I often get that question from my clients. When is the best time to visit Walt Disney World?? As a Disney Vacation Specialist, they expect me to have that answer for them right away. But the answer to that is not that easy. It really does depend on the family. Are they looking for the least expensive time to go? The least crowded? The best discount offers? The best time when school is out??
There are answers to that question though. If you have small children that aren’t in school yet, or if you’re traveling to Walt Disney World without children, then the short answer is to go when the kids are in school. This time of year (roughly August to June) will have the lowest level of crowds, compared to the summer time.
The summer and holidays are the most crowded times. If parents don’t want to take their kids out of school then you will be seeing higher crowds. But you can go right after school gets out if your summer starts earlier than other schools. Our schools here in Georgia are out in mid-May, so plan your vacation before other schools get out in June. Or if you don’t go back to school until September, plan you vacation for late August when other kids will be back to school.
If you’re looking for the best offers, then again that’s usually when the crowds are lower. Disney is trying to get more people to come visit, so they will have better discount offers. The Free Dining promotion has always been offered in the fall, usually late August to early December. So if you can plan a trip during that time, you can get a great deal! But don’t think that the Free Dining offer is the only discount offer that’s worth planning a vacation for! Disney does offer other great deals throughout the year. These are usually a percentage off of your resort room, but you can still save money on your next vacation. Or upgrade to a better resort for about the same amount of money!
And if you’re looking for something different from your next Disney vacation, don’t forget about the festivals and special events that happen every year! You can visit the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival in the spring and the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival in the fall. And don’t forget Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party in the fall, or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party during the holiday season!!
I believe the best time to go to Disney World is ANY TIME!! Just be sure to do some planning, and you can have a fabulous vacation even during times where it is more crowded. And honestly, there is NEVER a time when Disney World is empty! Just relax and enjoy the Disney magic whenever your next vacation is!!
Amy Kirby
Disney Vacation Specialist
