wish, dream, travel & repeat

Is summer, winter, fall or spring the best time to go on a Disney vacation?

When is the best time to go to Disney? Up until a few years ago, we could easily define a “high and low” season when visiting the parks at Walt Disney World Resort. But now, with so many changes in price structure, promotions, and different attractions popping up, there is hardly ever a “low season” to visit Disney. And now, in 2021 with the 50th-anniversary celebration starting in October, there is more to consider!

So… what can we do? When should we travel to Disney?

We can define the best time to travel depending on your family´s preferences. Starting with that, we will consider, availability, favorite weather, personal celebrations, and holidays… basically, plan everything thinking of what YOU want to do, and HOW you want to do it.
Personally, when planning a vacation for my family… I have to find the balance between weather and crowds. Being that both, my husband and son were born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, rain is a “natural phenomenon”… and they (literally) don’t mind jumping through puddles. While most people steer clear of April/May and September, my family would pick those months over June and July.

January through March.

This is the time to avoid if you want to ensure EVERY single attraction is available, being that it is right after the holidays when the parks (may) have seen the highest crowd levels of the whole year. There is also a chance that some attractions will be in the midst of refurbishment. This is also, not the time to visit water parks. When it comes to crowds, you will find larger groups from South America(This is the time for their Summer break). AND quite a few cheerleader/dancing competitions happening at Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

March and April.

Spring Break! Most schools have staggered breaks… Enough said!

May and June.

School is done in some states as early as mid-May. And Memorial Day weekend usually marks the official beginning of summer for many kids. It starts to get warm, and even though you may see a few sprinkles here and there, it is probably one of the best times of the year to visit if you are looking for good weather.

July and August.

These are the months to avoid if you have trouble handling humidity and heat. Florida summers are extremely humid, if you plan on visiting during those months, don’t count on spending full days at the parks. Stay hydrated, and keep an eye on the little ones. More than likely, you will feel the need to take a break mid-day, which is why adding extra days would be strongly encouraged so that you can do half-days at the parks.

September.

September is the month when you are more likely to be hit by a hurricane in Florida. It is also the month where you will see lower crowds. My advice for this month is to be flexible. Personally, I trade lower crowds for the potential rain.

October.

If you are a fan of Halloween, this is the month to visit. You will be able to see the park decorated for this festivity, and also have the opportunity to participate in one of the Halloween After Hour Events, this year name Boo Bash After Hours. The park closes only for those that have a special event ticket, and you are able to trick or treat inside Magic Kingdom.

November and December.

If the Holidays are your favorite time of the year, then you MUST visit Walt Disney World during these months, at least once. The parks and resorts are decorated for this celebration. There is also a special event some nights at Magic Kingdom. You are able to see a firework show different from the regular one, and of course, you can also have special themed treats at the park.

As you can see, you have 365 possible days to start your Disney vacation… deciding when the best time is, will depend on your family, preferences, and sometimes budget. In reality, with the right planning, you will be able to have a great time any day… make sure you don’t forget to pack the most important things for a Disney vacation and prepare yourself for it.

So… when is your favorite time of the year to visit Walt Disney World Resort?