When is the Best Time of Year to Visit Disney World?

a family of 4 including a dad, mom and two young daughters at disney world taking a picture with Aladdin and Princess Jasmine

You’re planning a trip to Disney World—how exciting! Once you’ve decided who is going on the trip, the next big question is figuring out when to go. If you’re wondering, “When is the best time of year to visit Disney World?” you’re not alone. This decision depends on several factors, including work schedules, school calendars, and crowd levels.

Factors to Consider When Planning Your Disney Trip

There are a few key things to keep in mind when determining the best time for your Disney vacation:

        •        Work and PTO: Make sure your trip aligns with your available paid time off.

        •        School and extracurriculars: If you’re traveling with kids, factor in their school holidays and activities.

        •        Crowd calendars: These can help you predict how busy the parks will be during your visit.

Before any trip, I always recommend checking a crowd calendar. Reliable sources like Theme Park Frog or my personal favorite, WDW Prep School, provide years of data to analyze Disney park trends. They offer predictions based on previous years, helping you choose the least crowded times to visit.

But if you could put all of that aside, here are my top 3 favorite weeks to visit Disney World with kids.

Best Weeks to Visit Disney World with Kids

1. First Week of January

The first week of January is one of the best times to visit Disney World for several reasons:

        •        The parks are still beautifully decorated for Christmas.

        •        The weather is cool, making it comfortable for walking around the parks.

        •        Crowds are low because the holiday rush is over.

This is a perfect time to experience Disney magic without the massive crowds.

2. First Week of May

The first week of May is another fantastic option:

        •        The weather is warm, but not too hot, ideal for exploring the parks.

        •        Spring break is over, meaning the crowds will have thinned out.

        •        You can also enjoy the Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot, a beautiful seasonal event.

If you want to enjoy the parks in mild weather with fewer people, May is a great choice.

3. The Week After Thanksgiving

Another prime time to visit Disney World is the week after Thanksgiving:

        •        The temperatures are pleasant, avoiding the extremes of Florida weather.

        •        The parks are beginning to be decorated for Christmas, creating a festive atmosphere.

        •        Crowds are low between Thanksgiving and the holiday rush in December.

This week offers a peaceful experience before the busy holiday season kicks in.

Why These Weeks Work for Families

Our family loves visiting Disney World during these specific weeks because of the balance between lower crowd levels, enjoyable weather, and the festive atmosphere in the parks. We’ve found that these times allow us to maximize our experience, with more time to enjoy attractions, shorter wait times, and a more relaxed overall visit.

Tell me—what’s your favorite time of year to visit Disney World?

Need a Stroller for Your Disney Trip?

If you’re traveling with little ones and need a stroller, check out my affiliate link with Kingdom Strollers for a convenient rental option on your next trip!

Check out this post when planning Disney Character Dining : 5 Tips for Choosing Disney Character Dining

girl holding hair with hand in blue shirt smiling outside near some trees

Jill G Sutton

“My love for planning and logistics started when scheduling my college courses around two jobs. As a working mama of 3 children, my passion has evolved to a necessary tool to maximize my time and efficiency.

My goal is to help busy parents seek Christ first and live the abundant life described in John 10:10. Whether it’s spending more time with their children, traveling, or starting their own business, I want to provide simple, actionable steps to provide parents more time to do what they want most, without sacrificing themselves along the way.

Don’t just leave a legacy, LIVE ONE.”

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

JillGSutton.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program that is designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com