02/28/2024
Our favorite vacation destination is Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, and it so happens that it is one of the most visited theme park resorts in the world. There are, however, certain dates when the crowds are down a bit, and if you plan ahead, you can make your reservations for those special least-crowded times. We’ve been to Walt Disney World in the summer, spring, fall, and winter; when the crowds are low and when they’re extremely busy, and our best experiences have been on those not-so-busy days. Please don’t misunderstand. Each and every time we visit Disney World, we are thrilled with the magic and fun that is “Disney”, but sometimes it’s more enjoyable when the crowds are not as heavy. Here are some of the most crowded times at Walt Disney World.
10. Early January—Marathon Weekend
Avoid this weekend if you are not an avid marathon runner. Thousands of people show up to run 1 or more races. After the marathon most participants and their families stay longer to enjoy the parks.
9. Mid-January
There is a 3-day weekend due to Martin Luther King Day. Many people go to Disney World during this Holiday expecting lighter crowds, but in actuality, it’s one of the busiest times of the year.
8. Mid-February
President’s Day Weekend is very busy, especially with the possibility of it overlapping many winter breaks, and also many school districts are closed for Mardi Gras.
7. Late March to early April—Spring Breaks
Spring Break is one of the most crowded times of the year. The wait times and lines for attractions, restaurants, and even the restrooms can be exasperating. This is especially frustrating for parents with younger children.
6. Late March or early April—Easter Weekend
There are many schools that close on the Friday before Easter Sunday, making this a popular fun-filled weekend to visit Disney World. It’s a great weekend to visit Walt Disney World, but be prepared for larger than normal crowds
5. Late May—Memorial Day Weekend
By late May many schools are out, and this being the first summer holiday, can be very crowded. What makes this weekend even more popular is the fact that the parks open earlier and close later, and hot and humid Florida weather has not yet arrived.
4. July 4th
This is another one of the busiest days at Disney World, with theme parks sometimes reaching full capacity, which means closing the parks to further admittance, at least temporarily. If you have fast pass or dinner reservations, or are a Disney Resort Hotel guest, you will be able to enter, but the crowds will be exceptionally heavy.
3. July, August—Summer
At most American theme parks, the summer months are known for record crowds. Schools are out, theme parks are open later, since the parks are open later, evenings are a great time to enjoy all the rides and attractions.
2. Thanksgiving Week
There are quite a few school districts that schedule fall breaks around the Thanksgiving Holiday, which means the week before and after Thanksgiving can be very crowded.
1. Christmas Holiday
Heavy crowds can be expected during the last two weeks of December leading up to Christmas Day, and believe it or not, Christmas Day is the busiest day of the year at Disney World. Most schools are out for the Holidays, the weather is cooler, and the magic of Disney World at Christmastime is indescribable.
The “Very Merry Christmas Party”, decorations, special “Meet and Greets”, Holiday parades, special activities, stage shows, and even snow on Main Street make Christmas at Walt Disney World extremely popular. Even though the crowds are huge, a visit to Disney World during the Christmas Holidays is one you will never forget!
Don't get me wrong with the right plan it ous possible to go at these times and have a blast and it is possible to plan your Disney World vacation when the crowds are lighter, but even if you have to take advantage of school breaks or other scheduling priorities, there are ways to avoid the busiest times of the day. With careful planning (fast pass and dining reservations), you will be able to access the most popular rides, attractions, and restaurants, bypassing long lines and wait times. On very crowded days, just be patient, creative, and “go with the flow”. After all, you will be at the “most magical place on earth”.
Let me help you find the best time for your family to go to Disney!!
