First things first, it's always a good time to visit Walt Disney World!
With that being said, planning your trip in advance is crucial to make the most of the magic. Whether you envision a bright Christmas, New Year winter wonderland, or prefer a quiet park whatever the weather - this guide will help you determine the ideal time to book a
Walt Disney World holiday in 2024 and beyond.
When is the quietest time to go to Walt Disney World?
Disney may give the impression of constant crowds, but we'll let you in on a secret: there are certain times of the year when it's noticeably less busy.
So, when is the quietest time to go to Walt Disney World?
Naturally, the cooler months, such as January and February, are promising if you're not keen on sharing the park with millions of visitors. And you might even get lucky if you visit towards the end of August when most US-based families are prepping for the school year instead of soaking up the Florida sunshine.
Unsurprisingly, Walt Disney World is generally far more crowded over weekends and during public and school holidays, whereas weekdays, particularly in autumn and winter, are much quieter. If you're looking to experience Disney's water parks alongside the likes of
Magic Kingdom,
Epcot and
Disney's Animal Kingdom, here's a tip - the pools are heated year-round, meaning November or even January could be an unexpectedly great time to plan a trip.
When is the cheapest time to go to Walt Disney World?
More than ever, affordability is a big factor when planning a trip to Walt Disney World - especially when seasonal price changes can have an impact. The ticketing system at Walt Disney World means passes are sold at lower prices during slow periods and outside peak times. These off-peak months are in January and February during the post-holiday period, and in September as kids return to school. Visiting during these months won't just help you save on tickets, but also on hotels, airfares and dining, while package options can also significantly decrease in price. For longer trips, consider Disney's multi-day tickets which work out far better than individual day passes if you plan on staying for more than five days.
Likewise, a Disney 14-Day Magic Ticket can be available for the price of a Disney 7-day Magic Ticket. Plus, this ticket gives you unlimited downloads of your favourite family photos with Memory Maker, lets you tee up at Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course and gives free access to ESPN Wide World of Sports.
When are peak times at Walt Disney World?
You'll find the most crowds during holidays such as Spring Break, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Eve and Easter. These are also when Walt Disney World host their most popular events and celebrations, such as the 4th July Fireworks, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and the Very Merry Christmas Party. Disney's ticketing process means passes for these periods are in high demand and, therefore more expensive, which is something to factor into your plans.
Other popular times include new rides, attractions or land openings, like this year's Moana-inspired Journey of Water at EPCOT, and the new Splash Mountain, set to reopen in late 2024. Walt Disney World enjoys a long summer between May and August, which may seem like a wonderful time to enjoy a trip to the parks, however, Florida's sweltering temperatures can mean these months are better suited to hitting the water parks than melting like Olaf in the Sunshine State.
Special Events, Festivals and Holidays
Just because Walt Disney World's festive season, holidays and other events may be more expensive, this shouldn't put you off booking. For example, whilst ticket prices may be high during Halloween,
Orlando Area villas are relatively affordable during autumn. What's more, pumpkins magically appear throughout the park, and there's an air of chilling enchantment hovering about. But fear not, as Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party ensures laughter and fun prevail, with just the right amount of spookiness to keep the scares at bay.
Meanwhile, the most wonderful time of the year at Walt Disney World is purely magical, with dazzling light installations, brilliant firework shows, and delectable treats that bring joy to your senses.
For those wondering if adults will have just as much fun, booking during the Epcot Food & Wine Festival in September offers an unforgettably grown-up Disney experience. Here, you can savour delectable cuisines from across the globe, and wash it down with a variety of the finest wine on the planet.
When is the best time to go to Disney World?
The best time to visit Disney World depends on a variety of factors, such as cost, weather and seasonal events. However, overall, most people would agree that the best time to visit Walt Disney World is from August to November. Thanks to Florida's beautifully warm weather and sunny skies, it's during these months when you can still enjoy clear, warm days with slightly fewer crowds and often at a lower cost.
August is still hot enough to add the water parks to your itinerary, while September and October allow you to experience Disney World's fun Halloween celebrations. Choose November, and you'll miss the Christmas crowds but still marvel as the parks are turned into a winter extravaganza - perfect for an early Christmas present or treating yourself to winter sun.
What to consider before visiting Walt Disney World
Before you pack and jet off into The Most Magical Place on Earth and don your Mickey Mouse ears, you should think about what's most important for you when booking a trip to Walt Disney World. Finding out when is the cheapest time to go to Disney World, whether there's a particular show, festival or event you'd like to see, or the type of weather you're after all come into play.
Walt Disney World makes planning a future holiday easy, with tickets already available through January 2024 and beyond, but with a reservation system in place to manage visitor numbers, booking soon is essential.
Better yet, book a stay in one of the participating Disney Resort hotels and Disney 14-Day Magic Ticket by 9th November 2023, and you’ll get up to $2,100 Dining & Merchandise credit on a two-week stay in August and September 2024, or up to $1,200 credit on a two-week stay on selected dates from January to December 2024, and Disney 14-Day Magic Ticket for the price of 7 days. What’s more, you’ll receive a Disney Gift Card worth $100 per booking for selected packages.
So if you’re dreaming of your next big family adventure, this is it.
That’s the power of magic.
Book a Walt Disney World 2024 & 2025 holiday here.
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