The Best Time to Visit Disney World
The Best Time to Visit Disney World? Well, that depends on YOU.
So, you’ve decided it is high time to pack the kids up and go visit the Big Mouse and his friends in Florida. Disney World calls you, and you must answer that magical call. Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, and the Princesses are waiting for you and your family to set off on this rite of passage and set off you shall.
But first and foremost: Godspeed.
As a Floridian, I would say I am pretty darn lucky that Orlando and Disney World isn’t too far from home. But obviously, that is not the case for everyone!
The journey you’re embarking on is not to be taken lightly: There are flights to book. Or cars to pack. Character autograph books to buy. Hotels to research. Pet sitters to hire.
Logistics, logistics, logistics. While daunting, we can assure you of one thing: It will all be worth it. Disney World Orlando is precisely that – magical. The time and memories you and your family will create will become the stuff of legends.
However, before you book the flights, pack the car, schedule that pet sitter, and before you decide what character autograph book to buy…there is one crucial decision that you must finalize: When is the Best time to visit Disney?
When are you going to visit Disney World?
The answer, it turns out, is not as straight-forward as you might think. Ask one hundred people when the best time to visit Disney World is, and you’re likely to get 101 different answers. Why? Because Disney World means many different things to many different people, and everyone enjoys it differently. So, essentially, the best time to visit Disney World will have a lot more to do with who *you* are as a family as opposed to school calendars or travel site tips. Let’s see if we can help figure out when your ideal Disney World vacation should happen.
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The Best Time to Visit Disney World for Cheap
If your vacation comes down to the dollars and cents like ours does, then it makes sense to visit when the overall cost is low. Utilizing the infamous WDW Crowd Calendar from Undercover Tourist, you can easy to identify days where the total cost of tickets and on-site hotel costs are significantly reduced.
Generally speaking, January and February are one of the best times to visit Disney to mingle with Mickey for less dough.
The families who vacationed over the holiday season during school break have now headed home, and the parks tend to be quieter making ticket and hotel prices lower. A good rule of thumb, if you are looking to save a few (or a lot) of bucks, is to avoid Walt Disney during the holidays.
Disney on a Budget? Save money and time now with UndercoverTourist.com!
Related: How an Airbnb Orlando Villa Can Save You Money on Your Disney World Vacation
The Best Time to Visit Disney World for Introverts
While everyone might love Disney, not everyone loves a crowd. Personally, I am one of those people who really dislike crowds. If you are looking to avoid the chaos of the masses, it is crucial to pick a time when other families are staying home.
Typically, September, October, and November (excluding Halloween and Thanksgiving) can be a great time to visit if you prefer more elbow room and shorter wait times.
One of the single best three-week periods to visit Disney World are the three weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Most families save their vacation time for the two holidays, meaning fewer people are heading to Cinderella’s Castle.
Want a bonus? The decorations are in full glory, and you can find some hot cocoa if you’re lucky enough to experience those rare cooler Florida temps.
But let’s be clear…this is Disney World and while the crowds might not be akin to packed sardines during these “slower” times, this is still Disney folks and there will always be throngs of Imperial forces to contend with. If you don’t believe me, ask the dishes.
The Best Time to Visit Disney World for Athletes
Disney World has become world-renowned for its high-class and well sought-after races. Whether you are looking to run with the princesses, take off with the Storm Troopers, or fly around like Tinkerbell, there is a Disney race full of magical entertainment and medals just for you. The best weekend though if you long for the excitement of road races would easily be the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend.
Featuring Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge, a 5k and 10k race, and the coveted WDW Half Marathon and Marathon, the second week of January is filled with race excitement and lots of characters running alongside the racers. So, suit up in your best Disney themed running gear and show off your winning style.
The Best Time to Visit Disney World if You Love Fireworks
Now, we all know that you can enjoy a firework display every single night at Disney World. Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom put on beautiful displays nightly, and man they are magnificent. However, if you want an unrivaled firework show, the only time to go to Disney World is the week of the 4th of July.
The hotter weather might deter some, but the pomp and circumstance that surrounds the entire park during this week are electric. With marching bands playing some of the greatest Americana classics, it is hard not to have red, white, and blue pouring from your veins. And the fireworks? Oh my. Do you think you’ve seen fireworks before? To quote Bachman-Turner Overdrive: B-b-b-baby, you just ain’t seen n-n-nothin’ yet!
The Best Time to Visit Disney World if You’re An Adult
And last but not least, a little something for those who want all the fun and adventure of a Disney World vacation, but without the mini-humans. Yup, that’s right. Disney doesn’t have to be all about the kids. There is plenty for the adults to enjoy!
Dress in your absolute best as you take part in Dapper Day, typically hosted in Spring and Fall at Walt Disney World. Dapper Day, while not an officially sponsored Disney World event, has become a tradition for many adult visitors. Dress up a little or a lot in fashions from vintage classic, to chic, to contemporary. If dressing in your best isn’t your cup of tea just think of all the fantastic photo opportunities, you will have if you visit during Dapper Day.
Each fall, between August and November, Disney World puts on 75 days’ worth of yummy good times for the kid-less adults or the adults who like to act like kids. The Epcot International Food and Wine festival is a must see, do, and taste for any adult who wants to revel in the magic of Disney, but do so with a couple of glasses of great wine and some fancy cheese that they can’t pronounce. Wine. Food. Test Track. What could go wrong?
To make the Epcot International Food and Wine festival even more delicious, you can book a specialty dining and pairing package with Disney chefs or embrace your inner groupie with an Eats to the Beat Concert Series and dining package.
The Best Time To Visit Disney Is Now
Whenever you decide the best time for you to head to Florida is, know that the memories you’re making will far surpass the stress that you might experience during the planning phase. And know this: No matter when you go, your family will cherish the experience for a lifetime. Your family might not remember the effort that you put into making the trip happen, but they will never forget the way your efforts made them feel.
Now, go get your magic on.
I would love to hear about your recent trip and when you decided was the best time to visit Disney World! Comment below with your favorite time to visit Mickey!
