Best and Worst Times to Visit Walt Disney World
BEST TIMES FOR A FIRST FAMILY VISIT TO WALT DISNEY WORLD
- Early March (busy and expensive, but your best Spring Break bet)
- Between the second week after Easter and the week before Memorial Day
- Mid-late October
- November other than the first full week and Thanksgiving week
- December up until a week before Christmas
- (For returning visitors, January and February, except the Presidents Day and Martin Luther King Day holiday weeks, are also excellent)
These periods are highlighted in this site’s 2012 Weeks to Visit and 2013 Weeks to visit–each ranking the weeks of the year in order of best to worst.
WORST TIMES TO VISIT WALT DISNEY WORLD
Pretty much all other times, but especially Christmas week, New Year’s week, and the weeks before and after Easter.
More specifically,
Walt Disney World is the most crowded when kids are out of school: over summer through mid-August, Thanksgiving week, Christmas and New Years weeks, the college spring break month of March; and the weeks before and after Easter. Crowds matter because they can increase waiting times by a factor of 3-4, lengthening your trip and/or reducing its value as a vacation while you are there.- The times when kids are out of school are (mostly) also the most expensive times to visit–Disney increases resort prices at times of higher demand, so that for example the same room at the Polynesian is $1800 more during Christmas week than during the week this site recommends.
Walt Disney World pricing is complicated, and prices do vary during these busy periods–for example, prices go down quite bit in August, even though the first two weeks are busy. Click the thumbnail for the exact relationship on prices vs. crowds at Walt Disney World (when it opens, click it again to enlarge it more).- But generally you will pay more during the periods when kids are out of school.
Rides are mostly likely to be closed (for refurbishment) between New Years and mid-February. For more on winter ride closures at Walt Disney World, click here- The hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through November 30, but strongly peaks from mid-August through early October.
- Warm weather becomes materially less likely starting in mid-November, and the chance of good pool weather does not sharply improve again until mid-February. See Weather and When to Go.
MORE ON WHEN TO GO TO WALT DISNEY WORLD
- For when to go to Walt Disney World, see this
- For the next best dates, see this
- For the best and worst times to visit, see this
- For 2012 weeks to visit, ranked in order, see this
- For the 2012 Week Picker, see this
- For 2013 weeks to visit, ranked in order, see this
- For forecasting crowds at Walt Disney World, see this
- For the 2012 Crowd Calendar, click here
- For the 2013 Crowd Calendar, click here
- For seasonal pricing at Walt Disney World, see this
- For 2012 price seasons, see this
- For 2013 price seasons, click here
- For weather at Walt Disney World, see this
182 comments
Hello, so glad to have found your site. We are FL residents (8hrs from Disney still) season pass holders and we plan to go to Disney twice this year for about a two week trip each time. We are very fortunate in having completely open schedules. We would like to go once in the spring and once in the fall/winter (hopefully to catch Mickey’s Christmas party…we did Halloween this past Oct.). My question is, what are the best two week time periods to do this? We care the most about low crowds. It seems like May used to be low crowds years ago, but seems to be increasing?
Kimberly–for your spring trip, your best bet is still the first two weeks of May–unless you don’t care about the possible cold, in which case the first two weeks of February are better–less crowded and less expensive. If February, depart by the 18th to avoid the President’s Day crowds.
For your fall trip, to include the Xmas party, pick an arrival date between November 27 and December 8. That will yield two weeks with lower crowds and lotsa Xmas opportunities!
We are thinking of going tomorrow, apr 4th and 5th, how are those dates for crowds? Is it still a huge spring break crowd?
Hi Gena!
Spring Break crowds have been pretty high this year, and that’s likely to continue this week…
You have a wonderful site! Thank you so much for all the wonderful work.
I was wondering what your thoughts are for this upcoming week at Disney. We arrive April 9th and depart April 15th. I’m trying to decide if we need to add park hopper to our tickets. Thanks again!
Hi Laurie, and thanks!
I think next week will be one of the better weeks of Spring Break. Hardly any kids are on break, and with Easter week following, few families take it off. It may be quite crowded, but less so than other Spring Break weeks
Remember–you can add your hopper after you arrive, if you decide you need it, at no extra cost compared to buying it now…
Hello! We were thinking about going May 16-21. Is that a busy/popular time?
Thanks!
Pam, that’s a good time! Moderately hot and humid, and moderate to lower crowds. The late Easter, combined with summer breaks that typically begin later than your week, make it not that popular.
We are planning a trip to disney and unfortunately the only time we have available is 8-7-11 through 8-14-11. We were going to go in May but our daughter is having shoulder surgery this month. We have been in Sept. and in May and have had wonderful experiences both times. I am aware of the crowed time we have chosen. Just wanting some guidance on how to have the “best” vacation possible. Our kids are 15 and 12. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Betsy, since you’ve been there before, you know how to handle the crowds–arrive before the parks open, head straight for the most popular rides, and use FASTPASSES! You should figure to take noon to 5 off for the pools and napping, to avoid the peak of the crowds and the mid-day waether! Have a great trip, and tell me how it goes.
I have read in many places to avoid parks on the days they have extra magic hours. We arrive on April 9th and the 10th has extra magic hours at WDW. Should we avoid it? I heard Sundays are a good day to visit WDW but since it’s an Evening Extra magic hour day, I’m wondering if we should avoid it. Can’t decide because I’m sure it will be most fun to go there on our first full day in town! thanks.
Hi Shari! A park is more crowded than it would otherwise be on extra magic hours days. But that doesn’t mean therefore to always avoid it–it just means know your purpose and weigh it against the extra crowds. E.g. if that Sunday your purpose is to see the evening parade and fireworks and eat at a counter service, then the crowds don’t matter much; if your purpose is to ride Peter Pan and Space Mountain, and try to get a sit down meal from walking up wihtout a reservation, then it matters a lot.
April 16th through the 21st. We are on spring break in NC, how are the crowds @ Disney. Were hoping it’s not a big week? Thanks
Dave, unfortunately that’s the most common week for kids to be on Spring Break in 2011. So I expect the parks to be horribly crowded then. See Spring Break 2011
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Kind of in the same boat as Shari. We are arriving 5/4/11 and was thinking of taking the family to WDW the very next day which is EMH day. I heard on some of the websites that it would be best to go the day after a EMH day. Do you think it would be better to go the Friday after the EMH?
Hi Ron! Hard to say without knowing how long you are staying and where you are staying, but for the Magic Kingdmo I’d concur with you and avoid the 5th.
I am staying off site and will be in Orlando from 5/4/11-5/9/11.
Ok Ron, short answer: Epcot May 5, Magic Kingdom 5/6 and 5/7, AK 5/8 Studios and Fantasmic 5/9. I can give the longer logic behind this if you want!
My family will be at Disney Dec. 17-23. I’m sure this week will be crowded. We want to attend Mickey’s Christmas Party. I’ve read that Tuesday is the best day for the party. Is that what you would recommend?
Hi Allison!
First, yes I’d go with Tuesday for the Party.
Second, I’m not–right now–seeing the first part of that week as crowded. This call may change as more schools publish their 2011-2012 calendars and I get more data on just when the Xmas breaks will be…but at least right now I’m seeing a lot of schools beginning their breaks the 23rd…
1st time family trip to disney– 4 kids ages 3 -9 at time of travel. wondering if we should go 1st week in Feb. 2012 or 1st week in May 2012? would still like to use pool and maybe water park.
Hi Cassie!
May, no question. February is cheaper and has very low crowds. May a little more money and crowds. But pool weather in early feb is VERY iffy whereas that part of may is about as good as wdw weather gets!
Hi! This will be our first trip to Disney World. We have two boys – 11 & 15. Any recommendations on when we should go (10/15, 10/22, later?) and what places we should be sure to visit since our boys are older? Thanks for any advice you can give.
Hi Jan!
The weeks you noted are both recommended weeks–I rank them 6th and 7th best of the year. For more, see 2011 Weeks to Visit Ranked in Order.
Though your boys are older, the horizotal axis of The Comprehensive Guide to Rides should still be valid for them!
We are looking at being at Disney December 12-16th. Is that a bad week to go to Disney this year. We have never been before and we want the kids to really enjoy the parks. Also, our kids are 4, 7, 9, and 12, what parks do your recommend. I am looking for any advice here. We have a place to stay, so we are good. Just don’t know what to do about dates. Also, any suggestion on where to buy park passes for 2 adults and my children? We would love a 2 day at the park and 1 day maybe a water park, but would water parks be open during December? Lots of questions for anyone who could help me. Thx
Hi Dewayne!
I rank your week the 2nd best of the year for first time family visitors. For more, see 2011 Weeks to Visit Ranked in Order.
One of the water parks will be open, but it may be too cold to be any fun–if its way cold, they will close it for the day.
For your other questions, see the links in red on the right side of the site!
We are going to WDW with our grandchildren ages 5 & 12 5/24-5/26. First trip for both. Because of the 5 year old and the short period of time we are only going to MK. but haven’t decided on just 2 days or all 3 at the park. What do you suggest? What is EMH and how would that effect the days we will be there?
Hi Mary are you staying at a WDW resort?
Of course I recommend three days, but the ticket price difference between two and three days is significant.
According to the Disney calendars (see How to Use the Disney Park Calendars) the only EMH you will face at MK is the morning of the 26th. The 26th, though, is the only day that not only has the evening parade showing (the fireworks are on all three days), but also on which the park does not close right after the fireworks (which leads to a real mob scene when it happens).
I’m a fan of having the evening parade and fireworks happen on your last night, and not having the park then immediately close, and since that’s also the only night the parade is on, I’d make that one of your days at the MK.
If you are staying at a WDW resort, then you can also come for morning EMH and be at the MK only two days–the 26th morning and evening, and the 24th.
If you are not staying at a WDW resort, then you want to avoid MK the 26th until evening parade time (arrive 90 mins before the first parade), so you’d want to go to it both the prior days, for a total of 3 days.
We are planning our first ever Disney trip in 2012. Our options are to go from March 29 through April 7th, otherwise we will have to wait until the last week in May when the kids are out of school. Any suggestions or tips? I’m at a complete loss!
Hi Dawn!!
Your March/April dates cover Easter week, a horrible time to go to WDW–the crowds are almost unimaginable.
Your May option will be much better. See this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/10/20/2012-weeks-to-visit-walt-disney-world-ranked-in-order/
Great site… thanks! We are very limited when we can go to Disney. Which would be the least crowded: December 24th -30th 2011 or April 1-7 2012 or Nov. 19-25 2012. I know both are terrible but we have a highschooler and this is it… or nothing! Can you rank these three from best choice to worst? Thank you so much!!
Hi Ellen!
Best to worst is Thanksgiving, Easter, Christmas.
One note–based on your highschooler’s summer schedule, could you go in early June or late Augist? Either would be better than the three above!
See also: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/10/20/2012-weeks-to-visit-walt-disney-world-ranked-in-order/
Oh really?? We could go August 15-21 2011. I thought that would be more crowded. Please advise comparing that to Thanksgiving week. Thanks again!
The week after would be better, but regardless, the 15-21 will be much less crowded than Thanksgiving. This is because different school districts go back to school at different times, ranging from early August to after Labor Day. Hence the shoulders of the summer–early June and late August–are not too bad.
Later August is also less crowded because the peak of the hurricane season starts in mid-August. Hurricanes are rarely an issue, but people do avoid Florida then because of them. See this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/planning-your-first-family-trip/when-to-go/next-best-dates/weather-and-when-to-go/high-temperatures-year-round/
As a result of these school and hurricane issues, later August is also typically about as cheap a time as you can go, in terms of WDW resort price seasons.
I’m currently predicting that the price break will start on 8/17/2012 for the values and moderates (it starts in mid-July for the deluxes). See this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/05/26/walt-disney-world-2012-price-seasons/ Note that this is just my forecast–the official 2012 price seasons will likely come out in early August 2011.
You have been so very helpful. I would like your advice on one last option. Would Dec. 17-25 2011 or August 15-21 2011 be less crowded?
I’m currently ranking the week of 12/17 higher than that August week. See http://yourfirstvisit.net/2009/11/20/2011-weeks-to-visit-walt-disney-world-ranked-in-order/ . However, I don’t yet have enuf 2011-2012 school year calendars to be as confident in the week of 12/17 as I wish I were, so that may end up changing…
I am planning a trip to Disney World for my family of 6 adults and one 3 year old child. We were not expecting to be able to go so I am getting a late start. The two times we are looking at are the last week of July or the first week of October. Currently, there are promotions for July so that trip will be about $1800 less than the October trip. Which time would you recommend given weather and crowds?
Hi Cherice!!
Here’s the deal. Late July will be much more crowded, and much more uncomfortable–heat and humidity.
The only thing wrong with the October date is that its still in the peak of the hurricane season (hurricanes rarely affect a WDW trip, but if they do, its likely to be between mid-August and mid-October…)
If I was sure the price difference was gonna stay at $1800 then I’d probably pick July.
But there’s every possibility that a deal will come out that will cover your October dates that might narrow or even eliminate the price difference…no guaratees, but I’d call it at least a 50-50 chance. That makes me lean towards October, which wins hands down at equal prices.
Another option: book July and cancel and re-book if a better deal comes out for October. This could cost you quite a bit–it depends on the specifics of your July booking–but it will cost you at least the prcie of a hotel night. If you take this approach, I’d do it via a travel agent who could get you into the deal structure that is the least costly to cancel.
Hello! I’m taking my family to Disney World next week, May 2, 3, 4, & 5. Can you give my any idea what kind of crowds to expect and which parks to visit each day to avoid them? We do have the hopper passes.
Thank you!
Hi Lee!
Crowds should be moderate or better those days.
Here’s the parks to avoid by day:
May 2: Avoid the Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios
May 3: Avoid Epcot and the Hollywood Studios except for that evening–see below
May 4: Avoid the Animal Kingdom
May 5: Avoid the Magic Kingdom
May 3 is the only day in your period that Hollywood Studios is showing Fantasmic. So you will want to use your hopper and go there in the evening to see it (see the second of the two shows (at 10.30), and arrive at least 60 mins before)
Hello! We are a South Florida family who never makes the journey up the road to Disney. We are tossing the idea around for next week since we have family coming in from out of state to visit the parks. Here is the itinery: Mon 5/09 & tues 5/10 Magic Kingdom. Wednesday 5/12 Animal Kingdom, with some hotel time and other parks taking up the other days. I have been told that Magic Kingdom is horribly crowded on Mondays and that Thursdays are a better bet, what is your take on this?
Hi Hilarry!
Crowds within a week are largely driven by the extra magic hours schedule. For the three days you mentioned, AK has am EMH 5/9 and 5/11, and MK has it in the evening of 5/9.
Unless you are staying at a WDW resort, the only good day for AK is Tuesday the 10th. MK will be fine on the 10th, but increasingly crowded over the day on the 9th.
Thursdays are almost always bad at MK, as it almost always has am EMH on Thursdays. Sundays and Mondays (ignoring the emh factor) do tend to be busier at MK because people often arrive on Sat or Sun and spend their first full day at MK. Add the EMH effect on 5/9 and you are better off at another park. Suggest if you can you do MK Friday the 13th…
To check out the EMH schedules, park hours, etc, see The Disney Park Calendars
What will the crowds be like from may 29th – June 4th. I know first two days will be crazy busy because memorial day. How will the days after be like?
Hi Ken!
Your June days in particular should be fine. Hardly any kids are off school for the summer yet that week–about 20% of districts–so crowds aren’t bad.
HI
We are Aussie family of 5 (kids 5,9,11) arriving 28th Aug staying at Hilton Orlando for 3 nights and Portofino 4 nights…hope they are nice..
What do you think of my proposed park plan please
Mon 29 Aug a half day at Epcot or AK or Hollywood Studios followed by dinner at park
Tue MK with maybe a break and I have booked Cindereela Royal table for lunch for my duaghter and I and Crystal palace for dinner and fireworks..are they better than Epcot illuminations?
the 1st Sept Universal and 3rd Sep Island of Adventures (hubby can’t do too many parks)
ANY advice would be great!
Thanks
Hi Amanda!!
Portofino is stunning. The Hilton is fine. It’s been more than 5 years since I’ve stayed there, but it was a little dull back then…it caters to both conventions and WDW guests so its not as imaginative as the WDW resorts or Portofino.
On your itinerary thoughts, in general, if you plan to spend that few days in the parks, and go 50-50 Universal and WDW, your proposal basically works. I expect Sept 3 to be a high crowd day at Islands of Adventure (it’s the beginning of a three day holiday weekend) but your Portofino early entry to Harry Potter and other privileges should make it fine for you.
Of the three parks you are considering for a half day and dinner on the 29th, Epcot will be the least crowded, but AK and HS have more kid appeal given the ages of your little ones. AK has morning extra magic hours (Hilton guests are eligible for EMH) that day so you want to be there bright and early. It closes at 5 that day so may not be the best choice from the point of view of dinner. HS has evening extra magic hours that day and will be open to you til 10p.
And yes, if I had to pick between Wishes (the MK fireworks) and Illuminations I’d go with Wishes in a heartbeat!
Personally, given the ages of your kids, I’d do Islands of Adventure the 1st and hold on deciding whether to do Universal the 3rd or a WDW park on the 2nd (if WDW do it the second to avoid the holiday crowds on the 3rd) til you’ve experienced both. If you stay flexible this way I’d bet that you will end up doing the Magic Kingdom again on the 2nd…
I am planning a trip to disney world next year. When would be the best time to go these are my criteria has to be nice weather in order to go swimming and not to feel chilly, but not to be scorching hot, to avoid hurrican season, the park hours have to be great, and its not too crowded.
Hi Alicia! Late April and late October meet almost all of your criteria. See http://yourfirstvisit.net/2009/12/23/the-most-comfortable-time-to-go-to-walt-disney-world/ .
The only thing you can’t get is great hours and low crowds at the same time–Disney cuts back hours during lower-crowd periods.
We arrive late on 6/2 and leave 6/9. One son is Star Wars Fanatic so were planning on going to Hollywood Studios 6/3. Do you have recommendations on a game plan or alternate day for HS? We thought we should do HS and AK one day each and Epcot and MK two days each. What are your ideas?
Hi Diana!
You might want to shift your Studios day to 6/4, as gay days is at the Studios 6/3 and that combined with the Star Wars weekend may make the Studios much more crowded than it will be 6/4.
See this for more on Star Wars weekends if you aren’t already up on it: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/hollywood-studios/special-events/star-wars-weekend/
For the rest of your period, your allocation of days is spot-on, and see the links on this page http://yourfirstvisit.net/2011/03/06/itineraries-for-walt-disney-world/ especially towards the bottom: the Summer itinerary for a general approach (it’s Sat-Sun so doen’t quite match your dates), and the first two links under “HELPFUL ITINERARY LINKS” for figuring out which parks when
Hope this helps and have a great trip!! Dave
Hi Dave,
Looking at Disneyworld between 1st May to 10th May, 2012. WE will do 5 days there trying to pick the best days where possible. We are a family of 4 from Australia and that will be week 5 of a big trip. Already looking forward to it. Tried to go well after easter and before memorial Day…. hope my thinking is right.
Thanks
mick
Hi Mick!
Yup, you’ve picked a great time–your dates are in my recommended weeks–see http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/10/20/2012-weeks-to-visit-walt-disney-world-ranked-in-order/ .
Have a great trip!! Dave
hi we are planning a trip end of october first week of november.
what I am wondering is how the 5 or 6 day pass works with the special event days? will we have to pay extra if we go on a day for the halloween festivities? or is it obsorbed in the multi-day pass?
thanks.
Nick
Hi Nick!
On the special party days, the park will be open til 7p for the use of regular ticket holders (e.g. a five or six day pass). You do need a special ticket to attend the halloween party itself, which starts at 7p.
See this for more: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2011/03/27/halloween-2011-at-walt-disney-world/
Planning a first ever family trip to DW hopefully 3rd week of october 2012. I know this seems to be a great time of year to go from all the info i got on your site. I should be getting my vacation planning guide in mail soon. The questions I have are about the ticket prices. We are planning on renting a home just miles from disney, so we really wont get to use the bus systems or resorts deals. Should my family still invest in park hopper passes for 2 adults and 1 child 5yrs or just buy regular tickets for 4 parks? Are the parks even open late at night that time of year? Also, do you have to pay to park in the disney parks??? We are planning to do mickey’s halloween party, i realize you have to buy those tickets seperate and in advanced.
Hi Kate!
I would skip the park hoppers for now.
If you discover once you are there that you want them, you can add them to your tickets at the same price as if you had added them now–except that prices will likely go up 3-5% in August 2011.
For more on ticket prices and how they work see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/02/14/walt-disney-world-admission-ticket-prices-2010/
I am debating on a Disney trip the week before the 4th of July…June 27-July 1…I was wondering how long to expect to wait in lines and how crowded it would be? Also would u recommend the dining plan, and staying inside the park or outside the park? Thanks a bunch!
Hi Tia!
It will be very crowded–you can beat the corwds by arriving before the parks open in the morning, and using FASTPASSES, but it waits of an hour or more will be common.
Yes, stay inside Walt Disney World, but skip the dining plan–the most fun restaurants will have long sold out (they start selling out 6 months before), so it won’t be worth it!
Dave,
My wife and I are planning our first trip with our then-4-year-old girl late mid-late October. We really just want a long weekend Thursday to Monday where she can see some characters (mainly princesses since she’s obsessed), do the bibbity bobbity boo thing, do some small rides if possible, see some some animals, and maybe some fireworks one night. We just don’t think we can handle more time at Disney than that. We’re looking at the Carribean Beach Resort. Is that one any good? Do we need a dining plan? Any tips or suggestions? Been perusing your site and it’s got a lot of helpful info. Thanks for putting it all together!
-Bryan
Hi Bryan that’s a great time to go–though avoid if you can the Columbus Day weekend.
Caribbean Beach is my top-ranked moderate, but I don’t recommend moderates for first time visits–see this for more: http://yourfirstvisit.net/planning-your-first-family-trip/where-to-stay/next-best-resort-choices/where-not-to-stay/ For my hotel recommendations, see http://yourfirstvisit.net/planning-your-first-family-trip/where-to-stay/next-best-resort-choices/
For figuring out which rides will work best for your 4 year old, see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2011/03/09/the-comprehensive-guide-to-walt-disney-world-rides-and-attractions/ That will also help you pick your parks–though from your thoughts it’s sounding like Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom.
You can then use this to build your overall plans for the visit: http://yourfirstvisit.net/planning-your-first-family-trip/how-long-to-stay/other-trip-lengths/designing-your-own-walt-disney-world-itinerary/
Hope this helps and have a great trip!!
Dave
Thanks Dave
Now moved the Hilton booking to Beach Club followed by Portofino…thanks for your tips..really helpful
Amanda
You are welcome and have a great trip!!
We are wanting t0 take a trip to WDW around march 8-20th 2012 with our girls age 7&9, will there be big crowds at that time and what will the weather be like there. We are from Texas and don’t know what to expect in Florida that time of year.
Love your site!! I have a few questions. Our family took our first WDW trip this past May (7th – 14th). Crowds were moderate and actually great the beginning of the week, but by Fri MK was packed with field trips. The weather was just too hot for us. It was in the 90′s most of the week and waiting for the parades to start was just plain miserable. So we really don’t want to go that time of year again. As I’m trying to plan our next trip, I’m struggling between either Nov or Feb. As you can see we want cooler weather!
Yet, we would still like to swim. We would love to see the Christmas decor, so I’m really leaning towards Nov. It looks like costs aren’t too much higher than Feb. How are the crowds the week before Thanksgiving? Also, what about “Jersey Week” –does that really make the crowds that much larger? Our biggest concern is crowds & weather…which month would you suggest? Also, trying to decide between the Poly & Beach Club. Have never stayed onsite so I really want us to be drowning in the Disney magic!! 
Which resort do you think gives you the best Disney experience? Thanks so much for your help!!
Hi Martha!
I’m expecting that week to be very crowded. March weather is all over the place, with typical highs ranging from the mid-60s to the mid 80s. See this for more: http://yourfirstvisit.net/planning-your-first-family-trip/when-to-go/next-best-dates/weather-and-when-to-go/
Hi Amanda!
For the best crowd/cool weather balance for a returning visitor, go for early Feb. Arrive early enuf in the month so that you depart by 2/17 or you will run into Presidents day crowds and prices.
See also http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/10/20/2012-weeks-to-visit-walt-disney-world-ranked-in-order/ but note that these rankings are for first time visitors! I rank the Jan and early feb weeks much higher for returning visitors…
Poly, poly, poly hands down. See http://yourfirstvisit.net/planning-your-first-family-trip/where-to-stay/
We have changed our plans to go to dw from october 2012 to march 2012 now. I noticed the Star wars tours is during the spring. Do u happen to know if its open in march and what date? or is not available till later. Have a 4.5 old son who loves star wars. Is he old enough to participate? I’m sure i will have more questions since it seems we are going to disney sooner rather then later!!!
Hi Kate, glad to help.
First March after the 9th will be wildly crowded…
Second there’s a couple of different Star Wars things at one of the theme parks, Hollywood Studios, that he might like. Two are open everyday: Star Tours, a ride, and the Jedi Training Academy, where he can learn to use a night saber and battle Darth Vader. That one requires you to be at the park when it opens and sign up.
Then typically in late May and early June there’s something called “Star Wars” weekends at the same park where he can see lots of Star Wars charaters, etc. This happens on weekends (Fri-Sun) over three or four weeks.
Hope this helps! Dave
Thank you Dave. He will love the star wars training academy! I hate that we are not going in fall, i was really looking forward to that time of yr there. But we are most likely going the first week of march, so hopefully a bit less crowded. Most of us going are first timers to dw.
Hi Kate! The first week of March should be not nearly as crowded as the rest of the month! Have fun, Dave
Hi was wondering if the week of november 22, 2012- november 27, would be busy
Hi Macy!
Because of Thanksgiving, it will be very busy the 22nd-24th, ok the 25th, and uncrowded the 26th and 27.
Hello
Hope you are doing well today.
We are visiting Florida from Aug. 13-27th
We are going to all the disney parks but not til our second week (21st-26th)
We are trying to plan an itinerary and I am getting conflicting results so I wondered if you could help.
Right now we have: Sunday: Waterpark; Mon: Epcot, Tues: Hollywood Studios; Wed: Magic Kingdom; Thurs. Animal Kingdom
But the problem is that my parents want to come to Magic Kingdom with us but they will be leaving on the 24th.
We also want to make sure we get in Fantasmic at hollywood studios (which I know is on Sun. Tues. Thurs.)
This may be hopeless but I thought I’d try
Some sites say that hollywood studios is fine on Sunday’s and some say it’s not.
What would our reccommended itinerary be based on the info I gave you?
Hi Jenny!
Disney has added a lot of showings of Fantasmic in August–it is now showing every night of your planned WDW visit.
This makes things simpler. I’d advise doing MK the 22nd, the Studios the 23rd, Epcot the 24th, and AK the 25th.
There’s no sense to saying a particular park is good or bad on a particular day–eg no one can say accurately “all Sundays are bad at HS.”
It all depends on the Extra Magic Hours schedule, which has a couple of typical patterns but does vary, and in the case of the Studios, if it has a limited slate of Fantasmics in a period. If it does, then Fantasmic days will be much more crowded. This does not apply to your period, so I’ve based the recommended days based just on the EMH schedule for those days…
Hope this helps!! Dave
Dave,
We will be at WDW 8/14/2011 – 8/20/2011. We have a child who is 4 and one that will be turning 12 on the 18th. We would like to do something special on the evening of the 18th but not sure what, any suggestions? (He is mature for his age.) This website is the first time I have ever heard of not attending parks on certain days. On our previous trip (5 years ago), we attended which ever park had early hours and collected fastpasses. We would stay until around lunch time, head back to the resort to rest, and then go to park that had late magic hours. We are staying at a Disney resort and have park hopper and waterpark fun-n-more options. We are expecting to split up some days because of the age difference in our children. You seem to have a lot of knowledge in this area, any input would be appreciated!
Thank you for your time!
Lara
Hi Lara!
Your approach (morning and evening EMH) works great for Summer EMH schedules and operating hours if you have a park hopper! No need to change it…
I’m thinking about the special celebration for the 12 year old and not coming up with any great ideas…have you done Hoop Dee Doo Revue? that’s a possibilty tho likely sold out for your dates…if other ideas come I’ll add them here!
is the first week of november 2011 good to go? thanks!
It’s an OK week. Because of Jersey Week (see http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/05/02/jersey-week-at-walt-disney-world/ ) crowds are a little higher than the weeks before and after.
Hi all! I’m planning on going next July. I know this is an extremely busy time, but its all i can get. I was wondering if any week in july was less crowded than another. Also, I plan on proposing to my girlfriend while we are there. Any suggestions for a ‘disney’ proposal?
Hi Brandon!
Re July, the worst week is the one that includes the fourth of July and corwds get slightly better in the second half of the month.
Re the proposal, what a great idea! See this page: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/12/21/mail-and-comments-where-to-propose-at-walt-disney-world/ and I’m also gonna reach out to my network for more ideas!
Brandon, here’s some more ideas I’ve got from others:
On the beach at the Polynesian Resort during Wishes
During Illuminations at Epcot
From the deck at Narcoossee’s, a restaurant at the Grand Floridian, during Wishes
From Splash Mountain–see http://www.disneyweddingblog.com/2011/03/splash-mountain-surprise-marriage.html The blog that link is to might be helpful also!
I’ve bolded items you can read more about on this site–use the search box at the top right…
Will post more ideas if they come in!
Dave
Thanks a lot dave! I really appreciate the time you took to do this! I love the idea of the beach at the Polynesian. I’m also thinking something in the Animal Kingdom, as she loves animals. Thanks again!
Glad to help. Re the Animal Kingdom, note that most of the recommendartions so far are related to fireworks shows…and the AK doesn’t have those…I’ll noodle on other AK options and post here if I come up with anything!
Hi
I have booked to go to Orlando from 19th March 2012 to 2nd April 2012. First 8 days in Orlando 2nd week in Tampa. Have now found out that this is Spring Break in the USA!!! Have I made a huge mistake?? We will be taking twin 4 year olds and dont want to spend the whole time queueing up. Can you advise what the queues will be like?
Many thanks
Hi Faye!
I have both those weeks ranked as very high crowds, 10s on my scale of 1-11. There are ways to manage the crowds, especially if you are staying at a Walt Dinsey World resort hotel, but I’d avoid them if I could…
For more on Sprng Break see this http://yourfirstvisit.net/2011/07/11/disney-world-crowds-in-2012-spring-break-2012/
And if you are able to change your dates see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/10/20/2012-weeks-to-visit-walt-disney-world-ranked-in-order/
Brandon: this podcast was suggested by one of my buds: http://thelostboyslist.blogspot.com/2011/06/proposing-at-walt-disney-world.html
Thanks Dave. I have managed to change dates today to 1st March until 14th March which I gather will be slightly better with regards to crowds…..just hope the weather is still Ok?! Thanks
That’s great! The crowds at WDW will be reasonable until around the 10th…the weather can be all over the place in early March, but not in a much different way than your original weeks…
i was just reading some of the questions above – we are going in December 2011 not exactly sure how our days will pan out – am i reading correctly that i could get regular day passes and add on the hopper once i am there – if we would decide to go to two parks in one day – and that would be approximately $52 per day – am i figuring this correctly – my husband i would probaably only do one park a day – but the rest of the family may do more – but not sure since the parks do close earlier – thank you so much and by the way your informaiton is GREAT!!!!!
hi never been to disney world, but i am planning a trip and was wondering when I should go, im worried about crowds and weather. I want to be able to swim, but not have to worry about hurricanes.
Hi Deb, and thanks!
You are mostly right except the price!
You can add the hopper only when you decide you really need it, at no more cost than if you bought it in advance, and its ~$50 per person, not per day–Each person has a ticket with between 1 and 10 days of park access, and the hopper is still just ~$50 more whether the ticket is for 1, 5 or 10 days.
(You can also add days at no extra cost compared to buying them before you arrive–if you start wiht a 4 day ticket, you can make it a 5 day ticket when you want (within 14 days of first use) at no more cost than buying all 5 days to start with.)
Shoot for the time between the week after Easter (that is, arriving 6-7 days after Easter) and early May.
Crowds will be low, and the weather at this time of year is as good as it gets! And the hurricane season doesn’t begin until June 1, and isn’t really important until mid-August.
For 2012, see the April and May weeks on this page: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/10/20/2012-weeks-to-visit-walt-disney-world-ranked-in-order/
Promised my now 4 and 10 year olds we go next year. My youngest has never been but the oldest has. Want everything: great swimming weather, shorter lines and cheapest flights from NY. We don’t mind missing a couple days of school (3 at the most combined with a weekend). What time of year is best?
Hi Melanie–I can’t comment on NY flight prices, but to combine short lines and great weather, arrive in mid April–e.g. April 14 or 21. See this for more: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/10/20/2012-weeks-to-visit-walt-disney-world-ranked-in-order/
Hello,
My family and I have been to WDW a few times and are planning on going back this fall. We homeschool so we have the option of going at any time during the year. We’d really like to go right after soccer season ends which is November 5th. I understand that the first full week in November is Jersey week and that it might be more full then. Is that right? Is it that big of a difference? We have other plans for Thanksgiving and need a few days to get home and repack for that trip. Would it be a good time to go from say the 9th to the 19th?
Thanks!
Hi Jennifer!
See this for more on Jersey week: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/05/02/jersey-week-at-walt-disney-world/
It’s not that bad, it’s just worse than the other fall non-holiday weeks.
Jersey week will peak the 9th through 12th, and crowds will then be great the 13th thru the 19th, so your 9th-19th dates would work OK–the first few days busy, great the rest of the time.
Thank you! Can you recommend which parks we should do those first busy days?
Sure!
You want to avoid the most popular parks–Magic Kingdom and Islands of Adventure–all those days, and also avoid extra magic hours parks (and the crowds they draw).
That suggests to me the Animal Kingdom or Epcot the 10th, Hollywood Studios the 11th, and whichever of AK or Epcot you did not see the 10th on the 12th…
I will be in Orlando Aug 24-26 for a work conference. On Aug 25th (Thursday) I will have free time after 5:30 and would love to go to Magic Kingdom. What do you think the crowds/lines will be like during that time of the day and that week. I know probably Epcot would be less busy but if I have my choice I would rather hit Magic Kingdom. I’m trying to maximize the short window of time I have off so any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your input.
Hi Kris, MK should be OK that day. Most kids are back in school, so the summer crowding will be largely over.
Hello-
We are coming to Disney with a 6, 3 and 1 yr old on November 18-25. Any ideas which days to do which parks to avoid the crowds as much as we can?
Hi Kristin!
My specific advice is to get to the Magic Kingdom the 18th and 19th, as crowds will begin to really build the 20th.
Otherwise the key is to avoid parks that have morning extra magic hours that day. For more see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/07/26/which-days-at-which-park-at-walt-disney-world/
Dave, I sent you a email last week but I don’t think you got it so I’ll try again.
I’m going to WD Sept 6th through the 9th. Now I’m thinking I should have waited another week. I noticed the parks hours change the second week of Sept. What say you?
Mike
Mike–these are “comments,” not emails
–see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2012-week-picker-prices-1/comment-page-1/#comment-17067
that said, I’ll send you an email too!!
We are going to Disney for the first time with our 14yr old and our 7yr old from December 15th – 19th. I was wondering how the crowds were at that time of the year?
Hi Brenda! If you mean 2011, crowds should be fine. I epxect them to start building the 17th, and start getting even higher after you leave!
For more, see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2011/07/05/disney-world-crowds-in-2012-christmasnew-years-2011-2012/
We want to go to Disney December 17-22 but just not sure if it will be worth it due to the crowds. This will be our first visit to Disney as a family. So we really don’t know much on how to plan this trip. Would it just be better to go sometime next year instead??
Hi Karen!
I think that week on average will be OK. It will start great, but get really crowded beginning Wednesday or so. See http://yourfirstvisit.net/2011/07/05/disney-world-crowds-in-2012-christmasnew-years-2011-2012/
However, if I’m wrong, it will be more crowded than I predict.
Thus, if I were you, I’d take a close look at this page and see if any of the recommedned weeks work for your family: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/10/20/2012-weeks-to-visit-walt-disney-world-ranked-in-order/
Hello! We are headed to WDW staying at Beach Club Villas from 11/23 through 11/29….will it be very crowded the entire time due to Thanksgiving week, or is it more just the holiday itself that it’s crowded? We want to do Magic Kingdom and Epcot and try to see the Candlelight Processional. I can’t change the dates to early Dec., or I would do so.
Hi Stacey!
The peak crowds will be the 23rd through the 26th. The rest of your dates should be great, especilly the 28th and 29th…
Hello!
We will be arriving on 11/16 around 3:30 in the mid afternoon leaving 11/22 early. We are traveling with a 5 yr old. Which parks would you visit on each day?
Thanks for your input!!!
Hi Kelly! The trick for you is that crowds will start building the 20th.
My advice varies a little depending on whether or not you are staying in a Disney hotel. In the following I’m assuming you aren’t. I’m also leaving Epcot out as there’s little of interest there to a 5 year old
17: Animal Kingdom
18: Magic Kingdom
19: Magic Kingdom
20: Hollywood Studios
21: Pick your favorite and head back
Hi! Great site! Based on your advice, my family and I booked a trip for December 5-9th. I was very excited until I saw that the Pop Warner kids will be in Orlando during the same time frame. Should I be worried?
Hi Nina! Pop Warner has little impact, so not to worry. See this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/05/30/pop-warner-week-at-walt-disney-world/
Hi,
A family group is loking into the week of 6/16-6/23. Could you please give me your opinion on that week as relates to weather, crowd and cost? Would it be less to stay outside the park and shuttle in? Are there better weeks in the summer (off from school) to go?
Thanks
Hi DT!
I’m not keen on that week–it’s crowded, hot and expensive. See this for better summer weeks: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2011/07/20/disney-world-crowds-in-2012-summer-2012-crowds/
It almost always costs less to stay outside the parks in term of pure hotel costs–but see this:http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/01/27/the-tightwads-guide-to-staying-off-site-at-walt-disney-world/
greetings!
love your site and just subscribed. We are previous Disneyland pass holders and are planning our first trip to Disney World. Unfortunately, because our boys are 13, 11 and cannot afford to miss a week of school, we are going 12/31/11 through 1/7/12, during their holiday break. We are excited to see the holiday decorations and plan to navigate the crowds by waking up early each day or plan to. We will be staying at the Beach Resort/Disney property, will have the park hopper options, as well as monorail access, although we will have trek through Epcot to get to the monorail.
My questions:
When do all the Christmas decorations come down at each park? I really want to see the
Osborne Spectacle of Lights, Illuminations at Epcot/Candle Light Processional. Etc..
What else should be a priority the first few most crowded days before they are gone?
NYE will be wild and crowded but we are arriving that day at 4pm and will goto Epcot, best place to see the fireworks? Or will it be so crowded that we will not be able to get in?
I just made a preliminary itinerary but have some holes:
12/31 Epcot
1/1. Animal Kindom / ?
1/2.
1/3. DHS
1/4. Epcot/
1/5. Magic Kingdom/
1/6
1/7. DHS 8am-11:30, return to Hotel to check out and go home:)
I want to utilize our park hopper options but not sure where to go in the evenings taking into acct travel time/our location and seeing things at night!
Having gone to Disneyland CA, a dozen times recently, it will be a priority for my preteens to ride new rides and see age appropriate shows, boys are not fans of the more kiddie shows. With that said they will still want to ride all the rides they are familiar with at least once to see if they are any different, space mountain, tower of terror, splash mountain, haunted mansion etc…
I have your book and have started to tag pages, and now with the web subscription, I am over armed with info!!!! Thanks for any reply and specific recommendations for our specific trip!!!!! We are warriors and look forward to a well planned trip to maneuver around the crowds and to see as much as possible at WDW.
Annette
From CA
Hi Annette! I actually don’t have anything to do with either TouringPlans.com or The Unofficial Guide, other than the highest repsect (mostly) and an affiliation agreement.
Most of the special Xmas events end 12/30 or 12/31–the exception is the Osbornes, which end Jan 3. The decorations stay up longer, as it takes several weeks for Disney to get them all down!
Epcot the 31st is fine. After that focus on the Magic Kingdom and HS after the 2nd–picking the days they do NOT have morning EMH.
You want to avoid morning EMH as even though you get an extra hour, by late morning the park is even busier than it would have been on a non-EMH day. While you can park-hop then, park hopping takes 45 to 90 mins and so doesn’t always pay off. it’s best reserved for days that look like this: early at one park, afternoon sleeping or at the pool, evening at another park.
See this for more: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/07/26/which-days-at-which-park-at-walt-disney-world/
Suggest you redo your calendar to avoid morning EMH…
Dave,
We’re traveling to WDW in May with an 11mo old, 11yr old and 8yr old. Can you help me out with the BEST week to go for avoiding crowds (I’ll sacrifice a lot to avoid mass crowds with kids). Is there anything else that would be specifically special to see in May? Please advise me on the weather/precipitation and, if you know, the ins and outs of taking a baby on rides (will a front carrier work?). I really appreciate all your advice!
Thanks, Tara
Hi Tara. The short version is the earlier in May the better.
See this for the best weeks: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/10/20/2012-weeks-to-visit-walt-disney-world-ranked-in-order/
For weather, see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/10/20/2012-weeks-to-visit-walt-disney-world-ranked-in-order/ The rainy season typically starts in mid-May.
There’s a special garden show at Epcot that ends May 20. See this: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/special-events/epcot-international-flower-and-garden-festival/
I don’t have much expertise on babies at WDW (I focus on older kids) but there’s a great section in The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World.
See also the links on the left side of the site!
Hope this helps, Dave
We are thinking of coming to WDW Dec. 17 thru Dec. 24? What will the crowds be like? I have been before but it was the end of Sept. ,first of October. The kids are in school and cannot get out to come any other time. I do not want to stand in line to ride for hours.
Thanks
Hi Sharon! I think it will be OK until the 22nd or the 23rd. Not as quiet as Sept/Oct, but still manageable. Xmas crowds will start pouring in at the end of the week… see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2011/07/05/disney-world-crowds-in-2012-christmasnew-years-2011-2012/
Hello:) How are you? Thank you for your insight!
My family and I are collectively trying to put together a 40th birthday trip for my sister inlaw. There will be 9 of us (6 adults, 3 kids aged 6,10,14). Her birthday is October 22nd, 2012. Just wondering….is we were going to try to see Halloween and Christmas in Disney what 2 weeks would you recommend? Thanking you:)
Hi Tania!
There’s no complete overlap, as Halloween celebrations typically end Nov 1 and the Xmas program is not in full swing until the Friday after Thanksgiving.\
However, the special Mickey’s Very Merry Xmas Party recently has started around Nov 8 or so, so in 2012 if you arrived say Oct 28th and departed Nov 10th you might be able to see both parties.
This would put you there during Jersey Week, which is not bad, but not one of my recommended weeks.
For more on the Xmas party see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2011/05/01/mickey%E2%80%99s-very-merry-christmas-party-2011-at-walt-disney-world/ For more on the halloween party see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2011/03/27/halloween-2011-at-walt-disney-world/ and for more on Jersey Week see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/05/02/jersey-week-at-walt-disney-world/
Looking to go sometime in May 2012 – when is the best time during that month when the crowd would be the least?
Thanks!
Hi Jen!
The short answer is the earlier in May the better. For more, see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/10/20/2012-weeks-to-visit-walt-disney-world-ranked-in-order/
We are planning on coming to Disney Dec 19-24. I have read all the sites about the crowds and I am concerned we have picked the worst time to come. Is it just miserably crowded then?
Hi, your first few days should be OK. I don’t expect the crazy crowds to start building until the 22nd. See this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2011/07/05/disney-world-crowds-in-2012-christmasnew-years-2011-2012/
Hi, Dave! We will be going to WDW from November 22 through December 7. We are renting a home a few miles from Disney, and plan on visiting WDW and Universal. Obviously, the crowds will be heavier until the 26th or so, but any adcvise on which days to go where? And will it still be warm enough to go to a water park? Thank you!
Hi Nicci!
You have a nice long trip that will allow you to pick and choose.
I’d avoid any parks til the 26th. That day forward, avoid parks on days they have morning extra magic hours, but otherwise it won’t matter much–crowds will be so low that you can’t seriouly err.
The best time to visit Universal is on the weekends and Monday, so target 12/3, 4 and 5.
Waterparks are a crap shoot. Highs can be in the 80s or the 50s. For more on winter highs, see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/planning-your-first-family-trip/when-to-go/next-best-dates/weather-and-when-to-go/chance-date-will-have-high-temperature-75/
Hi Dave,
We are visiting Orlando and are arriving on the 27th of march-12th of April 2012 from Ireland.
Im worried now we probably have picked a very busy time. Our daughter is 3yrs old on the 3rd of April and wanted to visit WDW around that week. Will the crowds be very high? And will it be more expensive? We are stayin on International Drive. Thank you.
Hi AnneMarie.
This is indeed one of the most crowded and most expensive times of the year, and I’d change my dates if you can.
For spring break crowds, see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2011/07/11/disney-world-crowds-in-2012-spring-break-2012/ and for prices see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/05/26/walt-disney-world-2012-price-seasons/
Prices on I-Drive will follow this pattern as they are also shaped by the increased demand.
For better weeks, see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/10/20/2012-weeks-to-visit-walt-disney-world-ranked-in-order/
Thanks Dave,
What will be more expensive? Are you talking food and park tickets?We have our park tickets purchased here a while so we dont have to buy them over in Orlando. I dont know if we will be able to change flights as we got them at a good price with Aerlingus direct from Ireland. Im raging now we didnt book it for the febuary break we have over here. As i dont like my kids missing too much off school.
Our daughter is 3yrs on the 3rd of April so that is why we really wanted to go that time too.
Thank you for your help anyway.
Annemarie–I was thinking your hotel would be quite expensive compared to other times…
Thank you Dave,
We have our hotel paid for already awhile so we are ok that way. Im just worried that prices of food and merchandising will be up?? thanks
Hey Annemarie, you should be fine then. Merchandise prices won’t change. Food may be a little more expensive at sit-down venues–e.g.$3-$5 more per person…
Oh thank you Dave
Happy to hear that as we were getting worried 
lol
Thank you for your help!
You’re welcome and have a great trip!!
What a plethora of information you are! My family is planning a trip to Disney world in mid-July 2012, possibly the 15th, for a week, as we need to wait until everyone is out of school/work. My sister and I will be celebrating our 40th birthday on the 17th and we will also be celebrating both of our husbands retirement. This will be our mother and stepfathers first trip to Disney, as well, so we want to make it amazing! We would love to stay at the boardwalk, but don’t seem to be finding any packages to include park hoppers and meal plans, or do you think this is not the way to go? There are 11 of us total coming from new York, though I can’t get airline pricing yet either. We know it will be crazy busy in July but do you have any suggestions for our group to make the most of it? 5 kids ages range from 6-12. Thank you, in advance.
Hi, by “packages” I assume you mean discounts or deals? None have been announced past March of 2012. I doubt that much other than possibly a room discount deal will be available during your dates, as demand is high enough then that Disney does not need to discount much.
You may want to work with a travel agent who can help you set things up so that if a discount is announced you can have the best chance of being eligble. See the form on the lower right for getting in touch.
You can do fine in July if you follow one of my itneraries. The one most likely to apply is the summer itinerary (won’t know for sure until Disney releases its July calendar in early December)–see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/12/06/summer-itinerary-for-walt-disney-world-v2/
For hotel options for such a large group see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/planning-your-first-family-trip/special-circumstances/special-circumstances-large-families/
I would say late Jan into Early Feb. (mid Feb would be too crowded due to school vacation weeks for New England and other northern states where a lot of people plan trips down feb break and april break. Early Feb would be quiet.
also the definition of pool weather would vary depending on which state or country you come from. For example someone from my area in Boston will have a different view of pool weather than someone from Atlanta Georgia or Phoenix AZ. I would be fine swimming when its 70 or higher. whereas floridians might not.
Hi Jeff!
The recommendations are for first-timers who may never return.
As a result, common ride closures keep me from recommending Jan-mid Feb, which can be great otherwise as you note.
See this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/05/12/winter-ride-closures-at-walt-disney-world/
Yup!
Hi Dave
Thanks so much for your wonderful site. My sister and her husband are both disabled (CP) and in their fifties. We would love to surprise them with an overseas visit to Disney World – a long time dream. Do you have any recommendations for where to stay so that their wheelchairs won’t become a major hassle with transportation or grounds difficult to navigate? I saw your recommendations on the Polynesian, but it’s just too much for our budget.
Hi Sarah, what a sweet idea.
At the next price level, Port Orleans French Quarter is the most compact–see http://yourfirstvisit.net/2009/10/23/review-disneys-port-orleans-french-quarter-resort/
Also consider buying PassPorter’s Open Mouse for Walt Disney World and the Disney Cruise Line: Easy Access Vacations for Travelers with Extra Challenges
Hi Dave
Your recommendation of that book is invaluable. I had no idea it existed, and it will be so helpful. Thank you SO much!!
You’re welcome, Sarah. That book has helped many, it’s a wonderful resource. Have a great trip! Dave
We have the opportunity to go to Disney on Dec 30-Jan 2. How terrible will the crowd be? Any recommendations for our family? (children are 13 & 18)
Camille the crowds will be terrible through the 31st, and very bad the next two days. The keys are arriving early and using FASTPASSES. For more see this, which I wrote for last year but whose principles still apply: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/12/19/adventure-or-inconvenience-walt-disney-world-over-the-holidays/
Hello Dave, thank you for this website. I’d love to read all the comments but I am pressed for a free time. I need a little of your wisdom. We have an almost 3 month old and a 2 yr old. We will be visiting the Disney Parks from 12/18-12/21 with other family and relatives. Is this a good time to be taking a baby there? How cold is Orlando around that time? Thank you very much!
Hi Gleecko! Crowds should start OK but will build over your visit. Weather in December is all over the place, it can be 45 or 85–see this http://yourfirstvisit.net/planning-your-first-family-trip/when-to-go/next-best-dates/weather-and-when-to-go/high-temperatures-year-round/
Dave, first I want to say that your web site is great. We are flying into Tampa on Dec 24 2011 from Switzerland and will be in Disney with a 6 day, 1 park per day pass, from Dec 25 to Dec 30, leaving for Miami on Dec 31. One different park per day, with 2nd days for EPCOT and the Studios. What would be the best days for each park? Are we really missing out by not taking the park hopper option? Our kids are 11, 14 and 17. Many thanks.
Alain, both the value of a hopper and the which parks which days questions are profoundly affected by whehter or not you are staying in a WDW hotel…can you let me know?
Dave, we will be at a Ramada hotel, just south of Animal Kingdom and the All -Star Music and Movies hotels, on 192. So we are not in a WDW hotel.
Thanks Alain.
Here’s the deal. Because you are not a WDW hotel guest, you are more at risk of being excluded from a park when it hits capacity, and also need to avoid parks when they have morning extra magic hours–as they will already be near packed when you arrive.
For more on park closings, see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/11/30/park-closings-at-walt-disney-world/
Because of the park closure potential, there is value to a hopper. If you go to a park in the am, go back to your hotel for a nap, and return to find it closed, the hopper will let you go to another park.
No days this week are good–especially at the Magic Kingdom–as your period is the most crowded time of the year. That said, some days are better than others because of the am EMH factor.
So do Animal Kingdom the 25th, Epcot the 26th, MK the 27th, Epcot the 28th, and the Studios the 29th and 30th.
Hope this helps, and have a great trip!
Nice site. I’m confused as to why you rank the last week in March as being extremely crowded. I checked and found that very few colleges have spring break that week, and it is not close to Easter.
Hi Paul and thanks! If you are talking about the week beginning March 24, you are right that if I am wrong it will be a lot better than how I have it rated. For more on how it came to be rated this eway, see this:http://yourfirstvisit.net/2011/07/11/disney-world-crowds-in-2012-spring-break-2012/
Great site. Me and my wife went on out honeymoon to Disney World back on August 7th-13th. Very crowded. We are already planning our return trip for our Anniversary but are wanting to go in early December 2012. Probably December 9th-15th. How are those dates usually?
Hi Kenny! That’s a really good week–see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/10/20/2012-weeks-to-visit-walt-disney-world-ranked-in-order/
Hello, I just wanted to say that your site is the best Disney site on the web. You are so nice to respond to everyones comments. I’m so impressed by your attentiveness. Keep up the wonderful work!
Thanks Lisa! What a nice christmas present…
Hey i am leaving Orlando in the 15th of January, there are any great day to go to any of the parks, Island of Adventures and Magic Kingdom?
Hi! I found this site to be very helpful, however, I want to make sure I’m reading it correctly. A large group of my family will be going to Disney World October 21-28, 2012. We went before in November and found the crowd to be very low, which we loved. What is the crowd level during the Oct dates mentioned. Is this a good time to go?
Hi Lucca, I’m not quite understanding when you will be in Orlando and for how long…
Hi Gina, yes, that’s a great week–I rate corwds as a 2. See this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2011/06/29/disney-world-crowds-in-2012-3/
Hi Dave, I’ll be at Disney World from May 27 through the 31. I realize this isn’t ideal but it’s the only time I can manage. How are the crowds during this time compared to spring break and July?
Hi Grace! MUCH better. The 27th and 28th will be busy, and the rest of your time moderately busy…but much better than spring break or July…
Hi Dave! We will be at Disney march 31st through April 6. I know this is not the ideal time to go,but my daughter takes all honors classes and cannot miss any school.will it be extremely crowded? And how can we avoid the crowds and still do everything we want to do?
Hi Angela, yes it will be extremely crowded–that’s the second most corwded week of the year. To minimize crowds, avoid parks with morning extra magic hours, arrive well before they open, and use FASTPASSES….
Hi! I absolutely love your site! I will be in the World on March 4th through 9th. I understand that you ranked this week to be number 13 for the year. However, I am very nervous that it will be crowded due to Spring Break for Canada…(someone mentioned this on facebook to me a couple of days ago)…as well as Disney offered up the free dining plan for this week as well. Do you think these two things will have a big impact on crowd levels? I have been twice before, both times at the beginning of Feb and there were no crowds, which made for an awesome experience. Will it be that big of a difference?
Hi Amanda and thanks!
WDW may be a little more corwded than I am forecasting, because of the discounts–if I’m wrong, though, I don’t expect it to exceed moderate crowds. That’s a lot more than the beginning of Feb–but since you know your way around, know to avoid morning EMH (unless you park hop), know to arrive before the gates open, know to ride the most popular rides first at opening, and know how to use FASTPASS, you should be fine!
I had someone suggest to me that I should rename that week “Quebec Week…” But here’s the deal…Canadian visitors are on the order of 7-10% of WDW guests. So even if they triple past normal, the parks would still have just 20-30% more people…in this week, given how few US kids are off, not in itself enough to make a big difference in waits if you follow the arrive early etc approach…
Hello Dave! I´m very glad to have found your site!!! It is really very interesting and complete
My familiy ( husband & 3 teenagers ) will be visiting Orlando in March…..we had no idea about the existence of your Spring Break!!!! now I´m a bit nervous!! …from March 22th through March 30th and will not stay at a WDW resort. We want to visit the 4 WDW parks, one water park and both Universal´s parks .What are your recomendations ? Which are the best days to visit Islands of Adventures and Magic Kingdom?
Best regards from sunny Buenos Aires.
Hi Susana, and thanks!
First a bit of good news–while it may be quite crowded then, it may not be as crowded then as my forecasts–for why see this:
http://yourfirstvisit.net/2011/09/28/spring-break-2012-at-walt-disney-world/
However, it’s hard to give specific advice, because if it is crowded, Disney may add “extra magic hours” and you want to avoid a park any day it has extra magic hours.
Right now per the schedule avoid MK the 22nd, Epcot the 23rd, HS the 24th, MK the 25th, AK and HS the 26th, Epcot the 27th, AK the 28th, MK the 29th, and Epcot the 30th.
As noted though Disney may add more of these EMH on short notice. To keep up, check Disney’s calendar every now and then–for how to check it, see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/03/30/walt-disney-world-hours-of-operation/
Generally, the best days to see Universal are Sundays and Mondays–see this:http://yourfirstvisit.net/2011/07/31/the-best-and-worst-days-of-the-week-to-see-the-wizarding-world-of-harry-potter/
Hope this helps and have a great trip! Dave
Wao!!!
Thank you so much for this site its amazing!!! Well, you make it amazing since you help us a lot!!
We are a panamanian family (Panama, Central America) coming in July 16th until July 24th and we are staying at the AKL..
How is the crowd during this dates? I tried to book quite in the middle from the crowded season but its my son’s birthday and want to celebrate it Disney.
Which parks you suggest we should visit to avoid the crowd?
We want to go: Animal Kingdom (obvious), Magic Kingdom, Typhoon Lagoon, Universal Studios, Island of Adventure, Hollywood Studios…
Also, how is the weather? I’m pretty sure its nicer than ours!
Thanks so much for your help!
Please let me know asap your tips.
Cheers,
Kathy
Hi Kathy and thanks!
All the parks will be crowded. The key to getting ahead of the crowds is is to arrive early–before they open–ride the most popular rides first, and use FASTPASSES. For more on FASTPASSES see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/01/09/fastpasses-at-walt-disney-world/
The best days for Universal tend to be Sunday and Monday. For an approach to Disney, see this– http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/12/06/summer-itinerary-for-walt-disney-world-v2/ It doesn’t quite fit your days, but gives you a place to start.
AKL is a great choice, you’ll love it!
Weather is very hot and humid, with brief afternoon thunderstorms common…
Also check out the instructions on the home page– http://yourfirstvisit.net/
Hope this helps and have a great trip!
Hello Dave,
I’ve been reading, and can’t decide which would be the best date to visit for the first time, since I’m from Monterrey, Mexico I do not know exaclty which are the dates “Between the second week after Easter and the week before Memorial Day”, so can I have a little help? Thanks a lot!
Hi Jenny, two things.
First, in 2012, that advice means arrive April 14 or later, and depart by May 27.
Second, see this page: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/10/20/2012-weeks-to-visit-walt-disney-world-ranked-in-order/
Hope this helps, and have a great trip! Dave
Amazing site! Struggling to make a decision between arriving on 12/8/12 or 12/15/12 for a surprise Christmas gift for my 5 year old. We have visited before in late January and early October. Prices appear to be the same on Disney’s website for these 2 weeks. Any thoughts to help me make a decision would be SO appreciated!
Hi Becky, and thanks!.
12/8, hands down. For why, see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/10/20/2012-weeks-to-visit-walt-disney-world-ranked-in-order/ which ranks the week of the 8th number 1, and this, http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/10/24/2012-weeks-to-visit-walt-disney-world-ranked-in-order-continued/ which ranks the week beginning the 15th number 18
hi… i wanted to plan a family trip to disneyland park in anaheim the last week of may or first week of june? do you think that would be the best time to go with prices and crowded people? The family i am going with are the ages from 2 yrs old to 12yrs old… and what do you think about the weather? this will be our first time going.. we just need to know what is first things to do? first time planning something big for our family.. please help me… thank you….
Hi Titania. I’m not an expert on DIsneyland in Anahiem, and its summer crowds are greatly affected by swchool breaks in southern california, whihc I know little about. Suggest you take a look at the Disneyland section on Touringplans.com…
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