a. When to Go to Walt Disney World
By Dave Shute
OVERVIEW: WHEN TO GO TO WALT DISNEY WORLD
Most years, I recommend arriving in Walt Disney World either one of the first three Saturdays after Thanksgiving or one of the first two.
In 2022, I recommend arriving one of the first two Saturdays after Thanksgiving–11/26 or 12/3.
See Next Best Dates if you cannot go on these dates.
WHY GO TO WALT DISNEY WORLD THEN?
“Here’s a tip for avoiding the crowds. The entire world over, two of the best weeks to go anywhere are the first two weeks of December. The weather is good in most places and attendance is almost always low. At Disneyland and Disneyworld in particular, the first two Wednesdays of December are often among the three or four lowest days of the year.”
Buzz Price, Walt’s Revolution: By the Numbers
Crowd levels* are the first factor to consider in timing your Walt Disney World trip.
Here’s why: daily attendance at the Magic Kingdom, the signature park at Walt Disney World, varies from fewer than 20,000 people to more than 60,000, with more than 90,000 heard of at Christmas. The park has a total hourly capacity of approximately 40,000 people–that is, the attractions can deliver about 40,000 rides per hour.
Consequently, on a day with 60,000 visitors, it will be hard for you to average more than one attraction every 90 minutes or so. Multiply this by the number of attractions in the park and it could take you more than 50 hours to enjoy everything at the Magic Kingdom. The attractions themselves take about 7 hours to enjoy; the other 40 or so hours will be spent waiting.
On the other hand, if you go to Walt Disney World during a low attendance period, you can enjoy an attraction at the Magic Kingdom every 20-30 minutes, reducing your total Magic Kingdom time to less than 15-20 hours, and your waiting time down to 8-14 hours.
Multiply this effect over the other three other theme parks at Walt Disney World and you can see how you can save literally days of waiting in line by going during a low attendance period. This allows you to
- Spend fewer total days at Walt Disney World, easing budget and schedule issues
- While seeing more of the best of the parks
- Taking more breaks from the parks, and, all in
- Having a less stressful, more satisfying experience
Other factors to think about in setting your date include seasonal pricing, the hurricane season, ride closures, and special events.
Given this, late November and early December is the best time to visit.
Crowds are low, hotel and ticket prices while varied are OK, especially the first of these two weeks, the hurricane season is over, few rides are closed, and magical special Christmas events and displays are everywhere.
See best and worst times to visit if you cannot go in late November/early December.
*But not the lowest crowd periods–these are low for good reasons: the peak of the hurricane season, and ride closure season, both of which should be avoided by first time visitors who may never return.
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232 comments
My guess is that you won’t post this, but that is up to you as the owner of this site. Your information is WAY off base. While some of this USED to be true, much of it no longer is. For example, the first two weeks in December were once EXCELLENT times to go. No longer the case. Still beautiful for the decorations and certainly better than the week between Christmas and New Year’s, but hardly “low crowds.” And anytime in October is now way crowded due to Food & Wine. And the week in February that you mentioned is SUPER crowded due to President’s week (no school for the week for New Englanders) and the Princess marathon week-end. So while lots of your information used to be relevant, it no longer is. I understand your reasoning that first (or only) timers would not be in their rooms much so you don’t recommend DVC…but WOW. BAD ADVICE. DVC units are the absolute BEST option for parents with young kids! Hello? A full kitchen and washer/dryer and room to spread out?!?! Make all of the difference in the world for a young family. And renting points is often cheaper or equivalent to staying in a Value, let alone the Poly.
Erika of course I’ll post it! But I think you are wrong on pretty much every point.
The December weeks are much more crowded than they used to be, but they are still among the lowest crowd weeks of the year. For first time visitors, what they used to be just doesn’t matter, because they can’t go back then. But they are much lower crowd than for example President’s Day week, most of March, the weeks before and after Easter, almost all the summer, Thanksgiving week, and Christmas and New Year’s week. Much lower than Jersey week, than Columbus Day… etc etc…
October is not “way crowded because of Food and Wine.” Epcot’s World Showcase is way crowded in the evenings and on weekends then; its rides are largely unaffected, as are the rest of the parks. You can run into massive crowds if you go to the wrong parks the wrong days–but that’s more about the Halloween Party and MK operating hours than about Food and Wine. See this: https://yourfirstvisit.net/2012/04/30/crowds-and-walt-disney-world/
I have never recommended the week of President’s Day for just the reason you note–I suspect maybe you saw a comment about a different year?.. The changing date of President’s day (which can happen from the 15th through the 21st) means that the actual bad week varies from year to year–which all my advice incorporates…see e.g. this: https://yourfirstvisit.net/2012/07/30/february-2013-walt-disney-world/
I am closer to your point of view on renting points–see this https://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/01/20/the-tightwads-guide-to-where-to-stay-at-walt-disney-world-3-deluxe-resort-hotels-at-rock-bottom-prices/ –but your math is way off. The cheapest DVC is OKW, and for an 8 night Saturday-Sunday visit (as I recommend) it’s 183 points at the lowest point cost time of the year in 2013. At $12 a point, that’s $2,200, or an average of $275 a night. That’s more than twice as much as value resorts prices those same nights–e.g. Art of Animation Little Mermaid, the most expensive, is about $118 a night the same season!
Ack…this keeps getting worse and worse. My family of FIVE has never spent more than $3000 for a full week at WDW and that is including airfare! Granted, we got a discount and/or free dining or other things. But even so…you are saying things like $8k! Not necessary! And early mornings are the BEST way to see the parks and do as much as you want. Then hit the pools in the afternoon when the parks are the most crowded and the hottest. And Epcot is AWESOME and not a disappointment for kids if you know what to do and where to go! OMG, all of the new little play areas and jungle gyms make strolling around World Showchase with a cocktail (for the adults) a complete joy for the whole family!
Erika, of course early mornings are the best time to go–that’s why my itineraries have between 4 and 8 of them, depending on the time of the year and what else is going on. And they have as mnay afternoons off that fit! But morning extra hours without hoppers for families spending a full day at a park, however, are largely foolish.
And of course Epcot is a ball, which is why it’s got typically a day and a half in my itineraries. But if parents of 4 year old with three days ask where they should go, the answer isn’t Epcot.
And it’s great that you can go with a family of five for $3k for a week… with airfares of around a grand, and tickets for 5 for a week at $1,500 I think its terrific that you can do your hotel and food for less than $500 for a week.
Interesting discussion. I think the difference here is the ‘first timer’ versus the ‘seasoned vet’. There are many things I would or would not do as I go all the time but for a first timer this is great information to get a foundation to go to Disney World and not be overwhelmed.
The dates are definitely fluctuating now but the numbers are still low. The funny thing is first timers seem to always choose the times that are the most crowded. So if this information has them chose a week that is just 2/3 as crowded they win! Not only in crowd size but in $$$ (dang those meal and room upcharges).
On the DVC comment, I own DVC and have younger kids. We enjoy staying in a Value (in fact our next trip is at All Star Sports – one of our favorites) as much as we enjoy the one bedroom Savannah view at Animal Kingdom. So again this is a too each their own and I really appreciate all the information Dave provides.
Good discussion.
Wow – Erika, I’d love to see the numbers on how you took a family of 5 for a full week for under $3000, including airfare. I’m currently pricing out a trip for my family of 6, and airfare alone is coming in around $2500-$3000. Maybe the last time you visited WDW was several years ago, during MUCH lower airfare times?
Dave, thanks for all the great info, as always!
Ericka, did you just get back from a little trip in your DeLorean?
Perhaps you haven’t been to WDW during the busy times recently, but your concept of what is and isn’t crowded at WDW is out of date!
I too long for the days of light attandance in the MK being 10,000 and a medium day of 60,000. But those days are long gone. I go to the Food and Wine every year and October is not croweded. Late Oct, early Nov is the time I recommend to everyone I know. Were you at Epcot on the weekend? That is a big no no, as it is flooded with townies there to drink. Weekdays are simply awesome!
Ack… renting points… For a young family… I don’t think so, not and stay under $3000 all items included.
Erika travels to WDW at least 4 times a year – in every season except summer. Her last trip was in February, for the Princess Half, yes, in 2013. Although, as she mentioned, she did not include hotel in her estimate, as they own DVC. So no need to wonder about her truthfulness or sanity.
As for airfares, I am still able to find them for about $200 roundtrip. Perhaps that is where I live, but I don’t think it’s an unusual price or a shocking savings. I know my family in the Midwest travels for about the same as we do in the mid atlantic east coast.
Anyway, despite the nastiness, I do think this is an interesting thread – although I also disagree with some points. The truth is, there is no be all site or recommendation for families or WDW visits. I visit at least once a year and have done so since the late 1990s, and have gone all different times – except in summer. (I can honestly say I have not been to WDW in the summer since 1987). So my opinions differ.
I found OKW to be very kid friendly, September and October to be increasingly crowded, due to free dining, and January lovely despite ride closures.I think Mary makes an excellent point – the difference is between an initial visit and a repeat visitor will shift perspectives.
In other points, I would never, for instance, take a first timer there for 8 days. I think it’s both too overwhelming and too expensive and cements the idea that WDW is a once in a life time experience, rather than something to be enjoyed again and again, in different permeations. I do totally agree that taking 4 year olds to Epcot is best not done. 🙂 I wonder about the sanity of any repeat visitor who takes a first timer, or tries to advise them – I have done both, several times, and question myself on it! I think sometimes people need to make their own mistakes and decisions and swear allegiance to their own system.
It’s interesting advice overall, and I appreciate Dave’s response to his visitors. Very kind and gracious.
Liz I really appreciate your sticking up for Erika.
As much as I’d simply prefer to vent about her, she’s just another imperfect human trying her best to help other people. Thank you for helping keep me focused on that. And that’s all that I am, too.
On some of your specific points–of course there’s no one size fits all solution. But many first time visitors who may never return–the intended audience of this site–need much better starting points than they have, and that’s what this site tries to provide. I’m pretty darn firm on the home page–but after that there’s almost 1,500 pages of “more” for those who won’t, or can’t, follow the advice on that page.
The “may never return” is a key point and helps make explicable what otherwise is hard to buy into–like the suggested length of 8 nights. If you know you can return, then I completely agree it’s too long! See this: https://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/02/24/the-comfortable-guide-to-how-long-to-stay-at-walt-disney-world/ And if you can’t afford the trip I recommend, there’s tons of other suggestions and guidance here as well–e.g. https://yourfirstvisit.net/planning-your-first-family-trip/what-to-budget/estimating-budgets/designing-your-walt-disney-world-vacation-to-a-lower-target-budget/
But frankly that’s too easy.
There are many more people who can afford to go only once than who can return many times.
And there are millions who won’t know until they make their first visit whether or not they will wish to return.
And there’s millions more who can afford to return and want to return but also want to see something new rather than repeat their vacation–who will go on a first visit to the Grand Canyon or Salzburg rather than back to WDW.
So I write for those who have never been and may never return. There’s lotsa stuff here for everybody else, too…but I am just unwilling to leave out in particular the millions who simply can only afford to go once…
On OKW–I love it, my kids love it, it’s my wife’s favorite resort. My point is not that it is not kid friendly–every WDW resort is kid friendly, and kids love them all–my point is that other possible choices are much more kid appealing.
On Erika’s numbers and DVC. First she did not say that she excludes hotel costs in her estimate–and even if she did, who would care? Surely you/she is not suggesting that the right way to come up with a budget for a first, and perhaps only, WDW trip is to first buy in to DVC and second get an annual pass? If she’s leaving out numbers that everyone else has to pay, and getting the rest wrong, what’s the worth of her point?
And finally…as I sit here dealing with Erika’s libelous and deeply flawed comments and their detritus, instead of spending this time helping people, working on my real job, or paying attention to my family, I am strongly feeling the point you make in your penultimate para: “I wonder about the sanity of any repeat visitor who takes a first timer, or tries to advise them” So do I, Liz…so do I…
I honestly didn’t mean to start controversy. But — and I do NOT mean to be rude here — the advice on this site is out of line with most other Disney trip planning sites. And also out of line with my experiences over the past decade.
In terms of paying $3k for a trip. That was before I owned DVC and was a 6-day trip. Yes, it was a few years ago, but certainly not ancient history. However, anyone who wants hard numbers from a recent trip, the DisUnplugged podcast (available on iTunes) did a challenge and one their team members took her family of 4 on a 6-day trip for $2400.oo. And they stayed at a moderate level resort. This was in the past 12 months. They live in FL, so did not have to pay airfare. But airfare for 4 can be done in that $600-range. For hard/recent numbers on that….I flew one month ago from the northeast to FL for $163. (So for a family of 4, that would be $650.) I encourage anyone to listen to the segment…you will exactly how they were able to do a week at WDW for less than $3k.
For my family, personally, we will only go when airfares drop to those levels. So that is one way we keep our costs way down.
Now, is $3k on the extremely low end? Absolutely. But my point was it can definitely be done. But Dave’s numbers of $8400 seem completely astronomical to me. If I was a first-timer and came on this site and saw that, I would give up then and there and say there is no way I can afford to take my family on a Disney vacation.
And that is why my comments have been so strongly worded. This is a site for first timers and I think that much of the information here would either scare them off or make for a less-than-ideal trip. As Liz said above…8 days? With little kids? I would never recommend that. You are asking for meltdowns and over-stimulation.
Today my family travels differently. We have DVC. (And yes, we use the kitchen and eat breakfasts in every day and even some dinners.) We have APs, which we purchase with the DVC discount. And so on. So my experiences today are different. But it can still be done the way I used to do it before we were DVC and AP holders….as is described on the podcast. And my first trip with 3 young children….we absolutely rented DVC points at OKW and it was the best decision we made. 5 of us in a standard size hotel room? Not fun. But that is MY family and what works for us. Of course, you will find things to be different. But I strongly encourage ANYONE to do lots and lots of research before planning a Disney trip. Not any ONE site. This or any other. Look around at the other trip planning sites. And go on the message boards (disboards.com) and you will find more tips, tricks, and advice than you can ever imagine.
Hi Erika!
Just two minor points. I’m not talking about “little kids” and 8 nights. The advice here is that if it’s your first and so far as you know, only only visit ever, wait til your youngest kid is 8. When people who ask me how long to stay for a little kid who can return later my typical response is 3 days in the parks with lots of breaks.
Second, there’s lotsa advice–literally dozens of pages here–on how to cut the vacation costs. See for example this and its links: https://yourfirstvisit.net/planning-your-first-family-trip/what-to-budget/estimating-budgets/designing-your-walt-disney-world-vacation-to-a-lower-target-budget/ But a family of four, doing the itinerary I suggest, not counting on any deals or discounts–great to have, but don’t count on them–eating the meals I suggest, seeing the shows, staying in the recommended hotels…that’s what it costs!
That “only visit” is a key reason why a lot of what’s here does not resonate with multiple repeat travelers!
Erika – You are right. People researching should go to multiple sites. And I can tell you the other sites also give poor information. I have found disBoards to be quite single sided on many topics so I would definitely look for other opinions.
I also wanted to point out that people from outside the US typically holiday for 14 to 21 days. So to me it looks like Dave is appealing to a broader audience than to just the US.
I’d LOVE to know where you’re finding flights for a family of 4-5 for $650. Are you flying standby or something?
Honestly, I’d rather spend $8500 and give my family an amazing trip full of memories than go cheap and leave Disney never wanting to go back.
Mary–good point about those outside of the U.S.
Tricia–nope, I fly Southwest or JetBlue. Right now I can book on SW for May for $89 going down and $79 coming back….about $170 per person. Those are today’s rates.
By all means, spend $8500 on one trip to Disney. To each his/her own. But the “trip of a lifetime” is a misnomer. Your kids don’t know all that is available. Are they going to feel ripped off or like they didn’t have a great trip because you didn’t do Cirque or the Halloween Party or some other add-on? Likely not. You can have an awesome, incredible, amazing, magical trip without spending that kind of money. And for my family…we’d rather go back multiple times and do something new or different each time as opposed to doing it all at once. Again, different strokes. But we absolutely do not cheap out. Ever. I have never even stayed at a Value. DVC resorts are all deluxe level. And before we owned, we rented points. And I have eaten at every signature restaurant. But I don’t eat a signature restaurant every night for a week. I would never want that much rich food all at once. Again, different strokes. My point about the $8500….don’t tell first timers that is the price tag. It sure doesn’t have to be. And that doesn’t mean you are cheaping out if you spend half that or less.
Oh, my…just want to say – too cool that Dave has a place for all of this to be said…if it needs to be said, that is.
I have visited more sites than I care to admit, have read 3 books about WDW (all printed in the last 2 years – and read cover-to-cover) and have subscribed to a site…and I feel that the info on this site is the clearest, more honest, and helpful. I found $8, 400 a great number to see at the high-end. I love that Dave talks about the different ways to do it…that allows ME to decide. I think that is what Dave is helping me do – he helps me decide what works best for my family. So many places on his site, he makes it clear that these are his opinions and you can take them IF you decide to…in no way, and I spend too much time here, do I get the message that I am being cheap to skip-out on some of the recs. He gives me info so I can decide…
I love that Dave takes his time to help people like me make the most out of the trip…his positive attitude and great advice is a wonderful part of my planning. Dave, you are my Disney guru!
All of these comments come from someone who has been to Disneyland over 50 times and knows her way around Disney, but still needs INFO on WDW.
Keep doing just what you are doing…
Wendy
Thanks Wendy…I kinda needed that…
Dave, I just have to say that your site has been super helpful to me. I realize that Erika (and others, maybe) has a different opinion based on her experiences and that’s fine….it’s really all about the experience you are trying to achieve and that’s different for everyone. I’ve been to Disney several times myself, but never with a child (my daughter will be 5 when we go). And I think that’s exactly the point you and some other commentors have mentioned…the first time visitors (and maybe ONLY time visitors) will be getting the best experience if they follow the advice on your site. The things I think set your site apart from most is the focus on the children’s experience (even which resorts have most impact) and the organized, easy-to-follow layout that allows you to quickly find summaries of the topics you are wondering about. I have absolutely used other sites while planning our trip, but yours is my MAIN reference source because of the honest opinions and your willingness to answer any question, no matter how “trivial” it may seem to someone who has been there dozens of time. So, I appreciate the service you provide! It has helped me immensely.
Shana, thanks!!! I also edited out Wendy’s name–Wendy’s been a sweetheart too, like you!
Hi Dave, I just finished reading this exchange and just wanted to pass along a thank you for once again trying to help people with their vacation planning. I think the majority of your readers know that you are giving them IDEAS about how to plan their vacation (and, if they don’t like those ideas, they can click on any number of your other links on how to modify those ideas). The first time I read your site, I knew my family wouldn’t be able to do a long trip at the first of December, but we took a lot of your ideas and applied it to our situation and our month of travel. I do believe that is what most people do when they read your website.
I don’t think it is fair to criticize you for the fact that WDW is busy. Like you have mentioned before, it is all relative. My Dad thought the middle of May at WDW was crazy busy. I would hate for him to see the week of Christmas. I think he would turn his car around in the parking lot and head home. (and we live in Indiana!) WDW has done their promotions, festivals, etc. to keep themselves busy and it has worked. Now it leaves you, and other planning web sites, with the challenges of finding “the lesser of evil” weeks to plan a vacation.
Keep doing what you are doing. While some may be unhappy, most are not. Those are the ones you have to think of when you get hit with emails that are more criticism than constructive criticism. Take care!
Hi Gretchen, great to hear from you again…and THANKS!
I agree with you Gretchen! Dave is giving fantastic information for guests experiencing their first visit to Disney World. As a local that visits Disney way too much (is that actually possible), I think Dave is right on target.
I actually spent a lot of time at Disney World this past December during the first couple weeks and loved the crowd levels – it was perfect! Typical Value Season crowds. I also spent time in October during the F & W Festival and still had a great time. It was typical Regular Season Crowds. Just as expected, based on Dave’s site.
We love your site Dave…keep up the great job!
Allison, thanks a million!
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Planning a trip for the 1st week of December this year. Are the crowd levels so low that Fastpasses may not even be necessary? How easy is it to get the hard to get ADRs during this time period. Other than Christmas Party at MK, are there any other events not to be missed?
Hi Ron, crowd levels are low for Disney World, not low in any absolute sense! Moreover, MK in particular can be mobbed on certain days so picking the right days is critical. For more on both points, see this: https://yourfirstvisit.net/2012/04/30/crowds-and-walt-disney-world/
And because more experienced travelers go this week, even though crowds are “low” as noted above, ADRs for the great stuff can still be snapped up 180 days ahead…
My take on what’s not to be missed is in my itineraries–e.g. see this: https://yourfirstvisit.net/planning-your-first-family-trip/basic-itinerary/basic-itinerary-daily-links/
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Hi Dave! First off, great job on the site. Like Allison, I too visited WDW the 2nd week of this past December with another Adult. While I did find the crowds to be somewhat higher than I’m used to, they were not unmanageable by any means. I also think Magic Kingdom was crowded due to the recent grand opening of New Fantasyland so it was an exceptional circumstance. We went over to Epcot one day and breezed right on to every ride in less than 30 minutes, including Soarin’ and the newly re-opened Test Track. In fact, those were the only 2 rides that even had a wait. At Magic Kingdom, we went back for a 2nd day and started the newer stuff first thing in the morning. Wait times were lower and we waited less than 20 minutes to order lunch at the brand new Be Our Guest Restaurant.
Normally, my husband and I visit the 2nd week of September for the full week. Even with Free Dining in effect, we find the parks to be fairly empty and this past year the weather was pretty reasonable too. Even with Free Dining and RT airfare on JetBlue from JFK, the 2 of us spent about $2,600 for the week at Caribbean Beach, the lowest cost Moderate Resort. I know airlines do have great airfare sales to Orlando however, it’s also important to factor in taxes and surcharges, not just the base fare.
Keep up the great work Dave! I think this post about visiting off-season is spot on.
Hi Heather, and thanks for the scoop and the kind words!
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Hi Dave,
A couple things for you from someone who just returned from her first ever trip to WDW! First, your site was incredibly useful to mentally prepare me for what I might encounter. Thanks so much for the time you put into this, so valuable. And, while we were there and received the lovely “rebook” discount, we used your site and the “best weeks calendar” to figue out if we could take advantage of a return trip this year (sadly, the answer was no, mainly because of lack of vacation time) I digress.
Did we spend too much money? Absolutely – 3 of us, traveling with another family of two who are repeat WDWers, so we didn’t have complete freedom/choices of our own. But, we did stay at a value resort (pop) which was nice, convenient, but very no-frills. All told, no meal plan (I did pack snacks for all five), military park hopper with the fun and more, travel 3.18 return 3.25, about $4k all in. That includes 3 expensive meals, shirts hats and Mickey ears, and of course pins!!!
I’m positive I’ve learned enough from one trip as to how to do it better than this time, but like the experienced dad we went with said, things have changed so much from their last visit 18 months ago we can think we have it “right” just to adjust on the fly.
You are so spot on to recommed a break during the day, because we didnt have any. My husband, who has been at the park, but not since 18, wanted to go go go all day long, open to close in most cases. So we did. My 8 year old is a trooper, I’ll tell ya! Ugh, I’m still recouping! We did have great weather for the parks, not so great for swimming buttons day was just warm enough for the water park before the rain kicked in. Oh, and the tornado on our last day was a fun story to share too!
Sorry for the long post, the point was to say thanks. And there is no need for others to critique what you freely give, it’s as simple as closing the web page if they don’t agree.
Thanks again, keep up the good work. I’ve told many about your site, for their upcoming trips, and they see the value as well.
Hi Adele and thanks for the thoughtful post, and your support.
I’m happy to take criticism, questions, and skepticism, because I do get stuff wrong, and it helps me to fix it when people to point it out!
But it’s all a question of tone…when people stridently yell and warn people away…well, that’s a a bit much 🙂
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We are planning to go to WDW between May 9-15 and want to see the MK one, possibly two days, a water park, Animal Kingdom, and possibly Hollywood. Our two boys are ages five and nine and we will arrive the afternoon of the 9th, a Thursday, and fly out on the 15th – mid-day. What are your suggestions for which days of the week to visit each park? What would you suggest for the parks to visit other than what I mentioned? Regarding Epcot, I have these memories, not positive, of visiting Epcot, not long after it first opened, when I was a kid, and having the sense it was mostly themed eating and shopping (vs. rides), so I have not really considered as part of trip planning.
Also, this is last minute trip planning so we have not considered dining at all – I see from your site that reservations fill up months in advance. Any recommendations for what to do regarding food for our last minute trip planning?
Thank you,
John
Hi John! I’d advise two days at MK and a day each at the other parks–even Epcot! There’s more to Epcot than you remember–see this: https://yourfirstvisit.net/2011/03/09/the-comprehensive-guide-to-walt-disney-world-rides-and-attractions/
Here’s parks to avoid by day:
5/9: Avoid MK–consider either Epcot or HS in the evening for the evening fireworks shows
5/10: Avoid Epcot
5/11: Avoid HS
5/12: Avoid MK
5/13: Avoid HS and AK
5/14: Avoid Epcot
5/15: Avoid HS
On dining, two options. Once you’ve settled your park days, just book the best of what’s left among the table service restaurants–use this to help: https://yourfirstvisit.net/planning-your-first-family-trip/where-to-eat/dining-alternatives/the-comprehensive-guide-to-walt-disney-world-dining/ Alternatively, just plan on eating all your meals at counter-service locations…
Hope this helps!!
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Dave,
It does help. As many others have said about the site, it is a tremendous resource and I will refer friends to it, and if I have the opportunity, local papers (we are in rural NH).
Related to your itinerary above and AVOID days, are there FAVORED days for MK and water parks, specifically, based on the days we are there? I looked at your 6 day itinerary chart for that time of year and I am having some trouble deciphering. Also, I note in your responses on some of comment boards that you have suggested to other families to not do EPCOT earlier in the trip as, potentially, it will be more disappointing than MK, for example, and you also discourage some families with younger kids from EPCOT. Would you say our five year old will get anything out of Epcot (ie, should we still plan on visiting?) And yes, we did read your page on waiting until kids are eight BUT we will be back again someday 🙂
We are following your advice and staying at Pop Century (probably pool side rather than lake side based on ability to watch our oldest son from room when they are in pool area. Are the rooms on pool side that noisy? Should we do upper floor or ground floor – balancing convenience vs noise? What area is close to bus stop? Not so easy to tell from pixelated maps of the property on some of sites.
Will follow your advice on meals as well. Thank you for the site – helps tremendously for a very quickly planned trip.
Finally, do you have a Disney iPhone app or can you recommend one? I see so many Disney apps that offer itineraries by the hour/day as to how to maximize time. Barring you not having an app, I will follow the itineraries you have listed on the pages of this site.
A lot of questions, I know, thank you for your time.
Best,
John
Hi John and thanks!
The best MK days during your visit will be the 14th and 15th.
Sorting through Epcot, it’s likely not great for kids the ages of yours, and if you do do it, do it early in your trip–there’s enuf there for the little ones to cover a morning, and then a return for the evening fireworks. See this:https://yourfirstvisit.net/2011/03/09/the-comprehensive-guide-to-walt-disney-world-rides-and-attractions/
Re Pop…frankly you are unlikely to be able to see the kids at the pool well enough from your rooms for this to be a factor in your planning. The 60s buildings overall are the most convenient to everything, and after that the 70s.
That is a crummy map. Sorry about that. I’ll be staying at Pop in later May (some of the same days you are, in fact!) so will grab a new map and re-scan it when I get home!
On the wait apps, I haven’t done a head to head comparison in a while….so cab’t give you a thoughtful recommendation.
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Last email – really, I promise; hopefully these questions help others (at least latter part of this email as it is not so specific to our itinerary). We fly out on 15th early afternoon, and knowing my stress levels with flying and wanting to get airport early we are thinking we just pool it at Pop C. that day. Based on your first email to me we had planned on 9th (arrival day late afternoon) – Epcot, to see it briefly, mainly for fireworks; Fr – MK as the kids and me will be itching to get there; 11th – AK; 12th – HS; 13th – MK; 14 – TL; 15 – travel day. Based on last email I should flip flop Typhoon Lagoon and MK, instead going to MK on 14th?
Based on your advice with resort, we decided to change to an upper floor room at Pop C. facing lake in 60’s or 50’s area (knowing 50s area not as close to bus, food). They tell me that the cannot guarantee anything with rooms, but that will try to accommodate requests. Based on your experiences, do they usually get you room meeting requests, at less crowded times of year.
Thank you,
J
Hey John, no worries, and keep asking away! I do this site to help–and you are right, people do read these comments!
Yes I’d flip MK and TL.
And they do their best with requests–ps did you do online check in yet? You can request again there–but the best way to get a request is to check in very early and to tell them that you’d rather wait for your room than get one assigned quickly. Your travel plans on;t let you do that, so I wouldn’t count on getting your request. You may–just don’t count on it…
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