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The Best Times to Go to Disney World for Fewer Crowds and Beautiful Weather

Planning a Disney vacation? Here are the best times to visit Walt Disney World.

Mariah Tyler

There’s always a reason to visit the "Most Magical Place on Earth," Walt Disney World. Deciding exactly when to go depends on what matters most to you. Looking to spot the famous Mickey pumpkins that line Main Street, U.S.A., during Halloween season? How about visiting when the temperatures are at their coolest? These factors and many more can affect your decision about when to plan a Disney trip, but if you want general guidelines, consider this overview.

• High Seasons: March to April and June to August
• Shoulder Seasons: December to February, plus the month of May
• Low Season: September to November

Whether traveling with a group of friends or your family, here are the best times to go to Disney World.

Best Times to Visit Disney World for Smaller Crowds

A Walt Disney World vacation involves navigating a variety of details from booking theme park tickets and dining reservations to deciding which rides to try when. The last thing you want to add to that list is heavy crowds.

While Disney parks consistently draw guests year round, there are a few times to visit that are typically less crowded. In the winter, any date outside of the busy weeks of Christmas and New Year's can be fairly quiet. A trip at this time of year also has the added bonus of cooler temperatures — or, to superfans, "Spirit Jersey weather." Disney World's least busy month, though, is almost always September. Crowds begin to thin out as school breaks wind down in August, and once Labor Day is over, the resort is usually as close to empty as it ever gets. Disney World used to remain uncrowded throughout the fall, but the growing popularity of Disney's Halloween offerings does mean that October is increasingly busy.

Best Times to Visit Disney World for Good Weather

There's a reason they call Florida the Sunshine State. The Orlando region can see more than 300 days of sun each year, making for ideal vacation weather almost year-round. Though July and August are risky given their occasional triple-digit temperatures, you can usually expect pleasant conditions in Disney World no matter when you visit.

Temperatures are at their coolest — often as low as 50 degrees — in January. (Yes, it can get chilly in Florida!) But while this may limit some activities, like visiting your resort’s pool or one of Disney's water parks, it does make for a more comfortable time in the theme parks. The winter months are also typically low in precipitation, so chances are you'll avoid the afternoon thunderstorms common in Florida summers — along with the need for pricey ponchos and umbrellas. To take advantage of this mild winter weather, visit between January and March.

Best Times to Visit Disney World for Lower Prices

The most important piece of any Disney vacation is theme park tickets. Disney World uses a dynamic ticket pricing system , meaning park ticket prices are tiered and will cost less during slower times. One-day, one-park admission starts at $109 but can increase significantly from there, especially if you're visiting on a holiday or busy weekend. A visit on Christmas Day, for instance, will set you back $159 per ticket. 

Off-peak times fall around January, February, September, and early November. Discounts on vacation packages booked directly through Disney (which combine park tickets and hotel stays ) can be found year-round, though they're most common at these less-crowded times. The same tends to apply for deals on accommodations and airfare. 

Related: These Are the Cheapest Times to Visit Disney World, According to Experts

Best Times for Adults to Visit Disney World

Walt Disney World can be an adult’s playground all year round, with standout dining and a host of experiences specifically catered to grown-up guests . One of the best times for adults to visit, though, is late summer and early fall, when summer-break crowds give way to (relatively) uncrowded autumn bliss. This time of year also coincides with Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival . At the park's longest-running and largest festival, you can nibble on globally inspired bites from dozens of outdoor kitchens. As the sun sets, enjoy concerts from national acts as part of the Eat to the Beat concert series, included in admission. 

One of Disney's most underrated festivals, the Epcot International Festival of the Arts, is also not to be missed. Celebrating culinary, performing, and visual arts, this falls during one of the slowest points of the year, typically mid-January through February. While more intimate than Food & Wine, it delivers standout eats and entertainment, plus cooler temperatures for those who dislike the heat. 

Best Times to Visit Disney World for Families

Holidays at Disney are truly magical. While you may have to deal with more crowds than usual, the reward is a whimsical transformation of the parks and numerous limited-time offerings — from incredible decor to delicious seasonal foods. Kids will also love Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, the after-hours special events that take over Magic Kingdom park in the final months of each year. Tickets for these parties follow a dynamic pricing system just like standard park admission does, so if you want to attend, plan your visit outside of each holiday's peak dates. While attending a Halloween party in August or a Christmas party in November may seem odd, families can enjoy hefty savings by embracing the festive spirit at unorthodox times.

Summer is ideal if your crew prefers to spend mornings on the rides and afternoons by the pool. Disney’s deluxe resorts — like Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa — offer the most elaborate pool complexes, complete with slides and poolside lounges. If taking full advantage of your resort’s amenities is a priority, a summertime stay may give you the best experience, despite its higher price tag.

Worst Times to Visit Disney World

A summertime Disney trip is a rite of passage for many families, but various factors can make the season less than ideal. The weather is arguably at its worst this time of year, with temperatures often in the 90s and an average humidity level of around 70 percent. Despite this, prices and crowd size both hit a peak in June, July, and August — so if you want to save money and avoid unpleasantly long lines, you may want to plan your trip for another season.

The winter months can offer good deals and above-average elbow room, but there are still challenges to consider. The weeks surrounding Christmas are some of the busiest (and priciest) of the year, and January's chilly conditions can pose a problem for visitors wanting to enjoy Disney World's pools and water parks .

These are the best times to visit Disney World

There's no bad time to visit the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando — but some times are better than others. In years past, there were predictable "slow seasons" and "busy seasons." However, after the park temporarily closed in March 2020 because of COVID-19 concerns, things became less predictable.

In addition to Disney adding more special events and upping the length of its festivals, Disney's theme park reservation system has kept crowds in check by limiting the number of guests allowed to visit a park on any given day.

Related: 19 Disney World secrets that can add 'pixie dust' to your vacation

That said, there are still ways to avoid the most crowded days and make the most of your time at Disney World. A Disney World vacation is optimal when prices are lower, the thermometer hovers between 70 and 80 degrees, and the wait times are at their shortest. There's no longer a true off-season at Disney, but there are times of the year when those favorable conditions are more likely to occur.

Best time of year for weather at Disney World

This will shock exactly no one, but Orlando is hot and sticky in summer. Temperatures typically sizzle in the 90s during the day, and humidity is through the roof. Those factors combine to create a heat index that can exceed 100, according to Weather U.S .

From June through August, you'll get a break from the heat most afternoons for an hour or so … during monsoon-like rains with thunder and lightning. Once the storms end, you'll be comfortable outdoors for about another hour before the oppressive heat returns — but expect some extra humidity while everything is damp.

Related: Best credit cards for theme parks

For the best weather at Disney, visit between October and December. By that time, you are less likely to deal with daily rain, and temperatures are more moderate. There are still plenty of warm days, but summer's heat and humidity have passed. You likely won't deal with the cold (by Florida standards) temperatures that come in January and February.

FOR NO-COST ASSISTANCE WITH PLANNING AND BOOKING YOUR NEXT DISNEY VACATION, CHECK OUT TPG'S DISNEY BOOKING PARTNER, MOUSE COUNSELORS .

Best time for certain activities

Price aside, plan your visit around what you like to do. Water parks are most appealing during the hot summer months when you'd rather not sweat it out in the theme parks all day. Golf is best in spring and fall — unless you're an early bird who likes hitting the greens in the cool of dawn.

If you're headed to the massive ESPN Wide World of Sports complex, time your visit by the calendar of events to watch tournaments you'll enjoy. If someone invites you to a wedding at Disney's Wedding Pavilion or elsewhere, bring a hat for the sun and a sweater for the air conditioning.

Seasonal events at Disney World

From themed parties to food and wine festivals, special events are big at Disney World. The best time to visit could be when your favorite event is happening.

Spring events

Learn new gardening techniques and see detailed topiaries that resemble Disney characters at the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival . It runs for four months, from early spring through the start of summer. Not only does it features Disney topiaries, but it also offers festival-specific eats and concerts by your favorite bands from the '70s, '80s and '90s.

Summer events

There are fewer events during the summer at Disney World. However, the LGBTQI+ community holds its Gay Days gatherings in Orlando. That event can draw tens of thousands of excited visitors and increase daily attendance at the designated park.

Walt Disney World has also added more separately ticketed after-hours events — such as the H2O Glow After Hours at Typhoon Lagoon — that let you enjoy more time in the parks with fewer crowds.

Fall events

Culinary enthusiasts should time their visits with Epcot's annual International Food and Wine Festival. It features global food and drink stands, free concerts and more. The festival spans nearly four months, starting in late July and stretching into mid-November.

Don't forget to pack a costume and join the ghoulish crowd at Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party , a ticketed event at The Magic Kingdom that runs from August until Halloween.

Winter events

Starting the day after the final Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Disney magically transforms overnight from a spooky destination to a winter wonderland . Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at The Magic Kingdom is a great way to get into the holiday spirit.

This party is a ticketed event at The Magic Kingdom that runs from early November through Christmas. Disney also embraces the holiday spirit at the after-hours Disney Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios . Additionally, the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays offers several global incarnations of St. Nick, plus a nightly Candlelight Processional.

When Disney World crowds are smaller

You can't completely escape the crowds at Disney World. Its four theme parks received roughly 47 million visitors through the turnstiles in 2022, according to the Theme Index and Museum Index of the Themed Entertainment Association . That's not even including folks who show up only for the golf, water parks, shopping, dining, spas, entertainment and conferences. The Orlando area, in total, received approximately 74 million visitors in 2022 alone.

Related: Is a Disney World annual pass worth it?

On big holidays, such as Christmas and New Year's Eve, Disney World gets so packed that The Magic Kingdom — the most iconic of the theme parks — can reach maximum capacity. The sister parks, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney's Animal Kingdom and Epcot, draw hordes, too, though not to the same extent. You'll likely wait longer for rides, food and character encounters.

If you do visit on a holiday, try to visit a park other than the one where the main celebration is being held. On the Fourth of July, for example, The Magic Kingdom and Epcot hold special fireworks shows. If you visit Animal Kingdom or Hollywood Studios on those days, you will probably see fewer crowds and shorter wait times.

Although it isn't always feasible, try to visit when most kids are in school to avoid the biggest crowds.

The ideal times are weekdays after Thanksgiving break and before families descend for winter break. The weather will be cooler, and the lines will be shorter than at other times of the year. Also, the weeks after Labor Day but before school breaks begin in the fall can also be good times to avoid crowds (but know that September weather is still steamy in Orlando).

Other less-busy times can be in late January and early May — again, especially during the midweek days before and after most school spring breaks.

Cheapest dates to visit Disney World

It's no coincidence that when the crowds are lighter, ticket prices are lower. In late 2018, Disney World moved to a ticket pricing system that features higher prices on some dates than others.

On less-crowded midweek dates in August and September, for example, you can find single-day tickets for $109. However, during peak demand times between Thanksgiving and New Year's Eve, ticket prices can jump closer to $160 per day. Weekends also tend to cost more than weekdays.

Related: These are the best restaurants at Disney World

More affordable airfare

If you have the luxury of flexible dates, you can find cheap flights to Orlando International Airport (MCO) during the less expensive times at the theme parks in August and September, according to statistics from the flight search engine Skyscanner.

Related: How to find cheap airfare

When hotel prices are lower

Disney has more than 20 resort hotels that provide perks, such as extended theme park hours and complimentary transportation to and from Disney's theme parks. As with all hotels, prices ebb and flow with demand — including when you book with rented Disney Vacation Club points .

Walt Disney World's value hotels, such as All-Star Sports or Art of Animation , offer prices that can start at or below $100 per night during the slower season. During peak season, even those value resorts can see rates climb higher than $250 per night.

If you have your eye on a deluxe resort — such as Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge , the Contemporary or the Riviera Resort — prices can start under $400 per night during the slow season and soar to more than $1,000 per night during peak periods.

Related: How to save money at Disney resorts by renting DVC points

Disney also offers regular hotel discounts that can save you hundreds of dollars on your stay. Disney+ subscribers should especially be on the lookout for these offers, but you can check the Disney World website at any time for special offers available to the public.

How many Marriott points it costs to stay in the on-property Disney Swan or Dolphin properties also varies based on standard, peak or off-peak dates, so when you go will affect the total cost of your trip to Disney World.

Related: How much does a trip to Disney World cost?

Bottom line

We hesitate to say there's a bad time to visit Disney World, but there are times that are definitely less crowded and easier to enjoy. By finding the sweet spot for your schedule, factoring in Disney's slower seasons and any special events you want to experience, you can maximize the magic while saving money — and your sanity.

Related reading:

• Are the Disney Visa credit cards worth it?
• The best Disney World hotels for your 2023 stay
• How you can save hundreds of dollars by renting Disney Vacation Club points
• How to use points to buy Disney tickets
• New swan on the block: A review of the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

Additional reporting by Tarah Chieffi.

Disney World Crowd Calendar

Our Disney World Crowd Calendar helps you find the best times to visit Disney’s theme parks in 2024 and 2025. Lower crowd levels mean less time waiting in line and more time enjoying your vacation. Walt Disney World crowds fluctuate throughout the year, so it’s really important to choose your dates carefully.

We’ve designed our crowd calendar to show you just how crowded Disney’s theme parks will be each day of the calendar year.  We predict Disney’s theme park attendance for the next 12 months so that you’ll be able to narrow down the months, weeks, and days of your next vacation. Our Disney crowd calendar updates on a monthly basis and currently features all of 2024 and portions of 2025. Check back frequently!

How do we forecast the crowds at Disney World? Our methodology tracks past attendance data in order to predict future crowds at Disney’s four theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios. Hopefully, these estimates will help you focus on the dates that best suit your Disney vacation goals in the coming year. So let’s begin!

Want Free Help Deciding When To Travel? Get Personalized advice from Our Favorite Disney Travel Agency!

• Magic Kingdom » [2]
• Epcot » [3]
• Hollywood Studios » [3]
• Animal Kingdom » [3]
• Magic Kingdom » [3]

Calendar updated through March 2025

* Guests ages three and up with certain ticket types may be required to have a park reservation in addition to valid admission for the same park.

** Advance Dining Reservations become available to book starting at 6 AM on the date indicated.

***  COVID-19: Disney has taken enhanced health and safety measures during the pandemic. Reservations may be required to enter a theme park (depending on ticket type), and hotel resorts, restaurants, and other features may be subject to modification and capacity limitations. Face coverings are optional for Guests in both outdoor and indoor locations and on Disney transportation. Face coverings are not allowed while Guests are in the water or on water slides.

The Disney World Crowd Calendar provides information on crowd sizes, updated information regarding the average daily temperature ranges for Orlando, and when you are eligible to make your Advance Dining Reservations. Let’s review some background information so that you understand how our crowd calendar is organized.

We trust the Travel Agents at  The Vacationeer  for all of our Disney travel planning needs. 

We hope you’ll consider working with them too, what is a crowd calendar.

The best time to go to Disney World depends on many factors, including the weather, which time period fits into your busy schedule, and, of course, how crowded the theme parks will be. After all, who likes waiting in long lines when you could be enjoying the rides?

Crowd calendars predict how busy a theme park will be on any given day of the year. By using data compiled from recent years, Disney crowd calendars help us determine which theme parks will have the shortest lines and which parks will have the longest lines.  While not every traveler has the flexibility to plan their trip around the least-crowded dates, this can still be a valuable tool. Knowing what to expect will allow you to plan accordingly and help you to maximize your Disney experience.

Rating System for the Disney World Crowd Calendar

Our Disney World Crowd Calendar uses a rating system from 1 to 5 for each of the Walt Disney World theme parks. We compile this information using historical data from the past several years. Our rating system also takes variable factors (like seasonal events and new in-park openings ) into account.

Please note that past attendance figures are not always reflective of future attendance, and there may be slight differences between our prediction and the actual crowd sizes. We do our best to give you the most up-to-date and accurate predictions so that you may know what to expect when you arrive at Disney World.

Ratings based on Park Attendance:

1 = Light Crowds ( minimal lines ) 2 = Below Average Crowds 3 = Average Crowds 4 = Above Average Crowds 5 = Heavy Crowds (long lines)

How the Disney Crowd Calendar is Organized

Let’s look at how we’ve set up this valuable trip planning tool.

Crowds at each Disney Theme Park

Our Disney World Crowd Calendar predicts the crowds at Walt Disney World for every day in the next 12 months. Our estimates are broken down by Disney World theme park: Animal Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Magic Kingdom.

Weather at Disney World

Orlando, Florida is known for its nice weather . That said, there are some seasonal differences that you may want to take into consideration when booking your Disney vacation.  For example, August is historically the warmest month while January is the coldest. July is typically the wettest month and June has the most sunshine hours.

We list the average temperature range for each day of the calendar year. This will give you an idea of what to expect (and what clothes to pack) when you vacation at Walt Disney World.

Dining Reservations

Our Disney Crowd Calendar lists the specific date you will be eligible to make your Advance Disney Reservations.

Guests can book their dining reservations up to 60 days in advance (starting at 6 AM on the date indicated in the calendar).  The Disney Crowd Calendar lists the specific date you should start booking your Walt Disney World dining reservations.

Newbies are often surprised by the lack of dining availability once they get to Disney World. You shouldn’t expect to just walk into a full-service restaurant at Walt Disney World and get seated right away. It usually won’t happen.

It’s why it’s imperative to book your reservations well in advance to ensure your spot at some of Disney’s outstanding dining establishments. Certain restaurants are more difficult to book, and traveling at peak times means there will be more demand for full-dining options. We recommend that you book your Advance Dining Reservations as soon as you are able (60 days out).

The Disney Reservation Calculator is another tool you can use to find the dates you will be eligible to make your dining reservations.

Do you need help booking your Advance Dining Reservations? How about some advice on where to eat? Contact the Disney travel agents at The Vacationeer today.  There’s no charge to use their planning services!

Get Free One-On-One Help Planning Your Trip

When is Disney World Least Crowded ?

Walt Disney World’s parks are typically least crowded:

• January 2 nd until just prior to Presidents’ Day week (third Monday in February)
• The week after Labor Day until just prior to Thanksgiving week
• The week following Thanksgiving weekend until the week prior to Christmas .

The reasons for this are that parents typically plan Disney World vacations around two major factors, school schedules, and Summer heat.

Labor day is typically around the time U.S. schools get their year started, so the month or so after that is the least crowded time of year.

July and August can also be good times to go if you don’t mind the typically higher heat and humidity.

When is Disney World Most Crowded ?

Walt Disney World parks generally experience their highest attendance around:

• Presidents’ Day week (third week in February)
• the Spring Break period from mid-March through late April
• Memorial Day weekend, Summer (mid-June through Labor Day)
• Thanksgiving week
• Christmas week through January 1 st
• Weekends are typically more crowded than weekdays
• When it comes to weekdays, Mondays and Fridays tend to be slightly more crowded than Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

How bad are the crowds at Disney on a “most crowded” day versus a “least crowded” day?

The difference between a “least crowded” day and a “most crowded” day can be significant.

What are crowds like on Least Crowded days?

On the least crowded days at the parks, you might find that you’re able to walk straight through the line for at least a few of the rapidly-loading rides in the parks.  Many middle-tier rides will have waits around 10-15 minutes, with the most popular attractions like roller coasters having waits of around 30 minutes.  Dining is usually easy to obtain, with short waits for quick service dining and even the ability to get same-day reservations at some table service locations.

What are crowds like on Most Crowded days?

During the parks’ most crowded days, even quickly loading rides routinely show wait times of 15-45 minutes.  60+ minute waits for the most popular rides are not unheard of.  Fortunately, the implementation of theme park reservations and other entry restrictions has eliminated many of the nightmare scenarios we used to see, such as 3-5 hour waits on Christmas Day or New Years Eve.   Dining can also be a bit more challenging on crowded days, with longer waits (and occasionally having to “hover” to snag an empty table) at some quick service restaurants during peak lunch and dinner hours.  Same-day reservations at table service restaurants may not be available.

Should I avoid the parks on Most Crowded days?

All of the scenarios listed above are just representative samples.  Individual days have their own individual quirks; you might have shorter than expected waits on a “most crowded” day or longer than expected waits on a “least crowded” day.

It’s obviously best to plan your trips during less crowded times whenever possible, but we all know that it’s not necessarily possible due to work and school schedules.  If you do find yourself traveling during a more crowded time, you’ll still have a good time on vacation.   You’ll just want to plan ahead and take advantage of all the tools at your disposal – extended park hours, advance Park Pass reservations (when required), advance dining reservations, Genie/Genie+, our Disney World Crowd Calendar, and the like – to make the most out of your time in the parks.

If you need help planning and booking your magical Walt Disney World vacation, then please contact the Disney Travel Agents at  The Vacationeer . Their services are always helpful and totally free of charge. Call 833-4MY-TRIP  (833-469-8747) or click HERE for a free, no-obligation price quote today!

When are the best days to visit Walt Disney World?

Our Disney travel planning experts regularly analyze past park attendance data, special events, attraction openings/closures, travel trends, weather, and many other elements in order to forecast and predict future crowds at Disney World’s four theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios.

Below, we’ve taken some of this data and compared the average temperature predicted on each day to the predicted crowd level. The best days to visit each park between August 2023 – June 2024 were determined based on the combined score.

The best time to visit Disney World depends on many factors, including the weather, each traveler’s busy schedule, and, of course, how crowded the theme parks will be.

According to the crowds-to-weather score, there are a few particular days to visit each park at Walt Disney World over the a 12-month period of August 2023 – June 2024. The data revealed that Magic Kingdom, for example, has three days to visit for the best crowds-to-weather ratio: October 26th, 31st, and November 1st. In comparison, Epcot has six perfect days, Hollywood Studios has 6, and Animal Kingdom has the most, with 12. Interestingly, the dates are similar for each park, highlighting that the last week of October 2023 is the best week to visit Disney World.

The study ranked the following days as the best to visit each park:

Note: Temperature range (F) and average crowd levels were converted to scores between 1-5. Temperature and crowd scores were then weighted and converted to a total score out of 100 to reveal the best days to visit each park.

Magic Kingdom

Hollywood studios, animal kingdom.

Why pay attention to these scores? MagicGuides Editor Jaimie Michaels explains:

“By using data compiled from recent years, Disney crowd calendars help us determine which theme parks will have the shortest and longest lines, to discover the best times to visit the parks for fewer crowds and beautiful weather. While not every traveler has the flexibility to plan their trip around the least-crowded dates, this can still be a valuable tool for all, as knowing what to expect will allow you to plan accordingly and help you to maximize your Disney experience.”

Wondering How Much a Disney Vacation Costs? Find Out For Free!

The MagicGuides Walt Disney World Crowd Calendar keeps you updated on all the special events happening at Disney. Check back often so you won’t miss out!

If you enjoyed our Walt Disney World Crowd Calendar page, be sure to check out our other articles like our Disney World Cost Calculator , Disney Dining Plan Calculator ,  Disney Dining Plans , Disney World Free Dining , Disney World Planning Timeline , Disney World Map ,  Tips and Tricks , Disney Travel Planners , How To Become a Disney Travel Agent , and our Secrets and Reviews pages. Also check out our in-depth article on the Best Days to Visit Magic Kingdom .

Thank you for reading our page, and we hope you have a magical Walt Disney World vacation!

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Best Time To Visit Disney World: When To Go And When To Avoid

October 14, 2022 //  by  Sarah Newton //   Leave a Comment

When is the best time to visit Disney World, Florida? This is undoubtedly the question we get asked a lot and it’s not as easy to answer as it first appears.

Deciding on the best month to visit Disney is an individual decision and depends on so many factors. I mean the real answer is the best time to visit Disney World is when you can. If you have the privilege of being able to choose when you go then fantastic but please know whenever you go Disney is an incredible experience.

The best time to vacation at Disney is when works best for you and your circumstances.

In the article, we will walk you through all the information you need to help you make a decision about when to go to Disney World. Each month and season has its pros and cons and we will walk you through how to get the best out of your vacation whenever you decide to go.

So, are you ready to pack your bags, put on those mouse ears and get ready to meet Mickey? Of course, you are.

Oh and if you need help packing check out our Ultimate Packing Guide .

When Is The Best Time To Visit Disney World? 

The best time to visit Disney World depends on what you want out of a holiday and the capacity you have to choose when to go.

If you have children obviously the best time to visit is the school holidays because that is the only time you can take them.

Don’t handle heat well, then you will need to stay clear of the sticky hot months. Want to experience a particular celebration like Christmas or Halloween then you need to go when the decorations are up.

Keep in mind festivals. like the Food And Wine Festival, if you want to attend you will need to go when that is on. If you are going for a particular ride or entertainment event you will need to make sure it’s working and operational when you go.

If you hate crowds or are really short on time then you will need to visit in the off-season at Disney. Similarly, if you are looking to get the best value for money you will need to visit when the park is at low capacity.

There are so many considerations when it comes to the best month to go to Disney World, Florida. Our suggestion would be to decide on your three top priorities and plan from there.

Things to take into account are the weather, the crowds, the cost, park opening times, special events/festivals or celebrations, rides or entertainment shows you want to see and of course the times you can actually travel.

What Is the Worst Time To Go To Disney World?

There is no real worse time to go to Disney there is only a time that doesn’t work so well for you. However, saying this there are times that visiting Disney can be a more stressful experience than others.

If you can avoid the height of holidays. The park will sometimes get closed at Christmas because it has reached capacity to give you an idea of numbers. Easter and New Year can also be another really busy time.

If you hate the heat then July and August might be really challenging for you.

In general school vacations, weekends, public holidays, and the high summer season are the worst time to go to Disney World. But don’t worry if you have to go during these times there are things you can do to make it easier and more pleasurable.  

What Is The Cheapest Time To Go To Disney?

The cheapest time to visit Disney tends, not surprisingly, to be when the part is less crowded. This tends to be the winter months not including holiday periods so November, January, and February as long as you stay away from certain events.

During the slower times, Disney offers discounted packages and special promotions, particularly in hotels. Park tickets also have value, regular, and peak prices which are based on expected crowds for that day. Also, multi-day tickets tend to be better valued.

This article on How To Buy Discounted Disney World Tickets will help you decide when is the cheapest time to go.

In general the second week in January until spring break starts tends to be the cheapest time to visit Disney World, Florida. If you traveling on a budget early January, early May, late August, or all of September is the best time of year to go to Disney World for you.

If you are looking to save some money here are some money-saving Disney tips.

High And Low Season For Disney World 

While there is a Disney World off season it isn’t like other holidays in that within the low season you will also find huge peak periods. Low season at Disney is really more about quiet periods within the peak periods but you have to look for them.

The off-season at Disney tends to be January to early February and the times when children have gone back to school i.e September, October, and November. However, saying this while hotels might be cheaper in Florida the Halloween celebrations at Disney can make the park very busy.

The best way to think about the low season at Disney is that if the American children are at school it’s generally cheaper. And if you are not in America look this up as the school holidays in America are much longer than those in Europe for example.

While visiting during the Disney World off-season saves you money there are a few things to take note of. The off-season is often when Disney will close some rides for repairs and refurbishments so check before you go. There will also be fewer shows and entertainment on offer.

And while most people think that traveling out of season means you queue less this might not necessarily be the case. Often in low season, the rides run at a lower capacity as there is less staff on duty so the waiting times don’t necessarily reduce. Also, the park hours are reduced so you do get less time in the park.

Here are our tips for reducing wait time at Disney .

Visit Disney In Summer If You: 

For most this is the best time to go to Disney because their children are off school. For others, this is the worst time to go to Disney World due to the crowds, the expense, and the heat.

Summer at Disney World is a long season and really runs from May to September with June, July and early August being the busiest. However, if summer is the only time you go there are some advantages.

Everything at the park during summer will be operating at full capacity. All shows and entertainment will take place and rides and attractions are very unlikely to be closed for maintenance or refurbishment. Park hours are also longer and the sunlight hours are longer. So while the parks are busy everything is operating and you get longer in the parks.

If you also want to spend time in the water, be it in the hotel pools, the sea, or the Disney water parks summer is a great time.

If you are going to Disney World in the summer you do need to prepare for the heat, crowds, and rainfall. It’s not unusual for mid-day temperatures to reach over 100 with humidity of 61%. It is likely to also rain heavily most afternoons.

If you are going in the summer here are some of our tips to beat the heat at Disney . You might also be interested in how to survive Disney in the rain .

Visit Disney World In Winter If You:

Winter in Florida is actually really lovely with temperatures typically in the low 70 degrees. Walking around the parks in winter is so much more comfortable and bearable than in the warmer months.

Depending on when you go in winter it tends to be the least crowded time to visit Disney World apart from the Christmas celebration. It’s likely to be a much more pleasurable experience at this time and there is not as much rain as you are out of hurricane season.

The Festivals of Arts at Epcot also takes place during winter which is one of our favorite Disney festivals.

The park will be open fewer hours though and some events and rides are likely to be closed so keep that in mind.

Winter is the best season to visit Disney if you want cheaper prices and cooler weather.

Here are our tips for Visiting Disney World in the winter.

Visit Disney World In Fall If You:

Most who visit Disney World often believe that fall is the best time to travel to Disney. It’s practically perfect in every way. The weather is warm, the air is crisp and the rainfall is low.

Late August and September can also be some of the cheaper times to visit Disney World and you still have 8 hours of sunlight to play with.

And if you have never experienced Halloween at Disney you are in for a treat. While it can get busy, going on a weekday during the beginning or end of the Halloween season is likely to be less crowded.

Most agree fall is the best time of year to go to Disney World.

Our tips for visiting Disney before Halloween will help you plan.

Visit Disney In Spring If You:

If you are wondering when to go to Disney then how about visiting in Spring? Spring is wonderful at Disney with vibrant flowers, warm temperatures, and nine hours of daylight. There is also likely to be little rainfall as you are out of hurricane season. Humidity tends to also be lower in the spring.

Spring is the best time to vacation in Disney, however, avoid the busiest periods during Easter and Spring Break as the parks get rammed during these times.

Spring is definitely the best season to visit Disney if you want it to be warm but not too crowded. It is a perfect time for Adults to visit Disney .

When To Go To Disney By Month:

If you are still not sure when to go to Disney World then let’s help you a little further. Here we have broken down the best time to go to Disney month by month. This way you can decide which is the best month to go to Disney World depending on what you want to get out of your vacation.

Disney in January.

January is probably the least crowded time to visit Disney World. The Christmas holiday is over and the cooler temperatures tend to keep the crowds away with an average temperature of 70 degrees.

Visiting Disney World in January can also save you money as it tends to be one of the cheaper months due to smaller crowds. However, some things like the water parks and certain rides may be closed and the park hours are shorter.

New Year’s weekend and Martin Luther King Jr. Day are days to avoid if you don’t like crowds. It also can get busy during the Walt Disney World Marathon weekend. The Epcot International Festival of the Arts is also held in January and is a wonderful experience.

January in Disney World is a really rather relaxed and chilled time to visit if you don’t mind the weather a little cooler and some of the attractions and rides possibly not running.

Disney in February

If you are not coming for the sun then February is the best time to vacation at Disney. You will find cooler temperatures with highs in the mid 70’s and fewer crowds.

The exception to this is Presidents’ Day week which sees the crowds flood in. For those not in the US that is the third Monday in February. The Disney Princess Half Marathon weekend tends to be a busy time too.

Disney World in February might lack some of the pizzazz you see in busier months but you will be able to get some great deals.

Disney in March

The best time to travel to Disney for perfect weather is in March. The highs tend to be in the high 70s and the lows in the high 50’s so it’s not too hot or too cold.

March at Disney World can also see fewer crowds but that depends on when Easter and Spring Break fall. During these times the crowds get really heavy.

The Epcot International Flower And Garden Festival also takes place in March and this really is worth seeing.

Disney in April

April in Disney World sees the climb to high temperatures with highs in the mid-80s. The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival continues and all the flowers and trees look beautiful in full bloom.

Easter and Spring break can see busy periods in April depending on the dates. There are a lot of ESPN Wide World of Sports held during this month and often the more budget hotels will be booked up.

Next to Christmas April can be one of the more expensive times to visit so keep that in mind.

Disney in May

Many believe that May is the best month to go to Disney World and we would be tempted to agree. The weather is into the 90s but it’s less humid. The flowers are all still in full bloom and there are no major holidays bringing in the crowds.

Memorial Day weekend does see the parks get busier but other than that Disney World in May is probably the best time to visit if you don’t have children in school.

Disney in June

June is Disney World tends to be a month of two halves. The first few weeks tend to be quite quiet with crowds rising as students are off for the summer break.

The increase in crowds sees extended park hours, more shows and activities, and lots of sunlight hours. It’s also a perfect month to visit the water parks.

It is hot and humid in June so make sure you have sunscreen and are prepared. It’s also the start of hurricane season and while they are remote in Orlando rain is very likely so make sure to pack a mac as the weather can be very unpredictable.

While most find the summer months too busy there is a certain buzz that comes from these busy periods that is hard to replicate when the park is quieter.

Getting Disney Genie the old fast pass and planning your days becomes more important in the summer months and you do need to be on the ball a little bit more to avoid frustrations and shattered expectations.

Disney in July

July in Disney World is continuously busy in fact the busiest month of the year. The crowds tend to be much heavier towards the July 4th holiday but other than that it’s pretty even, just always busy.

It’s also incredibly hot and often rains. However, the park hours are longer so you can miss out on the mid-day heat and return later in the day.

There is a certain vibe to Disney in the summer months that can be lacking in the slower months. So although it’s hot, humid, and busy Disney in June still enjoyable if you plan accordingly.

Disney in August

August in Disney World is hot, hot, hot in fact the hottest of the year so you might find yourself seeking shelter in air-conditioned attractions more than normal.

It is busy and crowded but unlike July the crowds tend to thin out towards the second half of the month as children go back to school. However, the events tend to pull people back in.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party begins in August and the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival begins in late August.

For Americans, some of the best deals can be found in late August with off-site hotels having low prices and Disney has in the past offered free dining during these times.

August tends to be peak hurricane season in Florida but the park has only closed a handful of times due to hurricanes during its lifespan. However, this could have an impact on other travel arrangements so keep that in mind.

Disney in September

Many think that September is the best month to visit Disney and they might be right. Especially the later half of September when prices are lower, crowds and less, and the heat is moderately better.

I mean it’s still hot and humid in September but if you can bare the heat it’s the best time to visit Disney World. Also of note is that September tends to be one of the more rainy months so keep an eye on the weather forecast and take a mac. Rain can interfere with some of the live shows and fireworks shows so things can get canceled.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival are still ongoing. Disney World in September is a really great time to visit.

Disney in October

If you love Halloween then Disney World in October is perfect for you. The park looks beautifully decorated for Halloween and while the decorations go up in early September October draws in the crowds.

Halloween and Columbus Day are the busiest days and the crowds tend to be really manageable outside of the weekends. It can still be hot during the day but the evenings do get cooler.

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and After Hours Boo Bash is in full swing and The Epcot International Food and Wine Festival is still ongoing.

Disney in November

November in Disney World sees really pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and a festive spirit. If you miss out on Thanksgiving week, which is so busy, November is one of the best months to visit Disney.

Most of the Christmas decorations are up by mid to late Christmas and the parks really take on a different feeling when they are up. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party also starts in November on select nights.

Disney in November gives you a taste of the Christmas season at a much lower cost and it’s the best time to visit Disney for good weather, lesser crowds, and Christmas spirit.

Disney in December

December in Disney World sees the Christmas season in full swing. Again December is one of those months where the crowds differ hugely depending on when you visit. Early in the month can be a very pleasant time to visit with lighter crowds, however, the latter half is one of Disney’s busiest times of the year and the most expensive.

You would think that Christmas day might find a bit of relief but no, often the park will close by 10 am as it has reached capacity. Anytime between the 20th and 31st of December see record crowds visiting.

There is a lot that happens during the holiday season though with Christmas parades, firework shows, celebrations shows, and the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays.

Disney in December is picture perfect though and if you can go we feel everyone should experience the Disney Christmas Magic at least once.

Here are our tips for visiting Disney at Christmas .

As you can see when it comes to the best time to visit Disney World the answer isn’t as simple as it first seems. When to go to Disney World is a personal choice and we hope this article has helped make your decision a little bit easier.

What we do know is that whenever you go you will have a great time. There are always ways to make your Disney trip better whenever you go and with planning, you can enjoy even the busiest and hottest months.

To make sure you really enjoy your trip take a look at our article 12 Ways to Ruin A Disney Vacation (And What To Do Instead!)

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2024 BEST Days to Visit Disney World Parks: Ultimate Crowd Calendar Guide!

If you want to experience everything there is to do at the most magical place on earth, you’re going to need to know the absolute best days to visit Disney World parks!

It is important to note that while every season has its own special perk at Disney World, specific days are not created equal.

In fact, there are some that are downright hidden gems!

I’m talking light crowds, low wait times, and even cheaper flights to get there!

So, hang on tight – I’m about to take a deep dive into the best days to visit Disney World Parks, the best times to visit Disney World, and demystify the coveted Disney World Crowd Calendar!

2024 Walt Disney World Crowd Calendar

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE READ MY  DISCLOSURE  FOR MORE INFO.  Which means if you click on certain links, I may receive a small commission at no additional charge to you.

Best Time to Go to Walt Disney World at a Glance:

• The best months to visit Walt Disney World to avoid the crowds are: Late-January and Early-February
• Your best days to visit Walt Disney World are:  Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
• Be sure to avoid all major holidays such as:  Memorial Day,  4th of July,  Labor Day Weekend,  Halloween ,  Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Year’s Eve

What Are the Least Crowded Months at Disney World Parks?

In general, there are four months out of the year that stick out as the l east crowded time to visit Disney World:

• End of August
• Mid-Late January
• Early February

Now, notice that I did not say that these were the best times to visit. Simply, the least crowded.

You have to be sure to factor in weather, as well as Crowd Calendars, into the equation!

ORDER NOW to secure your Walt Disney World theme park ticket!  GET MY TICKETS.

What Are the Least Crowded Days at Disney World Parks?

Now, let’s narrow our scope just a bit! I now know the least crowded months, but what about the least crowded days?

Don’t worry… I wasn’t going to make you figure that out for yourself!

Best Dates to Go to Disney World

Our team has assembled a helpful little list of dates that the Disney World parks are least crowded.

• January 11 – January 18
• January 25 – January 31
• February 2 – February 12
• March 1 – March 5
• April 25 – May 1
• May 11 – May 17
• August 10 – August 31
• September 1 – September 30
• Oct 1 – October 21
• November 16 – November 21
• December 1 – December 12

Recommended: 7 Best Pools at Disney World Resorts You Have to See!

Best Time to Visit Disney World Parks for the Weather

By now, we have established not only the least crowded months to visit Disney World , but the specific dates, as well. But what about weather?!

When to visit Disney World weather wise is subjective! If you love the heat, the choice is pretty obvious!

However, most people find the Sunshine State a bit intense throughout the following months:

That being said, the evenings can get rather chilly in January and February.

While this may not affect your travels throughout the park midday, those late-night dips in the resort pool may feel more like an ice bucket challenge!

I have found that the following months are the most agreeable weather wise to the masses:

If this sounds good to you, just be sure to check back to our What Are the Least Crowded Days at Disney World? In this case, your ideal dates would fall within the following:

2024 best days to go to the magic kingdom (crowd calendar guide), what are the best days of week to visit disney world parks.

Alright, now we’re really getting somewhere, ThemeParkHipster! I’ve got months, date ranges, and weather on lock.

Uh-oh… I’ve totally skipped over the part where I pick which day of the week to visit each park!

Don’t worry… I’ve got you!

Here is a breakdown of each park and their weekly schedule, ranked from the least busy to the busiest day of the week!

Best Days to Go to Magic Kingdom

The Best Days to Go to EPCOT

Best Days to Go to Disney’s Hollywood Studios

2024 Hollywood Studios Crowd Calendar: Your Best Days to Go This Year!

Best Days to Go to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Put It Together and What Have You Got?

Wow… that was a lot of information! So, what is the optimum daily schedule? I tend to prefer the following format:

• Monday: EPCOT
• Tuesday: Magic Kingdom
• Wednesday: Animal Kingdom
• Thursday: Hollywood Studios

Depending upon your arrival and/or departure, I strongly suggest you make Friday a repeat day. Take this time to go back and do your favorites or hit attractions you’ve missed.

If possible, use Saturday as a Relax Day at the Resort. Frankly, you’ll avoid major crowds, frustrating wait times, and give your feet a break!

Ultimate 3-Day Disney World Itinerary Template (2023)

What is the Disney Crowd Calendar and How Does it Work?  

Simply stated, the Disney Crowd Calendar is a user-friendly method to check how busy the crowds may be at Disney World on a particular day of the year.

They are separated by month so that you can easily find the specific date for which you are searching.

In addition, they are broken down by Low (under 10-minute wait times), Moderate (estimated 15 – 30-minute wait times), and Heavy (estimated 1 hour+ wait times).

These Crowd Calendars are created by a series of experts who factor in a multitude of data, past performance, and future predictions.

In short, they saved you hours and hours of homework!

Disney World Characters: Where to Find Them ALL at Walt Disney World? 

Are Disney Crowd Calendars 100% Accurate?

No… but they’re pretty darn close ! The past years (post pandemic) have really thrown a wrench into things.

Not to mention, Disney World was in the midst of a 50 th Anniversary Celebration , further exacerbating crowd levels.

Despite these curve balls, the Disney Crowd Calendars are still incredibly useful. Treat them as a helpful study guide and you won’t go wrong!

Check out this fun video to find out about Universal Crowd Calendars here on YouTube!

Disney Genie Plus vs Lightning Lane: Everything You MUST KNOW!

Top 3 Tips for Picking the BEST Days to Visit Walt Disney World

Now that you know when to visit Disney World, let’s go over a few tips to help you make the most of your vacation!

1. Add an Extra Day

However long you think you may need for your upcoming trip to Disney World, add an extra day.

You never knew when your favorite attraction may go down or that new nighttime spectacular will get rained out.

Leave yourself a little flex room. I promise, you’ll never be mad at having an extra few hours at the Most Magical Place on Earth.

What to Wear to Disney World in March (Packing List Guide for 2024)

2. Use Extra Magic Hours

If you are staying of Disney property, don’t overlook those Extra Magic Hours / Early Entry times.

Thirty minutes may not seem like much, but trust me… it can be the difference between 1 to 3 attractions!

Save up to 50% on over 25 Things to Do in Orlando: Kennedy Space Center, LEGOLAND Florida, kids activities, airboat ride, WonderWorks & more TODAY!

3. Don’t Forget to Have Fun!

Look, we love to nerd out about Disney planning. It’s kind of our thing. And based on the fact that you’re reading this blog, it’s your thing too!

You’re in good company, ThemeParkHipster!

Just make sure you take a second to push that spreadsheet aside, jump off the MyDisneyExperience App, and be present in the moment.

Enjoy the journey and the destination will be that much sweeter!

Ready to make your trip out to Walt Disney World Resort, then get your no obligation, FREE Quote by filling out the form with The Park Prodigy by Clicking HERE!

My Final Thoughts on Choosing the Best Days to Visit Disney World Parks

And there you have it, ThemeParkHipster! I hope you enjoyed my breakdown of the Best Days to Visit Disney World Parks!

Hopefully you’ll walk away with a better idea of when to visit the parks!

If you’re still unsure of where to go from here or are in need of some resources, we are here to help! Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more Walt Disney World planning tips.

Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!

About the Author

Ted Wioncek III is a professional Show Director, who specializes in developing highly themed experiences with immersive live entertainment. His work has garnered him a reputation as a “master in storytelling.”

In addition, he is also a Walt Disney World Annual Passholdin’-D23 lovin’-DVC card carryin’-theme park enthusiast, specializing in theatrical review, food critique, and double-blind Dole Whip taste testing. Ted lives in sunny Florida with his beautiful wife, daughter, and their adorable rescue beagle, affectionately named, Professor Indiana Bones. You can contact him at  [email protected] .

Planning a trip soon? If so, read the  Disney Vacation Planning Guide  for your next dream trip!

(Original Article Date: January 19, 2022/Updated by Editor on January 8, 2024)

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2024 Universal Studios Orlando Crowd Calendar: Avoid the Busy Days!

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Home » Best Time to Visit Disney World & the Worst (2024 Crowd Calendar)

Best Time to Visit Disney World & the Worst (2024 Crowd Calendar)

By Author Meg Frost

Posted on Published: December 31, 2023

So you’ve decided to go on vacation to Walt Disney World this year, but aren’t sure exactly when to go.

Well you’re in the right place! In this blog post, I’ll outline the best time to visit Disney World, as well as the worst, broken down by month, week, and weekends.

So put on your favorite pair of Minnie ears and grab a notebook and pen so you can take notes to help you decide when to go to the most magical place on earth this year.

Best time to visit Disney World & the worst!

The number one thing I love about Disney World is that there is so much to do that you can easily make your vacation whatever you want it to be!

So with that in mind, there really isn’t ever a best or worst time to visit Disney World. Plus, best and worst are very subjective – what’s one’s person’s nightmare might be another person’s dream!

All that said, one of the biggest things that guests have in common is they love it when the parks have lower crowds and wait times.

In the graphic above, you can get a quick view of my prediction of the least crowded to most crowded days throughout all of 2024.

This comes from my wealth of knowledge about Disney World, as well as examining Thrill Data’s wait time stats from the past few years.

Overall September looks to be the best time to visit Disney World, while December is the worst.

For more info on the rest of the year, let’s take a look at the best and worst months, weeks, and weekends to visit Walt Disney World throughout 2024.

Plus, at the end of the post, if you sign up for my e-mail newsletter, you can get a free downloadable, printable crowd calendar with one page per month so you have plenty of space for notes!

Best month to go to Disney World in 2024

There are five months that I feel are the best time to visit Disney World overall, each for different reasons.

When it comes to lower than average wait times, I predict the best month to go to Disney World in 2024 will be September.

Schools are back in session, but if you have kids under 5 , it’s a great time to go, as wait times are lower for the little kid rides and hotel rooms deals are abundant.

In addition, if you’re looking for an adults-only Disney World vacation , this is also a great time to go, as the families that will be in the parks are mostly younger kids, going on rides you won’t be interested in, leaving lower wait times for the fun stuff like Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and other roller coasters .

August & May

Aside from September, August and May also look pretty decent for the same reasons. Most schools start the school year in mid-to-late August, plus May is right between Spring Break and the end of the school year.

I will note that August and September are in the middle of hurricane season . While it’s rare for hurricanes to hit central Florida, it can certainly cause heavy rain and make for a miserable day.

When this happens, Disney and airlines are pretty good about allowing guests to reschedule or cancel without penalty – often without travel insurance getting involved.

May, on the other hand, has a better chance for good weather, as it’s right before hurricane season starts.

January & February

Speaking of good weather, I love the weather at Disney World during January and February.

It’s not sweltering hot, there’s low chance of rain (historically, anyway), crowds are low (save for a few holiday weekends), and you can usually find good prices for the hotels.

If you can’t pick a time between these months, have a look at my sections about the best weeks and weekends to see if there’s a particular set of dates that work best for you!

Worst month to go to Disney World in 2024

Is there ever really a worst month to go to Disney World? I mean, not really… With the right attitude and some planning, you’re bound to have fun and make life-long memories.

With that said, there are a few months that are far more busy than others and therefore might not be the best time to go – especially if you don’t get to visit often.

December is the busiest month of the year at Walt Disney World, especially the last two weeks of the year, as many guests visit for Christmas or winter vacation.

And being that it’s in such high demand, it’s also one of the most expensive times of the year for flights and hotels.

That said, it is also one of the prettiest, most exciting times of year at Walt Disney World, and I’m willing to bet the majority of Disney fans have visiting Disney World during Christmas on their vacation bucket list.

So if you’re planning to go this year, go the week after Thanksgiving, as it’ll have the lowest wait times out of all the weeks in December.

June & July

June and July are also up there as one of the worst times to visit Disney World, in my opinion.

Schools are out for the summer, so many families head down to the parks for a week or two – even some from outside the US!

Wait times are above average, sometimes by a lot, the weather is sweltering hot and humid, and it’s harder to find deals on flights and hotels.

It’s also during hurricane season, so there tends to be downpours in the afternoons, and occasionally entire days filled with rain.

But, if you have kids, sometimes school vacations are the only time you have to travel, so you have to make do with what you have. I totally get that!

If you’re stuck traveling this time of year, I recommend building in lots of breaks for pool time and naps in air conditioning to help cool down.

Plus, to get away from the crowds for a bit, consider doing activities outside of the parks, such as seeing the Cirque du Soleil show, Drawn to Life , in Disney Springs, or hitting up a water park or golf course (mini golf included!).

Best weeks to go to Disney World in 2024

The majority of out of town guests will visit for a week, usually Saturday to Saturday. So for this exercise, I looked at each Saturday-Saturday week to find ones with the lowest crowds anticipated.

January 20-27, 2024

January 20th to the 27th is fabulous for a week-long trip to Disney World! You’ll likely experience lower than average wait times and cooler weather, plus you can catch the Epcot Festival of the Arts .

February 3-10, 2024

If you’re looking for a romantic Disney vacation , the week before Valentine’s Day looks great in terms of wait-times and weather.

Plus, if you’re able to add on an extra day, you might be able to catch some Lunar New Year celebrations, too! It’s not as big a holiday as at Disneyland, but still quite fun to experience.

May 4-11, 2024

I love this week for the wait times, warmer (but not too drastically hot) weather, and the Epcot Flower & Garden Festival . May 4th is also The Park Pixie’s birthday!

August 24-31, 2024

In my opinion, this is the best week of the year crowd-wise, plus you can likely add an extra day or two due to the tail end being Labor Day.

That said, it’s in the middle of the hurricane season, so it will be hot and humid. Plus, it will likely rain for a short bit every afternoon.

August 31-September 7, 2024

Start you vacation off strong with Labor Day weekend, which hopefully means you have that Monday off and won’t have to use a vacation day!

Crowds should also be on the low side this week, as schools are back in session for a new year and therefore, less families are visiting around this time.

September 7-14, 2024 & September 14-21, 2024

Some of the lowest wait times anticipated this year happen during these two weeks. So if that is a major concern of yours, this is a great time to go.

You’ll also have a chance to check out the Epcot Food & Wine Festival , as well as Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP) .

September 21-28, 2024

Another great week in September is this one, although you might experience more average wait times on the tail end, with some schools having fall break in late September and early October.

As with the other two weeks I recommend this year, be sure to snag tickets for MNSSHP and make time for the Epcot Food & Wine Festival.

November 30-December 7, 2024

This week will have average to slightly above average wait times. However, you can’t deny that Christmas at Disney World is extra magical!

First up, all the resorts and parks get decked out for Christmas. Then there’s Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party , Epcot Festival of the Holidays , and Jollywood Nights (assuming Disney brings it back next year!).

So if you have it on your bucket list to visit during this special time of year, this is the best week to do it this year for slightly lower wait times than the rest of December.

Worst weeks to go to Disney World in 2024

You can usually count on the week of Christmas and New Year’s to be the absolute busiest weeks of the year at Disney World. This often crosses over into January.

Here are the weeks to avoid if you can’t deal with crowds:

• December 30, 2023 – January 6, 2024
• December 21-28, 2024
• December 28, 2024 – January 4, 2025

In addition, this year, Easter falls on the last weekend of March. Add on the fact that many schools plan their Spring Break around Easter weekend, and you’ll have two extra busy weeks in late March to early April.

• March 23-30, 2024
• March 30 – April 6, 2024

Outside of Easter and Christmas, here are a few more weeks with higher than average wait times and crowds.

As I’ve mentioned earlier, sometimes you’re stuck with traveling during certain weeks due to school and work schedules or policies. But if you have a choice, I’d also avoid these weeks:

• December 14-21, 2024
• December 7-14, 2024
• November 23-30, 2024
• March 9-16, 2024
• March 16-23, 2024
• June 22-29, 2024
• June 29-July 6, 2024
• July 6-13, 2024
• July 13-20, 2024
• July 20-27, 2024

Best weekends to go to Disney World in 2024

Lately I’ve been visiting Disney in 2-3 night stays instead of for a full week. I find that I’m not as exhausted and sore, plus I get to experience the different events throughout the year!

Plus if you don’t mind putting up with crowds, traveling on a holiday weekend often means you can get away without using a vacation day (or only one, if you choose to leave Friday morning).

Labor Day weekend

Speaking of holiday weekends, this year the best holiday weekend to visiting Disney World in 2024 is Labor Day Weekend. It has the lowest anticipated wait times compared to most other holiday weekends.

The trade off is that it’s in the middle of hurricane season, so the chance of rain is high, as are the hot and humid days. But you’ll also get to hang out at the Epcot Food & Wine Festival and see the Halloween decor.

Last year, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party ran on Friday and Monday of Labor Day weekend.

You might be able to swing Friday if you fly out in the morning and don’t run into any delays. But to be on the safe side, I recommend adding an extra day and flying out Thursday after work or on Tuesday, the day after Labor Day.

More good weekends to visit Disney World

If you have vacation days to spare, here are a few weekend dates, other than Labor Day weekend, with lower than average anticipated wait times.

• January 19-22, 2024
• January 26-29, 2024
• February 2-5, 2024
• May 3-6, 2024
• August 23-26, 2024
• September 6-9, 2024
• September 13-16, 2024
• September 20-23, 2024

Worst weekends to go to Disney World in 2024

Just like the worst, or busiest, weeks of the year, the worst weekends to go to Disney World fall at the same time:

• Easter Weekend : March 29-April 1, 2024
• Weekend before Christmas : December 20-23, 2024
• Weekend before New Year’s : December 27-30, 2024

So if you’re looking to visit on a holiday weekend to take advantage of a “free” vacation day, stick to Labor Day weekend.

Download my FREE Disney World crowd calendar for 2024!

For easier planning, I recommend signing up for my email list to get access to my FREE library filled with planning documents, including a Disney World crowd calendar for 2024.

The crowd calendar includes an annual view with crowd level predictions and monthly view with holidays and crowd level predictions, as well as space for notes and links to relevant posts to help with your Disney vacation planning.

WDW Crowd Calendar

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You can also visit my monthly planning guides for insight on each month:

When are you planning to visit Disney World this year?

Congratulations, you have now become an expert on the optimal times to visit the most magical place on Earth, as well as which times to avoid.

While any time at Disney World is a good time, the best times to visit this year happen in January, February, May, August, and September.

Meanwhile, the busiest times to visit are June, July, and December.

I hope the insight I’ve provided has helped you plan the perfect Disney World vacation with wonderful weather, shorter lines and more time for fun!

So when will you embark on your Disney adventure? Will you brave the crowds on a holiday weekend or take advantage of the slow weeks? Or will you try to work out several shorter trips throughout the year to experience more of the seasonal offerings?

Whichever option you choose, keep in mind that you can’t do all the things, so take your time and focus more on creating long-lasting memories with your family and friends and having fun!

Until then, happy planning and may your Disney World vacation be full of pixie dust, short lines, sunny days, and churros from Animal Kingdom’s Nomad Lounge.

See you at the parks!

About the author

Meg Frost is the creator of  The Park Pixie , where she covers Disney World, Disney+, and Disney fandom.

She holds an M.A. in Journalism from Northeastern University and B.S. in Communication & American Studies from University of Miami in Florida.

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Home » Walt Disney World » Planning and Tips

Disney World Crowd Calendar 2024 & 2025

By Author Ziggy Oskwarek

Posted on Last updated: December 28, 2023

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If you are trying to find out when the busiest time to visit Disney is, then our Disney World Crowd Calendars for 2024 and 2025 will help you avoid crowds and long waits in line. There is no real “off-season” in Disney World, but you definitely can find plenty of days when the crowd levels are low.

There are many tools that will help you to plan your Walt Disney World vacation, but perhaps none is more important than a Disney crowd calendar. Whether you are going alone, with friends, or with your family, it will help you avoid the crowds which will ultimately lead to a more fun trip.

In this post, we are going to share with you our 2024 Disney World crowd calendar , show you how to use it , and how to find the best dates for you. We’ll go over the busiest days and months of the year in the parks so you don’t find yourself there during those times.

We’ll explain exactly what a crowd calendar is, why it’s useful, but also why you can’t always rely on them 100%. And if you happen to find yourself in one of the Disney World parks on a day when it’s super busy, we’ll help you to avoid the crowds as much as possible and make the best of it.

Our Disney World crowd calendar is based on predicted attendance and will point out the exact dates when you are least likely and most likely to find the theme parks packed with people. Many factors are taken into consideration when making it like school schedules, events, holidays, and more, which will give you the best chance possible to go on the right days.

Crowd Levels aren’t the only factor you should take into consideration when deciding when to plan your trip. For a more balanced look, read our guide on the Best Times to Visit Disney World in 2024 which looks at the crowds but also the weather, park hours, and prices, among other things. We even rank our favorite months to visit from best to worst.

Also, if you want the latest Disney World trip planning advice, including crowd calendar updates and more don’t forget to sign up for our FREE Weekly E-Mail Newsletter. You can sign up here: Join our E-Mail Newsletter!

Table of Contents

Latest Disney Crowd Calendar Update

(UPDATE) – We’ve updated our Crowd Calendar to reflect the latest crowd expectations for 2024 and beyond.

As if planning a Disney crowd calendar in 2024 wasn’t already hard enough, things got a whole lot more difficult over the past few years, especially with the closure of the Disney World parks and all the returning attractions, entertainment, and restaurants that it’s taken over three years to get back.

In order to predict what could happen in 2024, we have to take a good look at what happened last year. We will address whether or not we expect crowd levels to keep rising and what effect that will have on wait times.

Just a word of caution, since the parks reopened, any traditional Disney World crowd calendar has been thrown out the window as it has been extremely difficult to predict attendance with any reliability up to this point.

Some of our predictions for 2023 came true, however, with so many unpredictable factors, we also got a lot wrong. Any estimates for 2024 should be taken with a grain of salt as the past couple of years have been harder than ever to understand crowds, and we are far from perfect.

2023 was an interesting year to say the least, and we had no idea how crowd levels would react throughout the year. There were a lot of unknown factors in play such as new attractions opening and a slowed-down economy, reducing overall travel to Walt Disney World compared to the previous year.

We initially thought that the boom we experienced in 2022 would continue, as the year went on though, it was clear that people are slowing down a bit when it comes to taking vacations, especially when visiting “The most magical place on earth.”

And while the parks are basically, back “to normal”, factors like the staff shortage in the Orlando area continue to make their effects known.

Even though there were periods of high crowds as always, when looking at the year overall, attendance levels were lower than the previous year in almost every month. This was seen in wait times which were also down year-over-year for most attractions.

In 2023, things got off to a good start in January with the parks seemingly full. Not as much as 2022, but full for the season. After that, there was an steady decline almost all year long. In February, wait times remained high, but down year over year. Because of the high crowds the year before, we had basically written off traveling to WDW in February as it seemed almost impossible. Instead it was much more pleasant in 2023.

Then things got really strange. Instead of wait times ramping up in March and April with people starting to travel more for Spring Break and Easter, then actually decreased. The parks should have been incredibly busy during those months, especially with the new TRON Lightcycle Run coaster opening, but they were much more empty compared to the prior year.

May was extremely quiet and perhaps our favorite month to visit from last year with insanely low wait times which made us very happy guests. In June and July things picked up a bit, but it never really felt like normal crowd levels for summertime.

If you really want to look at the numbers, our friends over at Thrill-data.com have some incredible charts where you can see the steady climb in wait times throughout the year.

The above chart shows Magic Kingdom wait times starting in January 2022 and going through December 2023.

You can see the avg wait for an attraction was around 37 minutes in January 2022, but that went down to 34 minutes in January 2023. June 2022 had avg wait times of 37 minutes, while June 2023 was down to 31 minutes.

Here are the graphs for EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom:

There was a big drop in August, and a bigger one in September. This happens every year, but not to this level. In fact, in September the avg wait time for attractions in all 4 parks was between 24 and 36 minutes, a big difference from only a few months earlier.

October should be one of the busiest months of the year, as it’s been trending in that direction for years now. This past Oct was low though, and in the Animal Kingdom wait times were only 20 minutes on average compared to 47 minutes the year before!

Crowds were also way down through the holiday season in November and December, a startling observation. These months are always near the top of our busiest months list, but in 2023 they were only average.

So does this mean crowds will continue to fall in 2024 and beyond? Yes, we think there is a good chance of that happening.

Crowds always increase from September to December, in the Spring and Summer due to the holidays and school schedules. However, the fact we didn’t see that happen last year could be a warning sign of things to come.

The high levels of a few years ago were due to a number of factors. Many domestic travelers initially were hesitant to travel at first, but after a year or two, they felt more comfortable with the idea of going to Walt Disney World. It became “the safe destination.”

Also, many DVC members had to use up their points from canceled trips in 2020 and 2021 and were “forced” to go to Disney World thereafter to avoid losing their points.

Looking forward to 2024, there are many factors that will determine the crowd levels…

The biggest one though is the question of the economy . It’s now been a couple of years since most of the world has had to deal with rising inflation, and there just isn’t as much disposable income for vacations to expensive places like Walt Disney World at the moment.

Many economic experts were even predicting the United States to fall into a recession in 2023. It looks like we avoided that, but we may not be out of the water yet with the prices of everything sky-high. If that continues and if inflation stays high throughout the year, we may start to see some more lulls in park attendance again.

We could also see the drop in attendance coming a mile away when last year Disney started offering heavy discounts on hotel rooms and vacation packages around the holiday season. Usually, there are very little discounts, if any during what should be the busiest time of the year. Instead, Disney realized they had a ton of hotel occupancy to sell with discounts of 35% or more.

We are going to be watching very closely the current Disney World discounts into the new year. If we continue to see big discounts as the year goes on, that will be a sign Disney still has plenty of hotel rooms to sell and that crowds will be down again in 2024.

Most families who are planning to go to Walt Disney World start doing so at least 6 months in advance, if not 1 year. A lot of people were in a wait-and-see frame of mind over the past year, and we’ll see if Disney can do something to change their minds.

If attendance does pick up, it surely won’t be because of a flood of new attractions coming to the parks. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is the only new attraction of interest for 2024, and even that is only a refurbishment of an existing attraction. Beyond that the slate is pretty empty.

We do expect the trend of busier weekends to continue this year. Local visitors have been strong in the past year who come on the weekends to have fun. This has been especially true in EPCOT as the park gets much more full from people visiting for the various festivals.

Also, Disney World annual passes have returned , so attendance from Florida residents should also continue to rise.

So what will 2024 look like?

After the holidays and into the winter, crowds should drop off somewhat, but perhaps not as much as in normal years since we are already starting from a low bar. Either way, one of the slowest months in 2024 is January. February has gotten worse in recent years and we haven’t recommend going then in a while, but this year may not be that bad, especially during the first half of the month.

In March 2024 we have crowd levels at one of the highest for the year with Spring Break in full swing and Easter all in the same month. Last year it was lower than usual, but we expect it to be one of the worst months this year. April should be much better in 2024 once the guests lingering from Easter leave after the first week.

May should have a massive dip in crowds from March and April, but things should get busier again in June . The Summer should peak in July with all kids off from school and many families traveling to Disney World.

August and September traditionally have the lowest crowds, and we expect 2024 to be the same.

October 2024 will get busier in Disney World between Columbus Day, EPCOT festivals, and Halloween. The weekends in October should be busier than the weekdays, so plan your days wisely.

In November , things will be busier than usual in the first half of the month with Veteran’s Day and runDisney events. There is a slight lull in the middle of the month until guests start coming for the Thanksgiving holiday. We should see normal holiday crowds in 2024, especially if the capacity limits are back to 100% by then.

December should follow a similar path as it normally does, with lower crowds in the first half of the month and then slowly building up to huge numbers at Christmas and New Year’s.

Overall, from what we’ve seen over recent months and lack of demand right now for Walt Disney World vacations, we expect attendance to be low, at least through the beginning of the year. If the economy picks up and interest returns, it could be a different story in the second half of 2024. But right now, we see lower attendance than usual.

That said, the unpredictability of the world scene means you should take our WDW crowd calendar with a grain of salt at the moment. Even though we have a much better idea of how the crowd flow will work after seeing how things went last year, there is still some margin for error.

We will continue updating the 2024 and 2025 dates with our crowd estimates as the year goes on and as we have more information, so keep checking back.

One thing is fairly certain, however, overall crowd levels in Disney World this year will be lower than a couple of years ago, if we end up seeing a full-blown recession in this country, things could get even worse.

If you want to see how the restrictions over the last few years have affected crowds at Disney World, you can read our Guide to Walt Disney World Reopening and our Disney World Closure Guide which explain what happened with the parks during that time. Oh how far we’ve come…but on to 2024!

Ready to Start Planning Your Disney Vacation?

If you feel overwhelmed planning a Disney vacation, use an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner such as Show You the World Travel . They are experts on every Disney location and can tell you where to stay, what to do, how to save money, and give you personalized service for your most magical vacation ever!

What is a Disney World Crowd Calendar?

A crowd calendar helps us predict how busy a Disney park will be on any given day. This means if used properly, a crowd calendar can help you avoid Disney World when attendance is highest and when the lines for rides are the longest.

Our 2024 Disney World Crowd Calendar takes all 4 theme parks into consideration, the two water parks, and how busy Disney Springs and all the restaurants on property will be.

If you hate waiting in line as much as we do, Disney crowd calendars are a life-saver! If there was such a thing as a Disney-planning toolbox, this would be your hammer, an essential tool never to leave home without!

While not all guests have the flexibility to plan their entire trip around the least-crowded times of the year, using a Disney crowd tracker is still useful to pick days where there are only moderate crowds and at least avoid the absolutely busiest times of the year.

Why Crowd Calendars Are Helpful

Using a Disney crowd calendar to find the right days to go to the parks means:

• Less time wasted waiting in line for rides
• Less time in line for food
• Easier to get Advanced Dining Reservations
• Easier to get Genie+ reservations for the popular attractions
• More space when navigating the parks
• Having more freedom to choose what to do once you get to the parks
• More entertainment showtimes

Not all parks have the same attendance or crowd flow. There are certain times of the year when a given theme park will flow differently than other times of the year. Even attraction lines behave very differently from season to season or week to week, with much depending on how many cast members are working that day ride efficiency and how many people are in the park.

For example, if you try to ride Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance on a holiday or one of the busiest days of the year, you will have to get there well before the park opens if you don’t want to wait for hours in line.

Also, crowd levels in the parks can vary throughout the day from morning to afternoon and evening. That means it’s important to react and know what to do when peak crowds start arriving. If you have a basic understanding of how crowds work, you will have a much better time!

They are also great at seeing events in Disney World that you otherwise would never have realized are going on during your trip. I’m guessing you didn’t know that the D2 Summit cheerleading championship happens in May and can bring big crowds did you? Knowing all these small details will help you to be better prepared for your trip.

How Our Disney World Crowd Calendar Works

How did we come up with our Disney World Crowd Calendar for 2024? It would be easy to just throw a dart at the calendar and assign a color, but that wouldn’t be a very effective way of predicting peak crowds.

We selected which days and weeks are going to be the busiest based on a variety of data factors. Those factors include:

• Historical attendance during that period
• Ticket Prices
• Hotel Prices
• Hotel bookings (% of filled rooms)
• Upcoming Events/Attraction Openings
• Expected Wait Times
• Theme park projections
• Current Health Crisis
• Bad Economy

Looking at all these different factors gives us a good idea of what kind of attendance you are likely to find on a given day. After decades of visiting the parks and observing attendance patterns, we’ve found this to be the best way to determine crowd levels as you can’t just go on school holidays alone.

All that said, no Disney World Crowd Calendar is 100% right, even in a year like 2024. Expect there to be some small differences between our predictions and the actual crowd sizes.

It is meant to be used as a helpful guide and not the definitive source of your vacation planning and we do our best to constantly update our projections to give you the most accurate predictions for your trip.

Rating System

We’ve broken down each day on the calendar into one of 5 colors . Each of these colors represents the expected crowds in Disney World on that day. The colors and crowd levels are as follows:

• Green = Least Crowded Days (Best times to go)
• Light Blue = Light Crowds
• Yellow = Moderate Crowds
• Orange = Heavy Crowds
• Red = Most Crowded (Avoid at all costs!)

Obviously, the more days you can fit into your vacation that are green (lowest crowds) or light blue (light crowds), the happier you are going to be. It’s almost impossible to have every one of your days in Disney World be a day with low crowds, but try to pick a week with as many as possible.

The colors follow the same pattern in 2024 as they did last year. We did this to reflect how crowded the parks feel and what wait times are right now and we’re measuring things compared to how much space people actually have in the parks.

For 2024 there aren’t as many light days on our calendar as in years past, and many more orange days. Again, this reflects how full the parks will be based on their reduced capacities, which could change at any time. For now, it’s the new normal.

2024 Disney World Crowd Calendar

(Updated) – Here is our updated 2024 Disney World Crowd Calendar. Feel free to download it or print it out to bring with you on your vacation.

Also, if you are a journalist, travel agent, or blogger, feel free to link to this page to share this calendar with your audience.

Biggest Determining Factors for Crowd Levels in Disney World

Figuring out when peak crowds will arrive at Walt Disney World isn’t easy, but it can be determined by a few major factors. Here are the most common factors to take into consideration:

School Schedules

School schedules are the biggest factor to consider when trying to figure out Disney World crowds. When the school season is in session, families are less likely to travel to Disney World, meaning fewer people in the parks during those days.

Some parents are willing to take their kids out of school for a week to bring them to Disney (thanks mom and dad!), but this is rare and not the norm.

Most parents are only able to bring their kids during the holidays or summer break period when they don’t have to take them out of school and it’s either: 1. Go when crowds are heavy or 2. Don’t go to Disney World at all.

Obviously, we don’t recommend number 2, and we think if planned properly you can still have a great time if you visit when kids are off from school. A trip to Disney World is expensive , but prices are also much cheaper when kids are in school.

Not only will the parks be less full, but you will also save tons of money on your Disney vacation in the process.

We recommend reading our post on the cheapest time to go to Disney World if you are on a budget.

Hand-in-hand with school schedules are the national holidays. Some of them bring bigger crowds to Disney World than others, but all of them increase attendance at least to a degree. Here is a list of the holidays that have an effect on crowd levels in Disney World in 2024:

• New Year’s Day –  Jan 1
• Martin Luther King Jr Day – Jan 15
• Valentine’s Day – Feb 14
• President’s Day – Feb 19
• St. Patrick’s Day – Mar 17
• Easter – March 31
• Memorial Day – May 27
• The 4th of July – July 4
• Labor Day – Sep 2
• Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day – Oct 14
• Veteran’s Day – Nov 11
• Thanksgiving Day – Nov 28
• Christmas Day – Dec 25
• New Year’s Eve – Dec 31

Not all holidays are created equal and some are much busier than others. Christmas, New Year’s, Thanksgiving, Easter, and the 4th of July are by far the worst and are the times when families visit the most. This is because of the convenience of having around a week or more off from school, making a trip to Florida doable.

Some of the holidays that bring fewer crowds to the parks are Labor Day and Memorial Day. So if you have to visit during a holiday, those are the best choices. St. Patrick’s Day and Valentine’s Day are even less crowded but don’t draw big crowds anyway on their own.

Disney World Special Events 2024

Special events can greatly influence crowd levels in Disney World and a lot of people come out to the parks when there is something new going on. Some of these can include the EPCOT festivals, new attractions, runDisney races, hard-ticketed events like Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

Even youth sporting events like dance or cheerleading competitions have a big effect on how many people are visiting the parks during a given week.

Here is a look at all the Disney World events in 2024 that will have an effect on the crowd levels:

• Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend : Jan 3 – Jan 7
• EPCOT® International Festival of the Arts : Jan 12 – Feb 19
• Pro Bowl Weekend: Feb 1 – Feb 4
• Cheerleading & Dance Competitions:   Jan 12-14, Feb 2 – 4, Feb 9 – 11, Feb 16 – 18, Mar 1 – 3, Mar 9 – 10, Apr 24 – 29, May 2 – 6
• runDisney Princess Half Marathon Weekend – Feb 22 – Feb 26
• runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend:   April 18 – April 21
• EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival : TBD (February 28 – Early July)
• EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival: TBD (Mid-July – Mid-Nov)
• Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party: (Early Aug – Oct 31)
• Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend:   Oct 31 – Nov 3
• Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party : TBD (Early Nov – End Dec)
• EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays: TBD (End Nov – Dec 30)

Quite a few of the usual Disney World events are back in 2024 after they were canceled in recent years such as the marathons, and the cheerleading and dance competitions. Thankfully, most of the other big events were saved and will continue as normal or as modified versions of the regular events.

Why Crowds Calendars Aren’t Always 100 Percent Correct

As great as a good Disney World Crowd Calendar can be, it is not the end-all-be-all to Disney vacation planning. Don’t think you can just pick a time when the calendar tells you the parks should have fewer people and think that’s all you need to do to have a successful Disney trip. Crowd calendars are just one part of the planning.

You can’t count on them 100% as there are just too many variables that can change at a moment’s notice. In the past, everyone thought that the crowds for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge would be off the charts in Disneyland and Disney World and there would be lines outside the parks all day. It turns out that was completely wrong advice and the resorts on both coasts had one of the lightest Summer attendance ever.

The weather can turn a park from heavy crowds to empty in a matter of days. Whenever there are hurricanes in Disney World , the parks turn into a ghost town for days before and after the storm hits. You can’t predict the weather and you have to go with the flow.

Then there’s what happened in 2020 with parks closing and guests having to reschedule for a future date or completely cancel their vacations due to economic hardship. 2020 was on pace for one of the busiest years in Disney World in recent memory, and things changed overnight and it became the year with the lightest crowds ever once the parks reopened.

Disney is great at manipulating the park attendance and releases special offers throughout the year once they realize that bookings aren’t at the level they are looking for. Promotions like Disney Free Dining and Annual Passholder hotel discounts can end up bringing more people to the parks than originally anticipated.

Even when theme park capacity isn’t at 100%, it can feel more crowded than it actually is. Disney tends to reduce park hours and understaff the parks when they don’t anticipate a lot of people coming to the parks on a given day.

So even though there are half the people in the Magic Kingdom on a weekday in September than there are during the holidays, the actual wait times could be similar depending on if rides are running at full capacity that day or not.

This is made evident when Disney decides to do last-minute maintenance on attractions or there is a refurbishment for one of the higher capacity attractions. If Pirates of the Caribbean and “it’s a small world” both go down at the same time, expect to see increased wait times in all the other attractions throughout the park.

Relying too much on a crowd calendar will just let you down. We think they are an awesome tool to put in the right position to succeed when visiting Disney World, but they also must be combined with a good Genie+ strategy and overall touring strategy which will both help you solve any problem that going when there are peak crowds can solve.

Best Way to Save Big $$$ on Disney Resorts

If you want to potentially save thousands of dollars on your next trip to Disney World, I personally recommend David’s DVC Rentals . They consistently have the best prices and biggest selection of Disney Villas that will make you ask yourself: “How do they do it?”

When is Disney World Least Crowded in 2024 & 2025?

The smaller the crowds are, the less time you are going to have to wait in line for your favorite ride. So the objective is to find when there are the least amount of people in the parks as possible when you go.

These are the best dates, solely based on the crowd levels, not including other factors like weather. Just the days when you are less likely to run into droves of people.

Here are the dates you’ll find are going to be the least crowded in Disney World in the next 2 years.

Lightest Crowds in 2024:

• Jan 16 – Feb 7
• May 1-31 (excluding weekends & 25th-27th)
• September (the whole month)
• Nov 12-15 (avoid Veteran’s Day)

Lightest Crowds in 2025:

• Jan 2-10 (excluding Marathon dates)
• Jan 20 – Feb 6
• May 1-23 (excluding weekends)
• Nov 1-14 (avoid Veteran’s Day)
• Dec 1-12 (weekdays)

A lot of this could change depending on when the Disney World park capacities return to normal and how many people can actually afford a Disney vacation at this time. We’ll be updating these dates on our Disney Crowd Calendar as more information comes out.

When is Disney World Most Crowded? 2024 and 2025

Walt Disney World always has peak crowds during the big holidays. New Year’s and the days following are always packed, with Martin Luther King Day Weekend, President’s Day Weekend, Spring Break, Easter, the 4th of July, Columbus Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas into New Year’s Eve.

If you are concerned about finding large crowds when you go, then you will definitely want to follow our crowd calendar to know which ones to avoid. Here is a list of when Disney World will be the most crowded in the next 2 years:

Busiest Days in 2024:

• Jan 1 (New Year’s Crowds)
• Jan 12-15 (Martin Luther King Weekend)
• Feb 16-25 (President’s Day Weekend)
• Mid-March – Mid-April (Spring Break & Easter)
• July (4th of July and the entire month)
• October 11-14 (Columbus Day Weekend)
• Nov 22-30 (Thanksgiving Week)
• Dec 14-31 (Christmas and New Year’s Weeks)

Busiest Days in 2025:

• Jan 17-20 (Martin Luther King Weekend)
• Feb 14-23 (President’s Day Weekend)
• October 10-13 (Columbus Day Weekend)
• Nov 21-30 (Thanksgiving Week)
• Dec 13 -31 (Christmas and New Year’s Weeks)

This is looking out all the way into 2025 so things can change from now until then, but for the most part, these are going to be the days with the highest attendance.

Busiest Days of the Week at Disney World

What about the busiest days of the week at Disney World? Are there certain days which are always better to visit the parks no matter what time of year you go?

Out of all the days of the week, Saturday is usually the busiest in the theme parks.

In general, the Disney theme parks are more crowded on weekends than on weekdays . This is because during the week the majority of visitors are there on vacation. However, the Florida locals also come to the parks more on the weekends when school and work are out, therefore filling the parks more.

Weekends are also a great time for visitors because it means taking off fewer days from work. If a family is coming for 5 days, you can be sure 2 of those days will be Saturday and Sunday. Many holidays are part of a long weekend, attracting both locals and out-of-town visitors.

EPCOT Weekends

If at all possible, DO NOT go to EPCOT on the weekend. We just talked about Florida locals coming to the parks more on Saturday and Sunday, and Epcot benefits the most from this trend.

EPCOT hosts 4 festivals per year:

• EPCOT International Festival of the Arts
• EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival
• EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival
• EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays

Each of these festivals lasts from 1 to 3 months and in total, there are less than 3 months per year when EPCOT does not have a festival going on. Locals are drawn here because it’s a great place to meet your friends and walk around World Showcase while grabbing some snacks and drinks.

You definitely should go to Epcot during your visit, but if there is a festival going on, make sure it’s during a weekday.

Magic Kingdom Mondays

While visiting the theme parks during the week is always recommended, you might not want to visit Magic Kingdom Park on Monday which happens to be one of the park’s busiest days.

The reason behind this is that many people are just starting their vacation on Mondays, and what better place to make you really feel like you are in Disney World, than stepping onto Main Street U.S.A.? For that reason, it always sees higher crowds on Mondays than the other days of the week.

Sunday is actually a pretty good day to visit the Magic Kingdom as guests are either arriving that day or leaving to go home. Any other weekday is also fine, just check the calendar to see if there is a hard-ticketed event that day. In that case, the park will close early to regular guests but as long as you aren’t staying past dinner time it won’t be a problem.

Early Theme Park Entry

Early Theme Park Entry allows guests who are staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel, to enter the parks 30 minutes before the general public each and every morning.

We are big fans of rope-dropping the Disney parks to get a great jump on the attractions that day, and ETHE means you can do rope drop even before off-site guests. This can be a big advantage in avoiding the crowds and should be considered when planning your trip.

It doesn’t matter which Walt Disney World Resort Hotel you are staying at, they are all eligible for Early Theme Park Entry. This means you will have early access to your favorite attractions and can ride them before the crowds get too big.

This is the current replacement for Extra Magic Hours and at this time Disney if this is a long-term solution or only temporary. You no longer have to figure out which parks have early access on a given morning, all 4 parks are the same and each lets you in 30 minutes early, 7 days a week.

While there aren’t many perks anymore for staying on property , Early Theme Park Entry is one of the only ones left that actually helps, especially with new or extremely popular rides like Rise of the Resistance.

Staying Off-Site – In this case, you can’t participate in Early Theme Park Entry. From a planning point of view, you still want to show up at the front gate before the scheduled park opening.

When they finally let you into the park, many of the good rides will already be packed, but you still will have lower wait times than in the middle of the day. The wait times at Disney theme parks increase dramatically after the first two hours of the park opening, so even if you miss the first 30 minutes, there is still plenty of time to get things done.

Combining your crowd calendar while showing up for Early Theme Park Entry is a recipe for success!

Extended Evening Theme Park Hours

Similar to Early Theme Park Entry, Extended Evening Theme Park Hours gives guests extra time in the parks, but instead of the morning, you have access at night.

The way it works is guests staying at one of the Disney Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Resort hotels get extended access to the theme parks on select nights. That means that you will be able to stay late at the parks and continue enjoying the attractions while all the other guests will have to go home.

Also, Extended Evening Hours are not in every park, and not every night of the week. It’s similar to the old Extra Magic Hours with each park selected on certain nights. On these nights, the parks stay open until 11:00 pm, 12:00 am or even 1:00 am.

This will be advantageous to you if you are a night owl because the majority of guests with kids are not going to stay out that late and ride wait times will be extremely low. Many times we’ve been able to go on rides like Space Mountain or Peter Pan’s Flight and only have to wait 5-10 minutes.

Read our Guide to Extended Evening Theme Park Hours for a more detailed look as well as tips.

More Tips to Avoid the Crowds at Disney

Here are a few more key tips to make the best use of your Disney crowd calendar and avoid the crowds.

Rope Drop Is Key!

The best way to avoid big crowds in Disney World is to rope drop the parks. Rope dropping essentially means getting to the parks before they open in order to be one of the first people at the best attractions.

Since the theme parks are usually at their peak attendance in the late morning to afternoon, this is a tried-and-true strategy that will significantly improve the number of rides you can do in a day, and help you avoid crowds. It’s a must-do if you are going to the parks on a holiday.

Learn How to Use Genie+

The next way to avoid crowds in Disney World is to have a good Genie+ strategy. This is the replacement service for FastPass+, and it also was created to allow you to essentially skip the lines on whatever attractions you make reservations for, giving you very minimal wait times.

There are 2 ride reservation systems, Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lane selections, both of which you need to pay extra for if you want to use. Guests with reservations then use the Lightning Lane (the old FastPass lane) to bypass the standby line.

Genie+ costs $15-$35 per day, per guest. With that fee, guests can make reservations for attractions they want to ride throughout the day in a specific time slot like FastPass+. They then come back when that time slot is called.

Attractions included in Individual Lightning Lane selections on the other hand let you skip the line for a one-time fee and not an all-day pass. This is useful if you just want to pay for one ride and not the whole day.

The process starts each morning at 7:00 am when you can start making Genie+ or Individual Lightning Lane reservations for that day using My Disney Experience.

The best strategy is to get a Lightning Lane reservation for the most popular rides with the longest wait times, that way you can avoid the longest lines when you visit that park.

This is easier to do when you choose a day from the crowd calendar that is expected to be low attendance because you will be competing with fewer people for those coveted Genie+ reservations. On peak-crowd days it is much harder, and rides like Slinky Dog Dash or Flight of Passage may be out of reach.

Read our Guide to Lightning Lanes & Genie Plus and our Guide to Disney’s Genie service for more info and tips.

Watch Out for Party Days

One thing that can ruin your park strategy is the hard-ticketed parties in Disney’s Magic Kingdom. These after-hours events only let in guests with a special ticket for the event and the Magic Kingdom closes at 7 pm on those nights.

The two main parties to be aware of are: Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party , which takes place from August through October, and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party from November to December. Both of these events are held three times per week in Disney’s Magic Kingdom.

These events are usually packed themselves, so not a good idea if you are trying to avoid crowds as much as possible. The first party of the year is usually packed, and then crowds fall off a bit, only to reach peak levels in the days before the actual holiday.

It’s also important to know when the parties are being held so you don’t show up to the Magic Kingdom at 5 pm, thinking you have the rest of the night, only later to find out the park closes at 7 pm.

Use Hard-Ticketed Events to Your Advantage

There are some hard-ticketed events that you can use as a perfect way to experience the parks and rides the attractions without the crowds and without the long wait times. These events happen late at night usually at 10 pm, giving visitors 3 hours to explore the parks, while limiting entrance to only a few thousand people.

Such events include:

• Disney After Hours – (Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios)
• Disney Villains After Hours – (Magic Kingdom)

Planning Mid-Day Attractions Right

Timing is everything when trying to avoid long lines in the Disney attractions, and that means knowing what time of the day is best to do each one.

As a general rule, the big E-Ticket rides should be done early on in the day. This is because park attendance is always lower at the opening and gradually increases until mid to late afternoon. So naturally, the queue for Space Mountain is going to be much shorter at 9 am than at 2 pm.

If you followed our Rope Dropping advice, that means getting in line before the park opens to ride the most popular attraction, especially if you aren’t using Genie+. The other big ones you should be able to knock out by waiting in line during the first couple hours after opening or by using your Genie+/Lightning Lane.

So what should you do in the middle of the day? This is the best time for shows. Any non-ride attraction or entertainment like parades or shows like The Lion King or Nemo should never be done in the morning. Many are indoors with air conditioning and are a great break from the Florida sun while waiting for some of the lines on the rides to lessen.

Then in the evening, it’s time to get in line for the popular rides again when the crowds die down as people go back to their hotels or go to dinner. Make sure to plan your midday right!

Plan the Best Rides at Beginning of Your Trip

Ok, so we told you that Genie+ and the Lightning Lane are useful in avoiding crowded lines right? The thing is depending on what time of year you go, you might have a hard time getting one for the most popular rides in Disney World since so many people are also trying to get one at the same time.

To help put the odds in your favor, we recommend doing the best rides at the beginning of your trip, as soon as you get the chance. For example, if you plan on visiting the same park on multiple days during your trip, do the most popular rides right away.

Prioritize those attractions in Genie+ and make them your first selections each day. The best rides tend to fill up right away each morning, so if you wait, there is a good chance they won’t be there later in the day.

This is good advice no matter if you are using Genie+ or not. If you are using the standby queues and see a popular attraction that has a decently low wait time, take advantage of that and do it right away. You may come back later in the day or another day and find the wait time is much longer so don’t procrastinate.

If you get another chance to ride them in the last few days that’s great, but at least you won’t feel forced to wait 3 hours in line because it’s your only option.

What to do if You Are In the Parks When It’s Crowded?

Sometimes, even with the best planning and using a Disney World crowd calendar, you still end up with huge crowds on the days you’re in the parks. Maybe going during the holiday season was the only time you could bring your family, and now you’re stuck.

Don’t worry, there are still ways to minimize wait times and make your experience a pleasant one. Here are some tips:

Take a Mid-Day Break

Let’s face it, most families (especially if you have little kids) just can’t do a day from rope drop until the park closes at night. I don’t have kids and I can’t even do it! This strategy is so good because it allows you to enjoy the two best parts of the day and skip the worst.

As we said, park attendance starts out slow in the morning and slowly gets busier and busier as the day goes on until the evening. That’s why we like to go early in the morning, then return to our hotel in the middle of the day when the people start flowing in the turnstiles.

We can then either take a well-earned nap in the room or put our bathing suits on and take a dip in the hotel swimming pool.

Depending on our plans for the rest of the day, we sometimes then go back to the same park later in the evening, once it’s calmed down some. That lets us not waste time in the middle of the day when lines are the longest and rest up for later.

Another great advantage of going back to the hotel at midday is you get an escape from the tremendous heat towards 12 pm and into the afternoon. That can be excruciating at times and you might be too tired to stay in the park all day until the evenings, which are the most pleasant for the heat.

Go to the Parks In the Rain

When it starts raining in Disney World, thousands of families immediately start running for the exits and make their way back to their hotel. While that may be tempting considering the crazy downpours that are common in Central Florida, waiting the storm out and staying in the park is one of the best ways to beat the crowds.

Thunderstorms in Florida don’t last very long and usually will bring the sun back out a short time later. What you should do is find the nearest show to where you are, go in, and by the time it’s over, the storm is already likely to have passed by. Now you have a good portion of guests who have gone home and lower wait times on the rides.

Ride During the Parades

If you want low wait times, you need to go on the rides when the people aren’t there right? One great opportunity is to hit some of the most popular ones when a parade is happening (this is for the Magic Kingdom obviously).

Now I’m not saying to skip the parade and never see it, but if you are going to the Magic Kingdom for two days during your trip, there is no need to see the parade twice. The same goes for if you have been to Disney and seen the parade dozens of times already. Use that time wisely.

Eat at “Odd” Hours

This is another great one. Step outside the box and don’t eat your meals at traditional times. Not only will you find shorter lines getting your food, if you go on the attractions when everyone else is eating, you are likely to find fewer people in the queue.

This is especially true at Dinner and doesn’t work as well at Lunch. If you eat an early dinner at 3:00 – 4:00 pm, or a late one at 8:00 pm or later, you can use that window in between to ride attractions while the majority of guests are eating.

Disney World Crowds – Month by Month

Let’s take a look month by month at the Disney World crowds and get an overall snapshot of each of them. We’re going to look at all the major events and holidays occurring over the next 12 months, and then talk about the crowd levels throughout each month.

(Crowd Calendar details for 2024 will be continually updated as Disney releases more information including park hours, procedures, and special events.)

January 2024

Events of Note:

• New Year’s Day – Jan 1
• Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – Jan 3-7
• EPCOT International Festival of the Arts – Jan 12 – Feb 19
• Cheerleading Competitions – Jan 12-14
• Martin Luther King Jr Day Weekend – Jan 13-16
• Jan 1-2 – Crowds are still at year-high levels from New Year’s with the rest of the holiday visitors. Since New Year’s is on a Sunday, levels are extremely high until guests go home on Monday. Avoid these days at all costs.
• Jan 3-7 – Even though holiday guests return home, crowd levels remain high for the highly anticipated Marathon Weekend.
• Jan 8-11 – This is a great 4-day stretch in Disney World as very little is going on and a break between the marathon and the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday the following weekend. This is one of our favorite weeks to visit.
• Jan 12-15 – Attendance picks back up for these 4 days due to guests arriving for the Martin Luther King Weekend break. This is also the start of The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts which will draw crowds to EPCOT over the weekend. National dance and cheerleading competitions can also bring crowds.
• Jan 16-28 – This is another great time to visit in January. There are mostly moderate to light crowds.
• Jan 29-31 – The rest of January has very light crowds. The weekend will have a slight uptick, but nothing big.

We expect January 2024 to have low crowd levels once visitors leave after the holiday season. It will probably have one of the lowest crowd levels all year.

Heavy crowds come out for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, and the Walt Disney World Marathon weekend is a big draw. Avoid these two weekends for the best results.

Weekends will be busier than weekdays in January with locals coming to EPCOT for the Festival of the Arts. Also don’t expect a drop-off in crowds at Hollywood Studios, which should be at max capacity during every month of the year.

Read our guide to Disney World in January for more details.

February 2024

• Pro Bowl Weekend – Feb 1-4
• Cheerleading & Dance Competitions – Feb 2-4, Feb 9-11, Feb 16-18
• Mardi Gras – Feb 13
• President’s Day Weekend – Feb 16-19
• Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend – Feb 22-26
• Feb 1-9 – Besides the competitions, These first days are extremely quiet with low attendance and wait times. Awesome time if you hate crowds.
• Feb 10-14 – Mardi Gras, Valentine’s Day and sports competitions see Disney World attendance go back up to moderate from the 10-14.
• Feb 15 – Crowds start building.
• Feb 16-20 – Heavy crowds for President’s Day Weekend.
• Feb 22-29 – Heavy crowds remain as guests come out for the Disney Princess Half Marathon and stay that way basically through the end of the month.

Early February 2024 is going to be relatively slow with few events and most visitors already traveling to WDW during the holiday period. Usually, we see moderate to heavy-level crowds during the middle and end of February as President’s Day Weekend and the Disney Princess Half Marathon are going on.

Last year, the second half of the month was packed and it had some of the longest wait times all year. Weekends will definitely be busier in February rather than weekdays as Annual Passholders tend to come out more then.

Read our guide to Disney World in February for more details.

• EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival – February 28 – Early July
• Cheerleading & Dance Competitions – Mar 1-3, Mar 9-10
• Spring Break Crowds Arrive – Mar 11
• Easter Crowds Arrive – Mar 22
• Easter – Mar 31
• Mar 1-7 – This used to be a great week to visit, but it has gotten much busier in recent years. Expect moderate to heavy crowds for the first week of the month. EPCOT’s Flower and Garden Festival opens this week and more locals come out. It’s also very busy due to the Contest of Champions.
• Mar 8-22 – Schools around the country start letting kids out and Spring break crowds start arriving in Disney World and get heavier as the month continues.
• Mar 23-31 – Things go from bad to worse as Easter crowds start arriving. The Easter holiday is one of the busiest weeks in Disney World every year and should be avoided unless you have no other choice. Expect heavy crowds for the rest of March and long wait times in the parks.

March used to be a personal favorite time to visit, but it has gotten out of control in recent years. The first half used to be a wonderful time to visit with Spring in the air and flowers everywhere. However, moderate crowds have grown to heavy in the first half of the month, and it should be the same in 2024.

Heavy crowds then come in the second half when kids start getting off school for Spring Break. Last year was really busy and the parks felt like they were back to 100%.

We anticipate Spring Break 2024 to be even busier than normal with some of the heaviest crowds of the year arriving for Easter at the end of the month. If you are worried about crowds, definitely avoid March as it’s right in the middle of the busy season with extremely high crowd levels.

Read our guide to Disney World in March for more details.

• runDisney Springtime Surprise Marathon – Apr 18-21
• Cheerleading & Dance Competitions – Apr 24-29
• Apr 1-7 – The few days of the month have heavy crowd levels as guests are still here from the Easter holiday.
• Apr 8-17 – Some guests lingering from Easter, but the second week of the year should be less busy with guests returning home after the holiday.
• Apr 18-21 – Crowd levels remain moderate to high due to the runDisney Springtime Surprise Marathon.
• Apr 22-30 – There are some crowds for the cheerleading and dance competitions, but they fall down to moderate levels during the last few days of the month, and this is a nice time to visit.

Easter week is always one of the busiest of the year, and even though the holiday technically happens in March this year, there are still lingering guests during the first week in April.

The second half of April is a much nicer time in Disney World with wonderful weather and the Easter and Spring Break crowds going home. If it’s similar to last year it should be good even though there are still dance and cheerleader competitions going on.

Read our guide to Disney World in April for more details.

• Cheerleading & Dance Competitions – May 2-6
• May 1-23 – Light to Moderate crowds for most of May. Higher on the weekends as locals come to the parks more. One of the best stretches of the spring.
• May 24-27 – Memorial Day weekend is the opening of Summer and should bring increased crowds.
• May 28-31 – Crowds slowly start coming to the parks as some U.S. schools start letting kids off for Summer Break.

May is usually a good time to visit as crowd levels are low before the Summer crowds appear. In fact, we moved May up a few spots on our rankings of the best months to visit Disney World because of the low crowds we experienced last year.

Weekends are the only time to avoid, as many locals come to the parks. The very end of the month should have an increase when Memorial Day weekend comes. For the rest of the month, expect light to moderate crowd levels.

Read our guide to Disney World in May for more details.

• June 1-28 – Crowds are moderate for the majority of June. Crowds are heavier on the weekends.
• June 29-30 – Crowd levels increase toward the last week of June with guests starting to arrive for the 4th of July holiday.

There isn’t too much going on at Walt Disney World in June 2024 as far as special events. June is always a popular month since kids are off from school and families start taking their summer vacation and crowds should start to rise closer to normal Summer levels

Crowd capacities should be back on their way up at this point and the last week should be the busiest with 4th of July guests arriving.

Read our guide to Disney World in June for more details.

• 4th of July – Jul 4
• EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival – Mid July – Mid Nov
• July 1-7 – I don’t have to tell you the 4th of July and the surrounding days are some of the busiest days all year in Disney World. There are usually wall-to-wall people, making wait times excruciatingly long, plus it’s all done in excruciating heat. I’ll pass.
• July 8-31 – While July isn’t quite as busy as it has been in years past, moderate to heavy crowd levels remain for most of the month as families with kids are visiting during Summer break.

July is always one of the busiest months of the year, with loads of people every week. U.S. residents will be in the middle of vacation season with many people finally feeling safe about traveling again.

Also in July, the EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival comes to a finish and the Food and Wine Festival begins. That means EPCOT is crowded on the weekend which we recommend avoiding.

See our guide to Disney World in July for more details.

August 2024

• Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party – Early Aug – Oct 31
• Aug 1-11 – Moderate crowds remain in Disney World for the first part of August. Avoid the weekends if you can which are worse.
• Aug 12-18 – Crowd levels drop off significantly and are mostly light with moderate weekends.
• Aug 19-31 – From the end of August until Labor Day is one of the least busy times in Disney World every year with the majority of kids now back in school.

August is usually one of the more quiet months of the year, and between the heat and kids going back to school, it will stay that way in 2024.

The EPCOT Food and Wine Festival is already well underway in August which means EPCOT will be busier on the weekends. Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party also usually debuts in August, which makes going to the Magic Kingdom very busy. This party will debut in early August.

See our guide to Disney World in August for more details.

September 2024

• Sep 1-2 – Crowds return to moderate levels for the Labor Day long weekend. Labor Day isn’t nearly as busy as some of the other holidays in Disney World but this is the busiest the parks will be until mid-October.
• Sep 3-30 – This is traditionally the longest stretch of days with low crowds in Disney World. Even weekend crowds are low in the parks unless you go to the Food and Wine Festival in EPCOT (which we don’t suggest doing). This is when you will find good deals on hotel rooms too and save a ton of money.

September, in general, is one of the least-crowded months in Walt Disney World, and September 2024 should follow suit. Labor Day will have an uptick in guests at the beginning of the month before dropping off during the second week of the month and beyond.

If you can stand the heat, this can be the most pleasant time to visit Disney World since wait times are super low and prices for tickets and hotel rooms are about as cheap as they will be all year. It’s also a good month for events with the Food and Wine Festival and Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party in full swing.

Read our guide to Disney World in September for more details.

October 2024

• runDisney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend – Oct 31 – Nov 3
• Oct 1-9 – Moderate level crowds during the first week of the month. Busier on the weekend.
• Oct 10-15 – The Columbus Day week will see the heaviest crowds in Disney World for October and should be avoided if possible.
• Oct 16-27 – After the Columbus Day holiday crowds return to moderate levels except on the weekends which are higher.
• Oct 28-31 – The days leading up to Halloween will be busy, especially on October 31st at the Magic Kingdom.

October is usually one of my favorite months at Walt Disney World but it has also turned into one of the busiest. The Columbus Day holiday is a huge event in the middle of the month that has a big impact, so expect heavy crowds.

Expect the Magic Kingdom to have long waits the whole month with Halloween parties being a big draw. We also would stay away from EPCOT on weekends during the Food and Wine Festival as there are many more locals since they are off from work.

We would avoid the whole month if you want to stay away from crowds.

Read our guide to Disney World in October for more details.

November 2024

• EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival – TBD Mid July – Mid Nov
• Holiday Decorations Go Up – First Week in November
• Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party: Early Nov – End Dec
• Thanksgiving Crowds Arrive – Nov 22
• Thanksgiving – Nov 28
• EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays –  Late Nov – Dec 30
• Nov 1-6 – This week normally brings heavy to moderate crowds, and that is once again true this year with the Wine & Dine Half Marathon happening. That combined with Jersey Week in the first week of November means slightly higher crowds than normal, but a little slower before Veteran’s Day.
• Nov 7-11 – Veteran’s Day weekend brings heavy crowds to Disney World in 2024.
• Nov 12-21 – This is the lightest crowds get in November and a short break before the Thanksgiving holiday begins.
• Nov 22-24 – Thanksgiving begins to arrive and crowd levels go up to heavy.
• Nov 25-30 – This is the peak for crowds in November, only topped by the Christmas and New Year’s weeks.

The two holidays in November usually make for a very busy month (at least half of it), and crowd levels in 2024 could be even higher than normal. We think the Marathon and Veteran’s Day will see heavy levels as usual. We will be able to tell a lot once Columbus Day happens and we see how many people come for that as a good indication.

The EPCOT Festival of the Holidays starts at the end of November which will increase crowds in EPCOT. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party returns once again in 2024, and that means even more crowds to the Magic Kingdom.

Thanksgiving will top off a very crowded month at Walt Disney World and will definitely be more visitors than locals in the parks. This will set up how Walt Disney World will close the rest of 2024.

If you are at all concerned about crowds, any time around Thanksgiving should be avoided.

December 2024

• EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays – Late Nov – Dec 30
• Holiday Crowds Arrive – Dec 19
• Dec 1-5 – The first week and a half of December crowds drop off and it’s one of the only breaks you can get at this time of the year in Disney World, especially if there aren’t any cheerleading competitions happening. Even though it’s quiet, it’s not as slow as in past years since so many locals also come to the parks and resorts to see the holiday decorations go up.
• Dec 6-12 – Crowds start to build as the holiday approaches.
• Dec 13-19 – Heavy crowds at Disney World in the week before Christmas.
• Dec 20-31 – This starts the busiest two weeks in Disney World of the year from the days before Christmas until New Year’s week is over.

Like November, December is going to have periods of high crowds and moderate crowds, and the way things are shaping up, it should be comparable to a normal year, maybe more. Crowd levels are always lower at the beginning of the month up until the week before Christmas when it then slowly increases.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas party is running through the week of Christmas which means a packed Magic Kingdom.

The Christmas to New Year’s period will have very heavy crowds like any other year. This will be the case no matter how many people Disney is letting in by then.

Ranking Crowds at Disney World by Month from 1-12

We’ve created a list of all the months and organized them from numbers 12 to 1 in order from least busy to busiest. When creating our crowd calendar we assigned a number to each day of the year from 1-5 for how busy that day is. We then totaled up those numbers for a final total of points at the end of each month, with the highest number being the busiest month of the year.

We thought the overall months’ crowd rating would come out differently than it did when we added everything up, with some months held as being less crowded, much higher up on the list.

What’s important to remember is that this is a total that reflects the entire month, not just certain weeks or days. A certain month might be really busy in one part, but have light crowds in another part which balances things out.

Ok, here are the busiest months in 2024 at Disney World ranked:

With crowds sticking around from Spring Break and Easter being one of the most popular holidays at Walt Disney World, it makes sense that April is the busiest month of the year in 2024.

In second place this year is March. This makes sense as Spring Break is one of the busiest times of the year for traveling and Florida is always a popular destination. Then when you combine it with Easter also in March, it makes up one of the busiest 2/3-week stretches of the year. It landed in second place, but honestly, we are splitting hairs as the crowd projection is almost identical to December.

If you really have to go in March, go the first week. After that it will be chaos.

As for the least busy, it’s the usual suspects. August and September are almost always the least crowded months since kids are going back to school then.

May is the 3rd least crowded time to visit and though it’s traditionally been one of the busier months, in recent years we’ve seen a sharp downtick in crowd levels and as long as you avoid the weekend, it’s one of the least stressful times to visit Disney World.

January is usually next in line as many families have just finished the holidays and are reluctant to travel again so soon.

The most crowded time to visit Disney World is during the holiday season. Easter, The 4th of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s are the busiest ones.

The least crowded is when kids are in school. Late August, September, and after the holidays in January and February are all good times with low crowds.

No, Disney does not publish an official crowd calendar. That’s why looking at a combination of prices, school schedules, holidays, and special events, we are able to make one for you to plan your vacation with.

As you can see, there are plenty of ways to avoid crowds in Disney World, and none better than using a good crowd calendar. The busiest times of the year in the parks are always going to be when school is on break, especially during a holiday.

If you aren’t forced to visit during those busy times because you don’t have kids or your schedule is flexible, then we highly recommend you skip those busy times as it will save you time and money on your trip.

No matter what you decide, make sure to consult a Disney World crowd calendar to help plan things out. Just remember, it’s not a magic bullet that will make all the people disappear, and there is no real “‘off-season” in Disney World anymore. That said, you can position yourself well by using one, but also use a good Genie+ strategy and Rope Drop the parks when you can for maximum efficiency.

Need Help Planning Your Trip?

We know it can be extremely stressful to plan a Disney vacation and sometimes you want help. The easiest way to book your trip is by using an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. They will listen to your needs and preferences and help you every step of the way.

We personally use René Cittadino at Show you the World Travel for our Disney World reservations, and we highly recommend her and her amazing team when you are planning your trip too. Trust us, they make the process much more enjoyable.

They will help you to make advanced dining reservations, book special events, and more. The best part is that they are 100% FREE and it doesn’t cost you any more money to use them than it does to book directly through Disney. Instead, they will actually end up saving you money by continuing to look for better deals even after booking your trip.

Just Click Here for a Free Quote and get started making your Disney World plans today!

That wraps up our Disney World Crowd Calendar in 2024. We hope that we gave you enough info to figure out which one is the best for your next trip!

If you are thinking about going to Walt Disney World in the coming future, here are some other popular articles where you will find all the info and tips you need to plan your trip.

• Disney World Vacation Planning Guide
• Best Times to Visit Disney World
• Best Disney World Resort Hotels RANKED

Your Thoughts

I want to know what you think about our 2024 and 2025 Disney World Crowd Calendars…

• When do you think the least crowded time in Disney World is?
• When are you planning your next trip?

Let us know in the comments section below!

If you enjoyed this article, as always I appreciate it if you’d share it with others via social media.  I work hard at making this website into a useful resource for you and your family to plan your visit to the Disney Parks and I hope it can help you! Thanks 🙂

My name is Ziggy and I love Disney, everything Disney! I grew up on Disney and it has and continues to be a huge part of my life. I started young when my parents took me to Disney World when I was 18 months old. Little did they know that would be the first of an uncountable number of trips we would take. I have so many amazing memories going to Disney with my family and friends and it has been interwoven into my DNA.

Tuesday 18th of July 2023

Hello Ziggy, Can 4 people from the same group be on their phones at 7am and each book a different ride on Genie plus system? Your answer will be most helpful. Thanks, Jan

Tony Piscitelli

Monday 19th of December 2022

Quite an enormous amount of information to absorb. My wife and i are trying to decide when to go, and should decide between February or August. she thinks perhaps August which will give us a little more time to make all necessary arrangements. We have taken into consideration the weather but we are positive it will not deter us in any way. Thanks again for all of your hard work, and we will be looking forward to more of your splendid help to make our trip enjoyable.

Anthony Piscitelli

Saturday 29th of October 2022

As I mentioned in my previous e- mail my wife and I plan to visit WDW sometime in2023, and I am now in the process of making arrangements, i.e. plane, where to stay, all necessary ticketing and whatever else is important to make our stay pleasant. You have given an enormous amount of information which is very helpful and would welcome all you can offer in assisting us for our trip there. Thank you.

Thursday 26th of May 2022

ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls thinking there should be a considerable loss in attendance with disney's woke stance.

Sunday 17th of April 2022

need to update since the new woke decision by disney. from what I hear people are de-disneyizing from the park the media and merchandise.

Save money, experience more.

When to Visit Disney World 2024 Disney World Crowd Calendar

Scroll below to see the complete Walt Disney World 2024 calendar with crowds and new attraction offerings to help you decide when to visit Walt Disney World.

Walt Disney World had over 20 million guests enter the Magic Kingdom alone last year. This can mean for some very big crowds! To help you avoid these influxes of guests, take note of the following tips and guidelines below.

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In this planning guide:

Disney World Crowd Calendar

Two things affecting Walt Disney World crowd levels are the events happening throughout the resort and school holidays. These are the two most important Walt Disney World crowd indicators. So, let’s dive into the question: “when is it going to be crowded at Disney World?”

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When to Visit Disney World 2024

Most crowded.

• The weeks before and after Easter: mid-March through mid-April, or Spring Break Season
• The week before Christmas through the first couple of weeks of January, Christmas Day and New Year's Eve bring in some of the largest crowds the park sees all year long
• July through early August, during the time that schools have summer break
• The week of Thanksgiving results in a large increase of crowds. A lot of people have thought they could outsmart the crowds by visiting the park on the actual holiday. Unfortunately, a lot of people have the very same idea

Busy, But Not Overrun

• End of August through Labor Day
• The month of December, leading up to Christmas week
• Weekends throughout October and beginning of November while the theme parks are decorated for Halloween
• Most weekdays while schools are still in session
• The Gay Days organization visits the parks in August. This event can bring up to 200,000 people to the Orlando area.

Not Crowded

• Labor Day through Thanksgiving, except avoid weekends
• Late January through February excluding Martin Luther King Day weekend

Read our tips for the least crowded months at Disney World and the most crowded months at Disney World .

January through the beginning of May is what many call the “off-season.” These weeks have the least amount of crowds, but some of the shows will not be running, and some rides begin to close down for their yearly refurbishments. Be sure to check the park schedule! It is released 180 days in advance, so you'll be able to plan ahead!

We've created an infographic that will clearly help you when to visit Disney World. The information included in our best time to go to Disney World calendar is basic Disney World crowd levels, park hours, and weather.

Be sure to check the Disney World calendar on the official Walt Disney World website for more info on closures, entertainment schedules, and other info. This will help you to decide when to visit the resort.

Walt Disney World Crowd Calendar 2024

Below I have compiled a listing of Disney World events and special calendar items to be aware of when deciding the best time to go to Disney World during 2024.

All of these openings and special events will greatly affect the 2024 Disney World crowd index.

Disney World Spring Events

• The Epcot Festival of Arts runs at the beginning of the year from January to February featuring chalk art demonstrations, paint by numbers for guests, and plenty of Disney merchandise!
• The Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival begins in March. The display of stunning gardens and fun shows can entertain any guest!

Disney World Summer Events

• Summer at Disney World typically is accompanied by new experiences whether it's a new attraction, restaurant, nighttime spectacular or summer celebration.
• Gay Days usually visit the park this time of year. With the event drawing nearly 200,000 people to the Orlando area, you can expect the parks to receive a large influx of guests.
• The Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival will run through July. The display of stunning gardens and fun shows can entertain any guest!
• H2O Glow Nights is an event that occurs May-August at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon.

Disney World Fall Events

• Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party takes place on select nights in the Magic Kingdom from the beginning of August until Halloween. This after hours event will take place after the park closes so guests visiting Magic Kingdom that day won't have to leave early.
• Epcot's International Food & Wine Festival will take place late summer until early November bringing with it popular foodie booths, wine tastings, and live music.

Disney World Winter Events

• Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party takes place November through December. On nights of the party, Magic Kingdom will close early for party guests.
• Disney LOVES Christmas at Walt Disney World and goes all out with decorations throughout all four theme parks, meet and greets, holiday food and special entertainment options.
• The guest-favorite EPCOT Candlelight Processional begins the end of November and continues until just after Christmas. In this Christmas classic, a celebrity narrator recounts the traditional story of Christmas along with a massive choir and 50-piece orchestra.
• The International Festival of Holidays at EPCOT takes place starting at the end of November through December including festival marketplace of holiday foods from around the world, entertainment in the World Showcase, and the EPCOT Candlelight Processional.

Disney World Crowd Calendar 2024 Events January

• Christmas decorations and shows continue into the first week or so of January before they are removed, so you can still catch the magic of Christmas at Disneyland, but with lower crowds! Other than Martin Luther King Day Weekend, the crowd levels are a lot lower than their Christmastime counterparts. According to historical averages, January will be the coldest month of the year at Walt Disney World.

• The Festival of the Arts will run Jan. 12 through Feb. 19, with the Disney on Broadway Concert Series expanding to seven days a week during the festival.
• Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend takes place at the beginning of January. There are runs for fans of every age, including children races and a half marathon, along with a 5 and 10K. Brave runners can accept the Disney Two Course Challenge by combining the 10K and half marathon to earn the Challenge Medal.  
• Read our detailed monthly guide for  visiting Disney World in January  to find our more details about crowd patterns, events, weather, and more.

Disney World Crowd Calendar 2024 Events February

• We've all heard those famous words after someone wins the Super Bowl, “I'm going to Disney World!” It's tradition for a member of the winning NFL team to be featured in a Magic Kingdom parade the Monday after the Super Bowl. If you're a fan of the team, you won't want to miss this opportunity!
• February is a great month to visit the Walt Disney World resort. The weather is cool, but not too cold, and the crowds are pretty low. It's also a great time to see the park without any seasonal decorations if you just want to see it as plain vanilla. President's Day Weekend does see a large increase in crowds during the middle of the month, so we suggest to try and plan around that.

• Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend takes place from at the end of February. There are runs for fans of every age, including children races and a half marathon, along with a 5 and 10K. Brave runners can accept the Disney Two Course Challenge by combining the 10K and half marathon to earn the Challenge Medal.
• Read our detailed monthly guide for  visiting Disney World in February  to find our more details about crowd patterns, events, weather, and more.

Disney World Crowd Calendar 2024 Events March

• March marks the beginning of bigger crowds. After the first week, which is relatively light, crowds increase as the Spring Break season begins. March also marks the end of a lot of attraction refurbishments.

• Participate in the Egg-stravaganza scavenger hunt and search high and low for eggs around the World Showcase that depict your favorite Disney characters.
• If you happen to be in Disney World on St. Patrick's Day make sure to take the time to go to the World Showcase's United Kingdom Pavilion to enjoy the St. Patrick's Day fun. Read more about other Walt Disney World St. Patrick's Day offerings .
• Read our detailed monthly guide for visiting Walt Disney World in March to find our more details about crowd patterns, events, weather, and more.

Disney World Crowd Calendar 2024 Events April

• Spring begins to bloom at Disney World as the  Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival is happening during the entire month of April!
• Star Wars Rival Run Weekend takes place at the beginning of April. If you're a Star Wars fan, you won't want to want to miss this event. There are runs for fans of every age, including children races, a half marathon, and a 5 and 10K.
• Disney's Animal Kingdom will hold an Earth-Day celebration that includes interactive activities and animal encounters to celebrate conservation.
• Read our detailed monthly guide for  visiting Disney World in April to find our more details about crowd patterns, events, weather, and more.

Disney World 2024 Crowd Calendar Events May

• With May bringing the beginning of summer, the water parks begin to open more consistently. The weather becomes warmer, and park hours extend. School is still in session for most, so the crowd levels are typically slightly below average.
• Here's how Walt Disney World celebrates Mother's Day !
• Spring continues to bloom at Disney World as the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival is happening through May 27th.
• H20 Nights kicks off on May 25th at Typhoon Lagoon.
• Read our detailed monthly guide for  visiting Disney World in May  to find our more details about crowd patterns, events, weather, and more.

Disney World 2024 Crowd Calendar Events June

• Gay Days will be hosting an event for the LGBTQIA+ community to come to enjoy the Walt Disney World parks. This is an extremely popular event that can draw nearly 200,000 people to the Orlando area.
• H20 Nights takes place at Typhoon Lagoon June 1, 8, 14, 22, 28.
• EPCOT construction is finally complete with the opening of CommuiCore Hall & Plaza on June 10th.
• A brand new Encanto themed show begins at EPCOT on June 10th.
• Read our detailed monthly guide for  visiting Disney World in June  to find our more details about crowd patterns, events, weather, and more.

Disney World 2024 Crowd Calendar Events July

• Fireworks and nighttime spectaculars make their return on July 1st with Happily Ever After at Magic Kingdom and Epcot Forever at Epcot!
• Storm season intensifies as we reach the height of summer vacations. Crowds will be large, but it's not the end of the world. You're still at Disney World for goodness sake! Rain becomes a question of “when” rather than “if”. The average chance of precipitation each day is 70%. The water parks see their longest hours of operation of the year.
• H20 Nights takes place at Typhoon Lagoon July 5, 6, 13, 16, 20, 26, 30.

• Visit EPCOT on the Fourth of July to experience extra performances of the American Adventure and see your favorite characters in their special patriotic attire!
• Read our detailed monthly guide for  visiting Disney World in July to find our more details about crowd patterns, events, weather, and more.

Disney World Crowd Calendar 2024 Events August

• H20 Nights takes place at Typhoon Lagoon August 2, 10, 17, 24, 31.
• The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival starts on August 29th.
• Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween party takes place August: 11, 15, 18, 22, 25, 29.
• Read our detailed monthly guide for  visiting Disney World in August  to find our more details about crowd patterns, events, weather, and more.

Disney World 2024 Crowd Calendar Events September

• September marks the beginning of Halloween at Disney World. Decorations pop up around all the parks, and the weather improves. With school back in session, crowds become light, especially after Labor Day weekend. Since it can be considered to be a part of the “off-season”, you can expect cheaper airfare when traveling.
• Disney World will decorate for the Halloween season – you can find a variety of spooky treats, character cavalcades, Halloween character dining, and more beginning.
• The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival  continues its run in EPCOT.

• EPCOT's International Food & Wine Festival continues. Enjoy sampling a large range of cuisines and attend foodie events and seminars.
• Read our full guide to visiting Disney World in September to find specific events, crowd levels, and more. 

Disney World 2024 Crowd Calendar Events October

• October crowds have been growing in the past few years as groups are beginning to postpone their summer vacations to take advantage of the better pricing and discounts the Fall has to offer. Despite the influx of guests, the crowds are still rather manageable.
• Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween party takes place on October:1, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26, 27, 29, 31.
• The Disney100th Anniversary celebration continues with most of the celebration focusing on EPCOT.
• There is a much scarier Halloween celebration at Universal Orlando. Read our guide to planning a trip to Universal Orlando .
• Read our full guide to visiting Disney World in October to find specific events, crowd levels, and more. 

Disney World Crowd 2024 Calendar Events November

• Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween party finishes up on November 1st.
• Thanksgiving weekend introduces a large number of crowds that stay pretty persistent throughout the Christmas season.
• Jersey Week occurs the Thursday and Friday during the first week of November. It's a real thing! New Jersey schools dismiss and a lot of them find their way to Disney World. Surprisingly a low impact on the overall crowd levels.

• Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween party takes place on November 1st.
• November is the beginning of the Disney Christmas season which includes holiday decorations in the parks, characters dressed in their holiday best, themed food, and Cinderella's Castle lit up in celebration.
• Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party takes place November: 9, 10, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19, 21, 22, 26, 28, 30 at Magic Kingdom.
• The new Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios takes place November: 11,18, 20, 27, 29.
• The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival continues until November 23rd.
• EPCOT's International Festival of the Holidays begins after the International Food & Wine Festival ends right after Thanksgiving.
• Read our detailed monthly guide for  visiting Disney World in November  to find our more details about crowd patterns, events, weather, and more.

Disney World 2024 Crowd Calendar Events December

• The Christmas season plays host to the largest crowds of the entire year. That being said, there is a lot of entertainment and special offerings available during this time of the year.

• Epcot's International Festival of the Holidays continues until the end of the month.
• The Pop Warner and National Cheer & Dance Championship usually takes place the first week of December at the All-Star Resorts. Try avoiding this resort if you can during this week.
• Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party takes place December: 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22 at Magic Kingdom.
• The new Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios takes place December: 4, 6,16,18, 20.
• New Year's Eve fireworks are quite the spectacle. What better way to bring in the New Year than by counting down to it with your favorite mouse?
• Read our detailed monthly guide for  visiting Disney World in December  to find our more details about crowd patterns, events, weather, and more.

Disney World 2024 Special Holiday Celebrations

Throughout the year there are a few huge special events that make the parks extra magical.

Christmas at Disney World

Disney loves Christmas, and it's no secret! Beautiful, frosty icicles light the Castle, Wreaths and red and green Christmas lights adorn the buildings on Mainstreet!

I highly recommend visiting during Christmas; however, you should anticipate a steady stream of crowds if you are there the week of Christmas through the first week of January. The best time to visit and see the Christmas decorations is the first two weeks of December or the second week of January.

The theming doesn't stop in just the Magic Kingdom. Christmas cheer is abundant and is felt throughout all of the parks and resorts, even Disney Springs! There will be Christmas decorations everywhere you turn ready to take your breath away. We hope you love the smell of gingerbread!

Find out more and plan your Walt Disney World Christmas trip with our guide .

Halloween at Disney World

Halloween is another great time for theming around Disney World. Pumpkins take the street, decorations are hung, and a traditional Halloween party begins! This year there will be a new record of how many Halloween parties take place (possibly up to 30!). If you enjoy lots of candy, characters in their Halloween costumes, and candy (did I mention candy?), you'll love this time of year.

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party takes place on select nights in the Magic Kingdom from the beginning of August until Halloween. This after hours event will take place after the park closes so guests visiting Magic Kingdom that day won't have to leave early.

You can read more about Halloween at Disney World in our guide .

Disney World in Spring and Summer

Visiting Walt Disney World in the Spring has a few pros/cons along with yearly festivals that are fun to partake in for families and groups. Spring also means Easter, International Flower and Garden Festival, and mild weather. You can read all about visiting Disney World in the Spring in our guide. 

In the summertime, Disney often opens new experiences and attractions. You can usually expect that the first few weeks/months after these experiences open to be fairly busy as guests flock to see the new attraction or show.

Recommended Length of Stay

Unfortunately, there is no right answer to how long your trip should last to Walt Disney World. Of course, all of us wish it could last forever, but alas. The recommended length of stay will fluctuate based on who you ask. It's popular opinion that even with a two-three week stay at the Walt Disney World resort, you STILL wouldn't be able to accomplish everything you set out to. With four theme parks, two water parks, four golf courses, nearly 30 hotels, and so much more, it can be difficult to get everything done on your list.

A solid recommendation is at least a week. That will give you some time to relax while still getting a good amount of days in the parks. Try going with the mindset that you'll be returning someday. This usually makes it easier if you miss something you had hoped to do if you can think, “next time.” And be sure to plan your trip early!

Booking Your Disney World Hotel

The best way to book your Disney World resort vacation is to create a travel package by working with a travel agent. Be sure to check out our pros and cons for each Disney World hotel as you consider.

We work with Get Away Today, Disney’s travel partner of over 29 years. MickeyVisit.com has been working with them for about 3 years now, and we have been blown away by their customer care and ability to help Disney visitors find incredible discounts. We negotiated an exclusive rate just for our readers which you can secure by either visiting their  website directly  and putting your vacation together yourself and filling out our  VIP concierge support here  (all free of charge) or calling 1 (855) 438-2929 and asking for the Mickey Visit rate.

Disney Hotel Planning Help

We are currently expanding all of our Disney World planning guide content here on MickeyVisit.com. Below we have also included some of our fantastic content about planning a Disney Vacation on the West Coast at Disneyland.

• Disney World Hotels Guide
• Discount Disney World Tickets  Guide
• How to Save Money on Disneyland Tickets
• Best  Disneyland Souvenirs
• How to Use Disneyland MaxPass

Check the Walt Disney World  website  for current showtimes and info.

Disclosure: We have used all the products recommended on Mickey Visit. We may receive compensation when you click on links to some products featured.

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Best Days to Visit Each Park at Disney World

Want to wait in as few lines as possible?

You’ll need to be strategic about which park you visit each day of your trip.

And while it isn’t an exact science, there are some things you can do to ensure you’re visiting each park on the best days of the week (and avoiding the busiest).

Here’s what you need to know…

In this article

Best Days to Visit Disney World for the Lowest Crowds

First things first, let’s talk about overall Disney World crowd levels .

We go into all the details in that link above but just like with any travel destination, selecting less-busy times of the year to visit can help you avoid the heaviest crowds.

Alas, it isn’t always easy to avoid those busy times, especially if you need to stick to school schedules. But that doesn’t mean your trip is doomed.

Even during the busiest times of the year, if you are strategic in planning out your days you’ll still be able to maximize your time in the parks (and minimize your waits).

That’s why when we talk about how to plan a Disney World trip we recommend you start with the Crowd Calendar first to pick your travel dates and then use the information below to plug in which park you’ll visit on each day of your Disney World vacation.

Best days to visit each Disney park

In the past it was a lot easier to provide park recommendations for each day of the week because there was so much data available that made that process clear.

But, since the reopening, we’ve had to basically toss that historical information out the window and start from scratch because many of the data points that we previously used no longer apply.

How have park recommendations changed?

Extra Magic Hours are no more (and are being replaced by Early Theme Park Entry ), nighttime entertainment is on hiatus, and the most significant change of all – the new Park Pass Reservation System – means that parks can (and frequently do) reach capacity limits.

That means selecting which park to visit on each day of your trip is a lot more nuanced than before and the further out from your trip you book your Park Pass Reservations, the more options you’ll have to pick park days that will work the best for your trip.

Disney has already announced that Park Pass Reservations will be used until at least January 2023 and we can tell just by looking at the Park Pass Availability Calendar that days are filling up faster than they used to.

We do expect to eventually see capacity limits adjusted, but there is no way to tell when that might happen.

That’s why we recommend securing those Park Pass Reservations as soon as possible.

Here’s how we recommend you select which park to visit each day:

Best Days to visit Magic Kingdom

Even with all the changes we’ve seen in recent times, Magic Kingdom remains the most popular theme park in the world.

Many people like to start or end their vacations with a day here. And, if your trip is long enough, you may be able to do both.

According to Thrill-Data.com , for the shortest waits, visit Magic Kingdom on:

• Wednesdays and Thursdays

Worst days to visit Magic Kingdom

If you want to avoid the highest crowds, skip Magic Kingdom on these days:

• October 1, 2021 (which is the start of the 50th Anniversary Celebration )
• All Saturdays
• Major holidays (Christmas, Easter, New Years, 4th of July)
• 1st day anything new opens up in the park (like the upcoming Tron: Lightcycle / Run )

Best Days to visit Epcot

Epcot may not reach capacity as often as Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom, but some days are still better than others.

For the shortest waits at Epcot, aim to visit:

• Tuesdays and Wednesdays (top pick)
• Mondays and Thursdays (second best, however Thursday evenings can sometimes be a little rowdy)

Worst days to visit Epcot

With Epcot operating with nearly year-round festivals, the weekends here can be quite busy as local Annual Passholders enjoy the treats the food booths offer.

To minimize your chances of running into too many guests that have over-indulged on the adult beverages, avoid Epcot on:

• Friday nights
• Saturdays (and to a lesser extent, Sundays)
• Anytime something new is scheduled to open (for example, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure on October 1, 2021)
• Opening day of a festival (Festival of the Arts, Flower and Garden Festival, Food and Wine Festival, Festival of the Holidays)

Best Days to Visit Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios frequently operates at capacity which means, depending on how far in advance you are booking, you may have to take whatever days you can get.

Maximize your chance for Rise of the Resistance

If you are booking far in advance and you are interested in riding Rise of the Resistance, you may want to consider putting your Hollywood Studio days at the beginning of your trip .

That way if you miss out on a boarding group and there is still Park Pass availability for later in your trip you may be able to move your Park Pass reservations around to try again.

If you have plenty of options for Park Pass Reservations, the best days for Hollywood Studios are:

Worst days to visit Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios remains popular with local Passholders, too. That means that weekends have a higher liklihood for there to be zero Park Pass Availabilty at Hollywood Studios.

If the parks are at capacity, the day you pick won’t matter but if Disney does increase capacity in the future, the day you pick might make a difference.

With that in mind, we recommend you try to avoid Hollywood Studios on:

• Saturdays and Sundays
• Anytime something new opens (or something old closes)

Best Days to visit Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom remains one of the easiest parks to fit into a Disney World vacation.

It remains fairly easy to secure a Park Pass Reservation for this park and while it is home to popular attractions like Avatar: Flight of Passage, Expedition Everest, and Kilimanjaro Safari, you likely won’t need an entire day here.

Try to visit Animal Kingdom:

Worst Days to visit Animal Kingdom

There really aren’t any “bad” days to visit Animal Kingdom.

But, for the lowest wait times, skip Animal Kingdom on:

Monthly Crowd Calendars

Now that you know which days are the best for each park at Disney World, head over to the Monthly Crowd Calendars for detailed information for your travel dates.

There you will find the park hours for each park, scheduled refurbishments, and any special events that are planned.

Piece that information together with the tips we shared above to map out your dream Disney World itinerary.

Wednesday 19th of May 2021

Would you happen to know when the Food & Wine Festival food booths will be released? & The Eat To The Beat lineup will be released?

Gary Woodward

Friday 14th of May 2021

Any new updated opening info on Nemo, Boneyard area in Animal Kingdom? Thank you.

V.I.PASSHOLDER Days at Disney World: Everything Coming for 2024

2024 V.I.PASSHOLDER Days are coming soon! Disney World has shared dates and details for the upcoming special event days for Disney World Passholders in the parks.

This post contains affiliate links, and if you use these links to buy something, WDW Magazine may earn a commission.

Disney World offers guests the choice of purchasing an Annual Pass , which allows you to visit the parks numerous times over the course of a year (depending on the tier you choose). Not only are Passholders given entry into the parks with their passes, but they also get special benefits and discounts . And soon, V.I.PASSHOLDER Days will be returning, with even more discounts and exciting opportunities for Annual Passholders.

2024 V.I.PASSHOLDER Dates

VI.PASSHOLDER Days will take place from May 1 to June 18 at Walt Disney World Resort. During this time, Passholders can take advantage of increased discounts on select merchandise and dining. Additionally, Passholders will have access to a Passholder-exclusive lounge, a limited-time magnet, exclusive discounts, and more.

Stitch Cake Cone

A special treat will be available JUST for Disney World Passholders! From May 1 to June 26, 2024, pick up the Stitch Cake Cone at Sunshine Seasons in EPCOT. The treat features vanilla chiffon cake with coconut buttercream and mango pearl crisps.

Photo Courtesy of Disney

At the time of purchase, Passholders will need to present their Annual Pass ID and a valid government-issued photo ID.

Disney Store Discount

From May 5 to May 24, 2024, Passholders will be able to save 20% on the Disney Store website . To qualify, log in to the account connected to your Passholder account, and the discount will be automatically applied at checkout.

New Stitch Passholder Magnet

From May 1 to June 26, pick up a special Stitch Passholder Magnet over at the Creations Shop in EPCOT. The special magnet will be available to pick up any time during those dates.

EPCOT Lounge and Character Opportunities

For 2024, Disney will also offer a Passholder lounge from May 1 to June 18, 2024. The lounge will be located at the Restaurant Marrakesh in the Morroco Pavilion of EPCOT . Passholders will be able to enjoy complimentary snacks and water from 12 PM to 8 PM each day, with charging stations available.

Disney has also revealed that Disney characters will be popping in for surprise visits for some great photo opportunities. While specifics weren’t shared, they did reveal these will begin May 1.

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Warning Issued to Guests Visiting Disney World Resort, Effective Until September 2025

in Walt Disney World

A warning has been issued to all guests visiting one Disney World hotel over the next year.

There’s a reason why Disney’s theme parks worldwide have such a magical reputation. Yes, there’s Mickey Mouse and all the other beloved characters of your childhood, not to mention the entertainment and attractions inspired by a century’s worth of content, but at the heart of it all is the fact that Disney puts in the work (and money) to consistently deliver a sparkling experience.

Disney has a rigorous maintenance schedule, which routinely sees attractions temporarily shutter for some necessary “pixie dust.”

Sometimes, these closures are short and sweet, lasting a matter of days or weeks. Others can drag on for months – if not years – such as the two-year closure that struck “it’s a small world” at Disneyland Paris from 2021 to 2023 and the upcoming year-long closure heading for Test Track at EPCOT as Walt Disney Imagineering gives it a much-needed refresh.

Related: Warning Issued to Guests Staying on Property at Disney World This Summer

But attractions aren’t the only things needing maintenance. Disney also routinely closes its hotels for refurbishment, typically doing so in stages so as not to totally interrupt operations.

In the past few years, we’ve seen the likes of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Disney’s Boardwalk close and renovate rooms in phases, with each receiving a more modern (and more IP-filled) makeover.

Now, it seems like another resort is getting the makeover treatment. Disney has updated the Walt Disney World Resort website to inform guests that Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is getting a refurbishment from September 2024 to September 2025 – and warned that it may cause some disruption along the way.

“From September 2024 to September 2025, room refurbishment work will take place in Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort,” a notice reads on the Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort landing page. “During this time, Guests will see and hear construction work throughout Bay Lake Tower. Please allow extra time for travel as alternate paths may be utilized.”

Related: Guest Stuck With Abhorrent View From Luxury Disney World Hotel

This is the first time Bay Lake Tower and its 428 Disney Vacation Club villas have been refurbished, with the Disney World hotel only opening to guests for the first time in 2009.

When Disney’s Contemporary Resort – which is attached to the DVC tower by a sky bridge – received its light (and not entirely popular) retheme to The Incredibles  (2004) , Bay Lake Tower did not receive the same treatment , so it’s safe to assume that that may be what’s heading to the resort later this year.

Which Disney hotel would you like to see receive a refurbishment next? Let us know in the comments!

Best & Worst Weeks to Visit Disney World in 2024 & 2025

Picking the best week of this year, 2025 or 2026 for your Walt Disney World trip is challenging, especially when dates are limited due to school breaks or work schedules. This guide was designed with that in mind, sharing our favorite times to visit and worst ones to avoid in the next 2 years based on crowd levels, wait times forecasts, seasonal events, weather & more. ( Updated April 11, 2024 .)

Our intention here is to combine the best quantitative and qualitative aspects of our best & worst months resource with our 2024 Walt Disney World Crowd Calendars and distill that down to something approachable and actionable. The animating idea here is that the vast majority of tourists aren’t visiting for a single day or a specific full month, but rather, for 5 days to a week. Aside from “holidaymakers” from the United Kingdom, few families are doing more than 10 day trips and most non-locals are doing more than a single day or two.

As such, a practical planning resource shouldn’t just look at individual days or full months, but full week or longer date ranges that offer times to target and others to avoid.  Enter this Walt Disney World crowd predicting and planning resource for now through 2025! 

When combined with our regularly-updated Best & Worst Days to Do Each Park at Walt Disney World , this  should  offer definitive advice for picking dates. This narrows down the week, and then that provides what you need to know to choose when to visit each park. It’s still more of a “teach a person to fish” rather than the “give a person a fish” mentality of crowd calendars, but it also should prove more accurate and useful.

This considers a variety of subjective variables (explained in each recommendation) in conjunction with our evolving expectations about Walt Disney World’s attendance. It’s weighted heavily for crowd levels and is backed by historic wait times data from the the last two years, plus 2018 and 2019 (2020-2021 were anomalies, so they’re discarded accordingly).

Should this be well-received or deemed useful by readers (rather than another overwhelming crowd resource), the eventual goal is to expand this to rank every single week of the year. There are two reasons I didn’t start by doing that. First, the post would be much, much longer and would’ve taken me considerably longer to write and research.

Second, the quality of wait times data is not equal throughout the calendar. This is something discussed below, but there are inconsistencies and anomalies beyond just 2020-2021. A lot of this has been resolved, with summer remaining the biggest wild card–hopefully that falls back into familiar trends during June and July 2024.

With that said, we do periodically update these dates to reflect changing attendance patterns. For the latest update to these dates to avoid (and visit), we’ve added more 2025 and 2026 dates. These are, without question, less reliable than the 2024 dates. That’s because Walt Disney World hasn’t released any deals or all blockout calendars for 2025 or beyond, and school calendars aren’t yet available for 2026.

These variables have a significant impact on crowd dynamics, which we saw happen during the Spring Break 2024 season. Beyond that, there are evolving factors that have been resulting in heavier attendance for many dates thus far this year. (See What’s Causing Higher Crowds at Walt Disney World in 2024? )

With that in mind, when discounts are released by Walt Disney World, crowd levels increase or decrease, or other major changes occur, we send out email notifications. To receive these, subscribe to our free email newsletter . This will give you a good idea of what things are like ‘on the ground’ at Walt Disney World, as well as what to expect in the future.

With all of that said, let’s dig into the data and other variables to rank the 10 best weeks and 10 worst weeks to visit Walt Disney World in the next 2 years–meaning dates in 2024, 2025 and even some in 2026…

Worst Weeks to Visit Walt Disney World in 2024, 2025 & 2026

Winter Break (January 1-5, 2025; January 1-4, 2026) – We fondly remember visiting Walt Disney World around New Year’s Eve over a decade ago. Crowds were bonkers in the days between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, but so too were hours. You could do Extra Magic Hours starting at 7 am and leave by 9 am, sleep during the middle of the day, then return from 11 pm until 3 am. It was quite the sleep schedule, but it worked well. Then, once New Year’s Day arrived, the parks were  dead until Marathon Weekend runners arrived almost a week later.

Times have changed, and anyone still expecting a holiday hangover or serene start to the year is in for a rude awakening. It’s still true that the parks are quiet to start the New Year. But that lasts all of ~4 hours on New Year’s Day. After that, crowds increase and can be  worse  than the heart of the holiday season due to schools still being on break, lifting of AP blockouts, and early-arriving runDisney fans.

All major school districts contribute, but the biggest factors are locals. Winter school breaks are nothing new–I remember my school always being out of session until after my birthday–so the equation has not changed there for the country as a whole. What is different is the local population, which has absolutely exploded in the last decade as more households with school age children move to Central Florida. Expect these New Year’s crowds to only get worse in the years to come unless Walt Disney World adjusts AP blockouts and adjusts ticket and resort rate charts upwards.

Presidents’ Day (February 14-23, 2025; February 13-22, 2026) – For the last couple of years, the week of Presidents’ Day has ranked as one of the worst weeks as measured by average wait times. This isn’t just that holiday alone, but also school districts that use it as a proxy for mid-winter break or their “ski weeks” as well as runDisney Princess Half Marathon bookending the holiday.

This particular week is even worse when it coincides with Mardi Gras, making it more likely that schools in the South will also have winter breaks. In both 2024 and 2025, Mardi Gras will not coincide with Presidents’ Day (the holidays occur one week apart instead), effectively diluting the crowds. It’s thus possible that this week won’t end up being among the worst 10–that really depends upon how spring break play out.

In 2026, Mardi Gras is back to occurring during this same week. That will mean it’ll almost certainly be one of the 10 worst weeks–and possibly top 5. Regardless of Mardi Gras, it’s popular for winter breaks and thus choosing sunshine over ski slopes, making it an easily-identifiable week to avoid that’s predictably bad even when it’s not among the absolute worst.

Spring Break (March 23-30, 2025; March 22-29, 2026) – This is the example we mentioned at the top about AP blockouts and deals being able to turn the tables on crowds. During the last two years, the week of Orange County’s spring break was among the busiest of the season and almost on par with Easter. This year, blockouts were more aggressive and a Floridian ticket deal ended (by design) just before Orange County went on Spring Break. As a result, the week was not busy at all–it would’ve been a great time to visit.

It remains to be seen whether Walt Disney World will stick with this approach in 2025 (let alone 2026) or overcorrect and cause the pendulum to swing hard back in the other direction, making this a ‘worst week’ again. For now, we’re going to tentatively shift this a week later, after the AP blockouts end in March 2025. But that recommendation could change on the basis of additional ticket deals.

This is probably the safe move. Central Florida school districts have early breaks relative to the Midwest and Northeast, and those tourists plus lesser blockouts makes it likely that week will be very busy–without regard for anything else. Orange County’s break could still be busy, but as 2024 taught us, it’s far less of a sure thing if Disney clamps down on discounts for Floridians and blockouts.

One thing to keep in mind here is that there are hundreds of schools around the United States (and probably beyond) that are out of between mid-March and mid-April. In aggregate, they have a big impact on crowds. Unless there’s a freak anomaly (like 2024!), all of these weeks are going to be some degree of very busy–even if they don’t make this list.

Easter (April 11-20, 2025; March 30 to April 6, 2026) – This is a fairly safe prediction year in and year out, regardless of what else happens. In fact, you could probably (accurately) predict today that the week leading up to Easter will be busy in 2028 or 2054. Easter week has been the busiest of spring break season for as long as we’ve been covering Walt Disney World, although mid-March when Orange County is out has come close a couple of times (blockouts make that unlikely in the future–see above).

In the end, it doesn’t really matter which of these spring break weeks has higher crowd levels. That’s almost entirely academic, an interesting thing to watch for those of us who obsess over crowd trends and attendance patterns. The bottom line for most planners looking at this from a practical perspective is that late March through late April will be very crowded.

Summer Peak (July 4-13, 2024; July 3-12, 2025) – Summer vacation season is where the most uncertainty exists when it comes to Walt Disney World crowd calendars. This is because there has been zero consistency in attendance patterns for June and July in the last several years. That was true once again last year, when Fourth of July ended up being one of the slowest stretches of the year, to our surprise.

Barring future curveballs, our expectation is a return to normal next year. Free Dining and other promos have returned ( Free Dining moves the needle on crowds slightly, but it has a much bigger impact on ADR availability ), and ticket deals are already out that do not blockout Independence Day. The only problem is determining what, exactly, is normal for summer since we haven’t had a reasonable baseline in at least 5 years. Our expectation is attendance steadily increasing from mid-June, peaking around the beginning of July, and steadily decreasing thereafter through early August.

The safe money is on the worst of crowds coinciding with Independence Day, but this is not a sure thing. The two weeks before or the two weeks after could actually see heavier attendance and higher wait times. This prediction thus has the lowest degree of certainty; avoiding that entire month window is advisable. If you have no choice but to visit during summer, aim for early to mid-June or early to mid-August for the “best” crowds, but understand that there are air quotes around best for a reason.

Columbus Day (October 11-19, 2024; October 10-18, 2025) – There’s ample reason to believe that this won’t  actually  end up being among the worst 10 weeks of the year. It ranked #9 last year, but that happened as summer crowds plummeted prematurely.

If this does turn out to be a normal summer season, the aforementioned weeks in June and/or July could bump this out of the “top” 10. If it’s another slower summer, the week-plus around Columbus Day could easily crack the top 10. It’ll also usher in the end of the off-season, and start of a 3-month stretch of elevated crowds…minus a few major lulls that make our ‘best of’ list!

Nevertheless, it’s an identifiable red flag right now. Columbus/Indigenous Peoples Day is a proxy for many fall breaks, and that results in an influx of visitors to Florida. The earlier time this year might also depress turnout, as some potential visitors might be spooked by storm season or still-hot weather. Others will be lured by the heart of Halloween season.

Holiday Hijinks (November 4-11, 2024; November 7-14, 2025) – This one always catches people by surprise. It’s what happens when two or three “holidays” collide–if you count the runDisney Wine & Dine Half Marathon and Jersey Week as holidays. During the latter, approximately 73% of the Garden State descends upon Walt Disney World.

The real holiday here is Veterans Day, which is always a “sleeper” holiday for crowds–in that it’s under-discussed but a surprisingly high amount of government workers, students, and others do have the day off. We’ve been warning about Veterans Day crowds for years, as it has been almost on par with Thanksgiving some years. It’s a long weekend that can have an outsized impact on crowd levels.

This is one of the bigger changes with our latest update, as we’ve dropped Halloween from this list. For the last two years, Walt Disney World has had below-average crowd levels on and around Halloween–it’s not school or work break for most people, and doesn’t materially impact attendance as a result.

With all of this said, confidence in the predicted dates is low for November 2025. Aside from Veterans Day, we don’t know when the runDisney race or Veterans Day will occur. So pencil in this window as one to avoid, but expect those precise dates to change.

Thanksgiving (November 22-29, 2024; November 21-28, 2025) – Just about any Walt Disney World fan is familiar with the crowds of the final three weeks on this list. They’re hardly a secret or surprise, and are predictably busy year in and year out. These weeks still catch some casual visitors by surprise, as there are persistent urban legends that the holidays are quiet because “everyone is at home with their families.” Obviously, that’s hogwash.

Offering a bit more insight here, Thanksgiving week crowds tend to be worst the Sunday through Tuesday before Thanksgiving before a comparative lull on late Wednesday and early Thursday. (Those time frames are still bad, just not the threat level midnight crowds of the prior 3 days.)

Friday and Saturday are wildcards; usually both are very busy, but not always. (We’ve officially removed Saturday from the above dates to avoid because it was downright delightful last year. We’d recommend erring on the side of caution and avoiding it in 2024-2025, but that’s no longer essential.) The Sunday after Thanksgiving has been uncrowded for years, making that a great first day in the parks.

Christmas (December 19-25, 2024; December 18-25, 2025) – The arrival of Christmas week crowds are very dependent upon the day of the week of Christmas. Due to its timing last year and this year, the week  after  (between Christmas and New Year’s Eve) saw or will see the worst of the crowds.

In 2024, the week leading up to Christmas will once again surge–likely to higher levels than we’ve seen in the last several years. It’ll be the same story in 2025, which means that in both of those years, the weekend before hand won’t actually be  that  bad, even though it’s on our list.

Regardless, all of these second-half of December dates are very, very bad and likely to see 10/10 crowd levels. But not all 10/10 days are equally busy. Some are far worse. That’ll probably be the case with the ~7 days before December 25 in each of the next 2 years.

New Year’s Eve (December 26-31, 2024; December 26-31, 2025) – It’s the same story here. The week leading up to New Year’s Eve is almost always 10/10 on the crowd calendar, and would likely be more like 15/10 if the scale allowed for that.

If you were to place a bet on the busiest weeks of 2024 and 2025, the smart money would be on this week. Doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll have the worst wait times given the uncertainty of making predictions 1-2 years into the future, but it is the odds-on favorite of claiming the crown.

This is almost always the #1 worst week of the year. The timing of Christmas and New Year’s Days in 2024 and 2025 does cast some degree of doubt on that, but honestly, not much. The week of New Year’s Eve will likely continue its run as the busiest week of the year for the next several years.

Best Weeks to Visit Walt Disney World in 2024, 2025 & 2026

The list of best weeks to do Walt Disney World this year and in 2025-2026 is less precise and more subjective. In part, this is a byproduct of most of the worst weeks crowd-wise being readily identifiable on the basis of school breaks and holidays. So objectivity there is easier.

By contrast, there are wider windows for some of the lower crowd dates; as a result, we narrow those to our favored time frames based on subjective considerations. With that in mind, let’s dig into our rundown of the best weeks at Walt Disney World in 2024 to 2026…

Mid-January (January 12-18, 2025; January 11-16, 2026) – This is another change for 2025-2026. In the past, we’ve recommended late January while noting that the month is largely quiet after the holiday breaks end, with the exception of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday weekend. This leaves three different weeks that are potentially good options for lower crowds in January.

In the past, all of those were almost equally good. That wasn’t the case this year, as the week  before MLK Day was the best by a slight margin over the week after, and a significant amount over the week following that. With the shifting of the WDW Marathon we’re expecting that to be the case again in 2025, but it could change for 2026 depending upon Marathon dates.

Regardless, both weeks should be superior to late January or early February as Snowbirds and South American tour groups start arriving. They’re not the only groups to lookout for, as cheer/dance competitions and conventions also contribute to crowds. All of those things are more likely later in January or February. Festival of the Arts also increases ‘feels like’ crowds at EPCOT, but it’s a great event you won’t want to miss.

Before or After Mid-Winter Break (February 2-13, 2025 & Early or Late February 2026) – It’s pretty much the same idea here. Unlike some holiday weeks, there is no gradual decline before or after mid-winter break (Presidents’ Day/Mardi Gras). It’s abrupt on both ends. The crowd levels in the first half of February 2025 could be close to on par with January. Perhaps slightly higher due to youth sporting events, conventions, and South American tour groups.

The reason there’s a discrepancy between 2025 and 2026 is Mardi Gras. It coincides with mid-winter break in 2026, but not 2025. Mardi Gras may not seem like a big deal to you, but due to the proximity of Louisiana to Florida it very much is. As such, avoiding the dates leading up to March 4, 2025 is advisable. This means late February into early March isn’t a great time to visit in 2025 (but it is in 2026).

Across the board, February will have higher crowds than January, but the former is more appealing for some Walt Disney World vacation planner due to the likelihood of better weather and fewer refurbishments. However, you’re also typically going to miss out on the EPCOT Festival of the Arts (#1 event of the year at EPCOT), unless you visit before Presidents’ Day.

Early Spring (March 8-13, 2025; March 1-8, 2026) – That stretch is actually what prompted this post, as early March was a sweet stretch of mild weather and low crowds leading up to the start of spring break season, with most parks having 1/10 to 3/10 crowd levels during this week in March. Then, like flipping a switch, attendance surges almost overnight with the start of spring break.

This is a top tier time to visit thanks to the mild weather, EPCOT in bloom, and low crowds. It’s the calm before ( and after ) the storm, and there are only a handful of weeks that we’d rank higher from both a quantitative and qualitative perspective. This will be an especially fantastic time in 2026 (and realistically, the prime dates could extend until March 13, 2026–but we’re playing it conservatively since spring break schedules aren’t out yet).

The date range is shorter in March 2025, which is due to Mardi Gras on the frontend and Orange County’s spring break on the backend. Honestly, we probably wouldn’t mess with this stretch in 2025 unless doing a 5-day trip. While the core days of that week should be pretty quiet, there’s a chance of spillover crowds at the beginning or end. (On the plus side, there should be another lull in late March 2025.)

Post-Easter (April 14-20, 2024; April 27 to early May 2025; April 12-26, 2026) – For both of these weeks, we’re essentially looking a week or two after Easter. Usually, crowds die down in the week immediately after the holiday, but there are still some schools with breaks then. The week following that is usually when the slower season arrives.

The added benefits here are (usually) spring weather and lower prices. There’s no guarantee of either, though, as summer weather can occur 10 months of the year in Florida and it’s possible for prices to remain elevated even after Easter. Both are uncommon, though, making this a great option if you’re looking for the optimal dates between spring and summer school breaks.

Spring & Summer Shoulder Season (May 4-12, 2024; May 3-11, 2025) – In looking at the wait time data, the first full week of May is usually the slowest of the month. Not by a wide margin, and the following week is sometimes better. In fact, the entire month before the Memorial Day holiday weekend is usually pretty good, and reliably uncrowded since it’s the shoulder season between spring break and summer vacation. (Even Memorial Day isn’t that  bad by holiday standards.)

Crowds alone would be the tiebreaker with all else being equal, but weather is another variable to take into account. Earlier has a better chance of being milder, with less of a chance for extreme heat and humidity. As icing on the cake, prices are better and we’ve tended to find better discount availability during this earlier May window.

Mid-September (September 21-29, 2024; September 13-21, 2025) – If you’re perplexed by the over 4-month gap between the last recommended week and this one, we’re going to assume you’ve never visited Florida during the heart of summer season. Or, perhaps you love alternating being able to fry an egg on the sidewalk and afternoon showers that last long enough to drench your already sweat-soaked clothes, but are too short to cool things down.

In actuality, this is an objectively “poor” pick. In our monitoring of the data, wait times have bottomed out between the day after Labor Day and the following Saturday most years. We’re not talking about wait times for the month, but for the entire year.  So if you’re choosing dates with a data-driven mentality, September 3-20 is your best bet. The same will almost certainly hold from true for 2024, 2025, 2026, and so on.

Not even the off-season opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge was enough to drive crowds. Ditto the Free Dining promotion, which is back for 2024 ; that will make restaurants busier and ADRs more competitive, but has less of an impact on wait times and overall attendance levels, especially in the early fall off-season (it’ll be worse in July and December). This window is predictably uncrowded because of school going back into session and the weather being a deterrent.

With that said, the entire month is off-season and delaying a week maintains low wait times while improving your odds of better temperatures and fewer storms. We think that’s worth an extra one minute in line (literally, that’s the difference), but the fact is that heat, humidity, and hurricanes are a gamble anytime from early August through late October. If you’re on the fence about this tradeoff, see Is It Still Worth Visiting During the Early Fall Offseason at Walt Disney World?   for a greater discussion of weather vs. crowds.

Of course, if the parks close for a hurricane, wait times drop all the way to zero! Technically, that makes for the best crowd conditions of all…but that’s probably not what you have in mind if you’re visiting Walt Disney World in the fall. Still, it’s something we can’t help but point out, as there’s always that risk. It’s still statistically low, but tell that to everyone who has been burned by closures in the last few years.

Nevertheless, those planners who would prefer to trust the numbers should move their trip forward by a week or two. Those who like low crowds but would rather hedge their bets on the qualitative side of things should stick with this week, or even consider delaying one more week. Early October is still good so long as you’re out of town before the Columbus Day crowds discover Walt Disney World.

Post-Columbus (October 20-31, 2024; October 19-31, 2025) – This is a lower degree of confidence suggestion, and you honestly might be better off with the week encompassing Halloween and first few days of November. Based on the last few years, both of these weeks are surprisingly good. I was actually mildly and pleasantly surprised by that when combing through the data, as it wasn’t quite what I expected.

For years, conventional wisdom was that October was a great month to visit–a sweet spot of low crowds and nice weather. That ceased being true about a decade ago, and was driven in large part by an uptick in conventions business and the Free Dining promotion. With the exception of fall break and the aforementioned holiday, it seems to have resumed being true–at least to some degree–in the last 3 years. Of course, that stretch hasn’t exactly been normal, hence the low confidence in this suggestion.

The tradeoff is taking the greater gamble on crowds than late August through September is the smaller gamble on weather. (All of these dates are the “heart” of Halloween, which starts in mid-August.) Prices are also higher for these travel dates. And again, you’re gambling on weather to some degree even with this week–Hurricane Nicole caused a closure in early November!

Pre-Thanksgiving (November 16-22, 2024; November 15-21, 2025) – The final three recommendations are also the top three picks for our favorite weeks of the year to visit. Honestly, if we weren’t purposefully trying to spread out the choices to achieve greater variety, another week during the holiday season might be added here.

You might notice that the window shifts for November 2024 and 2025, which is due to the timing of Veterans Day and Thanksgiving as compared to the last two years. It’s also likely to be a better set of dates next year than it is this year from an attendance perspective. Qualitatively, both a great in terms of typical weather and seasonal events–Christmas is far and away our favorite time of year at Walt Disney World.

The only downside to these dates is that they’re early in the holiday season before all of the resorts are decked out for Christmas and prior to the start of EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays. Still, the other 3 parks will be decked out for Christmas, as well some of EPCOT–you just won’t have the food booths, storytellers (Global Santas, for lack of a better term), or Candlelight Processional.

Post-Thanksgiving (December 1-8, 2024; November 30 to December 7, 2025) – This is our #1 week of the entire year at Walt Disney World . That’s been true for ages. Back when we lived in the Midwest, our annual Christmas trip usually started the Sunday after the holiday. (Even when we were still in school, we used to skip a couple days to make it a long weekend trip!)

If I had to guess at which week of the year we have spent the most minutes in Walt Disney World since 2007, it would be this one. Probably by a pretty wide margin. We absolutely love the week after Thanksgiving.

We have our time-tested approach down to a science, flying into Orlando on Saturday and actually doing our first day in the parks on Sunday. We start with Magic Kingdom during the day, as it’s typically a Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party night–the first in over a week. That means shorter hours in Magic Kingdom, and smaller crowds as a result. For that same reason, do  not attend that MVMCP. There’s pent-up demand from everyone still around from Thanksgiving who didn’t have the chance to attend earlier. Instead, do the Thursday night party.

Everything about this week is great–the weather, post-holiday lull in crowds, pricing, and the full slate of Christmas season entertainment. We joke that this used to be Walt Disney World’s “second-best kept secret” after Disney Vacation Club, which is to say it was a secret in name only since so many people knew about it. However, due to Pop Warner moving to Universal and other variables, that’s once again true. This is our top recommendation, and it’s not even a particularly close call.

Pre-Christmas (December 9-15, 2024; December 8-14, 2025) – As is probably evident, this is simply the week after that. It has all of the same qualities as our #1 week, but with a couple of significant differences. First, crowds are starting to increase by this point. Families who want to be home for the holidays are more inclined to time their trip at the midpoint between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Locals and other Annual Passholders who are subject to blockouts squeeze in visits to savor the spirit of the season before they don’t have the option.

Second, prices are getting higher. They’re still not at peak season levels, but they’re about 15-25% higher than the previous week. That’s true for park tickets and resort rack rates, and also likely to be the case for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Lightning Lanes, as well. All of that adds up, and makes the middle of December noticeably worse than the sweet spot after Thanksgiving, but this still ranks  very  highly, all things considered.

Ultimately, that’s a rundown of the top 10 weeks of the year and the worst 10 weeks at Walt Disney World for all of 2024 and 2025. As you might’ve gathered by reading the entries, there are good and bad windows that stretch beyond what’s covered on this list–you should be able to deduce most of those based the rundown above.

With that said, we still hope to expand this list to a resource ranking all 52 weeks at Walt Disney World by later this year. After some tumultuous times, attendance is finally returning to familiar patterns…for the most part. It’s too difficult to do that with any degree of credibility for Summer 2024, but hopefully we’ll be able to draw more definitive conclusions about June and July 2025. So stay tuned!

Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews . To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!

Your Thoughts

Do you agree or disagree with our Walt Disney World week rankings for now through 2026? Are there any months you think are better or worse than we have them ranked? Any specific ideal weeks that you’d recommend people visit Walt Disney World? Other dates to avoid the parks in 2024 or 2025? Any questions? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!

Written by Tom Bricker

Hi Tom, we have a trip planned for December 2-5, 2024. I just found out there is a pop Warner cheer competition December 7-14, 2024. Do you think there will be a lot of those families who come in early before the competition? I’m flexible and can move the dates. Thank you from a Florida Native and Disney fan. you have helped me plan a quite a few Disney trips.

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Park Hopper Plus option : Visit more than one theme park on the same day, plus enjoy a certain number of visits to a water park or other Walt Disney World fun. A 2-day ticket allows 2 visits, a 3-day ticket allows 3 visits and a 4-day ticket allows 4 visits. The ability to visit a park is subject to the park's capacity limitations.

For each visit, you can choose one of the following:

All tickets and options are nontransferable and nonrefundable and exclude activities/events separately priced or not open to the general public. Parks, attractions and other offerings subject to availability, closures and change or cancellation without notice or liability. Water parks are subject to extended rehabilitation, seasonal, capacity and weather closures or may close for other reasons. On certain dates a water park may only be open for special events or to limited groups. Tee times are required for Disney's Oak Trail Golf Course and are subject to availability. FootGolf is available every Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday during select afternoon hours, subject to availability. Miniature golf valid for one round. Round must start prior to 4:00 PM. Only one miniature golf visit per day. ESPN Wide World of Sports admission valid only on event days; some events require an additional admission charge; there are no events on certain days; days and hours of operation of concessions, venues and attractions vary. Visit espnwwos.com for more information.

1 to 10-day standard date-based ticket

• Date-based ticket that requires you to choose a start date.

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1-day ticket (Ages 10+) from:

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Disneyland vs disney world: all differences & which to visit.

Disneyland and Disney World are both great vacation spots, but each resort caters to different types of travelers and trips. Which should you choose?

• Disneyland has two theme parks, while Disney World has four. The latter requires a longer stay to see everything.
• Disneyland is walkable, but Disney World requires visitors to travel via car, monorail, boat, and bus.
• Disneyland is typically slightly cheaper than Disney World, making it a good option for shorter trips or budget-conscious travelers.

There are six Disneyland parks worldwide, and two of them reside in the United States — but while Disneyland California and Walt Disney World Resort have notable similarities, they also have some major differences . Disney's California-based location is the first of its theme parks to open worldwide, but Walt Disney World has caught up in terms of popularity. This might be because the Florida resort is larger than the California one, allowing it to offer more accommodations and attractions.

This doesn't necessarily mean Walt Disney World is better than Disneyland; both locations are worth checking out, and each will appeal to different types of travelers. Whether someone chooses Walt Disney World or Disneyland will largely depend on what they're looking for from their vacation. It's worth learning what makes each resort unique before purchasing tickets to Disneyland or its Florida-based counterpart.

All Disney Castles At Every Disneyland Park

Disneyland has 2 parks & disney world has 4 parks (plus 2 water parks), disney world is larger & better for a longer getaway.

Probably the biggest difference between Disneyland California and Walt Disney World is the size of each resort , as the latter is much larger than its California-based counterpart. According to Travel + Leisure , Disneyland clocks in at around 500 acres, while Walt Disney World Resort is around 25,000 acres. That's a massive difference, and it shows in the number of parks at each location. Disneyland only has two theme parks: Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park . Meanwhile, Walt Disney World has four theme parks on its premises: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom.

This distinction can be helpful when planning a trip to Disney, as visitors will want to choose the location that better suits the amount of time they plan to spend there.

With four parks to cover, Disney World could be the better choice for a longer getaway . The parks at Disneyland California are easy enough to cover in a day or two. However, it's impossible to see all of Disney World in that time. This distinction can be helpful when planning a trip to Disney, as visitors will want to choose the location that better suits the amount of time they plan to spend there. Walt Disney World Resort also features two water parks — Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach — which require additional time to visit. They are great for summer trips, though.

Disneyland Is Walkable, But Walt Disney World Isn't

Walt disney world requires more travel planning.

The size difference between Disneyland and Disney World is important to note, as the latter resort also requires more travel planning. Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park are right next to one another, and they aren't far from the Downtown Disney District and Disney's Anaheim-based hotels. This means that Disneyland is a largely walkable trip , though children, elderly visitors, and people with disabilities may require additional accommodation. While walking all over Disneyland will take time and energy, it's often doable — and that's not the case for Walt Disney World .

The separate parks at Walt Disney World Resort are much further from one another, so visitors will need to plan their travels accordingly. Bringing or renting a car can be a smart choice when visiting Disney World. Of course, the resort also has buses, boats, and monorails that carry guests from one place to another. This takes extra time and must be added to any Disney World itinerary.

Disney World Has More Than 20 Disney Hotels Neary (& Disneyland Only Has 3)

The florida resort offers a wider range of options.

Disney World's larger size also allows the Florida resort to have more official Disney hotels than Disneyland California. Disneyland California has three Disney hotels nearby: the Disneyland Hotel, the Pixar Place Hotel, and the Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. These are all within walking distance of the parks, but they do limit one's choices when it comes to finding connected hotels. With Disney often offering perks through its accommodations, it's always good to find a hotel that falls under its umbrella.

Disney World has more than 20 hotels near its theme parks — and while they aren't necessarily within walking distance, they offer a wider range of themes and price points for visitors to choose from. Hotels like Disney's All-Star Movies Resort and Disney's Art of Animation Resort allow visitors to stay in a connected hotel at a lower price point. Meanwhile, lodgings like the Grand Floridian Hotel & Resort and Disney's Riviera Resort offer the opportunity for a more luxurious, pricier stay.

Disneyland Is Slightly Cheaper Than Disney World

Ticket prices are slightly cheaper & disney world warrants a longer stay.

Disneyland and Disney World are both fairly expensive to visit, but the Florida resort will typically cost visitors more money . Ticket prices for both parks vary depending on the time of year and demand, but as of this writing, a standard one-day ticket to Disneyland starts at about $134 per adult. The equivalent ticket starts at around $149 for Disney World (via Disneyland.com / DisneyWorld.com ). This may not seem like a huge difference, but depending on how many people are visiting and how many days they're staying, it can add up.

There's also the fact that Disney World offers more for guests to see, meaning they'll have to stay longer. While visitors can purchase a one-day park hopper ticket or a two-day ticket for Disneyland, they'll likely need to purchase more days if they want to see all the parks at Walt Disney World . This can make Disneyland better for those on a budget, if only slightly.

Should You Visit Disneyland California Or Walt Disney World Resort?

The resort visitors choose depends on their vacation preferences.

The decision to visit Disneyland California or Walt Disney World comes down to each traveler's preferences , as both parks cater to different types of vacations and guests. Those hoping to travel for a shorter period of time or maintain a budget may prefer Disneyland. It offers many of the same experiences and attractions, but it's possible to cover the parks in a couple of days. It can also save travelers some money, even if it's still on the pricier side of vacations overall. It's certainly better for shorter trips than Disney World, which is impossible to cover over a long weekend.

Travelers looking for longer getaways with more variety may be better off at Walt Disney World , as there are numerous parks and hotels to fill up a long trip. The options alone are much greater at Disney World, and there's more to see over a lengthier period of time. Of course, Disney World also requires more planning and traveling, so anyone looking to avoid the more tedious aspects of vacationing may prefer Disneyland . Diehard Marvel fans may also prefer the California parks, as they contain Avengers Campus.

Source: Travel + Leisure , Disneyland.com

NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

‘Magical’ Disney theme park that isn’t actually Disney but has ‘better’ rides and snacks

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Nestled in the heart of Japan ’s bustling capital, Tokyo Disney Resort has stood as a beacon of enchantment since it first opened in 1983.

Boasting two iconic parks, Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, the resort has captivated millions with its magical allure.

However, what may come as a surprise to many is that this haven of fairytales and fantasies is not under the direct ownership of the Walt Disney Company. Instead, it’s actually owned by a Japanese corporation, which holds the responsibility of licensing and royalty payments to Disney.

Despite this unique arrangement, Tokyo Disney Resort is beloved and spans an incredible 115 acres, while Tokyo DisneySea stretches across a vast 176. This is compared to Disneyland Paris , which is 140 acres, and Disney World’s Magic Kingdom at 142 acres.

Many also prefer it to the classic Disney parks we know and love, including Tripadvisor user Treyab73 who said: ‘I found the rides superior to those in the US. The rides seem to run better and smoother; there is more colour and more characters. Truly magical.’

Another, Alex V, added: ‘My favorite park ever. it’s a completely different world compared to the others. I had been to the one in Paris which left me speechless, but this one managed to surpass it. It’s one of those places you have to see at least once in your life.’

So, let’s take a look at what makes this resort so magic.

Rides at Tokyo Disney Resort

Tokyo Disneyland boasts a brilliant choice of attractions and rides including Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise, Big Thunder Mountain, Splash Mountain, It’s A Small World, and Space Mountain.

One standout favorite among visitors is the Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast, a unique ride that guides guests through the castle, immersing them in iconic scenes while singing along to the beloved soundtrack.

These attractions are spread across seven distinct lands, all interconnected via the central World Bazaar and accessible with a single park ticket, encompassing Tomorrowland, Adventureland, Westernland, Fantasyland, Toontown, and Critter Country.

However, some argue that Tokyo DisneySea is even better, with its array of aquatic-themed rides, including live Little Mermaid shows, Flounder-themed rollercoasters, and boat spinning cups.

Like Tokyo Disneyland, DisneySea features seven different lands: American Waterfront, Mediterranean Harbour, Arabian Coast, Mysterious Island, Mermaid Lagoon, Port Discovery, and Lost River Delta.

Among DisneySea’s unique attractions is Sinbad’s Storybook Voyage, a captivating dark ride featuring original songs. Additionally, the park is set to unveil four new rides later this year. Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Journey will immerse guests in a sing-along experience as they board a boat, while Rapunzel’s Lantern Festival, inspired by the enchanting lantern scene from Tangled, offers another boat ride adventure.

In June, visitors can also anticipate the launch of a Peter Pan ride and a Tinkerbell-themed attraction.

Snacks at Tokyo Disney Resort

You won’t be disappointed with the array of snacks available at Tokyo Disney Resort, and there’s something to satisfy all tastes.

Popcorn is one of the most popular snacks here, coming in many different flavours including raspberry cheesecake, soy sauce and butter, chocolate drizzle and matcha white chocolate.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C2kHJbgvRnV/?igsh=azBnbDA0cWtzeWhs

Other highlights include fluffy Melon Bread in the shape of Mike Wazowski from Monsters Inc, Mickey’s Fried Chicken Pao Sandwich, Toy Story steamed buns and Mickey shaped churros.

Ticket costs

Day tickets for Tokyo Disney Resort can be purchased for as little as 7900 won, which is approximately £41. This is a fraction of what is costs to visit Disney World in the US, where the cheapest day ticket will cost $119 (£95) next year.

@countingcountries Tokyo Disneyland is nothing like US disney #disneyland #tokyodisneyland #tokyodisneysea ♬ Morning Moon – brd

How to get to Disney Resort Tokyo

You can fly directly from London Heathrow to Tokyo with a return flight in October (which is a recommended time to go) starting from £975.

Then, to get from Tokyo Haneda Airport to the resort, you have a number of transport options varying in price and travel times.

A taxi will take approximately 18 minutes and set you back between £50 to £70. However, a bus run by Keisei bus from Terminal 1 that leaves regularly and will drop you directly to your hotel stop takes nearly 50 minutes but costs only £7.

What visitors say

The Tripadvisor reviews for Tokyo Disney Resort are overwhelmingly positive with many pointing out how friendly and attentive the resort staff are and highlighting the entertainment. It currently has a rating of 4.5 stars across over 7,000 posts.

One, from Paula M read: ‘Really enjoyed Disneyland Tokyo – yes it’s smaller than Paris/US but worth the trip. The staff are just so friendly and helpful and the prices in the park were noticeably cheaper than elswhere – Queen of Hearts 3 course buffet meal for two less than £35. Would recommend if you’re a Disney fan in Tokyo.’

User Brian also added: ‘Each area had something different to offer and I found myself wanting to explore each one. The rides were thrilling and the shows were entertaining.’

Where to stay

Tokyo Disneyland Hotel – This hotel faces Tokyo Disneyland Park, with the Disney Resort Line Station Building located in between. The hotel is filled with fantasy and features a Victorian-style atmosphere and an interior sprinkled with Disney motifs. Prices start at £384 per night.

Disney Ambassador Hotel – Located near both parks, this hotel is themed around America in the 1930s, during the golden age of Hollywood. Prices start at £262 per night.

Tokyo DisneySea Hotel Mira Costa – Located inside Tokyo DisneySea in a luxurious setting with a classic Italian feel. Prices start at £462 per night.

Tokyo Disney Resort Toy Story Hotel – This one is made for fans of Toy Story and is completely inspired by the films. Prices start at £245 per night.

Tokyo Disney Celebration Hotel – For those who want something more casual, the Celebration Hotel is simple and laidback. Prices start at £164 per night.

When to visit

When choosing when to book your visit, take into account Japanese public holidays, weather, and the school calendar. This year a new addition to the resort called Fantasy Springs will open on June 6, so expect large crowds from June through to the summer.

For ideal weather and less crowds, the best time to visit is the end of May and October. Meanwhile, the busiest times are Golden Week (the beginning of May), New Year, and the month of March into April which is cherry blossom season.

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Finally, the recommended days to visit are Tuesday to Thursday, as there are fewer queues.

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