Best time to visit Disney World
One of the most asked questions I see is "when is the best time to visit Disney World?" My number one answer to this question is "anytime you can". I know, that's not very helpful, so lets look at some of the best times to go on a trip to Walt Disney World.
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What goes in to making a "best time" to visit Disney World? Let's find out ...
The best time to visit Walt Disney World
Photo by Don Sullivan
Crowds -
Walt Disney World is notorious for drawing large crowds even when other parks don't. The Disney World parks always rank at the top in theme park attendance. During school holidays, crowds at Disney World will swell to unimaginable proportions. Christmas week is usually the busiest week at Walt Disney World. On Christmas Day, if you arrive at the Magic Kingdom after mid-morning, you might not get in.
If you want to miss all of the crowds at Disney World, you will want to visit when school is in session. Usually the last week in January and the first week or two of February have the smallest crowds. Fall also has smaller attendance.
Check out Dad's Monthly Crowd pages
January |
April |
July |
October |
To be sure to find the best time to visit Disney World, find out how to avoid crowds at Walt Disney World.
Dad's Crowds at Disney World page
A great resource for finding the best days to visit each park during your trip is Touringplans.com. They have up to the minute information on lines at the parks, a daily prediction of the busiest parks and plans that will save you hours of waiting in line. Check them out today.
Dad's Touringplans.com page
Weather -
Yes, it rains in Florida |
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| Photo by Express Monorail |
Orlando Florida, is in the smack dab middle of the state. Florida can have some extreme weather. Orlando isn't exempt from the extremes. Florida is also well know for rain. Yes, it rains in Florida. A lot. You can expect to have at least one rain shower during your stay. Sometimes it rains every day. Even in December. So come prepared.
During the summer, temperatures will average in the mid to upper 90's, and no, it's not a dry heat. Along with the heat you can expect the humidity to be 70% or more. This makes for a very sweaty and sometimes uncomfortable combination. Rain is sometimes a blessing.
During the springtime and in the fall the weather in Orlando is usually pretty nice to downright perfect. Winter is another story altogether. Winter can be unpredictable. In December, for example, temperatures can range from highs in the 80's to highs in the 30's, and everything in between.
To be sure you find the best time to visit Disney World, know what the weather is going to be when you arrive.
Pack accordingly.
Dad's Walt Disney World weather page
Get some help -
If you are ready to take a Disney World Vacation, why not let Dad and his time give you some help. Dad has teamed up with some really great Disney Vacation Planners from Pixie and Pirate Destinaions. We know Disney World and we know how to help you plan a magical vacation you'll remember for the rest of your lives.
Dad's Pixie and Pirate Destinations page
Special Events -
Walt Disney World differs from other amusement parks by the quality of it's special events. Disney puts on celebrations almost year around. Some of them draw small crowds. Some draw very large crowds. There are celebrations that last for only one day, like the 4th of July or New Years Eve. But some last for months, like Epcot's Food and Wine Festival.
The most popular Special Event at Walt Disney World is the Christmas Holiday season. Festivities start around November 14. Every day during Christmas season, Disney throws a Christmas Party. Every park, every hotel, every restaurant, every where you look there are outstanding decorations, special shows and holiday candy. Disney knows how to celebrate Christmas. The party continues until the first Sunday in January the they magically disappear.
To be sure you find the best time to visit Disney World, check out what Special Events are happening during your stay.
Dad's Disney World Events page
Star Tours the Adventure Continues - new rides
Photo by Don Sullivan
Prices -
Disney hotels are priced by different "seasons". The lowest time of the year is called Value Season. Value Season is when Disney predicts crowds to be the smallest. Disney also has several promotions during the year. Over the last few years they've offered promotions with free tickets, free dining, or reduced rates on hotels. These promotions sometimes bring in big crowds. They can save you lots of money. Free dining can save a family of 4 over $100.00 per day.
Dad's Disney Hotel Rates page
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| Photo by Samantha Decker |
Ticket prices aren't dependent on crowds. Prices stay the same throughout the year. Disney will usually have a price increase the first Sunday in August (first of June in 2011). Tickets are a big part of your Disney World vacation. Several scams have been reported over the last couple of years. Make sure you buy your tickets from reputable dealers.
Prices for meals at Walt Disney World restaurants are fairly stable. During the holiday seasons (which can be anytime during the year when Disney expects big crowds) Disney puts on what they call "holiday pricing" on selected restaurants. This will increase the price of a meal substantially. If holiday pricing" will be in effect you should be notified when you make your reservation.
To be sure you find the best time to visit Disney World, check out what special deals Disney is offering during your stay.
Dad's Disney World Vacation Deals page
The best day of the week to arrive -
The best day of the week to arrive at Walt Disney World it Sunday. (See what Dad really thinks about that one.) But Dad, as always, is right. Sunday is cheapest day to arrive. Disney charges more for Friday and Saturday nights. I guess if your vacation is exactly 7 nights when you check-in doesn't matter. If it's less than 5 nights, then you could check-in on a day other than Sunday and still avoid the weekend, but for the most part Sunday is the best day to check-in.
The other reason the best time to visit Disney World starts on Sunday is that that's typically the cheapest day to fly. Business travelers don't fly much on Sunday so there are more seats available at a cheaper price. It's also when the traffic around Orlando is the slowest.
See Dad's list of the best time to visit Disney World
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Dad's Bottom Line - The real answer
When you look at crowds, weather, Special Events, and pricing, when is the best time to visit Disney World?
Whenever you can.
