Top Ten Times of Year to Visit Disney World

One of the questions I'm asked most often as a Disney Travel Planner is "When is the best time of year to visit Disney World?"  Here are the top ten times per year that I would suggest that a family visit, and why.

1. Any time kids are IN school.  Kind of a no-brainer of course - many families plan trips during their school breaks so it just makes sense that lines are shorter when kids are in school.

2. Just BEFORE or AFTER holidays.  Same logic... most families would not pull their child out a week or so before or after they're due to be out anyway.

3. Sunday through Friday - Weekends are often the busiest because of the increase in locals and day guests.  Resort Room pricing also increases slightly on Friday and Saturday nights during most seasons.  (However this often goes against least expensive flight availability so its a toss up).

4. Mid -September through early October  - Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party begins in Mid September and continues through the end of October, however fall breaks hit late to mid October.  This is definitely a party worth coming in for, and you can also hit the Food and Wine Festival at Epcot.  That's a Win-Win.  If you're a runner, plan to hit the Tower of Terror 10 miler in October as well.  The weather is a bit cooler as you move into October as well.

5. Star Wars Weekends (Last 2-3 weekends in May, First 2-3 weekends in June).  This even only takes place at Hollywood Studios and only takes place Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.  Extra characters walking around, autographs, meet and greets, talks with the actors from Clone Wars, Storm Troopers guarding the park, a Star Wars Parade, Hyper Space Hoopla (you-tube this - you'll thank me), and Jedi Training with battles against Darth Vader, Darth Maul, and Ventress...  A young padawan's dream.  You'll also see your favorite characters in their Star Wars costumes.  If you don't care about Star Wars, avoid this park on these days.

6. Early December - You can enjoy all of the holiday festivities, including Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, while you avoid the majority of the crowds that come in later in the month.  This past year, many of my clients were still able to swim in early December, which is another benefit. Make sure to check out the deluxe resorts - they go all out for the holidays.

7. Early May - Flower and Garden festival is in full swing, but that doesn't typically bring additional crowds because it goes on for several weeks.  Weather is mild.

8. Late January - Early February - lower crowds, not much going on.  I will caution, however, that this is the time of year that some of the large tour groups, sometimes referred to as Brazillian Tour Groups (though not all are Brazillian), come to Disney World.  You may not notice them, but if you end up in the same park on some days, their pack mentality and incessant chanting is fun for the young adults, but often frustrating for guests around them.

9. If you must go in the summer, go as SOON as school lets out, or JUST before it is back in session.  Ideally you'll overlap with some schools and again, have lower crowd levels.

And #10 - Anytime really.  The magic is there all year round, and as they say, "Even a rainy day at Disney is better than a regular day at home."

Be sure to check dates and times with your travel planner as special events, hours, and pricing is subject to change.  I'd love to know YOUR favorite time to visit Disney Parks!

Have a magical day!
Katie

katie@hihovacations.com