Disney World Crowds in 2013

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2013 CROWDS AT WALT DISNEY WORLD

In the image you’ll find Walt Disney World 2013 weekly crowd forecasts (revised on January 13, 2013).

Dates in it are the beginning of the week, and the forecast covers the following 9 days.

(For 2014 crowds, 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 2013 DISNEY WORLD CROWD CALENDAR

Dates are the beginning of the week.

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.

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, in homage to Spinal Tap, I assigned 11 to “highest.” That let me skip two numbers, the ones that separate the moderate crowd levels from those higher and lower.

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247 comments

1 Cristy { 02.02.12 at 11:11 am }: Are your dates on the calendar above representative as week ending (in other words, say the week ending on 11/30/13), or the first day of your vacation is 11/30/13? We were thinking about going the week of Thanksgiving, arriving the Saturday BEFORE Thanksgiving and staying until the Saturday immediately after thanksgiving. Thanks!
2 Dave { 02.02.12 at 11:16 am }: Hi Cristy, all my dates are week beginning.

This was not clear, so thanks for asking, and I’ve added the point in a couple of places!

Thanksgiving week is very crowded.
3 Cristy { 02.06.12 at 9:55 am }: Thank you so much!!!
4 Dave { 02.06.12 at 12:48 pm }: You’re welcome!
5 Doris { 02.17.12 at 1:28 pm }: Cristy, my family of four went to Disney World last year on the Monday AFTER Thanksgiving and it was wonderful. Hardly any lines. Not crowded at all. Loved it all decorated from the holidays. The longest line as right before closing at Peter Pan and Dumbo. Granddaughter wanted to ride both one last time before we left for the night. Maybe a 30 minute wait at each. We never even used Fast Pass on anything.
6 Dave { 02.17.12 at 1:54 pm }: Thanks, Doris!

I have that week rated as second best of the year in 2013–see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2011/09/19/2013-weeks-to-visit-walt-disney-world-ranked-in-order/
7 Nola { 03.22.12 at 8:39 pm }: Hey
Any advice on crowds Mardi GRAS week 2013? We would arrive Monday feb. 11 and depart Saturday am 16th? When do you think we will start seeing the upcoming president weekend crowds?
8 Dave { 03.22.12 at 8:55 pm }: Hi Nola! Mardi Gras itself has no impact, as very few school districts have it off–many in LA, a few in AL and GA, hardly any others. President’s Day crowds start building the Thursday before–the 14th in 2013–but don’t hit max until Sunday–the 17th in 2013–and stay high the rest of that week. The 11th, 12th and 13th should be fine…the 14th and 15th iffy, the 16th bad, and the 17th and on ugly…
9 Nola { 03.22.12 at 10:20 pm }: Thanks so much for the quick reply. 1 more for…just saw that national cheerleaders competition is feb 9 and 10. We will be at BLT. Will that affect us any?
10 Dave { 03.23.12 at 8:03 am }: Hi Nola–the only real impact of the cheerleaders is more crowded hotels, and often they close the Indiana Jones stunt show at the Hollywood Studios and cheer there. They don’t have much of an impact on park crowds…
11 Rebecca { 04.24.12 at 1:10 am }: I’d like to plan a trip to WDW 3/1/13 and stay for several days, then go on a cruise or to Disney’s Vero beach. I noticed in your crowd calendar, 3/3/12 is rated a 3 while 3/2/13 is rated a 9. Why is this? Is the first week in March a bad choice for 2013? When is a good time to avoid crowds at the parks but still have enjoyable weather for a cruise?
12 Dave { 04.24.12 at 7:07 am }: Hi Rebecca! I won’t have a final opinion on this week until the summer, when more 2012-2013 school calendars are out. In the meantime, I’m worried that the early-ish Easter and late-ish President’s Day are going to compress spring breakers into early March. In 2012 it turned out to be closer to a 4 or 5 than a 3, and I’m worried it will be even worse in 2013
13 Rebecca { 04.25.12 at 12:52 am }: Hello again Dave. This trip will be a graduation gift for our son. (Our other boys are 12 and 2). We want to avoid crowds but would like to go before he begins college. Spring was our original time to plan a trip, but now I’m afraid the first of March will be too crowded. And we definately want to avoid crowds, yet still go when the weather is nice (not hot). Would you mind suggesting dates for us? Thank you so much for your help!!
14 Dave { 04.25.12 at 6:52 am }: Hi Rebecca, there’s some great April 2013 dates–see weeks 8, 9, 12 and 13 here: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2011/09/19/2013-weeks-to-visit-walt-disney-world-ranked-in-order/ and also this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2009/12/23/the-most-comfortable-time-to-go-to-walt-disney-world/
15 Jeff { 04.30.12 at 12:16 am }: I have visited Disney 13 times over the last 20 years or so. My wife is a Disney fan but not like me, I am 50 she is 54 and both married about 3 years ago. I am wanting to take her to Animal Kingdom for a trip 12/06 through 12/14/13. I want her to have a great experience and really blow her mind w the magical Disney touch that we Disney lovers have enjoyed. She has always wanted to go to Africa so this is why I selected the Animal Kingdom Lodge. I am considering Concierge’s service at the Lodge but I have never used the Magic your way meal plans etc. Should I consider both or one or the other? I also want to get a King room for two with a balcony view of the Animals maybe throw in a massage for her or a package that has a gift for awaiting her upon our arrival. Any suggestions as far as a travel Agency etc with air included etc. Not too concerned about cost I am prepared to pay for a decent package but want advice on best deals etc or more bang for our buck. Once again I want her to fall in love with Disney and want her to want to go back! Spoil her and make her not want to leave. I know I can’t book until about 500 days out but I am a planner and want advice from a someone that has good Disney knowledge… Thanks! jeff
16 Dave { 04.30.12 at 7:48 am }: Hey Jeff, your overall plan sounds fine. The dining plan is a good idea if you would do a lot of sit-down dining anyway–and it sounds like you probably would. AKL itself has three great options–Jiko, Boma, Sanaa–and you could do some crackerjack dining elsewhere, e.g. California Grille during the fireworks, Citricos or Narcoossees at Grand Floridian, etc…

I have mixed feelings on the concierge rooms. Yes, they can simplify some basic snacking and drinking options, but a one-bedroom villa at AKL or Kidani might be even more luxurious…see http://yourfirstvisit.net/2011/08/24/review-disneys-animal-kingdom-villas-jambo-house/ and http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/01/31/review-kidani-village-at-disneys-animal-kingdom-villas/

Re a travel agent, you can see the people I work with in the form on the right

Hope this helps! Dave
17 Roz { 05.31.12 at 2:31 pm }: Hi Dave
We’d gone and booked 7th Feb – 25th Feb 2013 inclusive BEFORE I read on your site to stay away at Presidents Week (we are from the UK and didn’t give it second thought!). We are staying at OKW so what days should we put in red on our itineary ie stay away from the parks! Many thanks. Roz
18 Dave { 05.31.12 at 2:38 pm }: Hi Roz! The worst days will be Feb 15-23, and the worst of the worst will be the 16-19th…on the bad days, if you arrive well before the parks open your mornings should be fine…
19 Roz { 06.02.12 at 1:17 pm }: Hi Dave, Thanks for the heads up, we’ll avoid the parks on the 16th-19th then! It’s not our first visit (8th actually) so I am sure we’ll be fine, forewarned is forearmed and all that. Next visit we’ll stick to our normal times, last week October/first week November! Kind regards, Roz.
20 Dave { 06.02.12 at 3:06 pm }: Great Roz–glad you are a veteran–you’ll have no troubles then!
21 Shirley { 06.03.12 at 6:59 pm }: planning trip to Disney Feb.2-9 2013 Want to avoid cheerleading rush Which resort do they normally stay at ?
22 sally { 06.03.12 at 10:02 pm }: We are planning trip full of challenges. DH and i are traveling with four teens and must go over Christmas break. picked arriving 12/30/2012 and leaving 1/6/13. know it is going to be crowded but figure would just hang out at resort for couple days( this is 4th trip). cabins would be better deal but considering taking your advice about large families staying deluxe room WL but not sure how to plan meals in park this far out especially if we can’t afford park hopper if splurging for WL that time of year. toying with idea of not doing dining but rethinking after reading your reviews.Really appreciate your site and appreciate any advice!
23 Dave { 06.04.12 at 6:39 am }: Hi Shirley, I’m not sure…commonly it’s the All-Stars and at least one of the bigger moderates
24 Dave { 06.04.12 at 6:51 am }: Hi Sally! The dining plan won’t save you much money unless you would have eaten that many sit-down meals anyway, and even then the savings are just a few $ per person per day. The nice thing about WL is that you have easy access to hotel based dining–at WL, via boat to FW, via boat to Contemporary, and once at Contemporary via monorail to Poly and GF. So even without a hopper you’ll have plenty of good dining options…
25 sally { 06.04.12 at 9:12 am }: Thanks Dave! I apologize if I am asking redundant questions—still making my way through your wonderful site. I love wdw @ Christmas but hoping New Years is going to be ok. Crowd level 7 does not scare me (maybe it should but I am in denial) but do you think WL will be so overcrowded to not make it worth it? Could just wait and come for shorter trip beginning Jan 1 but was thinking WL might be ok to just spend time there before everyone leaves and safe to go back to parks. Previous experience: June 2005 cabins, December 2005 two connecting rooms CBR (second week of month and best trip to date). May 2008 Poly. This is probably last trip for awhile taking two 13 DD 17DS and his friend who has never been. So trying to figure out if WL worth it for time of year or if better off trying for two connecting rooms back at CBR or POR….
26 sally { 06.04.12 at 9:19 am }: Oh, one more thing–re dining plan. We do plan on eating at Cindy’s place and probably one other 2 point meal–so is the dining plan still = to out of pocket? Also still real nervous about going without hopper since hard to plan ahead….thanks !!!
27 sally { 06.04.12 at 11:22 am }: Last thought because I really need to get back to my job to pay for this:) What do you think about booking animation suite for Dec30-Jan2 and then WL for rest of trip. price difference would cover dining and or hopping…but question whether animation be as much fun to hang out while waiting or crowds to clear. …….
28 Dave { 06.04.12 at 4:01 pm }: Sally…I think it will be horrible through Jan 1, and moderately OK after that, averaging out to a 7. However, I’ll have better info on this at the end of this month, as I’m collecting the Xmas break data that will tell me better how the second half of the week will be–that is, how many kids across the country will be off thru Jan 4th…so you may want to come back in late June…

If one hotel is bad, all will be bad…and connecting rooms particularly hard to get…
29 Dave { 06.04.12 at 4:03 pm }: This one depends on how many table service credits you’ll absorb…it’s often cheaper to pay cash for the 2 credits if you are doing enuf sit downs to absorb all the one credits…
30 Dave { 06.04.12 at 4:24 pm }: Sally, I suppose it depends on what exactly you’d be doing at the hotel…hanging in a room is hanging in a room…I expect I’ll love AofA, but not much in the way of dining there other than what looks like a great food court…
31 Sally { 06.04.12 at 7:06 pm }: Dave, Thanks for all your time and patience. I need to keep reading to see if you have already answered simliar questions. I appreciate your angles on things–helps me think it all through. Re Aof A I too am curious about their food court as looks interesting. Historically we spend so little time in hotel so wanted the one we had our down time to be special…I have been told I can’t book separate resorts and get the dining on both because my park ticket would be 7 day on the first resort and I can only do room only for the WL because rates not out. I think I saw something about that elsewhere so I will have to do some more research and pop back in with more questions (will wait awhile:). Thanks for everything!
32 Dave { 06.05.12 at 7:26 am }: Oh Sally you are right I should have thought of that. 2013 prices aren’t out yet–they should be out any day now–and til then you can only book a room. See this http://yourfirstvisit.net/2011/02/21/how-far-in-advance-can-you-book-a-walt-disney-world-vacation/
33 sally { 06.05.12 at 6:29 pm }: Great- I had remembered seeing it .. so, two more questions 1) would it be best to go on and use December dates and book the whole trip WL (which is where i would prefer to be on new years) but if decide cant swing it all move couple those days to a and a or cabins…woukld that mess up too many things? I feel the need to start making dinner reservations… and 2) Do you have any thoughts on when better day to arrive as far as checking in on Dec 30 or Dec 31( I am assumming you have access to a crystal ball:) Thanks for everything!
34 Dave { 06.06.12 at 7:40 am }: Sally, you’ve still got several weeks before you can start making dinner reservations…as of today you can make them with an arrival date of 12/3 or earlier…My guess is that by then 2013 will be fully reservable for hotels and dining plans etc–it may even be this second, I haven’t checked today.

Re “better day to arrive” do you mean in terms of hotel check in? Don’t think it matters much–Disney will staff its desks up–but the 31st is likely to be a little less silly than the 30th, I’m guessing…
35 Sally { 06.07.12 at 10:45 am }: Thanks! I was thinking that more people might check in on 30th for 31st and might be better room choice on 30th than on 31st…but, since we last spoke I tried to go the DVC way (and sounded great) but they don’t have any availiabilities at WL or AKL the first part of Jan (was even rethinking and going Jan2-6). They had things at Saratoga and Old Key West but can’t find anything on your site about those…
36 Sally { 06.07.12 at 11:56 am }: I did find your thoughts on OKW and we are booking them through Dave’s Jan1-Jan 6 (hoping crowds will be ok) but, thanks!!
37 Dave { 06.07.12 at 5:34 pm }: Hi Sally, see the links here: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/04/26/walt-disney-world-resort-hotel-reviews/
38 Dave { 06.07.12 at 5:35 pm }: Sally, you’ll love the rooms at OKW!
39 Sally { 06.15.12 at 3:20 pm }: Hi! I am back with more questions! We are looking to do OKW (based on your so very helpful advice about DVC points) Could only get it Jan 1-Jan 6 (have to get kids back to school since they really are supposed to be in school Jan 2). Still thinking might just come on and brave the crowd for Dec 30 and Dec 31 as can’t stand the thought of only coming 5 nights. This might be our last trip for quite awhile so thinking of getting special place for those two nights and lying low…looking at Contemporary Tower with park view, Poly, AKL or WL. WL is only one we could afford to stay in same room but may be ok to be split up. Any ideas on best place to “shelter in place” during the most hectic of times:o)??? Also, any ideas for which of your touring plans we should look at for Jan 1- Jan 6 (staying till evening on 6th to get most out of time). Thanks for all your help!
40 Dave { 06.16.12 at 6:52 am }: Hiya Sally. I haven’t done January yet–Disney just released the operating hours–so ask me again in a coupla days on that.

Re a place to hang out, there a lot to be said for the Epcot resorts, especially YC and BC. See this http://yourfirstvisit.net/2012/02/16/the-epcot-resorts-at-walt-disney-world/

The YC BC pool is the best on property, and you have the hotels and the BoardWalk to explore; you can walk into Epcot for the fireworks, and walk (longer) to the Studios…
41 Jada { 06.21.12 at 3:30 pm }: My husband and I have spent many vacations at Disney World (including our honeymoon) – and I love this site. Although we have gone and explored everything – this site has some great ideas.

We are planning on going with our daughter (three weeks before she turns 5) (and our new baby (5 months at time of trip) on 2/24 and return on 3/2. Our goal is to avoid the spring break rush (as a 5 year old won’t be understanding of crazy long lines).

Do you feel this is a good time to go? (We do plan on returning when the new baby is 5 also – so we aren’t a one shot trip only) We are also hoping to stay in one of the family suites opening at the Art of Animation Hotel!

Thanks for your help!
42 Aromin Family { 06.21.12 at 7:47 pm }: Hi, I wanted to know if you have projections for year 2014? Your information is very helpful in planning our huge family vacation. Thank you.
43 Dave { 06.22.12 at 2:43 pm }: Hi Jada and thanks!! And yes I do think this is a good time to go! See this, where I rank that week the 11th best of 2013: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2011/09/19/2013-weeks-to-visit-walt-disney-world-ranked-in-order/
44 Dave { 06.22.12 at 3:08 pm }: Hi! I won’t really get into 2014 til the fall but do have a bit here: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2012/04/17/2014-at-walt-disney-world/

Read that in the context of this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/planning-your-first-family-trip/when-to-go/next-best-dates/best-and-worst-times-to-visit/

After you’ve reviewed those two pages, then feel free to ask me about specific weeks!
45 Missy { 06.24.12 at 11:19 am }: Hi Dave, thanks for this site. We are planning our second visit to WDW and are looking at Feb 28-Mar 7. We don’t want to go with huge crowds or rainy weather. Our 1st trip was great except for rain our entire day at Epcot and that was in Oct 2011. (I guess it was record setting for Disney… MK lost power for part of the day). We are going to be celebrating our 10th Anniversary, son’s 5th Bday and my parents 43rd anniversary. How are the crowds and weather during that time? Colder temps are fine, we are from Ohio and know it will be warmer there than here at that time. Thanks so much! We can’t wait to go back! We are hooked!
46 Dave { 06.24.12 at 1:30 pm }: Hi Missy, and thanks! I’m in Ohio too so I know what you mean about weather! The dry season typically lasts until May so you should be OK on that front. I’m a little worried about early March. In past years the first bit of March has been a great time to visit, but in 2012 it was crowded, and that may carry over into 2013 because of an earlier Easter…see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2011/09/19/2013-weeks-to-visit-walt-disney-world-ranked-in-order/
47 Allison { 06.25.12 at 8:11 pm }: Hi! We were planning to take the family to Disney World the week of Jan 14, 2013. I noticed the Disney half marathon is the weekend before and the Tinker Bell half is the weekend after. Do these half marathons affect the crowd level that much? Thanks!
48 Kaylene { 06.25.12 at 8:35 pm }: Hi!
We are planning a 2013 Disney trip. It will be a first time trip for our daughters who will be 5 and almost 3. Our only options for travel dates are the week of February 16th or march 30th. Both weeks look to be very busy Do you have a preference between the two or any other helpful tips?
49 Dave { 06.26.12 at 6:31 am }: Hi Allison! The marathons add a bit of crowding compared to how things would be without them, especially on the weekends, but not enough to really matter….
50 Dave { 06.26.12 at 6:33 am }: Hi Kaylene! The February week, though, as you note, bad, is still much better than the March week. For other tips, just start at the home page and work your way through the links!
51 Kristen { 07.01.12 at 3:29 pm }: My husband is a teacher and, unfortunately can only travel during peak times. We are planning a trip for spring break -the week of 3/25/13. This isnt our first trip, but do you have any tips on getting around the parks and enjoying ourselves despite the mobs of people that we don’t have the liberty of avoiding due to school schedules?
52 Dave { 07.01.12 at 6:26 pm }: Hi Kristen, for teachers the best time to go is usually in early June or late August, depending on their academic calendar.

The week you are targeting is the 2nd worst of the eyar, and either summer date would be much better.

If you must go them, stay at a WDW hotel, buy park hoppers, go to a park when it has morning extra magic hours, arriving at least 45 minutes before opening, use FASTPASSES, leave–usually around lunchtime–when it become intolerable, and return to a different park without EMH that day in the evening. See this for more: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2011/12/19/holiday-crowds-at-walt-disney-world/
53 Courtney { 07.05.12 at 1:25 pm }: My in-laws grew up taking their two sons to Disney in August every year, and have no qualms about it. I…think…they…are…crazy. In 2013 they want to take me and my husband and our 4 and a half year old daughter. They belong to the Disney Vacation Club, so we’d be in nice digs at the Contemporary. They believe in a system of going to the parks early in the morning, back to the hotel to rest and swim in the hottest part of the day, and back to the park later in the evening. I am still very nervous about this. The crowds. The lines. The heat. With a 4 year old! Should I stop being anxious and just go with the flow? They are very seasoned pros and know all the tips and tricks, they get the Fast Pass, etc. Husband is a teacher so we really can only go the first, second or third week of August.
54 Dave { 07.05.12 at 4:42 pm }: Hi Courtney, the plan they are proposing can work just fine especially when led by seasoned WDW veterans. My guess is that the evening returns may be too much for your daughter, but you cna choose not to join them, or join them for only parts of those…So I’d stay calm and go with the flow!
55 Jeff Creel { 07.09.12 at 11:07 am }: Do you consider the last week of April 2013 starting with the 21st thru the 28th a decent time to go with very little crowds? i do believe all of spring break will be over by then and everyone back to school.
56 Dave { 07.09.12 at 11:24 am }: Hi Jeff, I think that’s a great week. See #8 on this page: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2011/09/19/2013-weeks-to-visit-walt-disney-world-ranked-in-order/
57 Cheryl { 07.14.12 at 5:44 am }: Hi there, We are planning a trip to WDW in April 2013 – Arriving 1st April and leaving 15th.
I understand that the 1st is Easter Monday and the whole of that week is a general holiday and could be very busy.Is this correct and what would your recommendation be.
Thank you for your help.
58 Dave { 07.14.12 at 7:18 am }: Hi Cheryl, yes, the first week will be enormously busy. You’d want to focus that week on early mornings and evening parades/fireworks, and finish the rest of your park touring the week after…
59 regina calciano { 07.16.12 at 12:03 pm }: hello,
i was wondering how you think the crowds for the disney princess half marathon will affect your current ratings for feb 24th and the following week/days? i heard they were expecting some 20,000 runners, plus their family and friends there to support them.. I may be thinking twice about going 2/24-3/3 now. do you think 2/3-2/10 would be better? just trying to get some warm weather with minimal rides down for rehab….if star tours is closed i would totally have to reschedule my trip because of my son lol!
thanks!
regina
60 Dave { 07.16.12 at 1:55 pm }: Hi Regina, honestly I think you’ll be fine. The main (January) marathon has been going on for years, and while it does lead to some added congestion on the weekends it doesn’t really hurt the parks much beyond that…
61 Maureen { 07.17.12 at 12:58 pm }: Hi Dave. I am addicted to your site! We are hoping to go to Disney at the end of April 2013. I am curious…will you be creating itineraries for 2013? I would love to follow one like the ones you created for 2012. Thanks.
62 Dave { 07.17.12 at 1:54 pm }: Hi Maureen and I’m glad–I think –that you are addicted!

I publish recommended itineraries and any needed changes here, usually six or so months in advance: http://yourfirstvisit.net/planning-your-first-family-trip/basic-itinerary/alternative-itineraries/ The timing depends on Disney release of its operating calendar, which it usually does 6 to 6 and a half months in advance (altho it’s now almost a month behind on some specifics for January 2013.)

So I should have April 2013 recommendations out in a couple of months.

In the meantime you can use the Autumn Winter Spring itinerary as a start for late April–but check back here in a couple of months for any changes. It’s here: 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/
63 Laurie { 07.17.12 at 4:16 pm }: Dear Dave,
I must also add to the glowing remarks about your wonderful website! I have referenced it several times to other people and have used it myself to plan our DW vacations. I did want to ask you about the week of January 21 (beginning the MLK observed holiday). My husband has a conference there and I had thought about pulling my daughters out of school for us all to attend. How bad are the crowds that week? We have been in April twice (missing the Spring Break crowds), September twice and June once (which was the busiest we have ever been). My husband and I are heading there together the week of Labor Day and in my guilt, I would like to have a trip on the books for all of us. Thank you in advance for all your help and the countless research your website provides!
64 Dave { 07.17.12 at 7:15 pm }: Hi Laurie, and thanks so much for your gracious words, and for telling others about the site! After MLK Monday, that should be a great week…
65 Michelle { 07.18.12 at 9:15 pm }: Hi Dave, the last few times we’ve gone to Disney during Mardi Gras we were able to get the free dining plan. Any info on if they will do that in 2013? Plan to arrive on either 2/7 or 2/8 and leave no later than 2/15. Thanks!
66 Dave { 07.19.12 at 6:39 am }: Hi Michelle, I have no info, but think your arrival dates are a good bet. You odds will be better if you arrive the 7th, as it’s not uncommon for Disney to restrict free dining arrival dates away from Fridays and Saturdays….
67 Donna { 07.20.12 at 1:41 pm }: Hiya! Great website, really useful in planning my trip. I originally wanted to go for 2 weeks starting 05/11/2013 but am unable to get the first week off so am now looking at two weeks from the 05/18/2013 (last two weeks of May) Are the school-kids still in school over this period in the US? I am from the UK so wanted to ask. Also what do you think the weather will be like during that time? Warm? Rainy? Thanks so much!
68 Dave { 07.20.12 at 4:17 pm }: Hi Donna and thanks! The first of your two weeks should be fine, the second one will see a few kids out of school and also some crowds from the US memorial day holiday. Most US schools don’t break until June…
69 Demi { 07.20.12 at 11:03 pm }: Hi, my family is planning a trip to disney and we are trying to go in the least crowded time in January, what do you think would be the best days, like a monday through friday. We are thinking the 14th-18th. Thanks, Demi
70 Dave { 07.21.12 at 8:28 am }: Hi Demi, that will be a good time, and mid-week is less crowded than the weekends.
71 Demi { 07.21.12 at 9:44 am }: Thank you! Also you’re site is awesome and very helpful. I have one more question I hope you know, if you book the disney dining plan and your stay is 4 nights does that give you 4 or 5 days of the dining plan? And if it does give you 4, if you do a 5 day park ticket will it give you a 5 days of dining or is it based only on the number of nights of your stay? Thanks again!
72 Dave { 07.21.12 at 2:42 pm }: Hi Demi! The dining plan is based one for one on hotel nights. You can have more ticket days than hotel nights but it won’t change your credits…
73 Elizabeth { 07.24.12 at 4:04 pm }: But the dining doesn’t end till Midnight on the day you check out so technically you can use the meals on your fifth day. Please correct me if I am wrong.
74 Dave { 07.24.12 at 6:11 pm }: Hi again Elizabeth! Yup, you are right–unused credits don;t expire until midnight of your check-out day…
75 Anonymous { 07.25.12 at 9:17 pm }: Hi Dave, Do you think November 5th – 11th of 2013will be a low crowd time? more than a Sept. 18th-24th crowd? I say November will be a better than September. what do you say?
76 Dave { 07.27.12 at 8:10 am }: Hi, no I don’t, as Jersey Week and Columbus day will make the Nov week more crowded than the September weeks…
77 Joleen { 08.07.12 at 6:33 pm }: Hi, planning on visiting on my son’s spring break (here it’s April 6-13 we would be staying) we have always gone on off seasons but now our schools district changed the rules on time off for family trips. Should that be a good time to visit, or will there still be lingering Easter crowds?
78 Dave { 08.08.12 at 4:26 am }: Hi Joleen, you’ll have some lingering crowds April 6 and maybe the 7th, but the rest of that week should be great!
79 Ginette { 08.17.12 at 7:01 am }: I wish my husband was as organized and knowledgeable as you. We are Canadian and going to Disney for the first time with our girls 7 and 9. We want to go for 9 nights. Our spring break is the week of the 11 of march. We were planning on going from march 8 to march 16. The kids would not miss school. We are now considering going from February 22 to march 3. According to your scientific analysis this would be better for lower crowds. Am I right in this assumptions? Is it a significant enough difference to merit taking the kids out of school? I thank you in advance.
80 Dave { 08.17.12 at 7:50 am }: Hi Ginette, and thanks! (But don’t show this to your husband ) Yes, it will make a huge difference if you go the 22nd of Feb rather than the 11th of March!
81 Peter { 09.10.12 at 8:34 pm }: Hi, we are planning a 10 days trip to WDW in June 1o. We have already purchased our airfare for the trip. We would like to stay in the Disney resort preferrable Value with tickets and possibly dining plan. My question: will we get a better deal if we were to book on our own thru disney website or go through a travel agent? Thanks
82 Dave { 09.11.12 at 6:26 am }: Hi Peter, a travel agent can’t usually find anything you couldn’t have found yourself. They know where to look, though, so may save some time…
83 Lynette { 09.22.12 at 1:44 am }: Hey Dave

I am planning my first trip to WDW. I am from South Africa but will be visiting family there. My cousin’s husband is in the Military so they will be making reservations at Shades of Green. My question is: will it be OK going in Spring Break? We will just be going for that week. My daughter is 5 years old. If this helps. Thanks
84 Dave { 09.22.12 at 10:38 am }: Hi Lynette–I need the exact dates of your spring break to comment! See this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2012/07/25/disney-world-crowds-2013-spring-break-2013/
85 Faith { 09.22.12 at 11:19 am }: Hello,

My husband and I are planning a trip with our 3 and 5 year old for the week of New Year’s this year…I am a teacher, so we’re pretty much stuck with only having options during crowded times. Would you recommend earlier in that week or later (or would there even be a difference)? We have considered summer months for our visit, but if we’re going to be stuck waiting in lines, I think we’d prefer to do that when it’s not so hot outside. If you have any advice on a better day to go within that busy week, I’d appreciate it. Thanks!
86 Dave { 09.23.12 at 7:57 am }: Hi Faith, the later that week the better–a lot of kids return to school on Jan 2. It’ll still be crowded, tho–see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2012/07/17/disney-world-crowds-2013-christmasnew-years-crowds-20122013/
87 Kate { 09.26.12 at 10:18 am }: Hi! We are planning a trip to DW in November of 2013, arriving the Saturday before thanksgiving , and we are trying to decide between leaving the Friday or Saturday immediately following thanksgiving. I know this is a crowded week, but it is the only one that works for our schedules. Our kids will be 4 and 6. I know this is younger than you recommend, but we will for sure be back. I have two questions. First, should we depart on Friday or Saturday after thanksgiving? And second, do you have any suggestions on an itinerary for that age/time/holiday? We want to do something special on thanksgiving day since we won’t be with our family. Thanks!!
88 Dave { 09.26.12 at 11:15 am }: Hi Kate! I won’t have an itinerary for then until Disney posts its calendar, which it does 6 or so months before–and it will be aimed at older kids.

However, unless things profoundly change, the itinerary will be close to 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/ and you can use this to edit it down: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2011/03/09/the-comprehensive-guide-to-walt-disney-world-rides-and-attractions/

I’m not sure that there’s much difference between leaving Friday and Saturday…other than perhaps the airport will be less crowded on Friday…

And for thoughts on Thanksgiving Day itself, see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2012/04/19/thanksgiving-2012-at-walt-disney-world/
89 Kate { 09.26.12 at 5:06 pm }: Thanks Dave! This site is incredible!!!
90 Dave { 09.26.12 at 5:41 pm }: Thanks, Kate!!!
91 Shannan { 10.18.12 at 4:51 pm }: Hi Dave,

Thanks for the great site! I was checking on weeks and a little surprised to see that right after Memorial Day is worse than the 1st week of June. Is that just because of the day of the holiday? I was worried that more kids would be out of school in June, but is that not the case? We would arrive the day after the Memorial Day holiday – is later that week better? Thanks so much!
92 Dave { 10.18.12 at 4:58 pm }: Hey Shannan and thanks!

Yup, I’m seeing Memorial Day week as pretty rough in 2013, for a couple of reasons–Star Wars weekends are drawing more people in every year, people are catching on that as early in the summer as possible is better, and in 2013 schools (on average) get out a week earlier than in 2012. See this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2012/07/31/disney-world-crowds-2013-summer-2013-crowds/ If I’m wrong, it will be better than I’ve called it, not worse!
93 Shannan { 10.23.12 at 12:04 am }: Thanks so much! Looks like it’ll be the first week of June, thanks to your good advice and hard work. Much appreciated!
94 Dave { 10.23.12 at 6:32 am }: You’re welcome Shannan–and just to be clear–the first week of June will be busy–just not as bad as the week before…
95 regina calciano { 11.01.12 at 3:27 pm }: Hi Dave! Its coming to that time where i can no longer take my kids out of school for an entire week. in your opinion, what would be the best holiday to attend WDW: Presidents week, Spring Break ( the week before easter we get off) or Thanksgiving ( like the sat before to the sat after thanksgiving). thank you!!!
96 Dave { 11.02.12 at 6:09 am }: Hi Regina I’d have a slight preference for Thanksgiving week among the three lousy options you gave me! Crowds are slightly lower, and prices a lot lower, than the other two weeks,–plus you get the holiday decorations
97 jane { 11.04.12 at 1:45 am }: Hi Dave!
Thanks for the excellent site and information!
We are planning on going to Disneyworld from Feb 13-18, 2013. My husband has a conference at a Disney resort hotel and so we thought it would be great to take our 3 boys to WDW for the first time. We are not American, and I was wondering if it’s the week before or after Presidents’ Day weekend that the park is busy? Will we be there at the highest crowd levels? Many thanks for any insight you can provide!
98 Dave { 11.04.12 at 8:37 am }: Hi Jane! The major crowds for Presidents Day are the weekend before and the week after. In 2013 these crowds will begin February 16, so you will have some very good days at the beginning of your trip!
99 Jane { 11.04.12 at 7:20 pm }: Thank you for responding so promptly! I’m glad we’ll have a couple of good days at Disney! I’m definitely going to read up on your articles to help plan our trip. Thanks!
100 Dave { 11.05.12 at 7:37 am }: Jane, thanks, have a great trip–and come back here after and tell me how it went!
101 Eileen { 11.08.12 at 1:29 pm }: Hi, I am from the uk and I am planning on going to Disney 18th Dec 2013 to 1 January 2014. After reading all of your threads I am now alittle stressed!! If I stay in a Disney hotel will I be guaranteed to get into the park if I arrive at the Disney guest opening times give or take 10 minutes or would I still need to arrive an hour earlier before guest opening times?
Thanks Eileen
102 Dave { 11.08.12 at 3:29 pm }: Eileen, two things:

1. The reason you arrive an hour early is to be at the front of the line when the park opens. This lets you ride 3 or 4 rides in your first hour that would take hours of waiting otherwise later in the day.

2. If you are a WDW hotel guest, almost any day but 12/25 and 12/31 you’ll be able to enter any park at any time. You just will face massive waits if you don’t arrive early. See this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/11/30/park-closings-at-walt-disney-world/
103 Jean { 11.15.12 at 11:32 am }: Hi
We are planning a trip for our children and grandkids, ages 3 and 4. We are staying at the Wildreness Villas. We picked the dates -April 24-28 because of low crowds and good weather. We plan on a 2 day tour of MK on Thursday, 4/25 and Sat 4/27…leaving early to go back to rest with late afternoon return to the park. Now I am a bit concerned about these days after seeing these days in red on other web sites. Do early magic hours really affect the crowd level that much on a lower crowd date? (thur). Sat is in red because of grad blast. Thanks for your advice.
104 Dave { 11.15.12 at 3:12 pm }: Hi Jean, yes, the morning extra magic hours will make Thursday much more crowded than for example weds or fri. Not sure what “grad blast” is or what it has to do with WDW???
105 alicia { 12.04.12 at 12:26 pm }: So we originally booked the first week of september but now my husband and I are arguing with the in laws about when to go. We wanted to go from November 10th- Nov 17th 2013 for our sons 3rd birthday ..we thought we could enjoy christmas lights and maybe shorter rides. Our in laws however prefer august 4th-august 10 but i fear with 2 toddlers, crowds, weather etc it may not be such a good idea. What are your thoughts. We will be staying in the AoA nemo suite.
106 April { 12.12.12 at 2:35 am }: Hi Dave. We are planning on going to DW on January 20th for just that day after our Disney 3 day cruise. I am hoping I can buy a 1 day hopper pass and be able to experience all or most of AK and HS since crowds are projected low in those 2 parks. I’d like your opinion. Thanks
107 Dave { 12.12.12 at 6:34 am }: Hi April! That week overall is relatively less crowded than most weeks of the year, but weekends are always busy, that one is busier than most because of the MLK holiday the 21st, and almost every day of the year the parks build long lines by noon. You could hop from for example AK to HS, but each park takes a full day anyway, neither is open particularly late, you’d waste up to an hour in the transfer, and you’d end at a park with long lines…so I’d skip the hop and go to one park…
108 Joan { 12.13.12 at 6:40 am }: I am wondering what Disney’s long term plan is for the fast pass plus program re crowd control…we sure love being part of the test group. It was a joy to use in the MK yesterday. We breezed onto all the rides where there were long lines and enjoyed the preferred seating at parade. And we were able to make changes in our choices as our day and the weather changed! But if they offer this option to everyone, it would no longer work, right? So Dave, do you think it is going to be a perk for those who pay extra or what?
109 Dave { 12.13.12 at 8:44 am }: Hi Joan, and I’m so glad Fastpass plus at MK worked out for you! See this for thoughts on how it might go when everyone is on it: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2012/09/17/disney-worlds-fastpass-the-unplanned/
110 Joan { 12.14.12 at 8:16 am }: Interesting insights! Since most of your readers are planners, Dave, I bet they will use and enjoy the Fast Pass Plus. So far on this trip, using your advice plus that program, we have been able to avoid crowds to a large extent. But now we have our Epcot evening coming up,where will be fleeing the park with thousands of others to get our bus back to POR after Illuminations. Any special tips?
111 Dave { 12.14.12 at 10:04 am }: Hi Joan! I think you are at Epcot tonight? But I don’t remember…if so, you have evening EMH so can leave anytime in the three hours after Illuminations! If not, let me know…and I’ll try to be more help…
112 Joan { 12.14.12 at 1:13 pm }: Yes, it is tonight, and I had forgotten there were emh…that should help a lot! Thanks, Dave, and hope your visit has been magical too. Loved high tea in the Grand Floridian and then yeehah bob’s performance last night…so much to do in so little time!
113 Dave { 12.15.12 at 2:49 pm }: Hi Joan! Our visit was short but sweet–we’ve been back a couple of days now. How did you like your royal room?

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114 Joan { 12.15.12 at 10:19 pm }: Dave, we love our royal room, did you? We had asked for oak manor but got put in parterre instead due to our extremely early check-in. We are not sorry because despite being a few extra steps away from main services,it is super quiet here since it is off the beaten track. It is a real respite after our busy days, and we find the furnishings charming. I actually like this moderate resort better than the deluxe wilderness lodge where we stayed last time, because of the very spacious grounds and smaller but still stately buildings at riverside.
115 Dave { 12.16.12 at 9:26 am }: Joan, I’ll post a full review later this month, but I had two questions going in: 1. would a family with, sya just tow little boys find the Royal Rooms too “girly’? and 2. is the extra cost worth it. On the first I don’t think them too girly–do you agree? And I’m still noodling on the second…

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116 Joan { 12.16.12 at 11:53 pm }: Dave, we agee that they are not too girly. After the first day we really stopped noticing all the princess stuff on the walls. And fortunately the dominant colors are regal blue and gold, which are unisex. As far as the extra cost, it depends on what you are looking for. My buddy and I wanted a lovely river view room to relax in, and the added glitz of golden fixtures etc. adds that special touch of Disney magic for us! But for the many families who are on the go 12 hours a day and just need a clean bed and a shower definitely not! I want to say we have been pleasantly surprised by bus service here too. Never more than 20 minutes and usually much less. Had to stand on a few after fireworks etc but that is sort of expected after big crowd events. Otherwise smooth sailing at riverside here during this holiday season…
117 Dave { 12.17.12 at 8:18 am }: Thanks, Joan!!
118 Frank { 12.24.12 at 10:04 am }: Hi there, my wife and our two preschoolers, and my 77-year old mother, will be vacationing by the beach for the week of 31 December. We’re considering driving to Orlando for one day at one of the Parks, probably Magic Kingdom although we’re flexible. Any thoughts on the best – or least bad – day that week? I was thinking Friday 4th Jan might be our best bet.
Thanks!
119 Dave { 12.24.12 at 12:52 pm }: Hi Frank! As late as possible will be your best bet–e.g. depending on when you are leaving, Sunday the 6th…

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120 Emily Kindley { 01.05.13 at 5:09 pm }: This will be our 6th trip to Disney but I have never been in November. I was looking at Nov 9-16. How busy are the parks for Veterns Day as it is on Nov. 11th?
121 Dave { 01.06.13 at 10:12 am }: Hi Emily, that’s a low crowd week. Veterans Day has almost no impact, as few people have it iff, and its not reliably a three day weekend.

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122 Phillip { 01.06.13 at 8:09 pm }: My wife and I are planning a trip to wdw in Feb 2013. Currently its planned for the week starting Feb 16. I wasnt’t aware that was such a busy time though and I might be able to reschedule for the week after (starting the 23rd). Would it be worth it to reschedule? I have been several times but not for more then 15years and she has never been.
123 Heidi { 01.09.13 at 7:59 pm }: Hey Dave! We are thinking about going Feb. 23-28. Do you think we will be safe as far as crowds are concerned? Just wanted to make sure the crowds from President’s Day won’t affect that week. What do you think?
Thanks!
Heidi
124 Michele { 01.09.13 at 9:30 pm }: Any reason why 11/30/13 is level 3 and 12/7/13 is level 2? Pop Warner dates? We were going to go 12/8/13 but prices were more that week than the week before?
125 Dave { 01.10.13 at 7:35 am }: Hi Heidi! The President’s Day crowds will linger on the 23rd, but be gone by the evening of the 24th!

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126 Dave { 01.10.13 at 7:44 am }: Hi Michele, on the second point, prices go up wildly on 12/13, so if your 12/8 plans include that Friday or Saturday that’s why yup saw the price increase. See this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2011/09/04/walt-disney-world-2013-price-seasons/

Add yes the 3 vs 2 is for Pop. Both are still great weeks!

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127 James { 01.10.13 at 12:39 pm }: Hi Dave, we are looking at going next week Jan 18 – 21 which is MLK weekend (the 21st). How would you expect the weekend to be then? We are local to south florida and could go on feb 1 – 4 which would be superbowl weekend. Thoughts on MLK vs Superbowl weekend would be appreciated. Thanks.
128 Jennifer { 01.10.13 at 2:09 pm }: Hi Dave, We are planning on taking our 3 daughters for our first trip to Disney this year. Being that they are all in school, and we don’t want them to miss too much, we were planning on arriving on Nov. 22nd and leaving on the 27th.. Do you think the crowds will be manageable while we are there? We had originally planned for a Christmas trip, leaving arriving Dec 26th and leaving the 31st, but everything I’ve read says that is the worst week for crowds.. so we moved it up.. Thanks in advance!
129 Dave { 01.11.13 at 11:47 am }: James. each will be a little busier than other late Jan/early Feb weekends, but not much so, and neither much more than the other…

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130 Dave { 01.11.13 at 11:51 am }: Hi Jennifer, Thanksgiving week is wildly busy, as many families take the whole week off. So while it’s much better than the week beginning 12/26, I still don’t recommend it. If you are unwilling to take your kids out of school, then your better choice would be either early June or very late August–depending on which (if either) works with your school calendar…
131 Jennifer { 01.11.13 at 11:08 pm }: Dave, thanks for the info… After talking with my hubs, we have decided we will take the girls out of school for our trip. We are now planning on visiting Disney Nov 15-20… Thanks again!
132 Dave { 01.12.13 at 9:40 am }: Jennifer, you won’t regret that decision!

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133 Michael { 01.13.13 at 3:53 pm }: Hi dave, amazing site gives out so much information, I was just wondering I have booked a holiday to disney and we are arriving on the 14 th of oct and staying for two weeks I was wondering if the crowd levels will be busy, moderate or quiet. Also is it worth paying extra money to go to the mickeys not so scary Halloween party appreciate any info
134 Dave { 01.14.13 at 7:50 am }: Hi Michael, and thanks!

That’s overall a low crowd period, although individual days in specific parks can be rough–it’s a good time to be careful on whihc park you go to which day. See this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2012/04/30/crowds-and-walt-disney-world/

I have mixed feelings about the Halloween party–see this (note that dates in it are 2012): http://yourfirstvisit.net/2012/02/14/halloween-2012-at-walt-disney-world/

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135 Michael { 01.14.13 at 8:52 am }: Cheers for the information
136 Dave { 01.14.13 at 9:16 am }: , Michael
137 trout { 01.15.13 at 5:00 pm }: Dave,

Taking each of my twins on different weekends. Got 1/25 booked, and realized our next target is 2/15-looks jammed. Suggestions on an alternate? They are 12, and have visited before…Thanks
138 Denise { 01.15.13 at 11:15 pm }: Hi Dave! Congratulations for this site! it is very helpful and informative. We are planning to go from Jan 31st to Feb 5th. We have been at WDW before, but we were wondering about the weather and crowds at this time of the year. We have also seen some information in your page regarding the closure of some attractions; Do you think we should wait until September? Thank you!
139 Dave { 01.16.13 at 8:29 am }: Trout, any Jan or Feb weekend except President’s Day weekend should be fine…

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140 Dave { 01.16.13 at 11:50 am }: Hi Denise and thanks!

Your Jan/Feb dates are low crowd and low price, but a few rides are closed and you may face cold weather. See this for what’s closed: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2013/01/06/2013-winter-ride-closures-walt-disney-world/ For more on weather etc see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2012/07/22/january-2013-walt-disney-world/

In September crowds and prices are also low, but it’s both very hot and also in the peak of the hurricane season–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/

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141 Vinny { 01.17.13 at 7:26 am }: I plan on taking my wife and daughter to Disney. We are looking at Oct 5-12 but wondering if that’s a good idea. An agent I spoke with said that due to Columbus Day being on Oct 14th (Following Monday) that any deals that are released this summer might exclude that week because it book-ends a holiday. Should I modify my schedule to go later in the month? I can’t seem to find past deals (2010, 2011, 2012) to see if that week had been excluded in the past.
142 Dave { 01.17.13 at 12:50 pm }: Hey Vinny! Disney discounts are framed around arrival dates, and you arrival date is so much earlier than Columbus Day that I doubt the holiday would have an impact on any discounts. For example, in 2012 Columbus Day was October 8, but eligible arrival dates for its big discount went through October 4–see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2012/07/12/free-dining-plan-disney-world-fall-2012/

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143 Vinny { 01.17.13 at 2:24 pm }: Hi Dave – Thanks for the quick response! We have decided to move the date later in the month anyways as it coincides with the travel dates of 2 coworkers and their families. So excited! Now I will keep my fingers crossed that they offer some sort of meal plan included
144 Dave { 01.18.13 at 7:23 am }: Good luck, Vinny!
145 Gladys { 01.20.13 at 7:30 pm }: Hi, I went to Disney for Thanksgiving week 2011. It was very crowded but I was staying inside and we had meal plan and our plans worked very well. This year we’ll go to FL for one week and I have no other option than 3/22 and I have one day to get my Daughter to Magic Kingdom to see The New Fantasyland. Week starting 3/25 specifically. I know it’s at your highest point in crowds but science it’s my only option, can you suggest what will be the best day to go to MK? I will appreciate your response. Your job is wonderful!
146 Dave { 01.21.13 at 9:22 am }: Gladys, there’s no better days at all that week, other than that the weekdays will be a little better than the weekend.

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147 Kenneth { 01.22.13 at 3:41 pm }: My wife is a teacher and we have two small ones in school. Normally we try to get to WDW during Mardi Gras since we’re from LA. We were thinking of switching our annual migration to WDW at the end of May / first week of June. Most sites have those weeks at an 8. What’s your thoughts on that ?
148 Dave { 01.22.13 at 4:36 pm }: Kenneth, your February option will be much better. The week of Memorial Day has been getting worse and worse over the past years, as has the week after it–although the week after it is the better choice of the two if you must pick one. See this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2012/07/31/disney-world-crowds-2013-summer-2013-crowds/
149 Alison { 01.23.13 at 10:08 am }: Hi,
Love this. I know we’re fools, but we planned to go to FL Easter week, and one of those days will be at Magic Kingdom. I’ve heard that Monday is the best day to go, regardless of what kind of week it is. We know it will be crazy no matter what, but still, is there any hope of one day of the week being better than another during that week? Thanks.
150 Dave { 01.23.13 at 5:37 pm }: Hi Alison, it’s not true that Mondays are best at MK–they are often wildly busy. In a typical week, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the least busy MK days. If you are there the week before Easter, there really isn’t a day that’s better than the rest…

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151 Tish { 01.23.13 at 10:19 pm }: Hi Dave,

Looking to take our kids to Disney the week of April 22nd. I have read conflicting information about this week. What are your thoughts? We have been in the past and have always stayed onsite in a Disney property (We LOVED the Animal Kingdom Lodge). Do you have any recommendations off-site for a luxury kid friendly resort?
152 trout { 01.24.13 at 10:05 am }: Hi Dave,

Headed down this weekend with my daughter- your chart shows it to be one of the lowest crowd weeks of the year. Will that change in any way due to the opening of fantasyland?
153 Dave { 01.24.13 at 10:46 am }: Hi Tish, I think that will be a fine week! See this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2012/09/18/april-2013-walt-disney-world/ And sorry–I can barely keep up with the on-site hotels, so don’t have much to offer on the off-site ones…

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154 Dave { 01.24.13 at 10:52 am }: Hi Trout–New Fantasyland is drawing more people, but not affecting relative crowds–compared to other times of the year, this weekend will still be low crowd!

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155 Jonathan { 01.24.13 at 9:06 pm }: Dave, we were thinking about heading down to Disney the week of the 2/9-2/16. You list that as typically a very low week, but pretty much all the disney hotels are booked up as well as many local resorts that week. And prices are very high on time share exchange sites. So, I’m curious if there’s something going on that week at Disney we’re not aware of? Any insight is very helpful. Thanks for everything here!
156 Dave { 01.25.13 at 7:13 am }: Hey Jonathan, one of the reasons I recommend booking 180 days out is that the Disney hotels routinely fill even during less crowded times of the year (and hence can’t be used as a crowd calendar). See http://yourfirstvisit.net/planning-your-first-family-trip/when-your-plans-need-to-be-firm/

What fills first is weekends/popular resorts/value resorts; what fills last is moderates/weekdays/Old Key West and Saratoga Springs. What drives crowds is not whether or not the hotels are filled; it’s whether or not kids have the week off.

The dates you are looking at will be relatively low crowd until the 14th, when early President’s Day visitors will start to show up, but they won’t be there en masse until the 16th.

President’s Day bookings are driving prices and availability at the later part of your period, and there’s two large conventions at the Convention Center early in your period, which is what’s driving the rest of what you are seeing. (Conventions are (mostly) solo adults, and thus don’t much drive crowds at the parks.)

Your week, I’m seeing Sun-Thurs availability at WDW resorts in every resort price class but the values…

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157 Helena { 01.25.13 at 10:25 am }: We are going Feb 9th to feb to feb 15th 2013 I checked availability for another faamily member and all value resorts are booked and alot of the moderate . Do you know why it is so busy this week and do you have any recommendations for which parks to do which days It is my adult daughter and my 2 grandaughters one 3 and one 5 and myself going
158 Helena { 01.25.13 at 10:27 am }: I have never usually gone during a busy time we usually go end of nov early dec but we are going this time to celebrate my grandaugters birthday never thought it would be so busy
159 Dave { 01.26.13 at 7:59 am }: Hi Helena, Jonathan asked the same question as your first yesterday–see ethis: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2011/09/12/disney-world-crowds-in-2013/#comment-126645

For kids that age, I’d focus solely on the Magic Kingdom, and shoot for 2-3 mornings, one later afternoon (for the afternoon parade) and one evening for the evening parade and fireworks.

The bets days at MK your dates will be the 12th, 13th and 15th.

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160 Dave { 01.26.13 at 8:00 am }: Helena, I really think you’ll be OK!
161 David H { 02.03.13 at 2:40 pm }: Hello, we have to reschedule a trip we had planned for early May 2013. Is the week of Memorial Day historicly crowded ? We would be going from Tuesday the 28th to Saturday June 1st. Traveling with a 2 year old. Thank you
162 JS { 02.04.13 at 8:03 am }: How does the week of April 14th thru the 21st look. I am used to spring break being the week before Easter or the week after Easter but found out many in the Northeast are having Spring Break that week (Boston, Mystic, and such).
163 Dave { 02.04.13 at 10:48 am }: Hi David, it has been increasingly crowded, and was pretty rough last year. I’m forecasting it as 9/high crowds this year. If I’m wrong, it’ll be better, not worse, especially your dates. But schools are out early this year–see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2012/07/31/disney-world-crowds-2013-summer-2013-crowds/

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164 Dave { 02.04.13 at 11:03 am }: Hey JS, that’s true, and I keep an eye on it, e.g. here: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2012/07/25/disney-world-crowds-2013-spring-break-2013/ However, many of the districts with that week off also have the full week of President’s Day off, and go to WDW then, so I forecast it’ll be a fine week!

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165 Jamie Wilkerson { 02.04.13 at 4:08 pm }: Do you think Disneyland is simiar to this? IS there anything like this specific to Disneyland?
166 Dave { 02.05.13 at 8:26 am }: Hi Jamie, I have some slightly obsolete observations on Disneyland here: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/11/17/suggestions-for-your-first-trip-to-the-disneyland-resort/ Since I wrote this, Cars Land has opened to great acclaim at DCA, so add another half day to one day to the suggested trip length.

You can find Disneyland crowd calendars on TouringPlans.com

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167 Teresa { 02.07.13 at 5:39 pm }: Hi Dave, I could really use some reassurance! I based the dates of our family vacation on your crowd calendar. (No pressure. ) It is my husband’s, toddler’s and baby’s first time. I have taken our older daughters 3 x’s previously. I picked April 6-13. I know that first weekend will see the exodus of the Easter crowd but according to your calendar, we should be good for the week. My concern is that other sites have that week as RED. I understand it is WDW and there will always be crowds. I just don’t want CROWDS.
168 Dave { 02.08.13 at 7:02 am }: Hi Teresa!

While any forecast can be wrong, I’m pretty confident in that one.

The most basic driver of WDW crowds is kids out of school–and their aren’t many out that week. See this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2012/07/25/disney-world-crowds-2013-spring-break-2013/ In addition, spring break crowds come from northerners taking their kids out of school and getting away from the cold and snow. You see some of this in April, but it’s mostly a March phenomenon.

April gets dissed widely as a crowded time, but that’s typically just from laziness–people not doing the kind of analysis that’s in the link above. April crowds are driven by the date of Easter, and a March Easter (as we see in 2013) yields lotsa great April weeks.

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169 Kristy { 02.21.13 at 8:41 am }: Hi Dave, we are planning to go this weekend. Which day is better for crowds at the Magic Kingdom, 02/23 or 02/24? What are the average wait times on either date? I saw an earlier post about the marathon & President’s Day visitors still being around. Thanks!!
170 Dave { 02.21.13 at 9:08 am }: Hi Kristy, Sunday will be much better. Sorry, but I don’t do average wait times, but you can find them here: TouringPlans.com

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171 Anthony { 02.23.13 at 10:13 pm }: Hi Dave. We usually go to WDW annually, during the last week in January/first week in February (this year was our 5th visit). The only thing we are concerned with is crowd levels. I have noticed it getting more crowded, particularly this year. I’m not sure if it’s due to the South American tour groups, or an improving economy. If there a better time of year to visit, from a crowd perspective?

Thanks for the advice
172 Dave { 02.24.13 at 10:21 am }: Hi Anthony, purely from a crowd perspective September is a little better. While later January remains–compared to most other dates–a low-crowd period, it is definitely picking up. Over the past few years, domestic attendance is flat/dropping, while international visits, especially from South America, and especially within that from Brazil–is picking up.

January is in the South American summer, and the summer break for Brazilian school kids is traditionally from early December to the end of January…

The only issue with September is that it is in the peak of the hurricane seaosn. Not a significant threat, but true all the same. See 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/

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173 Maggie { 02.26.13 at 11:37 am }: Hi Dave. Thanks for all you do!!! We are two adults and one 5 yo girl. Dates are arrive 9:30 am flight 4/13/13, leave 4/19/13 8pm flight, All star movies prefered room. We have 4 day hopper w waterpark and more. We cannot add a fifth park day because its military salute tix. So, 4/13 waterpark and campfire in evening at WL. Then the five days between 4/14 and 4/18 would be 4 park days and one “off” day (waterpark again). We will do 1900 Park Fare dinne on our off WP day, but otherwise dont want to be bogged down w ADRs ( plus were on a budget . We want child to do meet n greets w characters, but dont want to be so obsseesed that we spend most of the days waiting for photo ops and autographs. She has BBB at 6:35 pm in the MK castle thursday 4/18…. All I could get, im call 3x a day trying to get an earlier time on any day, but know luck. So barring a change in BBB, can you recomend a 4 day touring plan within that 5 day window? (4/14-4/18). Thank you so much for any advice. Maggie
174 Maggie { 02.26.13 at 11:52 am }: Hi again Dave. Just wanted to also mention, 5 yo is over 42 ” under 44″. We plan this to be utterly child centered trip. We wont do any rides that involve child swap. We wont do anything a 5 yo would consider “boring” like Hall Of Presidents, etc. Thanks for your help! Maggie.
175 Dave { 02.26.13 at 12:08 pm }: Hi Maggie and thanks for the kind words!

There’s a couple of ways to do this: two days at MK and one each at AK and HS, or, since you have hoppers, two days at MK, a morning at HS, an afternoon at AK that same day, and then reserving your last day for whichever of the three you most want to return to.

On your dates, MK will be best the 16th and 17th, AK any day but the 15th and 17th, and HS any day but the 16th. I got you that she has BBB the 18th, but, because of the morning extra magic hours, MK will be busier the 18th than the 16th and 17th…

I don’t have specific itineraries for kids that age. You can find them, however, here, and also build your own: http://touringplans.com/magic-kingdom/touring-plans?utm_campaign=referral&utm_medium=website&utm_source=yourfirstvisit&utm_content=r1&property_id=1 Take a look at this to help sort out what you want to do: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2011/03/09/the-comprehensive-guide-to-walt-disney-world-rides-and-attractions/ It does not have the meet n greets on it, however…

Hope this helps a bit!

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176 Maggie { 02.26.13 at 1:41 pm }: Thanks Dave. So If I cant change BBB sooner than 4/18, we can just hop there that evening, do a couple rides and watch fireworks for our last night. But what about Sunday the 14th? Is it worth doing extra late hours at Studios, if so we could do maybe AK in the morning and move water park day to Mon 4/15 in order to sleep later from late night. How do you feel about the extra hours at night and mornings if one has the ability to hop out of them? I want to follow your recomended days, but the I feel pulled toward “extra hours”., what do you think? Thanks again, Maggie
177 Dave { 02.26.13 at 3:07 pm }: Maggie, I have pretty mixed feelings about the hopper for a kid the age of yours. Unless she’s really an early riser, it might be hard for you to get to the park turnstiles for the AM EMH–e.g. by 7.40a or so….and she may not be able to stay up to really take advantage of the evening EMH–whihc typically don’t have reduced lines until into the second hour. For more on hopping, see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2012/07/16/park-hoppers-hopping-walt-disney-world/
178 Pam { 02.26.13 at 7:52 pm }: Hi Dave! I am planning to take my daughter to Disney world at the end of march. She is out of school from march 29 to April 7. What days do you think would be the least crowded during this time period? I’m not sure what parks we will visit. I think she would enjoy Epcot.
179 Dave { 02.26.13 at 8:56 pm }: Pam, that’s one of the three or four most crowded weeks of the year–we’re talking about 3 hour waits for the major rides. Are you sure you want to go then?
180 Lisa { 02.27.13 at 12:12 pm }: Hi Dave,

My family and I are going to Disney World May 21-31 of this year and I was wondering if you suggest rides, shows, ect. that we should do first or last? Or any feelings you have on speed passes…are they worth it? Since the trip is booked, we can’t controll the weather or the crowds, but I would love to hear from an experience traveler on how to make the trip more enjoyable. Thanks
181 Dave { 02.27.13 at 3:05 pm }: Hi Lisa!

Take a look at this. It doesn’t match your days exactly, but you can build everything you need based on it: 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’m pretty sure by “speed passes” you mean fastpasees. Those are free and come built in to every ticket, and all my itineraries depend on them! See this for more: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/01/09/fastpasses-at-walt-disney-world/

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182 Jamie { 03.02.13 at 12:58 pm }: My family and I are planning a WDW trip either the week of September 8th or September 15th. We will be traveling with a two year old, my parents, and my grandparents who are older. I am looking for which of these weeks would be the lowest in crowd levels. I appreciate your input.
183 Dave { 03.03.13 at 5:50 am }: Hi Jamie! Those are each equally low-crowd weeks! See this for more: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2013/02/25/september-2013-at-walt-disney-world/

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184 Sharon G. { 03.04.13 at 12:28 pm }: Hi there, we planned a trip to Florida March 13 to 19th 2013. We are only planning only a DAY trip to Disney and wanted to know if you could tell me which day would be best to visit? Does a weekend day matter? Weekday better?
Thanks!
185 Dave { 03.04.13 at 1:54 pm }: Sharon, March is a busy time at WDW, and the week ending the 16th is particularly busy this year Of all your options, the 19th is best–and if that’s a travel day for you, then the 18th.

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186 Dee { 03.04.13 at 8:36 pm }: Hi, thanks for all of the fabulous information. We are 1st timers. We are heading to Disney March 19th-22nd & staying at disney it’s going to be a super busy time of year!! Any tips on which parks to hit and what days? Our plan is MK, Epcot & HS then a day likely at MK again…your advice? Oh and what time of day should we get to the parks? How long will the line up to enter be?
Thanks so much
187 Dave { 03.05.13 at 6:33 am }: Hi Dee, and you are welcome!!

Yes it’ll be pretty busy. You want to be at the turnstiles well before the park opens. That way you beat the crowds for the first hour or so. Hit the rides first that develop the longest lines later, and for long-line ones you can’t get to in the first hour or so, use fastpasses. See the days in this for examples of how this works: 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/

Your dates, avoid Epcot 3/19, MK and HS 3/21, and Epcot 3/22. So I’d suggest MK the 19th and 20th, Epcot the 21st, and HS the 22nd…

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188 Jonathan { 03.05.13 at 1:37 pm }: Hello!

Against my better judgement, we will be in the parks on March 14, 15, and 16. Since that seems to be the worst possible time, could you give me some insight on which parks would be better on which days? I was thinking MK on the 14th, HS on the 15th, and Epcot on the 16th?

Thanks!
189 Stephanie E { 03.05.13 at 1:58 pm }: Hi, i want to go to Walt disney..but im lost..There’s too much parks and stuff…im not perfectly good in english so its difficult for me too pick disneyland resort or walt disney world resort..i know that my kids want to see Mickey, the princess,…should i go with travel agent ? im very lost..can you help me please…i want to travel the week of july 21 or 28..
thank u very much helping me!
190 Dave { 03.06.13 at 7:19 am }: Hey Jonathan! MK has morning extra magic hours the 14th, which will make it more crowded, so I’d swap your MK and HS days.

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191 Dave { 03.06.13 at 7:21 am }: Hi Stephanie, you probably would do best with a travel agent who speaks a language you are comfortable with, or a Disney site based inn your native language…
192 Jeff { 03.11.13 at 5:03 pm }: I was looking at you 2013 crowd calender and noticed a spike on 11/2, can you tell me why this is a busy week? The only holiday near there is Vetran’s day, but that is in the next week (11/11/13)? Any insight would be appreciated.
193 Dave { 03.12.13 at 8:18 am }: Jeff, that spike is from Jersey Week. See this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/05/02/jersey-week-at-walt-disney-world/

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194 Shana { 03.12.13 at 3:48 pm }: Hi Dave! I am really thankful for your site! It’s provided so much useful information already. I have a question….we are staying at Wilderness Lodge 10/22-10/28. I’m planning on 5 full days in the parks (debating about whether to go to the parks on 1 of our “travel days” as well when we arrive or before we leave). What is the best way to figure out which parks are the best on each day of our stay? I know that you have a helpful tool on your site, but it doesn’t go out as far as October yet. When will that info be available? I’d like to use it to plan our reserved dining. Thanks!
195 Dave { 03.12.13 at 5:43 pm }: Hi Shana, and thanks for the kind words!!

I won’t be able to comment on best and worst days then until Disney’s October calendar comes out–which it should in a week or two. So just ping back here, say the 22nd, and I’ll be able to help…

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196 Roxanne { 03.14.13 at 2:14 pm }: Our family is looking at booking a last minute vacation (4/14-4/20). According to your website this looks to be a good time. I was just at the travel agent and she printed out the scheduled and she said from looking at the schedule (electric parade is ever night and some other things) that it is going to be very busy. Plus they have a book that said the same thing. We never had a vacation and we have 2 young boys so if this is not good I would love to know before I book. Thanks.
197 Dave { 03.15.13 at 9:22 am }: Roxanne you’ll be fine.

Hours that week are very similar to what you see then through May. MK is open 2-4 total hours over the week than in some later weeks, and is showing a couple more parades. Not enough to matter. Look at the calendars for this week or the week of the 23rd for what MK looks like in bad week. See http://media.disneywebcontent.com/StaticFiles/DTA-Domestic/pdf/ParkHours/WDW_Operating_Calendar_mar.pdf

What drives April attendance is the date of Easter.

With the early Easter this year, not many kids are on spring break your week. See this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2012/07/25/disney-world-crowds-2013-spring-break-2013/ The kids that are on break your week are mostly northeasterners who also have the full week of President’s Day off, so that group splits its Orlando visits between the two, doing most in February to get away from winter. So they only affect your week a little–but explain why you see a tad more delivered at MK that week.

It is true that most guidebooks lump April into the “bad months.” The charitable explanation of this is that even for dated guidebooks (“WDW in 2013″), people use the same edition year after year. A late Easter–like we’ll see in 2014–really messes up April crowds. So for safety, they dis April in general. The uncharitable explanation is that they don’t do their homework about how Spring Break crowds in April ebb and flow depending on the date of Easter…

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198 Lori { 03.16.13 at 8:03 am }: Your website is fabulous! We are looking to take 3 children, ages 8,6,&2 to Disney in November. According to your calendar, the weeks of November 9 or the 16 th would be the best. Do recommend one of these? We were hoping to get the full Christmas feel of the parks. Will they be doing the Christmas activities either of these weeks? Thanks so much for your help!
199 Dave { 03.16.13 at 8:36 am }: Hi Lori, and thanks!

In general, I like the first week a little better–see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2011/09/19/2013-weeks-to-visit-walt-disney-world-ranked-in-order/

But more of the Christmas decorations will be up in the second. The decorations will start going up in early November, and the program will begin around the 11th or 12th. The celebrations will build over the month, and won’t be fully in place until the Thursday after Thanksgiving. But in the week of the 16th it will still be a Christmas wonderland, and will be more so than the week of the 9th!

For how all this unfolded in 2012, see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2012/05/20/christmas-2012-at-walt-disney-world/

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200 Kevin { 03.23.13 at 4:51 pm }: Dave,
Excellent site!
Hope you can offer some advice. I am taking my wife and 2 kids ( 9 & 7) on their first trip to WDW on 10/5 – 10/19. This is the first time the kids have been outside the UK, so I wanted to make it as special as possible.
Have you any hints and tips on where to visit (or not) and the best places to eat?
We are staying at Animal Kingdom and have taken the Disney dining plan.
Also is there anything I need to be aware of on these dates – weather, crowds or closures.
201 Dave { 03.24.13 at 1:46 pm }: Hi Kevin, my itineraries lay out all the things to do and places to eat–for an example, see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/planning-your-first-family-trip/basic-itinerary/alternative-itineraries/ They are set up for a trip shorter than yours, so see also this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/02/24/the-comfortable-guide-to-how-long-to-stay-at-walt-disney-world/

There’s a number of things about your dates worth noting, all captured in this page: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2013/03/19/october-2013-at-walt-disney-world/

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202 Ben { 03.25.13 at 10:40 am }: Dave,

My friends and I are booking a college graduation trip (University of Kentucky, Go CATS!!) in early may. The week of May 12-19we are going to Daytona Beach and we are looking for the best day that week/weekend to take a day trip to Magic Kingdom. One of the guys on our trip has never been to Disney before and always talks about how he wants to go so we are going to surprise him with tickets when we get down there. Your site is awesome and very helpful. I was just wondering if there was a certain day of the week you would recommend for the lowest crowd or even a day that MK is open later with extended hours or something during that week. Thanks for all of your help.

Ben
203 Dave { 03.25.13 at 12:49 pm }: Hi Ben and thanks! The best days at MK that week will be May 14 and May 15!

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204 Shahram { 03.25.13 at 3:48 pm }: We are stuck going the week after Easter. In past years, I have gone alone with my young son to EPCOT, which handles larger crowds much better and I know how to maximize the fast pass system there. I used to work at WDW. But this year we are going to Magic Kingdom with the whole family. My wife and I, My 8 year old son and 3 year old daughter. We can go either Tuesday or Thursday. We would prefer Tuesday but will Thursday be better? Or should we abort the idea of Magic Kingom altogether and just go to EPCOT again. It’s the little girl’s first trip but she wont remember anything anyway.
205 Dave { 03.25.13 at 4:28 pm }: Hi Shahram! Both Tuesday and Thursday are among the “better” MK days that week, but I have a slight preference for Tues. See this for why– http://yourfirstvisit.net/2013/03/14/the-common-sense-guide-to-easter-week-at-walt-disney-world/ I’d also love to hear your reactions to it as a former cast member.

Yes, Epcot handles crowds better… because most of World Showcase can be enjoyed by adults without lines…but not by 3 year olds! If I were a 3 year old (and I suppose I am one at heart) I’d rather walk around and not ride much at MK than do the same at Epcot…

Hope this helps…

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206 Shahram { 03.25.13 at 5:48 pm }: Thanks for the quick reply! I looked but I don’t see why Tues is better than Thur. I see your point about the 3 year old at MK, but EPCOT (notice I don’t recognize the Epcot capitalization) hs changed a lot in the last couple decades since it opened. Much more charachter tie in and fun for kids, but yes, the countries will be boring for the 3 years old. Last time I went I almost lost it when I found out Captain EO was back. One of my favorite childhood memories. I waited in line with my 5 year old and we got through the pre-show and as the door opened he had to use the bathroom. Can you imagine?!?!? Yes, I waited in line AGAIN! It was reat but the lasers, steam, strobes, and tactile transducers under the seats were missing. Anyway I have tons of stories and loved my time as a Guest and Cast Member but also as a contractor working in the construction side on many projects. I was in charge of the high speed internet install at the Grand Floridian and have been in each and every room and the best view is one of the honeymoon suites on the top floor, and I stayed in that room for 2 nights on one of my anniversaries. Anyway, we are waiting to hear from my mother who is going to join us. We might be stuck to Tuesday due to her schedule. I am just not willing to wait in lines over an hour and have never seen than before.
207 Dave { 03.26.13 at 7:37 am }: What a great set of stories! I like Tuesday a little more than Thursday at MK because many will be off to HS or AK that day…
208 Erika { 04.02.13 at 2:47 pm }: Last comment…because this is just killing me. You have ALL of April is LOW CROWDS! Ummm….last year MK closed due to CAPACITY on multiple days in April. Please, don’t do your site visitors a disservice.
209 Dave { 04.02.13 at 3:28 pm }: Yup, because Easter 2013 was March 31, and my crowds are “weeks beginning Saturday”, so the 2013 bad April week is listed as beginning March 30.

April crowding is almost entirely a factor of the date of Easter, which can range from later March til almost the end of April.

Easter 2012 was a week later, which led to two really lousy April weeks.

Easter 2014 is April 20, which means some great early April weeks, and horrible late April ones.

See this for more on 2013 spring break crowds http://yourfirstvisit.net/2012/07/25/disney-world-crowds-2013-spring-break-2013/ and for April 2012 and its differences, see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2011/07/11/disney-world-crowds-in-2012-spring-break-2012/
210 Steve { 04.02.13 at 4:22 pm }: Ericka,

Is that the way you talk to the people you interact with in person? Why act so disrespectful online?

Also just curious, what website do you work for?
211 Erika { 04.02.13 at 8:02 pm }: Honestly, I don’t work for any website. I am, however, a frequent visitor to several Disney planning sites/fan sites. I am a hardcore Disney fan. I admit that. And if you spent time on those other sites, you are going to find information that is vastly different from this one. And again…in all honesty, I did not mean to be disrespectful. I was, quite frankly, shocked at the information presented here. And my last sentence was/is 100% sincere. I don’t think Dave (or anyone) should do a disservice to visitors by providing inaccurate information. My comment above was about April attendance in particular. Are there a few days here and there that may be lower crowds. Sure…there are some isolated days. But the two middle weeks of April have the highest rate of attendance, right along with the week between Easter and New Year’s. That is just fact–even Disney reports it. And again, I have been there and have had family there that were turned away last April due to capacity crowds at MK. It happened. It will happen again. Not meaning to be disrespectful, but it is simply a fact….April is NOT a low crowd month.
212 Katherine Chadrick { 04.02.13 at 11:33 pm }: Ok…so going to WDW arriving May 4th and can go to MK or HS for just a couple night hours. Will be at parks full days starting the 5th on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday with half a day on Wednesday before we fly out. I’ve read a lot here (thank You) and have invested in the park hopper tickets. What’s my best plan of action for park days? This will have to be my only trip for years to come and want to make the most of it. Love Disney!!! Thank you for your help!!
213 Wendy { 04.03.13 at 12:28 am }: Erika – can I make a suggestion? Well…no matter your answer – here it comes. If you feel this site is not accurate, please, click your mouse (get the Mickey reference?) and use a different site. Many people – just read the comments left by MANY people (you will see your type of comment almost does not happen on this site) – feel this site is helpful and it has a wonderful tone. Please do not feel the need to be negative to help save people like me (first-time visitors). We can think for ourselves. We can decide for ourselves – and we make the choice to use this site. Please, make the choice NOT to use this site if it does not work for you. Hey, start you own site and offer advice and help day in and day out…even on holidays like Dave does. Sounds like you have found unheard of deals on everything from airfare to lodging – spend the time building something rather than pulling something down.

Wendy
214 Dave { 04.03.13 at 8:01 am }: Erika, you are flat out right on the minor point, but wrong on the major point.

Yes, you will find plenty of good sites and good guidebooks that say all of April is bad. Disney used to say that as well-though it took that page down years ago, because it’s wrong; you can still find it quoted elsewhere, or cached.

But it’s still wrong.

April crowds are almost (but not entirely) governed by kid’s spring breaks framed around Easter. Because Easter can fall anywhere (in April, I’m ignoring March) between April 1 and April 25, any two week period in April can be horrible, depending on the date of Easter. So many guidebooks–even those written for a specific year (“The Unofficial Guide to 2013″) say avoid all of April because they know that many people will be using the advice of the guidebook for years other than what the book was mean to cover–and the guidebooks that are undated are in even a worse spot. And people repeat this on websites and on discussion boards, unthinkingly.

But it’s still wrong. What one needs to do instead is to study public school calendars for actual spring breaks–I do that every year for 175 districts. And do your forecasts based on that–not on myths like “April is all horrible except for a day or two.”

Take a look at the daily crowd calendars on touring plans.com or easywdw.com for April 2013 after the Easter rush is done–that is, after April 6th. And come back here and tell me how many 10s you see, how many 9s, how many 8s, how many 7s….
215 Dave { 04.03.13 at 8:15 am }: Hi Katherine!!! Kids? What ages?
216 Katherine Chadrick { 04.03.13 at 9:36 am }: Hi Dave and Thank You so much!!! It’s just myself and my 26 year old daughter, but we’re both kids at heart. Fantasyland and be our guest will likely be at the top of our highlights although I couldn’t secure a reservation so we will have to wait in the lunch line. I’m sure it will be worth it. We’re staying at the all sports hotel. Decided on the hopper passes since it is a short trip. We plan on going a to parks every morning then breaking from 1-3:30 ish at hotel then going back to a park. Still hitting the extended magic hours when possible. We arrive at 5:45 on Saturday May 4th so only a couple hours the first night at MK or HS and fly out on following Wednesday at 7:45 pm (so be at resort for transportation by 3:30pm?)
217 Dave { 04.03.13 at 4:27 pm }: Hi Katherine…I also should have asked if there’s a park you want to skip, or to see extra of. You are short about a day for seeing all 4 parks…HS and MK are clearly in–is either Epcot or AK out?
218 katherine chadrick { 04.03.13 at 5:25 pm }: I’m trying not to skip any parks but if I had to it would be animal kingdom. The only time I’ve been there it was raining and I didnt see any animals or have much fun.??? I took a shot at this schedule but want to know your thoughts…I’m concerned all the park hopping may be wasting more time than just waiting through the lines??? I tried to catch most of the Magic Hours without spending all day at that park. See below;
Saturday May 4th, 9p-12a MH @ HS
Sunday 9am-4pm Epcot, 4p-8pm hotel then 9:30pm- 1am MH @ MK I miss illuminations @ Epcot. (slightly dissappointed)
Monday 9am-5pm Animal Kingdom (sleeping and skipping EM magic hours) 8p-12A HS (mh)
Tuesday Magic Kingdom ALL DAY!!! Would this be the best day here for lower crowds?
Wednesday 9a-3p HS then 3pm head back to hotel to catch transportation to MCO airport, fly out at 7:45pm. I’m no you…but what do you think? Please critique I can take it and the trip is to important. My daughters had a really rough year.
219 Dave { 04.03.13 at 5:48 pm }: Katherine… with as tight a schedule as you have here’s what I’d do:

Sat May 4: MK for the evening parade and fireworks. HS has some unusual hours this night–that make me worried that there will be a crowd-drawing special event–plus will be extra crowded from the morning extra magic hours. So for both those reasons I’d shie away from HS

Sunday: morning and evening at Epcot. MK EMH are not long or late enuf for this to be a valuable place to go tonight much before 10.30p (when the crowds will drop after 10p Wishes), you will have already seen the fireworks and evening parade on Sat night–and you get Illuminations back! Note that if you are up for it you can still hop to MK after Illuminations.

Monday: Morning and evening at HS

Tuesday: MK

Wednesday: keep it open, and decide Tuesday night. Either head back to MK, or, if you feel you’ve seen enuf, go to AK including its morning EMH.

Hope this helps!

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220 Katherine Chadrick { 04.03.13 at 9:35 pm }: Thanks again Dave! I have adjusted my itinerary accordingly and it looks great!
221 Dave { 04.04.13 at 8:54 am }: You bet, Katherine! Good luck, and come back after and tell me how it went!
222 Allison Jones { 04.05.13 at 6:30 pm }: As an Orlando local, who spent 199 days at Disney World last year. I spend a lot of time enjoying Dave’s site for my own visits. As a travel agent that books thousands of Disney World packages every year; I also refer my guests to his site. It is the perfect resource to help select the best dates to visit this magical destination.

It is a great resource for 1st time visitors or Annual Passholders that visit multiple times every year. Keep up the great job, Dave!
223 Donna Sharick { 04.05.13 at 8:58 pm }: As a Disney Travel agent, probably the most frequent question I get is WHEN TO GO and this is my “go to” site for my guests! I have had them come back and THANK me for the great advice and I cannot honestly take all the credit; I give the credit to this site for knowing historical attendance. I go quite a bit myself, having gone every month of the year over the past 30 years and I would not direct a guest to a site that I did not wholeheartedly agree with. Guests like our advice but they seem to like to see it in writing from other guests and this is where they’ll find it! one word: INVALUABLE! Thanks, Dave, for all you do!
224 Dave { 04.06.13 at 9:12 am }: Thanks, Allison! I appreciate your support praise more than you might guess…

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225 Dave { 04.06.13 at 9:22 am }: Donna, you really made my day! Thanks so much!

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226 Shahram { 04.07.13 at 1:52 pm }: OK we got back last night. 14 hours on I-95! Fun! Well, I kicked MK’s butt! We used strategy and saw almost everything (missed storytime with belle) and the worst wait all day was 40 minutes for Pirates of the Carribean and 35 minutes for Haunted Mansion. We got to the parking lot at 7:30 and I sent my family to the line for Ariel while I got fastpasses for Peter Pan. How did I still get there before them?!?!? We stacked fastpasses by getting new ones before boarding the ones we had. Layered low wait attractions, meals and potty breaks in between. Attendance was very heavy, over 100 min waits for some attractions, but it can be done. My knowledge of the park helped a great deal as well. Had to resist the temptation to use the tunnels to get other fastpasses!! We stayed till midnight, whole family was beat, 8 year old boy running on caffeine and crashing every 30 minutes. It was hardcore! Not for every family. Little girl had to nap in the stroller at lunch for a hour. You have to have one person in the party that knows the park or can read a paper map and is willing to run around for the others (ME!). Also, the iPhone and Android apps are a must for watching wait time trends. I gotta say I’m pretty proud of myself. Little girl still remembers first Disney ride ever, Ariel on the little Mermaid. Mission accomplished! Now I am really trying to figure out how to get my son in to see the Harry Potter attraction at Universal. He is really bugging me to see it. He bought a wand with his money at Citiwalk so that is next I think!
227 Heather { 04.07.13 at 6:17 pm }: Dave–I completely agree with Spring traffic being dictated by Easter/Passover holidays and school breaks. This year, the 3 overlapped so the past 2 weeks and likely this coming week will be more crowded than the rest of the Spring season.

As for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, I find that visiting late in the day has the lowest crowds. I’ve walked right on to Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey simply by going after 5pm.

Keep up the great work Dave! Your site is a terrific resource for new and seasoned visitors alike!
228 Dave { 04.08.13 at 6:30 am }: Shahram, what a great story! You prove that for a knowledgeable visitor with a sound plan (and, as you note, a FP runner and wai ttime apps) all things are possible. It also helps that at MK there’s so many high capacity lower-wait rides for the in-between FP times–like Carousel, the Liberty Belle, Hall of Presidents, Peoplemover, etc…
229 Dave { 04.08.13 at 6:51 am }: Thanks Heather! And thanks for the point about Harry Potter!
230 Melissa { 04.15.13 at 12:23 pm }: Hi,
I am coming 12/1-12/7 2013 and am wondering if the late Thanksgiving holiday is going to have much of an impact on crowds? Also during this time frame can you recommend a park per day? Thanks!! Also, do they tend to offer any specials during this time????
231 Dave { 04.17.13 at 7:20 am }: Hi Melissa!

The Thanksgiving crowds will be over by 12/1, so you should be fine.

I’d also expect to see a room rate deal for your arrival dates as well!

While I can’t recommend specific parks per day until Disney publishes its December calendar–which it won’t do for another month or so–I do have an itinerary abse don the forecasted calendar that’s pretty close to your dates–see http://yourfirstvisit.net/planning-your-first-family-trip/basic-itinerary/alternative-itineraries/shorter-and-longer-itineraries-for-the-december-week/basic-itinerary-less-first-saturday-and-second-sunday/

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232 John { 04.17.13 at 9:42 am }: Dave
Gulp, have booked a family vacation to WDW for June 17-24, but looking at the crowds Im petrified!! We are staying at SS and were planning on using the resort busline for transport to and from the resorts Normally we are at AK the second week of May and dont find the crowds too bad. We are seasoned park visiters so know how to get around the parks once there, but are acustomed to short waits 30min-45min….In short my question is ..just how bad can we ex pect the wait times to be?

Great site by the way, first time on it and find it very helpful despite having been to WDW many times.
Thanks.
233 Dave { 04.17.13 at 5:42 pm }: Hi John and thanks!

What happens in the summer is that lines build more quickly, and FASTPASSES get completely distributed more quickly–on the other hand, hours are often later as well.

You should be fine for the first few hours minutes or so–if you arrive well before opening, see the most popular rides first, and start pulling fastpasses right away–but later in the day waits will be 30 to 60 minutes longer than you are used to…

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234 Julie { 04.21.13 at 11:18 pm }: Hi Dave-
We are going the week of 11/2-11/9 for several reasons….our FL resident passes from our trip last year expire on 11/9, we love Food and Wine Fest and I’m running in the 1/2 marathon. We went this same week last year and it touring plans ranked it as a great week to go, but the crowds were larger than we expected. Just curious why the heck that one week jumps out so far ahead of the weeks before and after. Thanks…this is a great site!
235 Julie { 04.21.13 at 11:27 pm }: OMG…I’m an idiot! I didn’t mean to address you and Christy, Dave. Ooops!
236 Dave { 04.22.13 at 8:26 am }: Hi Julie, and thanks! Crowds that week jump because of Jersey Week–see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/05/02/jersey-week-at-walt-disney-world/ They weren’t as bad in 2012 because of Hurricane Sandy…

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237 Dave { 04.22.13 at 8:26 am }: Sex change fixed!
238 Brenda { 04.23.13 at 9:02 am }: Hi there!
So much good info! This is out first family vacation to Disney and I am overwhelmed t say the least! So glad to find you and all of the helpful info.

We are planning to go in early Nov. 11-16. This is Veterans Day weekend and I’ve read also wine and dine marathon. Will this make a huge difference crowd wise? Or should we go the first week of November instead? Also, we can’t decide if the convince of being at the Contemporary is the way to go. Kids will be 5 and 9 by then. Like the WL and a few others but just aren’t sure of location being where we can easily do all that we want.
Thanks in advance for any help!
239 Dave { 04.23.13 at 4:45 pm }: Hi Brenda, and I’m so glad the site is helping!

While you’ll see some crowding over the weekend, your later dates overall will still be much better than the earlier week, which is Jersey Week–see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/05/02/jersey-week-at-walt-disney-world/

Given the ages of your kids, I think Wilderness Lodge would be the perfect choice. See this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/08/25/review-disneys-wilderness-lodge/

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240 Sara M { 04.29.13 at 7:51 pm }: Hi. Why is November 2 in black? We wanted to go in October but cannot book until May 3rd which would leave us less than 180 days. What is the next best time closest to the end of October? First week of November? Or should we really wait until Decemeber? I had it all figured out for October and now I am starting again. Ugh. Thanks for all you do! You rock!
241 Dave { 04.30.13 at 8:20 am }: Hi Sara, for the best weeks, see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2011/09/19/2013-weeks-to-visit-walt-disney-world-ranked-in-order/

Crowds are high the week beginning 11/2 because of Jersey Week–see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/05/02/jersey-week-at-walt-disney-world/
242 Sara M { 05.02.13 at 11:21 pm }: According to: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2011/09/19/2013-weeks-to-visit-walt-disney-world-ranked-in-order/….. November 1oth should be a perfect day to arrive as I am assuming Jersey week people will be gone. What do you think? You are the only site I follow and this will be our first trip! We are booking on 5-3-13! Can’t wait!
243 Dave { 05.03.13 at 7:39 am }: Sara, Jersey Week in 2013 may extend to Monday–Veteran’s Day–but after the 11th all will be perfect!
244 Lisa Cooke { 05.07.13 at 9:32 pm }: Hi, Dave..I have been reading your site and I know Thanksgiving week will be rough….however, we have 5 kids in school so we are going Thanksgiving Day through the following Tuesday. The first three days look awful, but the last three look great. We have a large group going, staying onsite…..do you have any suggestions? Will we be miserable the first three days? (This is our first trip.) Thanks!
245 Dave { 05.08.13 at 9:11 am }: Hi Lisa! You can make it work…arrive well before the parks open, avoid parks on EMH days, see the rides that build the longest waits first, then use FASTPASSES. Expect little fun after 1p or so…On Thanksgiving, avoid MK and Epcot–shoot for AK instead. MK will be OK Friday–not great, but much better than Thursday–and Saturday shoot for Epcot…

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246 Tracie { 05.11.13 at 5:36 pm }: Hi! We are planning our first family Disney trip this fall. We have three kids, ages 9, 6 and 5. We are currently booked from Oct. 13-19. However, with the latest free dining offer we are considering changing to Sept. 22-28. Which in your opinion would be the better week to go? Thanks!
247 Dave { 05.13.13 at 7:17 am }: Hi Tracie, I rank the October week better than the September week, mostly because of the hurricane season–see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2011/09/19/2013-weeks-to-visit-walt-disney-world-ranked-in-order/

However, if you will be able to return in another year, the very slight risk of hurricanes matters a lot less (because you can make up any weather-related trip disruption at another time) so if you can book free dining (a lot of resorts are already booked up) and save a bundle it’s worth pursuing!

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