When Is the Best Time to Go to Disney World in Florida?
Author Mary Babel
Planning a trip to Disney World? It’s a magical dream for many, but let’s face it—crowds, costs, and weather can either make or break your experience. So, when is the best time to go to Disney World? And how can you make your journey seamless and stress-free?
In this guide, we’ll explore the best time to go to Disney World in Florida, how to avoid the busiest times, and provide insider tips for a smoother experience—including how to secure reliable transportation from the airport to Disney.
Best Time of Year to Go to Disney World in Florida
When deciding the best time of year to go to Disney World, two key factors to consider are weather and crowd levels. Whether you want to avoid the heat, dodge long lines, or visit during special events, planning a trip ahead is essential.
Weather Considerations
Florida’s weather can be warm and humid year-round, but seasonal changes can affect your Disney World experience:
- Spring (February to April): The weather is mild with lower humidity, and average temperatures around 79°F in March and 82°F in April. The theme parks are beautifully decorated with spring flowers, making it a popular time to visit Disney World.
- Summer (May to July): Expect high temperatures, humidity, and frequent thunderstorms. Extended park hours and nighttime shows are a bonus in summer months, but staying hydrated, carrying portable fans, and taking advantage of air-conditioned spots are advisable.
- Fall (August to October): Fall offers some relief from summer’s heat, especially in September and October. However, August and September can still be warm and rainy, so carrying an umbrella or raincoat is advisable. As the season progresses, the weather becomes cooler.
- Winter (November to January): Cooler temperatures, averaging in the 60s°F (15-20°C), offering relief from Florida’s typical heat make it a more comfortable time to visit Disney World. The holiday decorations add to the magic.
Note: Hurricane season runs from June to November, with the highest risk from August to October, so it’s important to keep an eye on weather forecasts if you’re visiting during this period.
Crowd Levels
Knowing when Disney World is least crowded can greatly improve your trip. Crowd levels vary throughout the year, but here’s a general breakdown:
- January (post-New Year) and early February have low crowds, offering shorter wait times and a more relaxed experience.
- Late February to early April sees increasing crowds due to spring break, but from late April to early May, crowds drop again.
- Early May to mid-June is manageable, but crowds surge from mid-June to mid-August during summer months when families are on vacation.
- Late August through September is one of the least busy times to go to Disney World, as schools are back in session.
- October to early November stays less crowded until the holiday rush begins.
- Late December (around Christmas and New Year’s) is one of the busiest times at Disney World.
Tip: Be mindful of special events like runDisney races or the D23 Expo, which can unexpectedly spike crowds. Use a crowd calendar that predicts theme park attendance for the next 12 months, helping you to plan your trip better.
When to go to Disney World
Whether you’re looking for the least busy times to go to Disney World or the cheapest time to go to Disney World in Florida, here is a general breakdown of the best times to go to Disney World:
Season: Spring
Best Days to Go to Disney World in February
1-8 or 26-29
14-24
Cheapest Time To Go To Disney World in February: 26-28
Best Days to Go to Disney World in March
1-8
14-31
Cheapest Time To Go To Disney World in March: 1-4
Best Days to Go to Disney World in April
22-30
1-21
Cheapest Time To Go To Disney World in April: 28-30
Season: Summer
Best Days to Go to Disney World in May
Monday – Thursday (First Half of the Month)
Weekends and around Memorial Day
Cheapest Time To Go To Disney World in May: 2-7 or 30-31
Best Days to Go to Disney World in June
First Week of the Month
An elevated crowd is expected throughout the month
Cheapest Time To Go To Disney World in June: 1-4 or 14-20
Best Days to Go to Disney World in July
–
Elevated crowd especially around the Fourth of July
Cheapest Time To Go To Disney World in July: 21-25 or 29-31
Season: Autumn / Fall
Best Days to Go to Disney World in August
Second half
–
Cheapest Time To Go To Disney World in August: 19-23
Best Days to Go to Disney World in September
Most days
Days around Labor Day
Cheapest Time To Go To Disney World in September: 2-5 or 10-15
Best Days to Go to Disney World in October
Most Weekdays
Days around Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Cheapest Time To Go To Disney World in October: 1-4 or 27-31
Season: Winter
Best Days to Go to Disney World in November
Most of the Weekdays (6-7 or 12-15 or 18-21)
Veterans Day and the week of Thanksgiving
Cheapest Time To Go To Disney World in November: 1-3
Best Days to Go to Disney World in December
Weekdays
The week of Christmas and New Year’s Eve
Cheapest Time To Go To Disney World in December: 10-12
Best Days to Go to Disney World in January
17-18 or 22-23
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Cheapest Time To Go To Disney World in January: 5-7
Note: Ticket pricing can also fluctuate depending on the season. For example, ticket pricing is usually lower in the off-season (like September and January) and higher during peak times (like summer and the winter holidays). Plan your budget accordingly!
What Are the Best Months to Go to Disney World?
The best month to go to Disney World for a combination of mild weather, low crowds, and cost savings is September. If September doesn’t work for you, consider January or February. February at Disney World offers cooler weather and lighter crowds, and if you want to catch the magic of Disney’s incredible holiday displays without overwhelming crowds, early November is your best bet. Orlando temperatures in November are cooler, and you can enjoy early holiday decorations without the December rush.
Special Events to Consider When Planning Your Trip
Timing your visit around Disney’s special events can enhance your trip. Here’s a rundown of notable events for 2024-2025:
- Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival: Early March to early June
- Memorial Day: May 27, 2024, and May 26, 2025
- Opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure: June 28, 2024
- Independence Day: July 4
- EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival: Late July to Early November
- Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party: Mid-August to October
- Labor Day: September 2, 2024, and September 1, 2025
- Indigenous Peoples’ Day: October 14, 2024, and October 13, 2025
- Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend: October 31 to November 3, 2024
- Veterans Day: November 11, 2024
- Thanksgiving: November 28, 2024, and November 27, 2025
- Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party: November to December
- EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays: Late November to December
- Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend: January 8-12, 2025
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day: January 20, 2025
Note: If you plan to attend Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party remember that Magic Kingdom closes early to regular guests. So, use a park hopper ticket to visit another park after 4 p.m.
How Long Should You Stay at Disney World?
You might wonder, What is the best amount of time to go to Disney World? The ideal length of stay depends on how much you want to see and do.
Most guests find that 4-5 days is sufficient to explore the four main theme parks: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. For a more relaxed pace, or if you’re including special events or visiting Disney Springs, consider extending your stay to 7 days or more.
Make Your Trip Stress-Free with Seamless Transportation
No one wants to worry about how to get from the airport to Disney World. A stress-free Disney vacation starts before you even enter the park.
Arriving at Orlando International Airport (MCO) during peak seasons can be hectic, and last-minute rides can be costly. This is where Orlando Superior Transportation comes in.
Whether you’re visiting during the off-season or braving peak crowds, we offer seamless, reliable airport transfers to Disney World, including convenient family transportation to Disney World, ensuring that your magical experience begins the moment you arrive in Orlando.
Ready for a Magical Disney Experience?
Ultimately, the best time to go to Disney World depends on your priorities—whether it’s avoiding the crowds, enjoying mild weather, or visiting during a special event.
For the least busy times, aim for January, February, or September. If you want to experience the holiday magic without overwhelming crowds, visit in early November.
No matter when you go, start your adventure with Orlando Superior Transportation. From smooth airport transfers to stress-free service, we make sure the magic begins the moment you land.
Book now and get ready for a magical Disney experience!
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