If you’ve never been to Walt Disney World in Florida before, planning a trip can feel overwhelming. There’s so much to see, do, and decide. But one of the most important choices you’ll make before buying tickets, making park reservations, or booking a hotel is *when* to go.
Timing your vacation well can be the difference between easy days filled with magical moments, and crowded parks during blistering hot weather that leave you wondering what all the hype is about.
In this guide, I’ll break down the best and not-so-best times to visit Walt Disney World based on crowds, weather, special events, and budget … plus a few bonus tips to hopefully make your trip less stressful and more magical!
Understanding Walt Disney World Crowds
Just like any other theme park, crowd levels tend to match up with holiday breaks and school schedules. Other factors include the heat and humidity of Florida’s climate, as well as special celebrations happening at the parks.
Let’s look at the year in segments:
January Through Early March: Low Crowds, Cooler Weather
Best for: Shorter wait times, lower hotel prices, adult-only trips (less kids), cool temperatures.
These months are some of the quietest of the year, especially after the New Year holiday ends. January and February are ideal if you want to enjoy the parks with fewer people, shorter lines, and mild weather (highs in the 60s–70s°F).
Watch out for: Refurbishments (some rides may be closed due to the “slow season”), shorter park hours, and unpredictable weather. Florida can swing between chilly mornings and hot afternoons. I experienced this for myself when I participated in the Walt Disney World marathon one January day. It was in the 30s and overcast when I started and 70s with direct sun when I finished.
Mid-March through Mid-April: Spring Break Season
Best for: School vacations, seeing EPCOT’s Flower & Garden Festival.
Spring Break is one of the busiest times of the year. Crowds increase from mid-March through Easter, especially if your trip overlaps with public school vacations. Expect long lines and higher hotel prices, but you’ll also enjoy mild weather and (arguably, IMO) the prettiest landscaping of the year.
Watch out for: Packed parks and high demand for Lightning Lane passes.
Late April through Mid-May: A Sweet Spot
Best for: Low-to-moderate crowds, warm but not scorching temps.
This is a small lull before the summer madness officially starts on Memorial Day weekend. You can expect slightly lower crowds than spring break, and usually Walt Disney World releases some kind of package deal to attract crowds. The weather is warm and humidity is creeping up, but it’s more comfortable than summer.
Pro tip: Plan some indoor activities for the hottest part of the day, which is around noon to 3pm. Seek out indoor attractions and queues such as Country Bear Musical Jamboree, Mickey’s Philharmagic, and Pirates of the Caribbean. Or, find a nice indoor or shaded lounge at one of the parks or at a nearby hotel resort.
Late May through Mid-September: Peak Summer
Best for: Families with school-age kids, extended park hours, summer exclusives.
Summer is one of the most popular times to visit, and for good reason: school’s out, most attractions are operating, and the parks stay open later. However, it’s also the hottest and most humid season in Florida. Afternoon rain showers are common, and crowd levels peak around July 4th.
Watch out for: High heat and humidity, high crowd levels, and higher prices across the board.
Tips for summer visitors: Start early, take frequent breaks in the AC or hotel pool, bring ponchos or umbrellas for afternoon downpours, and stay hydrated. You can bring sealed water bottles into the parks. (You do not want to drink the Florida tap water. No one warned me, so I feel obligated to warn you.)
Late September through Mid-October: Great Weather, Lower Crowds
Best for: Lower temps, Halloween fun, EPCOT’s Food & Wine Festival.
If you don’t mind some above-average temps and humidity, this is a really fun time to visit Walt Disney World. The parks are quieter since most kids are back in school, which means less crowding in the walkways and shorter lines. Halloween decorations go up in August which, IMO, is too early, but if you’re a fan of spooky season then this is a great time to go!
Things to know: Before you book your theme park reservations, check the dates for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Magic Kingdom closes early on those days. Also, this is peak hurricane season so travel insurance is essential.
Late October through Mid-November: Fall Festivities
Best for: Halloween & early Christmas crossover, lower crowds.
This is a beautiful time to visit. EPCOT’s Food & Wine Festival is in full swing, Halloween parties continue until the end of October, and by mid-November, Christmas decor and events begin. The weather is pleasant, and crowds are moderate.
Things to know: Crowds will be higher on the weekend near Halloween and the first official weekend of ChristmasTime.
Pro tip: You do not want to miss Jingle Cruise, a fun holiday overlay for Jungle Cruise that only happens at the Magic Kingdom! (Bring this back to Disneyland, you cowards!)
Thanksgiving Week – Early January: Peak Holiday Season
Best for: Holiday lovers, festive parades, fireworks, and decorations.
If you want the full Disney holiday magic, such as gingerbread displays, snow on Main Street USA, and Christmas lights galore, this is the time to go. The downside? It’s also the most crowded and most expensive time of the year. Expect wall-to-wall people, limited dining availability, and high hotel rates.
Still magical if: You plan ahead, use Lightning Lanes wisely, and embrace the festive spirit. Oh, and don’t forget to pack your patience. Seriously … it’s so crowded.
Best Times to Go Based on Your Priorities
If You Want Low Crowds:
- Mid-January through mid-February
- Late April through mid-May
- Late August through September
If You Want Comfortable Weather:
- Late October through April (Florida’s cooler, drier months)
- Avoid peak summer if you’re heat-sensitive
- Always be prepared: dress in layers and bring a poncho
If You’re Budget-Conscious:
- January and early February
- Late August through September
- Some weekdays in May or October
If You Love EPCOT Festivals:
- Flower & Garden Festival: March – July
- Food & Wine Festival: Late July – November
- Festival of the Holidays: Mid-November – December
- Festival of the Arts: January – February
Important Things to Know Before Picking Your Dates
- Park Reservations are Required: You’ll need a valid theme park ticket and a reservation to enter each park.
- Hotel Prices Fluctuate: Resorts use dynamic pricing, so visiting during a busy season will generally always cost more than the slow season.
- Special Events Sell Out: If you’re going for Halloween or Christmas parties, buy tickets early! Keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog website for announcements.
- School Calendars Vary: Avoiding your own school district’s break? That’s good … but you may still be there with other families on break unless you research national holidays and other district schedules.
Planning Pro Tips
- Use a Crowd Calendar: Sites like WDW Prep School and Thrill Data offer updated crowd calendars that help you pick the best weeks.
- Stay Flexible: If your dates are flexible, let crowd and price trends guide your decision.
- Don’t Fear the Off-Season: “Slower” months can mean more magic with less stress. Less waiting = more rides, snacks, and character photos!
- Consider Your Group’s Needs: Traveling with toddlers? Avoid hot, busy months. Going with teens? Summer may work just fine.
There’s no single “perfect” time to visit Walt Disney World, but there is a perfect time for you. Whether you want cooler weather, lower crowds, a festival experience, or all the Christmas sparkle, there’s a season that fits your dream trip.
With a little research and a bit of flexibility, you’ll be able to plan a magical vacation that’s memorable for all the right reasons.
