic Kingdom at 9:00 am and stay until the next morning at 2:00 am is non existent. Hours do increase during the marathon weekend and when Spring Break season begins, but so do the crowds and the prices. If you're not used to the blowing winds and sub zero temperatures up north, the swimming pools at the resorts may also be too cold for you. Disney does heat their pools, but the temperatures remain cool throughout the day without the humidity and sun to really cook the water and may seem a bit chilly for all but the most diehard fans. This is also a time for Disney to refurbish their attractions and water parks, so you may not be able to hit everything you had planned from home. Another thing to consider for those of you who do live with snow advisories at home: traveling may be at risk from a winter storm or ice. Have a backup plan, and expect you may encounter delays.

All in all, winter is a great season to visit if you understand what to expect. Low crowds and great temps in the first half lead into higher crowds and extended hours as the spring breakers descend. For the visitor who hates the humidity, this is by far the best time of the year to visit. So pack your bags, book your tickets and don't forget a sweatshirt and some mittens for those potentially very cool nights and enjoy every minute of your Walt Disney World winter vacation!