Disney World Crowds in 2012
2012 CROWDS AT WALT DISNEY WORLD
In the image below you’ll find Walt Disney World 2012 crowd forecasts. (Click it to enlarge it; when open, click it again.)
(For the 2013 Crowd Calendar, click here)
Crowd levels are ranked by week from 1-11 in the following way:
1: Lowest of the year
2: Lower
3: Low
5: Moderate-minus
6: Moderate
7: Moderate-plus
9: High
10: Higher
11: Highest
HOW TO INTERPRET THE 2012 DISNEY WORLD CROWD CALENDAR
The “low crowd” weeks–those rated 1-3–represent the only crowd levels a family visiting for the first time, and unsure if it will ever return, should consider.
However, lower crowds, especially lowest crowds, do not always mean a better week. The lowest weeks are low for a reason–typically because they are in the hurricane or the ride closure seasons. See this for recommended 2012 weeks for first time visitors, and for the 2012 Week Picker, see this.
The “moderate crowd” weeks–those rated 5-7–have crowd levels I would not recommend to first time visitors. However, I’d go during such weeks myself with no hesitation, and think these levels are OK for returning visitors who don’t need to see everything and already know how to work Walt Disney World.
The “high crowd” weeks–those rated 9-11–should be avoided by everyone. They aren’t, which is why they are so high.
You may have noted that there’s no level 4 or 8. There’s a reason for that.
MY DISNEY WORLD CROWD CALENDAR GOES UP TO 11
My analytics only let me distinguish 9 groups–the lowest through the highest crowd levels noted above.
Since the influence of the Unofficial Guide and TouringPlans.com has led almost all Disney World crowd calendars to top out at 10, this presented a problem of needing to skip a number. The skipped number is hard to place among 9.
However, I’ve always thought that the really nastiest weeks of the year deserved an 11 for emphasis. So I assigned 11 to “highest.” That let me skip two numbers, the ones that separate the moderate crowd levels from those higher and lower.
A NOTE ON DISNEY WORLD CROWD FORECAST ACCURACY
This site’s forecasting approach has stood the test of time. But nobody’s perfect, and it can’t hurt you to look at other Disney World crowd calendars—such as TouringPlans.com –far and away the best daily crowd calendar on the web.
(TouringPlans.com charges a trivially small fee. Buy Testa and Sehlinger’s book and get a discount on TouringPlans.com.)
I particularly suggest checking other forecasts for 2012 Spring Break–late February, March and early April–visits, as crowds in this period are the hardest to forecast.
HOW THE 2012 CROWD CALENDAR WAS BUILT
The data-sets, analytic engines, and inference processes that went into this are largely the same as in past years, but, as I’ll explain in a later post, the data-sets are more extensive, the analytic weighting of data-sets is different, and I’ve used inference in a different way to label the weeks.
The presentation is also quite different.
I’m still working on the graphics, but I wanted to make it easier to read the crowd levels of individual weeks.
See the right side for the same 2012 crowd levels data laid out in a format similar to that of prior years.
MORE ON WHEN TO GO TO WALT DISNEY WORLD
- For when to go to Walt Disney World, see this
- For the next best dates, see this
- For the best and worst times to visit, see this
- For 2012 weeks to visit, ranked in order, see this
- For the 2012 Week Picker, see this
- For 2013 weeks to visit, ranked in order, see this
- For forecasting crowds at Walt Disney World, see this
- For the 2012 Crowd Calendar, click here
- For the 2013 Crowd Calendar, click here
- For seasonal pricing at Walt Disney World, see this
- For 2012 price seasons, see this
- For 2013 price seasons, click here
- For weather at Walt Disney World, see this
111 comments
I plan on going Feb 23rd, 2012 until Feb 28th, 2012. All adults- first timer’s. We have relatives in Orlando taking us around- but would this be ideal time to go???
Hi Tassie! The first few days of your period you’ll be running into the crowds from President’s Day, but by Saturday things should slow and by Sunday they’ll be terrific. The week beginning the 25th is one of my recommended weeks–see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/10/20/2012-weeks-to-visit-walt-disney-world-ranked-in-order/
We are planning a vacation at the end of April 29, 2012- May 6, 2012. What will the crowd levels be at this time? We have been at Disney at least 12 times and never came at this time. Also, we are still looking for a meal plan for this time. Any idea as to when I might be able to see or check into this. Our son is coming up to join us…he lives in Florida (West Palm) and hopefully we can get some sort of plan by then to ease the cost. We always stay at the Polynesian…all 12 times, and he and his girl and daughter will be joining us. Can’t wait!!!!!
Hi Patti that’s a great time to go!
Crowds are low, prices moderate, and the weather is great!
I have it ranked as the tenth best week of the year–see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/10/20/2012-weeks-to-visit-walt-disney-world-ranked-in-order/
For more on the meal plan, see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/02/11/the-disney-dining-plan-at-walt-disney-world/ I find most people don’t save much money on the dining plans unless they would have done the equivalent number of sit down meals anyway…
Hello we r going to Disney march 25 till the 31st. Easter isn’t till the 8th of April so I was hoping it wasn’t going to be too bad with the crowds…what do u think? Keep in mind I’m used to going during the summer months. Thanks!
Hi Andrea!
You are right that hardly any kids are off that week, but I still have it rated as a 10 for corwds–and I rate the summer crowds as 9. The issue is visitors taking their kids out of school to get away from the cold in the Northeast. See this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2011/07/11/disney-world-crowds-in-2012-spring-break-2012/
Spring break is really hard to forecast, though, and if I’m wrong crowds that week will be lighter–e.g. a 7–not heavier. So here’s hoping it works out!
We were realizing most school’s Easter break would be over by 4/14 and were going to travel 4/15-4/21 – I wanted to see if we were correct in this assumption and I love the graph you made! My question is if school resumes Mon 4/16 do you think there is still heavy (or more expensive) airtravel on sunday the 15th? wondering if we should wait to leave on monday or the following week instead.
Hi Sarah!
Travel the 16th may be much less expensive–I just tested a trip from my town to Orlando and back the 15th and the 16th and the round trip was $200 cheaper for travel the 16th.
You can test that for your town by doing some test bookings to see what kind of fares you’ll get. I used expedia’s “my dates are flexible” checkbox tool… here: http://www.expedia.com/
See also http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/03/29/air-travel-201-the-tightwadss-guide-to-cheap-flights-to-walt-disney-world/
Hi Dave. I’d like to know your opinion on the crowd level from January 2nd to January 8th??
Another date, from February 2nd to February 14th?
Hi Sarah!
Your first period I’m seeing as having varied corwds. A lot of kids are still off the 2nd, and the Disney marathon will bring crowds over the weekend. Overall I’m calling it moderate-minus. See this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2011/07/05/disney-world-crowds-in-2012-christmasnew-years-2011-2012/
Your second period will have among the lowest crowds of the year!!
We are going to DW for a dance team trip March 11-16th. According to your predictions this is a terrible time to go. Exactly how terrible should we expect??? Wait times??? Wall to wall crowds??? And are there better days to do certain parks during that week?? Any tips for making it better??
Hi Taani–yes, I’m seeing that as a tough week. For more on why, see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2011/07/11/disney-world-crowds-in-2012-spring-break-2012/
For some ideas on how to cope, see this page: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/12/19/adventure-or-inconvenience-walt-disney-world-over-the-holidays/ It’s about last Christmas, but the general apporach works during any really crowded time.
Finally let me know if you are staying at a Disney resort hotel or not, and with that I can give you some ideas on best days and worst days…
Dave—I believe we are staying at the All Star Music resort.
Thanks Taani. The trick during crowded periods is to show up befroe the parks open, and to avoid parks with extra magic hours. Operating hours sometimes suddnely chnage (e.g. parks open ealrier) in such times, so keep your eyes on the Disney operating calendar (see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/03/30/walt-disney-world-hours-of-operation/)
Based on the current calendar, you’d want to avoid MK the 11th, AK and HS the 12th, Epcot the 13th, AK the 14th, and MK the 15th. More EMH may be added–particulaly at the Magic Kingdom.
You can find more advice on which parks which days on EasyWDW.com (free) and TouringPlans.com
Hi there, your site is wonderful. I am visiting Disney world April 2,3,4,5 & 6th. 2012. Do the crowds get worse after Easter, or is that whole time frame equally crazy? Thanks so much for your time.
Hi Tammy and thanks!
Most years, the three or four days after Easter are as bad as the week before, but then things get a lot better. For 2102 I’m forecasting that more of that week will be bad… for why see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2011/07/11/disney-world-crowds-in-2012-spring-break-2012/
My wife tells me this is the year to take our kids to Disney. Unfortunatly, we can only do this over spring break. This will be the middle of March. We would arive on the 12th. I understand that we will hvae crouds…not much we can do about that. My question is about the temps. Should we plan on visiting the water parks or is this just a waste of money? I dont want to spend the extra cash and freeze but i also dont want to have the kids begging to go if the temps are right.
Thanks
Hi David!
March weather can be all over the place–see this http://yourfirstvisit.net/planning-your-first-family-trip/when-to-go/next-best-dates/weather-and-when-to-go/high-temperatures-year-round/ and also this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2011/08/17/march-2012-at-walt-disney-world/
However, you don’t need to decide now about waterparks. Skip the “waterparks and more” ticket add-on, and either add it, or add a one day water park admission, once you are there and know what you are facing.
(Most folk who are new to WDW and add the “water parks and more” option pay more than those who don’t, as there really isn’t enough time or energy to get your money’s worth from the option…)
THANKS… so we can simply add a single day if it is warm and the kids want to do this?
Also, i assume the park hopper option is recomended?
Yes, and yes!
In the itineraries I write (for your dates see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/planning-your-first-family-trip/basic-itinerary/alternative-itineraries/itineraries-for-the-rest-of-the-year/v2-of-2009-autumn-winter-spring-itinerary/ ) I try to avoid park hoppers–to save people money–but as the example shows I can’t always, and hoppers can be invaluable during really busy times…they let you avoid morning EMH parks and see key evening shows more easily…
Hey I know by the looks of your calender the weeks I’m going to mention aren’t going to be the greatest but I’m wanting to organise a girls-fortnight holiday to Orlando to visit Disney since one of my friends has never been any Disney park! The only time I think we can all go is from Saturday 2nd June 2012 to Sunday 17th June at the latest
Do they keep the parks open late at that time of year so it’s quiter to go later in the day?
Hi Charlotte!
I didn’t quite follow your last 6-8 words…restate for me??
But to your question of are the parks open later, the answer is yes. See this example form the past summer: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2011/06/17/next-week-618-to-6262011-at-walt-disney-world/
My family is planning a trip to WD 2/17/12- 2/25 or 2/26. We have a timeshare & will be visiting D.Saratoga Springs Villas. We’ve been to Disney 2x but, my girls were too young to remember. We live in NYC . We didn’t enjoy the hot & suddenly rainey forecast of FL summers. Reason for Feb vacation. Is it really that bad to go this week ? I’am starting to second guess my plans! But, my husband has Reactive arthritis an autoimmune disease(joints swell, especially from standing & walking too much, tires easily). Guest relations said we can rent a scooter and get a special pass for waiting on line for shorter time. Do you think this week would be really tuff time for our family to visit? Sorry for long message.
Thank you, NM
Nina, I’m sorry to say that I don’t think this is a good week for your family.
First, it will be extremely crowded–one of the 5 or 6 most crowded weeks of the year.
Second, as a result, scooters at the parks may sell out quickly before you can get to them (it’s best to rent a scooter for the whole trip from an third party than to hope one is available at the parks.)
Third, it’s much harder to manuever a scooter on crowded days.
Finally, you will only be allowed shorter lines if your husband’s condition makes waiting itslef particularly hard–if he is in a scooter, most of the time you’ll be in regular waits, not shorter waits.
I’d strongly advise a different time. See this for suggestions: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/10/20/2012-weeks-to-visit-walt-disney-world-ranked-in-order/
Sorry tobne such a downer, but I’m just trying to tell it like it is…
Dear Dave,
Thank you so much for the great information. My family and I are tentatively considering visiting the park for the first time October 20- 27th, 2012. According to the chart that seems to be a great time to visit. My only concern is the opening of the new Fantasyland. They think it will open in Fall of 2012 and if it is open by the time we would like to visit, do you think that maybe the crowds would be larger due to the new Fantasyland and people wanting to check it out? Do you think the majority of the crowds will wait until the new Fantasyland would be completely done in 2013?
Oh and do you think it would be worth it for us to visit the Magic Kingdom if a portion of it is still under construction. FWIW, we will have three little kids with us at that time.
Hi Brenda!
I wouldn’t worry about when the new Fantasyland will open, as there’s no telling now and while it will have an effect on crowds, the reason its hard for people to go then–school calendars–won’t change so toher than weekends it shouldn’t matter much…
I’ve been to MK multiple times this past year while it’s been under construction and the construction doesn’t matter…go for it!
Dear Dave,
We’re planning to go to Universal Studio in Orlando, April 8-April 15. Is it also as busy as Disney World? Thanks.
Hi Irina! Yes, Universal will be just as crowded, as its crowds are created by the same driver–when kids are out of school. For more, see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2011/09/28/spring-break-2012-at-walt-disney-world/
My honeymoon is set for March 4-11. Our plan is Epcot on Monday, MK on Tues, Epcot on Wed, HS on Thurs, MK on Fri, and AK on Sat. My questions are, how does this week look for visiting and are we heading to the parks on good day? We are stayin on Diseny.
Thanks
Hi Carl!
That’s a good week–it’s one of my recommended 2012 weeks–see http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/10/20/2012-weeks-to-visit-walt-disney-world-ranked-in-order/
Your park plans look good. You might consider swapping either of your Epcot days to Friday, as it’s evening EMH Friday, and Illuminations works better on evening EMH nights–you don’t have to join 20,000 people leaving the park when it ends.
If you did, you’d have to move your MK Friday, and I’d pick the 5th as the date to swap…
Want to bring my grandsons may. Is the new animation a value hotel? No free dining in may. I don’t want to come june to august as I have been there.horrible. so is anytime may better. How is over memorial day.
Hi Donna!
The new Art of Animation resort is a value resort.
It’s currently reservable beginning May 30. Eventually it will have both “standard” 4 person rooms and also spaces twice as big for 6–”family suites.” The family suites look like all that will be available to book for most of 2012.
For more, see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2011/08/21/family-suite-floor-plans-for-disneys-art-of-animation-resort/
Memorial day weekend can be crowded, but the week that follows Memorial Day itself is usually OK. Not great, but OK. See this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/10/20/2012-weeks-to-visit-walt-disney-world-ranked-in-order/
Hi, Dave! This website is just amazing! I’m learning a lot about Disney here, and it’s being essencial for my trip planning!
I have a question, though. I was planning to visit Disney/Universal with my family on 05/01/2012 – 05/20/2012, but you said that the last week in April should be less crowded. Do you think it would be better to change my trip to 04/25/2012 – 05/15/2012, or that wouldn’t make a big difference at all?
Hi Larissa!, and thanks!
I like the earlier dates–the weather tends to be better too–but I can’t honestly say that my forecast accuracy is high enough, nor the weather reliable enough, to make a change of these weeks worth your time! So I’d just keep what you got!
Hey Dave,
My family is coming from Feb. 11th 2012 to Feb. 17th
Is this a good time? And what would you suggest for what parks we go to on what days?
Also we have not made any reservations for meals yet. We are using the Dining Plan. Should we get on this soon? We would really like to do a character dinner as this is our first visit.
Thanks in advance!
Hi Clare! You mayb run into the beginnings of President’s day corwds at the very end of your week, but otherwsie it’s a good week.
For figuring out which parks which dyas, see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/07/26/which-days-at-which-park-at-walt-disney-world/
And yes you should make your dining reservations as soon as you can! See this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/planning-your-first-family-trip/where-to-eat/
We are planning a trip Jan 22 to 29 2012. Looks like good time to go. What about visitors from overseas? Do they tend to come this time of year? I would rather have some rides closed and small crowds. What about finding out about any groups like Pop Warner that would increase the crowd level?
Thanks for your help!
Hi Brad, yes that’s a great time togo in terms of low crowds. There’s no special events that affect it. Overseas tour groups are always at Walt Disney World at all times of the year. At that time of year you see them from the southern hemisphere in particular. Buut that’s already accounted for in my take that crowds will be low.
We are planning a vacation to disney world next year from Jan 2 – January 6 2012. Do you think there will still be crowds from winter break or is that a good week? I know that the Osborne lights are still going on this week. The only other dates we have availabe are March 26 – 30, 2012. Also, how is the weather in these dates? Thanks
Hi Jackie!
You may well see crowds the second–see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2011/07/05/disney-world-crowds-in-2012-christmasnew-years-2011-2012/
January weather can be all over the place–from freezing (rare) to 85 (also rare). See this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/planning-your-first-family-trip/when-to-go/next-best-dates/weather-and-when-to-go/
Thanks for the great info. We can’t pull our elementary kids from school in spring semester. We are veterans to Disney, going once a year. I’m confused by some of your charts so please give your opinion on which of these weekend holidays from school would be best for staying on property: December 28-January 2, 2012 or MLK weekend Jan 13-16 or Presidents Feb 17-20 or March 9-12 which isn’t our spring break but likely most of country’s 2012 break. I see you have MLK running much lower crowd than others–is that true for the weekend or just that week following the holiday? If you say all are too crowded for a weekend jaunt we will wait til September and enjoy a week there. Thank you!
Hi Marsha–I focus on crowd forecasts for weeks, not days–check TouringPlans.com for better daily forecasts.
That said I have an opinion! Of your early 2012 choices MLK weekend is BY FAR the best…
Dave, we’re going from 2/3/12 to 2/12/12. Outside of the normal (and some non-normal like Dumbo due to the FL expansion) ride closures, this seems to be a good time to go. That being said, I keep hearing about two cheerleader events taking place on the weekends of 2/4 and 2/11. Do they have an adverse affect on the crowd levels and/or resorts? I have no idea if these are bigger or smaller than the Pop Warner event… Any help would be appreciated.
Hi Doug, these are smaller in impact than Pop Warner–the value resorts will be a little more crowded than if they weren’t there,and late pm and evening park crowds will be up a notch, but not in any significant way…I think it will be a great time to go…
Hi we’re thinking of going for two weeks from either 20th October or 27th October 2012. Our dilemma is do we go on 20th when we’ll see Halloween celebrations and avoid Jersey Week or do we go on 27th when we will see Halloween and possibly some Christmas celebrations too but then have the crowds to deal with due to Jersey Week? We have just come back from a fantastic two week Disney break so have been lucky enough to experience the magic of Christmas in the parks. Many thanks.
Hi Karen! Since you have two weeks, I think either arrival week is fine–Jersey weeks makes crowds higher than the week before or after, but they still are only moderate. So you should pick based on other factors. For more on Jersey week, see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/05/02/jersey-week-at-walt-disney-world/
It looks like we may end up at Disney 12/31-1/1. Little kids means we can dispense with late-night festivities… Is animal kingdom a reasonable proposition for 12/31 since no special evening events, or will the crowds there be as intolerable as anywhere else? And what of new year’s day… high crowd factor? low crowd factor? Park likeliest to have least crowds that day? Thanks much…
Hi Rick! AK, may be a tad less crowded, but only relatively–it will still be wildly crowded. And because almost all kids have Jan 2 off, I expect Jan 1 to be wildly crowded as well, but the early and mid-morning may be a lot better than that from all the people sleeping in from the prior night…
arriving in on 31st December and doing MK on 1st Jan2012, what will this day be like? have reservations at contemporary and off resort and wondering if on site will make for a easier trip with 3 young kids
Hi Rachel, overall the 1st will be incredibly crowded, but first thing in the morning it may be OK form people sleeping in from the night before. On-site will definitely be easier!
We are visiting june 23-30 2012. How crowded will it be
Hi Lisa! I have that week ranked as a 9/high crowd week. Not as bad as it gets, but not good…
Thank you so much for this great webite! It is very informative.
Hi – my fiance and I are flying out to orlando on the 7th of april 2012 for our honeymoon, staying 14 nights on international drive. When we booked, we didnt give easter a second thought. Now im freaking out looking at how busy its going to be, and apparently ruin our honeymoon? Surely it cant be THAT bad with a little planning? We have queued up for over 60 mins for a theme park ride in the UK regularly (although we dont want to be queuing all day while in Florida)
Any tips and advice would be great, and also which days are best to visit the disney parks. We have a meal booked in hollywood studios on wed 18th which comes with fantasmic advance passes for prime seating/standing! Please help to put my mind at ease.
What are the crowds for Epcot, Magic Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios for January 12-15, 2012? Do the EMH really mean higher crowds?
Hi Kayleigh!
Corwds will be fine by the 15th, and may start improving a few days earlier. For the period from the 7th til then, avoid parks with morning extra magic hours (these may continue to be added to Disney’s calendar between now and then–for how to use Disney’s calendar see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/03/30/walt-disney-world-hours-of-operation/ Show up at the parks at least 45 minutes before opening, and use FASTPASSES. (For FASTPASSES, see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/01/09/fastpasses-at-walt-disney-world/
Hi Cara, I don’t tightly track daily crowds, but expect the 12 and 13th to be fine, and the 14th and 15th to be crowded because of the MLK holiday. Morning EMH make a park more crowded later in the day than it would be if it did not have morning EMH…
Hey! My whole family (8 of us) is coming to Disney march 4-9. It’s ALL of our first times. WE ARE SO EXCITED but overwhelmed. This site is amazing and so helpful:) do u have an opinion on carribean beach resort? & is it true that’s a good low crowd wk? Thanks!!!
Hi Jackie, and thanks!!
I do think that will be one of the lower-crowd weeks in March. However, Disney just released a new promotion for thiose dates that might make the crowds a little worse than I had thought–see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2012/01/03/new-disney-free-night-promotion/
For my review of CB, see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2009/10/15/review-disneys-carribbean-beach-resort/
Hi Dave!
I just found this site and thrilled with the wealth of information you’ve provided. This will be our family’s first trip to Disney, my twins are 10. We are tentatively looking to be there between 8/26/12 and 9/1/12. My worry isn’t so much the crowd as it is the fact that it’s hurricane season. Also, which resorts would you recommend for ease of getting from place to place? Are there usually any discounts or deals going on during that week? Any advice you have would be greatly appreciated!
Hi Jeanna, and glad the site is helping! Hurricanes rarely have an impact on WDW, but if this may be your kids’s only trip, I’d look for a different date just in case. See this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/planning-your-first-family-trip/when-to-go/next-best-dates/weather-and-when-to-go/chance-of-cyclonic-storm-affecting-florida/
For where to stay, see the material that begins here: http://yourfirstvisit.net/planning-your-first-family-trip/where-to-stay/
Your dates often have free dining offered– see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2009/12/21/the-tightwads-guide-to-when-to-go-to-walt-disney-world/
Hope these help and have a great trip!!
We are coming in November 12-16. We are seasoned Disney vacationers…we go during Thanksgiving week or Christmas Week. I’m assuming since I’m sooo used to the crowds during Thanksgiving and Christmas that it will be much more enjoyable before either of those holidays!
Julie, great choice! It’ll be a completely different experience!
My husband and I are taking our kids to Disney for the first time from May 30th thru June 6th 2012. (All 3 boys, especially the youngest is a HUGE Star Wars fan, which is why we decided to go this week). We thought the week after Memorial day would be best. It also is the only week we could both get off work. My sister and her husband will be coming down with their baby (9 months) for a few days. They plan to come to MK one day with us. Which day do you suggest bringing her out? I have looked at calenders on TouringPlans.com and they predict MK to be around an 8 all week. None of us have ever been to Disney so I have no idea what to expect.
Hi Brooke! I don’t see the crowds that week as being as being horrible. See http://yourfirstvisit.net/2011/07/20/disney-world-crowds-in-2012-summer-2012-crowds/ MK is most crowded weekends, Mondays, nd days it has extra magic hours. On yuor dates, one of your Tuesdays or Wednesdays looks best…
I can’t believe you answer every single question. Wow – You’re awesome!
Ok, we are visiting my dad who lives an hour south of Disney World the 3rd week in March. I’m taking my 4 & 6 yr old with me and wanted to spend the last 3 days (Th, Fri, Sat) at DW. This would be our first time there. My plan is to visit only the MK since I’m going without my husband. We’d visit the park for half of the day and then the rest at the resort. How crazy am I to do this on my own that week? Would it be better to go Sun 18, Mon 19, Tues 20?
Thanks!!
Hi TW, I’m not sure what you mean by “and then the rest of the resort.” You want to avoid MK on Thursdays, Sundays, and Mondays. Otherwise–so long as you arrive in the parking lot one hour before MK opens–you will be OK in the mornings!
Oops, sorry. I meant we would spend the remainder of the day at the resort. How’s the Contemporary Resort for kids? I figured that would be best since it’s the closest to the MK.
Hi again TW. For a Magic Kingdom-only visit, the Contemporary is a great choice–though pricey–as its the only hotel from which you can walk back and forth…
Hi! My family plans to visit May 6th through the 13th. Looks like this is a good time for crowds, but I’m worried about rain. Do you think the last week in April would be better? I have two small children (7 & 3 ) and would hate them to be disappointed with bad weather.
Hi Jill! Both are both good weeks, but I do like the late April week just a little better for the rain reason you note. See this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/10/20/2012-weeks-to-visit-walt-disney-world-ranked-in-order/
Thanks for all your info.We are planning a disney trip for Dec 2012 and according to your info both the first and second week in Dec. are great weeks. The first week is alittle better for a couple of my family members but Pop Warner week has me a little scared! Does it really impact the crowds in the parks?We are bringing 7 grandkids age 1-9
Hi Jean. Pop Warner adds crowds to the hotels–especially the values and some of the moderates–but not really to the parks. For more, see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/05/30/pop-warner-week-at-walt-disney-world/
Hey! I am planning to visit Orlando from Feb 11th-Feb 18th, Animal Kingdom in the morning, then Downtown Disney during the night. Magic Kingdom all day Sunday. Universal Studios, Sea World and Islands of Adventure on the Tues, Wed and Thurs. We are 2 Adults(couple) staying in the Pop century Resort on the night of the 11th. Leaving Disney Sun night to stay with friends closer to International Drive for the Mon-Sat. Any recommendations? I want to stay away from the Kid stuff.
Hi Sunshine! I don’t really have an opinion on Sea World or Universal, but for the Disney parks, see the right side of the image on this page: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2011/03/09/the-comprehensive-guide-to-walt-disney-world-rides-and-attractions/
Hi!I just found this site and it’s wonderful!We are planning a trip this fall and need your advice.Our kids are 12 and 7 and we want there to be a good chance for swimming weather,but less of the crowds.We are open for any week in September or October,which week is the best?
Thanks Jasmine! Almost all these weeks are great from a crowd point of view.
I’d shoot for mid October, e.g. arriving 10/13. See this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/10/20/2012-weeks-to-visit-walt-disney-world-ranked-in-order/
This balances two different factors: warm weather and the peak of the hurricane season.
Temps are declining thru October, but are still in the 80s most days mid-month. See this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/planning-your-first-family-trip/when-to-go/next-best-dates/weather-and-when-to-go/high-temperatures-year-round/
On the other hand, the hurricane season peak is from late August until early October–see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/planning-your-first-family-trip/when-to-go/next-best-dates/weather-and-when-to-go/chance-of-cyclonic-storm-affecting-florida/ Balancing the two gives mid-October.
Hope this helps and have a great trip!
We are thinking about going to WDW on Dec. 15-Dec. 20. We have never been during this time and was wondering how are the crowds, etc? we have been during Thanksgiving. Any information would be appreciated.
Hi Mike!
That’s an OK week, better than Thanksgiving week. I do like the weeks before it more, though–see this http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/10/20/2012-weeks-to-visit-walt-disney-world-ranked-in-order/
We are arriving in Orlando on Wednesday Feb 15th pm and staying off site and leaving on Sunday night. We booked in Feb thinking it would be less crowded and before I realized it was Presidents day weekend. (and before I found this site!) We have a two day pass and want to do AK and MK. We were planning on doing MK on THursday and AK on friday to hopefully cut down on the lines. Do you think this would be the best plan?
Hi Brian! Thursday is normally a bad day at MK, because it has morning extra magic hours, for which you aren’t eligible since you are off site. So I’d reverse this and do AK Thursday and MK Friday…
Thanks for getting back so quickly… you think Friday would be less crowded even with it being Presidents Day?
Brain–President’s Day is Monday the 20th
sorry, i meant presidents day weekend!
Brian that’s a good point, insofar as if a lot of people take a looong weekend crowds will develop on Friday…it becomes a question of where do you want to be crowded at. MK does crowds better, with more FASTPASS attractions…but you might be better off doing MK on Thursday, even with the am EMH…
Thanks Dave, I really want the shorter lines to be at MK as we have two little girls, 5 and 3, so hopefully one of the days works out better.
Brian, I’ve checked some other sites that focus more on daily crowds than I do–I focus more on helping first timers pick weeks, so focus on weekly and not daily crowds. The mesage is mixed. All predict higher overall crowds Friday than Thursday. One, between Thursday and Friday, recommends MK on Friday. Another says avoid it both days…
Here’s what I’d do if I were you.
Go to MK on Thursday. If the Thursday crowds keep you from being satisfied that you’ve seen enough, skip AK on Friday and instead return to MK. Otherwise see AK on Friday. MK is easily a two-day park anyway, and this approach minimizes the chances you will be appalled by MK crowds Friday but have only that day there…
Thanks a ton!!
Glad to (eventually) help! Have a great trip!
We are looking to visit Orlando from 11/11/12 to 11/20/12. How do you think the crowds will be around that time?
Hi Josie! That’s a great week, I have it ranked in the top ten. See this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/10/20/2012-weeks-to-visit-walt-disney-world-ranked-in-order/
Thank you so much!!! Very helpful!!
Have a great trip!
Hi Dave! First trip ever to Disney planned for April 21 – 28th. I think we should be ok from what I am reading regarding the crowds? Any advice on what parks to visit on what days? I was thinking of HS on Sun, Epcot on Mon, AK on Tues and MK on Wed and then using Thurs and Fri to go back to the parks we need more time in. Do you think this will work or should I change it around?
Hi Amy, your planned days sound great to me!
Thanks! Your site has been a great learning tool for me!
Amy, I’m glad it has helped, and have a great visit!!
Dave. I am stuck going the week of Presidents Day…Wed 22nd to Friday the 24th. I know that will be a bad week but couldn’t be helped. Wanted to do Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom and Sea World. What days would you recomend for each?
Hi Sean! Suggest you do Magic Kingdom Weds, Animal Kingdom Thurs, and Sea World Friday…
Thanks Dave! Love the site and have recomended it to others!
Thanks Sean, you’re the best!
Where do I find the 2011 crowd calendar?
Hi Josie, I took it down once the year passed. …
We Have reservations for 2/16-2/25/12! I’m scared now that it’s going to be too crowded! It’s our first trip and probably the last at least for a while! Should we change our reservation and take the kids out of school or deal with the crowds? Are there better days at certain parks??
Does Disney allow you to change reservations!?
Thanks
Hi Amanda!
I’d take your kids outta school and go another time…see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/10/20/2012-weeks-to-visit-walt-disney-world-ranked-in-order/
…though it depends on how old they are…high schoolers are much harder to keep up… You can change you reservations, but depending on what type you have, there may be a penalty…
Hi Dave! I really want to congratulate you on your page is really good. Greetings from Guatemala, Central America. It would be a good idea to go the week of December 10th to the December 16, 2012? Thanks and keep going up the good work!
Hi Luis! Thanks for coming to the site from Guatemala. That’s a great week–see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/10/20/2012-weeks-to-visit-walt-disney-world-ranked-in-order/
Dave,
Nice site! Thanks for taking the time to put together this info. We were planning a trip to WDW just after Columbus Day 10/9/12- 10/17/12. Are the parks generally busy the entire week following the long weekend, or do the crowds typically thin once the weekend is over? Thanks
Hi Jenn and thanks! The long weekend is most of the uptick; the crowds are then a little bit busier the rest of the week than the same days the weeks before and after, but not a lot…
Hi we are planning a vacation more than likely from 14 December 2012 – 20 December 2012 wondering if you think the crowds will be ok? Also should I hold on booking accommodation until later in the year for specials or book now and cancel and rebook if a better offer comes out. We went last year and arrive on valentines day the crowds were an absolute dream and we hardly had any wait times at it brings tears to my ears thinking about how much of an amazing time we had I miss Disney World so much. Thank you
Hi Laura! That wil be an excellent time–it covers a period I rate 18th best of the year, with moderate crowds–lower early in the week, higher later.
The simplest way to get any special offers is to book now with a travel agent–see the form on the right side of this site–and tell them your intent is to rebook to any deals that come out. They can set you up so it’s most likely you’ll be able to take advantage of the deal!
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