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Revealed: the best days and times to visit Disney World in 2023-24

MagicGuides’ Crowd Calendar can help you plan the perfect visit

Not much can dampen the magic of a Disney vacation, except for crowds. Waiting in line for rides, shows or food can really spoil the fun, as can bad weather. While there is no crystal ball to guarantee fewer crowds and amazing weather for your Disney visit, the planning pros at MagicGuides have analyzed piles of data to predict when each Disney park will be the least busy in the coming year.

The MagicGuides Crowd Calendar is a dream for those who have the flexibility to plan their trip around the least crowded times of year. Average data from previous years predicts the crowd levels at all four Disney World parks. Not only does the calendar provide information on crowd sizes (ranking each park on each day on a scale of 1-5 from “Light Crowds” to “Heavy Crowds”), it shows average temperatures on each day and when advanced dining reservations are available. All this great info allows you to plan accordingly to maximize your Disney visit.

So what does the calendar reveal about when to visit Disney? MagicGuides has determined that Disney is the least crowded from January 2nd until just before Presidents’ Day week (the third Monday in February), the week after Labor Day until just before Thanksgiving week, and the week following Thanksgiving weekend and before Christmas.

To get even more specific, the calendar shows that the best individual days—based on average crowds and weather—at each park are as follows: October 26, 31 and November 1 at Magic Kingdom; October 24, 25, 26 and 31, and November 1 and 2 at Epcot, October 24, 25, 26 and 31, and November 1 at Hollywood Studios; and from October 23 to 27, October 30 and 31, and November 1, 2, 3, 7 and 8 at Animal Kingdom.

The calendar predicts that late October is expected to be the best time to visit Disney World this year, so start planning that fall vacation now.

Gerrish Lopez Contributor, New Orleans

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walt disney world

The Best Times to Visit Walt Disney World in 2023

By Rachel Alger
October 5, 2022

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Walt Disney World is busier than ever, and knowing the best times to visit can be challenging. There’s a lot to consider—do you aim for the lowest crowds, the newest Walt Disney World rides, and attractions, or visit during the most temperate weather of the year?

It’s hard to choose, and it’s rare for all of those things to align. That’s why Perfecting the Magic creates guides (like this one !) to help you plan your trip. Join us as we explore the best times to visit Walt Disney World in 2023!

The Best Weather at Walt Disney World

best times to visit walt disney world in 2023 hollywood studios entrance

While weather and ideal temperatures are subjective, the heat and humidity of Orlando can be overwhelming. If you’re looking to get a lot done, you’ll want to choose a time of year with manageable temperatures far removed from the oppressive summer sun and active hurricane season, which is why we recommend temperate temperatures whenever possible.

Here are the best weather months to visit Walt Disney World

January (high 72°, low 51°)

February (high 74°, low 53°)

March (high 79°, low 66°)

April (high 83°, low 58°)

Mid-late October (high 84°, low 64°)

November (high 79°, low 58°)

December (high 74°, low 54°)

Holiday Magic Kingdom Castle - best times to visit walt disney world in 2023

You can still find manageable temperatures in May, but the heat will ramp up quite a bit, so we excluded it from our best weather list. June, July, August, and September should be avoided if you struggle in ultra-balmy temps, and October is best enjoyed later in the month. If you’re someone who lives in a hot and humid climate and you love the heat, then anything goes! Just prepare for unpredictable rain during the hottest months, as well.

Best Dates to Visit Walt Disney World in 2023

best times to visit walt disney world in 2023 - epcot entrance

Selecting the best dates for your WDW trip is stressful! There are hotels, park ticket prices, weather, events, festivals, crowds, experiences, and availability to consider. Add on the world of crowd calendars, and it’s easy to feel paralyzed by choice. At PTM, we carefully select our recommended dates through data and trends to provide you with the best times to visit Walt Disney World.

Here are our picks

January 5th – January 12th

January 18th – January 31st

February 1st – February 12th

February 22nd – February 28th

March 1st – March 6th

April 11th – April 21st

May 1st – May 4th

May 9th – May 11th

Avoid June

Avoid July

August 21st – August 31st

September 5th – September 29th

October 3rd – October 6th

October 16th – October 20th

November 2nd – November 9th

November 28th – November 30th

December 1st

December 4th – December 7th

Coming to WDW in 2023

best times to visit walt disney world in 2023 - walt statue at epcot

Good news, bad news—there’s newness coming to Walt Disney World in 2023. However, most of what Disney fans have been waiting for is coming later in the year, with one (very exciting!) exception.

Happily Ever After (at least the song) is returning, and we couldn’t be more excited. It will be part of an updated nighttime spectacular, so we imagine it won’t look exactly like what it used to, but we’re hopeful. Likewise, EPCOT will be replacing Harmonious with a new nighttime spectacular. While the current show is nice, we won’t miss the barges and look forward to seeing what the new show brings.

Continuing with EPCOT, we can expect a new Figment meet-and-greet character in 2023, and while Figment draws mixed reactions from Team PTM, he is an icon, and we’re happy to hear he’s going to have more of a presence in the park.

best times to visit walt disney world in 2023 - new Moana statue at EPCOT

Speaking of icons, Journey of Water—Inspired by Moana will open in EPCOT in late 2023. This walkthrough will feature various interactive water experiences, a walkthrough trail, and a stunning Te Fiti model covered in grasses and flowers, not unlike a topiary. The concept photos are gorgeous, and we think this will be something children (and Moana fans) will fall in love with.

Now, back to Magic Kingdom and the news we’re really excited about. TRON Lightcycle /Run is scheduled to open in Spring 2023! We can’t wait to climb onto our own Lightcycle and surge around this all-new coaster. You can learn more about it here , but let’s just say the thrill seekers at PTM are beyond excited—and if you’re one yourself, you’ll want to prioritize a trip to Magic Kingdom later in 2023.

best times to visit walt disney world in 2023 - Tron lightcycle run

Finally, to close out the list of new additions coming to Magic Kingdom is the return of the Hatbox Ghost to The Haunted Mansion , which the Mansion has needed for quite some time. We expect his ghoulish arrival in late 2023.

If you’re only planning on visiting WDW once in 2023 and these rides, additions, and shows are can’t-miss experiences for you, be sure to plan your trip for the second half of the year, using the dates we highlighted in the section before this. While you can’t go wrong with a trip to Disney, it’s important to plan so you don’t feel that you’ve missed out on something you’d like to experience, which brings us to our next topic—EPCOT festivals.

EPCOT 2023 Festivals

best times to visit walt disney world in 2023 - epcot food and wine festival

We look forward to our favorite EPCOT festivals all year long, and there’s really something for everyone. We’ve compiled a list of dates to help you plan your visits. These dates as estimates and are subject to change once we have official confirmation from Disney, as the actual dates are to be determined. Our estimates are based on previous festival time frames and provide a ballpark timeline for those looking to start planning their 2023 Walt Disney World trips ASAP.

EPCOT Festival 2023 Dates and Descriptions

Festival of the Arts: January 13th – February 20th

The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts offers excellent weather, beautiful art, interactive foodie offerings, and merch. The festival is short and worth visiting if you’re a lover of the arts.

Flower and Garden: March 6th – July 4th (Actual Dates TBD)

The EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival is one of our favorites. The topiaries and flowers fill every corner with color, and the food is quite good too. The weather is especially manageable for the first half of the festival, and it’s one of our top picks!

Food and Wine: July 14th – November 20th (Actual Dates TBD)

Serious foodies shouldn’t miss the EPCOT International Food and Wine festival. Weekends can get busy, and it can sometimes be off-putting to eat rich dishes like filet mignon in the summer heat, but Food and Wine is popular for a reason. If you’ve dreamt of trying EPCOT eats and drinks at their peak, this festival is for you!

Festival of the Holidays: November 24th –December 30th (Actual Dates TBD)

EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays features holiday foods, festivities, traditions, music from around the globe, a can’t-miss cookie stroll, and holiday décor. If you’re visiting Disney during the holiday season and are planning on visiting EPCOT, it’s worth checking out, especially if you love the season.

Of all EPCOT’s festivals, we enjoy Food and Wine and Flower and Garden the best. If you’re visiting for Food and Wine, try to visit at the end of the fest for more comfortable temperatures and at the start of Flower and Garden for breezier, cooler days. That way, you’ll be able to make the most of your visit in comfortable temperatures.

Seasonal Décor and Holiday Parties

best times to visit walt disney world in 2023 - pumpkins at magic kingdom

Some of the best times to visit WDW are during the fall and Christmas seasons, and given that Halloween begins in August for Disney, there’s a lot of opportunity to bask in the seasonal vibes. While the 2023 dates for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party have yet to be announced, using previous trends, we can bet that ‘Not-So-Scary’ will begin in August and ‘Very Merry’ will start in November 2023.

In terms of the best dates to go, it’s always best to prioritize weekdays when possible and avoid the first party of the year. In addition, expect the parties that fall on Halloween and Christmas day to be packed with people, though still celebratory and fun!

The Party Dates We Recommend

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

(Please note that we recommend you avoid weekend parties whenever possible)

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

(Be sure to avoid weekend parties if you can)

December 11th – December 20th

Seasonal parties at WDW are such an experience that it doesn’t matter as much if they’re busy. You can always find something to do that’s worthwhile. While the tickets are expensive, and that’s something to consider, if you live for the holidays and are planning on visiting Disney during a party period, they’re unforgettable experiences that we highly recommend.

The Best Way to Plan Your Trip

pumpkins at magic kingdom - tree of life

As you can see, there’s so much coming to Walt Disney World in 2023, and starting your planning early is essential to maximize your experience and tailor the trip to your interests. We hope our guide was helpful and has inspired you to book a trip you’ll not only love, but get the most out of.

Are You Going to Disney in 2023?

Are you planning a trip to Walt Disney World in 2023? Did PTM’s recommendations help you with your planning? We’d love to hear from you, as it helps us tailor our pieces to meet your needs, and it’s a great way to stay connected! Check us out on Instagram and TikTok , so you never miss a second of the magic!

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Rachel Alger

PARKS | STYLE | ENTERTAINMENT | FOOD

[email protected], perfecting the magic.

Please note: Perfecting The Magic does not represent the Walt Disney Company in any way and is not employed by or affiliated with The Walt Disney Company .

Walt Disney World

International Parks

Juliet’s Closet

ENTERTAINMENT

Magic At Home

Planning Your Visit to Walt Disney World in 2023: Monthly Guides, New Attractions, and More!

It’s never too early to start planning your visit to Walt Disney World in 2023! This coming year is shaping up to be an exciting one for Disney as we are anticipating several exciting openings. Highlights include the TRON Lightcycle Run Roller Coaster in Magic Kingdom, updated nighttime shows in both Magic Kingdom and Epcot, Moana: Journey of Water in Epcot, and Roundup Rodeo BBQ Restaurant in Hollywood Studios!

As things return to “normal” after its phased reopening, there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to your trip to Disney World in 2023. Park reservations are here to stay (for the time being) with park hopping available after 2:00 PM for those with park hopper tickets. And if it’s been a while since your last visit to the parks, you may want to visit our guide on Disney Genie+ to learn all about Disney’s new paid service that replaced FastPass+ in 2021.

*This post may contain affiliate links. Click here to read my full disclosure policy .

Year At-A-Glance

Weather: Prepare to wear layers! January tends to be a dryer month in the parks, but the weather can be unpredictable. The average high is 72 degrees and the low is typically around 51 degrees.
Crowds: New Year’s, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and the Walt Disney World Marathon weekend tend to be busier times for Walt Disney World. If you’re visiting in January to avoid the crowds, be sure to avoid these weekends.
Other Considerations: Park prices, hotel prices, and airfare prices are typically lower in January as it isn’t a peak travel time. Disney is also known to offer discounts and incentives for January, so be on the lookout for these when planning your vacation! Also, plan on a few refurbishments. Because January sees fewer crowds, Disney often uses this time to refurbish certain attractions. This includes some of the bigger water attractions like Splash Mountain.

More about January…

Weather: February temperatures tend to be a bit cooler. Typically, you will want to layer up as mornings and evenings are cooler and afternoons warm up a bit. The average high is 75 degrees and the low is typically around 54 degrees. It is also typically a dryer month in terms of rain.
Crowds: February isn’t generally a peak time at Disney World, but that doesn’t mean crowds aren’t a factor. If you’re visiting in February to avoid the crowds, you may want to avoid President’s Day weekend as well as the final weekend of February due to the Disney Princess Half Marathon. These two weekends tend to bring in crowds and were quite busy in 2022.
Other Considerations: Because February sees fewer crowds, Disney often uses this time to refurbish certain attractions. This includes some of the bigger water attractions like Splash Mountain.

More about February…

Weather: March is a warmer month, but you will still want to wear layers. Mornings and evenings will still be a bit chilly, but afternoons will typically be warmer. The average high is 78 degrees and the low is typically around 58 degrees. It is also typically a dryer month in terms of rain. And compared with both January and February, the days are getting a bit longer as well, which will allow more daylight hours in the parks.
Crowds: March is one of the busiest months of the year. With spring breaks happening all across the country, the parks will be busy… especially during the last two weeks of the month.
Other Considerations: Major refurbishments are usually finished in March, but there may still be a few. Disney tends to schedule their refurbishments during less busy months (such as January or February), but some of these may still be finishing up early in March. Also, this particular month could potentially be busier than usual. Not only is it spring break season, but March 2023 is the final month of Disney’s 50th Anniversary Celebration .

More about March…

Weather: Overall, the weather in Orlando is quite pleasant in April. So if you’re looking to visit Disney World without the extreme heat, this may be the perfect time to go. The average high is 83 degrees and the low is typically around 60 degrees.
Crowds: April tends to be less busy than March. The first two weeks will be a bit busier with the final two weeks being a great time to visit the parks if you want to avoid major crowds. This will be especially true for 2023 as Easter falls earlier in the month. Easter is April 9 this year so expect crowds that weekend!
Other Considerations: Disney tends to schedule their refurbishments during less busy months (such as January or February), but that doesn’t mean closures can’t or won’t happen in April.

More about April…

Weather: Temperatures in May are definitely not quite as hot as in June or July, but it is definitely beginning to heat up. The average high is 88 degrees and the low is typically around 66 degrees.
Crowds: Expect crowds for Memorial Day Weekend! This three-day weekend does bring its fair share of crowds, but many schools are not out yet for summer so the rest of May shouldn’t be too busy.
Other Considerations: The first two weeks of May are an amazing time to visit Walt Disney World. Warmer weather, lower crowds, and fewer refurbishments make the first two weeks of May one of our favorite times to visit the parks!

More about May…

Weather: The average high is 90 degrees and the low is typically around 71 degrees. It is also the start of Orlando’s rainy season. That being said, most rain in June will come in short “spurts” as brief afternoon downpours are very typical.
Crowds: Most of June is busy, and the crowds only increase as the month goes on and schools release their students for summer break. Of the summer months, June is slightly less hot, but it is also a little more crowded because of it.
Other Considerations: Due to the hotter temperatures, the pools can get quite busy during the heat of the day as well as in the evenings when guests return from a day in the parks. Consider visiting in the mornings when they will be less busy.

More about June…

Weather: The weather in Orlando is quite hot in July. The average high is 92 degrees and the low is typically around 75 degrees. It is technically Orlando’s rainy season as well, so be prepared for rain. Ponchos may be a good thing to pack!
Crowds: July is usually less busy than June, but there are steady summer crowds for most of the month. Be prepared for an increase in crowds during the Fourth of July weekend.
Other Considerations: The summer sun can be quite intense, especially when combined with Florida humidity. As the parks are open longer hours each day, afternoon breaks at your resort can be a great way to beat the heat.

More about July…

Weather: Overall, the weather in Orlando is quite hot in August. The average high is 91 degrees, and the low is typically around 75 degrees. It is technically Orlando’s rainy season as well. That being said, most rain in August will come in short “spurts” rather than be an all-day thing. Brief afternoon downpours are very typical.
Crowds: Many schools are back in session at some point in August, so between that and the heat, many opt to avoid August when selecting their vacation dates. August is typically the least crowded of the summer months, but it does heat up a bit when it comes to temperatures. If you’re able to withstand the heat and the beginning of school isn’t an issue for you, August could be a great month to visit… especially in the final two weeks of the month.
Other Considerations: The Food and Wine Festival is quite popular with locals. Consider visiting Epcot on weekdays if you’re trying to avoid the crowds.

More about August…

Weather: The weather in Orlando is quite hot in September. The average high is 90 degrees and the low is typically around 72 degrees. It is technically Orlando’s rainy season as well. In fact, September is often considered to be the wettest month of the year. It is also worth noting that September has seen about six closures since 1985 due to hurricanes coming through. While that makes hurricanes a rare event, it is something to think about if planning a September vacation to Florida.
Crowds: September tends to be one of the lightest months of the year in terms of crowds. This is due to several factors including the start of a new school year as well as the weather. Weekends at Epcot will be busier than normal with locals due to the Food and Wine Festival, and the Magic Kingdom will undoubtedly see some smaller crowds in relation to the Disney After Hours BOO BASH. Labor Day weekend is really the only “holiday” during the month of September. And while you may see a slight uptick in crowds, it’s typically not a huge draw in terms of crowds due to most families not wanting to pull their kids out of school during their first weeks back.

More about September…

Weather: The weather shifts greatly in the month of October. We finally get some relief from the summer heat! The average high is 85 degrees and the low is typically around 65 degrees. Rain is starting to let up as well as October marks the end of hurricane season.
Crowds: The crowds in October 2023 will most likely be moderate and steady. While there are no major holiday weekends, Halloween festivities do bring many to the parks as well as Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival.
Other Considerations: Halloween in Walt Disney World is quite popular. Ticketed events are held on select nights in Magic Kingdom (which will affect park hours).

More about October…

Weather: The weather can be a bit unpredictable in the month of November, but it is typically one of the most beautiful months to visit Disney World. The average high is 79 degrees and the low is typically around 59 degrees. Hurricane season is typically over by November as well, meaning there will be fewer rainy days. You will undoubtedly want to dress in layers, however. The days (especially if they are sunny) will feel quite warm, but the evenings will probably get a bit chilly.
Crowds: November is fairly average in terms of crowds, with the exception of Thanksgiving week. In fact, Thanksgiving weekend is typically one of the busiest weekends of the year.
Other Considerations: The holidays begin throughout the parks during the month of November. Christmas decorations and holiday events typically begin the second week of November. So be prepared to celebrate!

More about November…

Weather: The weather can sometimes be a bit unpredictable in the month of December, but it is typically one of the most pleasant months to visit Disney World. The average high is 73 degrees and the low is typically around 53 degrees. It may be a little cooler, but it is typically one of the dryest months of the year in terms of rain. You will want to dress in layers as the days will feel warm but the evenings will undoubtedly be a bit chilly.
Crowds: Being in Walt Disney World for Christmas can be truly magical, but be prepared for crowds. Typically, the beginning of December sees moderate crowds with the final two weeks of December being two of the busiest weeks of the year.
Other Considerations: Christmas is a popular time to visit Walt Disney World. While festivities are in full swing at all four theme parks, Magic Kingdom holds ticketed events on select nights throughout the season. Get your tickets early if you want to attend, and keep in mind that these events will affect park hours at Magic Kingdom.

More about December…

Ride Closures and Refurbishments

* Please note that this list could change at a moment’s notice.

Magic Kingdom

Disney Enchantment closed permanently on April 2, 2023. It was replaced by Happily Ever After (an updated version) on April 3, 2023.
Tron Lightcycle Power Run is now open!
Splash Mountain closed permanently on January 23, 2023, to become Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. The newly rethemed attraction is scheduled to open in 2024.
Guardians of the Galaxy : Cosmic Rewind is now open!
Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana will be opening on October 16, 2023.
EPCOT Forever returned on April 3, 2023 (replacing Harmonious which permanently ended on April 2, 2023)

Hollywood Studios

Voyage of the Little Mermaid is temporarily closed with no reopening date yet.
Jedi Training Academy: Trials of the Temple has permanently ended.

Animal Kingdom

It is anticipated that Dino-Rama, as a whole, will likely close at some point to make way for a major expansion. Disney has shared plans for potential replacements, such as a Moana Mini-Land, which includes detailed concept art. Additionally, there is the possibility of a Zootopia Expansion beyond Dino-Rama. Although these proposals are promising, it should be noted that they have not yet been approved or funded by Disney. Therefore, the fate of Dino-Rama remains uncertain, but it is evident that its days are limited.
Blizzard Beach closed on March 19, 2023, for refurbishment. No opening date has been announced.

Everything Coming to Disney World in 2023 (and Beyond)

Magic kingdom.

April 3, 2023 – Happily Ever After – This popular nighttime spectacular returned over Cinderella Castle on April 3, 2023, with what Disney describes as some “updates.”

April 4, 2023 – TRON Lightcycle Run Roller Coaster – Without a doubt, this is t he biggest attraction coming to Magic Kingdom. After being delayed by the pandemic, this ride is scheduled to open on April 4, 2023! Based on Shanghai Disneyland’s Tron Lightcycle Power Run , this attraction features a thrilling coaster race on two-wheeled Lightcycles. Its opening means some general re-imagining for Tomorrowland as well (including some changes that have already taken place) in order to match the Tron Lightcycle theme.

November 2023 – Haunted Mansion Hatbox Ghost – The renowned Hatbox Ghost is scheduled to haunt the Haunted Mansion at Walt Disney World in Florida, starting in November. Visitors can expect to encounter this iconic ghost while exploring the creepy Endless Hallway.

Late 2024 – Splash Mountain – It was announced some time ago that this attraction would be reimagined, but it was just announced that this rethemed water flume ride will open in late 2024! Called “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure,” this iconic ride will be welcoming Tiana and her friends for a brand new Princess and the Frog theme. Splash Mountain as we know it will close permanently on January 23, 2023, to begin work on this project.

2024 – Country Bear Jamboree – The Country Bear Jamboree at Walt Disney World will undergo renovations and debut a fresh act in 2024. The revamped show will feature the beloved bears showcasing their unique country style while performing popular Disney songs. Disney is collaborating with renowned musicians from Nashville to ensure an authentic experience with the singing bears.

TBD – “Beyond Big Thunder Mountain” – Disney has been teasing the idea of a new expansion to Magic Kingdom they’ve referred to as “Beyond Big Thunder Mountain.” Although no specific details were shared at this year’s D23 event, speculation is ongoing, with the promise that the final plans will surpass the size of New Fantasyland and offer an immersive experience similar to Pandora and Galaxy’s Edge.

TBD – Tavern near Pirates of the Caribbean – Adventureland will soon welcome a new tavern near Pirates of the Caribbean, further immersing visitors in the story of the famous attraction.

Mission Space in Epcot | magicintheplanning.com

Now Open – DuckTales World Showcase Adventure – While no opening date has been announced yet, all signs point to it being available to guests sooner rather than later. Replacing Agent P, this World Showcase Adventure will allow guests to interact through the Play Disney Parks mobile app on their mobile phones. Join your favorite DuckTales characters as you search for treasure, find exotic destinations, discover mysteries, locate thieves, or even uncover artifacts.

September 10, 2023 – Figment Meet and Greet – Figment will be greeting guests in the recently completed space at the Imagination Pavilion starting September 10.

October 16, 2023 – Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana – This new walkthrough attraction will be coming to the World Nature section of the park and will allow guests to “interact with water” just like Moana does in her film. Also beginning on October 16, Moana herself will be greeting visitors from her very own special area, conveniently situated near Journey of Water.

December 5, 2023 – Luminous: The Symphony of Us – Limited details have been provided about the new show, however, it is anticipated to feature fireworks, fountains, lasers, lighting effects, and an abundance of music.

December 2023 – World Celebrations Neighborhood – There are currently construction walls everywhere in Future World as Disney has been making some massive changes to the park. World Celebration is set to connect World Discovery and World Nature, two existing areas in Epcot.

TBD – Asha Meet and Greet – Asha (from the upcoming Disney film Wish ) will be coming to Epcot to greet guests.

TBD – Test Track – While we have no information yet about dates, Test Track will undergo a new transformation with assistance from Chevrolet, marking another evolution for this attraction since its inception with the original World of Motion.

Now Open – Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond! – A newly reimagined show made its return on June 13, 2022! The show is set in the timeline of the movie Finding Dory and includes new story material as well as popular songs from the original musical such as “In the Big Blue World” and “Go with the Flow.”

TBD – Zootopia Show – A new show based on the popular animated film Zootopia is currently being developed for the Tree of Life and will replace “It’s Tough to Be a Bug.” This upcoming experience will offer guests the opportunity to explore the different biomes featured in the movie while being accompanied by familiar characters such as Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde.

TBD – Tropical American (re-theming of Dinoland U.S.A.) – Exciting changes are coming to Dinoland U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom! The area is set to be transformed into a “Tropical Americas” land, drawing inspiration from the enchanting film Encanto and the action-packed Indiana Jones franchise. While specific attractions have not been officially announced, there are speculations about the potential re-theming of the popular ride DINOSAUR, as it utilizes the same ride vehicles as Disneyland’s Indiana Jones attraction. We will keep you posted if Disney makes any formal announcements!

Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway | Magic in the Planning

Now Open – Fantasmic! – This nighttime show has finally returned to Hollywood Studios and includes a brand new sequence featuring live performers, stunts, special effects, and a lineup of characters that have never been part of the show before!

March 23, 2023 – Roundup Rodeo BBQ Restaurant – Now open in Toy Story Land, this new table service restaurant allows guests to experience what it’s like to be one of Andy’s honorary toys! Here’s a sneak peek at the family-style menu .

Spring 2024 – Star Tours – New adventures are set to debut in 2024 featuring Ahsoka. The new adventures will also be featured in Disneyland and Disneyland Paris.

Outside the Parks

MagicBand+ is now available to Walt Disney World guests ! This new accessory offers interactive features including color-changing lights, haptic vibrations, and gesture recognition. Guests are able to interact with the Disney Fab 50 golden character statues as well as the fireworks shows in the parks. (Disney Resort guests and Annual Passholders will get a discounted price.)

Disney World hotel rooms will also begin to offer Alexa very soon. In fact, some resorts are already in the process of installing the devices in select rooms . This new service called “Hey, Disney!” will be a virtual assistant that can introduce guests to Disney characters, set alarms, answer questions, and even guide guests to surprises. You will also be able to check on transportation wait times, park hours, and make requests for deliveries to your hotel room.

On March 15, 2022, Disney confirmed that the Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show will be ending permanently at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and that brand new Disney Vacation Club Villas will be built in its place. While many are deeply saddened by the news of the show’s ending after a nearly 50-year run, the new project will pay homage to the well-loved show. Opening in late 2024, the tower will be inspired by early concepts for Disney’s Polynesian Resort and include an infinity-edge pool, new recreation offerings, and dining options.

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Magic in the Planning offers numerous guides to help you get started in your Disney World vacation planning! Here are some to get you started!

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Dining in Magic Kingdom

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Attraction guide for epcot, attraction guide for hollywood studios, attraction guide for animal kingdom, planning your walt disney world vacation be sure to visit my step-by-step guide to help you get started .

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The Best Time to Visit Disney World in 2023 (as Well as The Absolute Worst)

No shade to the other Disney parks, but Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, has a unique grip on pretty much every traveler, from families and groups of friends to couples, solo travelers and even affinity groups like marathoners. Experiencing the rarified magic of Disney’s four separate theme parks and two water parks under the shining Floridian sun historically comes with some planning—now more than ever. Visitor demand is at an all-time high since the pandemic derailed trips over the last few years, so it’s essential to navigate your trip to Disney World with an updated—and we hate to even use this word —strategy .

“Disney is always changing—literally always changing,” says Lauren Masarik, Travel Agent with Intouch Vacations who has sold Disney travel for over 12 years and gets to the park herself just about every month. “Planning your park days so you can book your park reservations is important to the rest of the planning,” she adds. To help you update your approach for 2023, we spoke to an array of travel and booking agents like Masarik, who regularly plan the family fun, and local experts. They revealed everything from the best times to go if you want to avoid the crowds to how to score the cheapest tickets, plus other great tips to ensure you experience the Disney dream and avoid a Disney dud.

The Best and Worst Times to Visit Disney World in 2023 at a Glance

Here's a quick look at the best and worst times to travel to Disney World. We break down each of these categories in much more detail below. Remember: the best trip takes into account your needs, schedule and desires.

Best Time to Avoid Crowds: Right after school holidays, which are peak times for families
Best Time Based on Weather: October - November
Best Time for Best Value: Late August - September
Best Overall Dates for 2023: Late April - Early May
Worst Overall Dates 2023: The week between Christmas and New Year’s; the weeks around Easter; Spring Break

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Best Time to Go to Disney World If You Want to Avoid Crowds

First thing’s first: If you're going to Walt Disney World, you need to prepare for crowds no matter when you go. Many of our experts agreed that the “sweet spots” or times with almost no crowds have virtually disappeared as of late, but that doesn’t mean you can’t optimize your trip with a bit of research and date planning.

Your best bet is to go when schools are generally in session or start back up after a break. “Avoid peak times like Christmas, President's Week, Spring Break, Columbus Day and Thanksgiving to ensure that you are at least avoiding the most crowded times,” says Becca Magnusen, Family Vacation Planner .

Usually, the lowest crowds are right after those school breaks, so you can target mid-January, late April to early May and late August to late September when people don't want to pull their kids out of school. Other times like that include the third week in November and the second week in December. “Remember that school calendars are different all over the country, so just because there's a break in your region doesn't mean the crowds will be low,” she advises.

Best Time to Visit Disney World Based on the Weather

The best times to visit Walt Disney World depend on the weather you’re looking for, says Magnusen. “If you like mid 70s to mid 80s, late October through late November or going in March give you the best chance for that, but I always tell my clients not to base decisions on the weather because you never know.”

Those looking to experience the full Florida sun and splashy fun will love the summer weather of May, June and July, advises Shannon Henson, Visitor Services Supervisor at Visit Orlando . But many of our experts suggested that Florida’s weather can get scorching and unbearable during these months. It would be best if you avoided it when traveling with elderly people in your group, or kiddos with low tolerance for heat. For cooler temps, which are ideal for everything from alfresco dining to outdoor adventures like clear kayaking, scenic boat tours and beyond, December through February are Henson’s pick.

“I personally love October to November, which is also cooler, but going around this time, you need to consider hurricane season and storms that tend to pick up,” says Veronica Gerosimo, an affiliate of ET Family Travel . “In Florida, it is important to remember that it can rain daily, and random heavy rainstorms are to be expected. The winter months can get chilly, but temperatures also fluctuate during the day from putting on a sweatshirt—and maybe a scarf or gloves like we did once!—to being warmer and not needing a jacket.” Net, net: You should pack layerable items for Walt Disney World that you can quickly take on and off.

With Peak Pricing Now in Place, Here’s the Best Time to Visit Disney World If You Want the Cheapest Tickets

While theme park pricing and hotel rooms are priced for demand, visitors can typically get the most value weekdays in late August or during the month of September. “For the majority of the year, prices for tickets do not fluctuate much,” says Gerosimo. “However, the most expensive days are around the Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas holiday weeks.”

But you can put a little savings back into your wallet even during those peak times, especially if you’re planning to do do multiple days in the park. Our experts all agreed that the more days you visit Walt Disney World, the less overall you will pay per day.

Best Overall Dates in 2023

There are many factors that may impact the best dates to visit Walt Disney World, based on your personal availability, budget, and interests, our experts all advise. “Also consider any special celebrations or holidays that you might be interested in, such as celebrations around Halloween and Christmas, or the amazing food festivals that occur in Epcot,” says Gerosimo.

“For flexible clients, I always recommend late April to early May if they want to travel the first half of the year or mid-November/mid-December to enjoy the holiday decorations," says Magnusen, noting that while she loves September at the parks, the still-hot-and-sticky weather and hurricanes can be disruptive to travel. Another piece of advice: “There are ‘Crowd calendars’ on Pinterest and this year, those dates were extremely inaccurate,” she says. “Everyone who used them booked during the times the crowd calendar said it would the lightest and therefore those weeks were packed !”

As a very frequent visitor of the park, early May is my Masarik’s favorite time of year due to the great weather and lower crowds, noting that pricing will be a bit higher than late August/September, but you get to see Orlando and Walt Disney World during some of its most ideal weather.

Worst Overall Dates in 2023

While Disney delivers no matter when you visit the park, we also had our experts look into their crystal balls to identify some of the worst dates to travel there in 2023. Dates to avoid altogether, if you can, include the week between Christmas and New Year’s, the weeks before and after Easter, and most of March when Spring Break is at its height. “Mid-March to mid-April will be packed basically every day,” says Magnusen. Meanwhile, if you do travel during Thanksgiving Week or the week between Christmas and New Years, expect to pay the most expensive prices for tickets and accommodations for your Mickey-centric trip.

But it really depends on what might impact your vacation, they all note. “Take the weather and cost into consideration, and how that aligns with your interests. “Be aware of any special events that might bring more people and crowds to the resort and parks, such as holidays and the runDisney marathons,” says Gerosimo.

Travel agents can provide you with up-to-date information and changes at the park, walk you through technology, and provide concierge services such as making dining and other experience reservations. They’ll even build out a personalized itinerary for your family, which will come at no extra cost to you as the traveler, Gerosimo says. “Booking through me is the same price as booking directly with Disney, but you get the benefit of support and you're supporting a small business—win/win,” she says. Now that’s some marketing we can get behind.

Travel professionals like Dr Terika Haynes, CEO of Dynamite Travel , offer a wealth of knowledge for their clients. She advises arriving at the parks early, and considering a stay at an on-site Disney hotel. “If you do this, you can consider taking a break in the middle of the day. This gives you time to take a nap or just relax at your hotel—while avoiding warmer weather—and allows you to return to the park later,” she says. While inside the park, you'll need to refuel with food and drinks, and Haynes advises clients to use the food ordering feature on the Disney app, which can reduce your wait time for grub so you can spend it enjoying rides and attractions.

“Know where to spend your money and what options you can add to your trip to make it special and magical, says Masarik. “For example, knowing how to use the My Disney Experience APP and how virtual queues work, Lightning Lanes and Genie+ is very important.”

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The Best Time to Visit Disney World in 2023 (as Well as The Absolute Worst)

BRYAN R. SMITH/Getty Images

@perfectingthemagic When's the best time to visit Disney World in 2023? Here are the Disney World 2023 dates for low crowds, good weather, seasonal decor, and new rides #disneyworld50 #disneyplanning #waltdisneyworld #disneyrides [e-266c] Lo-fi hip hop - NAO-K

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Best Overall Dates in 2023

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When is the Best Time to Visit Disney World in 2023?

There is so much to do and see at Walt Disney World ! When planning your trip, your first question is likely “when is the best time to visit Disney World?”. We’ve put together our list of the best times to visit Disney World in 2023.

The problem here is what’s best for one family might not be best for another family. There’s no one size fits all and you can have a magical trip no matter when you go. When deciding the best time to visit Disney World, we look at crowd levels, weather, special events, and more.

Related – Take Advantage of these Disney World Special Offers in 2023

One of the best times to visit Disney World is when crowds are lower. It used to be easier to predict lower crowd dates but since the parks reopened after the pandemic, it’s hard to tell anymore. However, with Disney requiring guests to make park pass reservations, you can see ahead of time if the parks will be busy.

In our opinion, visiting the parks when it is not scorching hot is one of the best times to visit as well. The parks are more enjoyable when you aren’t constantly looking for shade or trying to stay hydrated.

The best times to go to Disney World typically coincide with school schedules. When children are in school, families are less likely to go on vacation. You’ll also want to avoid runDisney race weekends.

Here are some of the best times to visit Disney World next year:

9-13: This is the week after school’s holiday break and a runDisney event
17-31: The parks will be busy during Martin Luther King Jr. weekend
1-16: Kids are officially back in school and the weather is still pretty cool during the day
27-28: Right after another runDisney event
1-10: Most schools won’t be out for Springs Break until the 2nd week of March so these dates should be a great time to visit!
17-30: By now, the Spring Breakers should be back in school and there won’t be any runDisney events during these dates
All weekdays in the first half of the month: weekends will see more locals and schools let out towards the end of the month

JUNE & JULY

We don’t recommend visiting during June and July if you can help it. School is out for the summer, the weather is hot and humid, and it’s just not the best time for a vacation where everyone else is heading.
The last half of August is better for visiting. School is back in session for most but the weather will still be hot.
Most days in September are good for visiting Disney World. The only dates we don’t recommend are the 1-4. That is Labor Day weekend.
Most weekdays in October are great. Avoid Columbus Day weekend which is October 7-9, 2023. Weekends will see more guests at the parks, especially if Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is happening.
Weekdays in November are also good. Avoid Thanksgiving week though. November 21-26 are dates we would not recommend.
1-15: Any dates after the first couple of weeks will get busier. Avoid Christmas and New Year’s!

Take these dates as a guideline. We always say anytime you can visit Disney World is the best time to visit! Also, keep in mind new ride openings and Epcot festivals when planning your trip. TRON Lightcycle Run is scheduled to open in the spring of 2023 and Epcot has multiple festivals scheduled throughout the year. If you want to visit before the Disney World 50th anniversary celebration ends, you’ll want to visit before March 31, 2023.

If you’d like help deciding the best time to visit Disney World, contact me today! I am the preferred travel partner with Disney Addicts and my services are complimentary. I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation!

When is the Best Time to Visit Disney World in 2023? 1

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The Best Weeks to Visit Disney World in 2023 (Infographic)

These are the least crowded weeks at walt disney world this year..

Disney World is a magical place where dreams come true. But unless you dream about the DMV, you probably want to avoid long lines on your vacation. Well, don’t worry about your trip turning into a nightmare, because Guide2WDW is here to help! We’ve put on our lab coats and analyzed several years of crowd data to determine the best weeks to visit Disney World in 2023.

Last time in our When to Visit Disney World Guide , we covered which weeks are the most crowded at WDW . In this section, we’re focusing on the weeks with the shortest wait times at Disney World’s four theme parks, based on four years of wait time data from Thrill-Data.com .

Going during these weeks is one of the best ways to maximize your vacation time. When Disney World has low crowds, you feel like Disney royalty. You can enjoy all of your favorite attractions without having to dodge and weave through a herd of strollers. You can even get a ton of things done while still sleeping in (although rope dropping is still one of our favorite Disney World tips, even on uncrowded weeks).

And what’s even better is that you will usually save money by visiting on these weeks! Disney World charges less for tickets and add-ons like Genie+ on less crowded weeks, and they often run their best promotions to try to boost attendance during these times.

The Least Crowded Weeks at Disney World - Infographic - Guide2WDW

A couple of technical notes before we begin: For the purpose of this guide, a week starts on Monday and ends on Sunday. Also, I’ll be describing weeks as they appear on a calendar, such as the first week in February or the second week in December. This will include partial weeks. This year, February 1 was on a Wednesday. So I’m considering Wednesday February 1 – Sunday 5 to be the first week in February, and then February 6-12 is the second week in February, etc. It’s surprisingly tricky to describe certain weeks. For example, if the first of the month lands on a Saturday, does that really count as the first week of the month, even though it’s only two days? For consistency’s sake, I’m saying yes. I’ll also give as much context as possible, including information regarding holidays and school breaks.

So, grab your mouse ears and let’s dive into the ultimate guide to the best weeks to visit Disney World in 2023!

Historical Wait Time Data for the Least Crowded Weeks at Disney World

The least crowded weeks at disney world in 2022.

In 2022, the two least crowded weeks at Disney World were the two weeks surrounding Labor Day. This is somewhat surprising, as Disney World typically gets more crowded on holiday weekends throughout the year. For example, the weeks surrounding President’s Day are two of the most crowded weeks at Disney World.

However, it makes some sense, as the school year has started by Labor Day, and many families have already taken a big summer vacation so most people won’t be visiting for the entire week. Also, it’s among the hottest times of the year in Orlando during these weeks, which can keep the crowds away.

In general, the least crowded months were August, September, and early October. There were also some good weeks to be found in January, May, November, and even December.

Here are the weeks with the shortest wait times at Disney World in 2022.

The fourth week in January (1/17-1/23)
The last week in November / The first week in December (11/28 – 12/4)
The third week in December (12/12-12/18)
The second week in May (5/2-5/8)
The third week in August (8/15-8/21)
The fourth week in September (9/19-9/25)
The second to last week in August (8/22-8/28) – Average Wait Time: 34 Minutes
The last week in September / first week in October (9/26 – 10/2) – Average Wait Time: 32 Minutes
The third week in September (9/12-9/18) – Average Wait Time: 31 Minutes
Labor Day Weekend: The last week in August / first week in September (8/29 -9/4) – Average Wait Time: 29 Minutes
Labor Day Week: The second week in September (9/5-9/11) – Average Wait Time: 27 Minutes

The least crowded weeks at Disney World in 2021

2021 had similar patterns to 2022. In general, August, September, and early October have the least crowded weeks at Disney World. January was also a good time to visit, with the last two weeks having some of the shortest waits.

Here are the weeks with the shortest wait times at Disney World in 2021.

The last week in January (1/25-1/31)
The first week in February (2/1-2/7)
The fourth week in September (9/20-9/26)
The fourth week in January (1/18-1/24) – Average Wait Time: 22 Minutes
The third week in September (9/13-9/19) – Average Wait Time: 21 Minutes
The fourth week in August (8/15-8/22)
Labor Day Week: The second week in September (9/6-9/12)
The second to last week in August (8/23-8/29)
Labor Day Weekend: The last week in August / The first week in September (8/30-9/5)
The last week in September / The first week in October (9/27-10/3)

The least crowded weeks at Disney World in 2019/2020

For this guide, we’re combining crowd data from 2019 and 2020. Why? Thrill-Data.com began collecting data in February 2019, so we’re missing some weeks from early that year. On top of this, Disney World was closed for several weeks in 2020 and had much lower wait times when reopening due to limitations in capacity. Therefore, neither 2019 nor 2020 provides a complete picture, and the majority of 2020’s data is unhelpful for this guide.

To come up with predictions for the least crowded weeks to go to Disney World in 2023, I combined the wait time information from 2019 and 2020. Since the first two months and a half of 2020 were typical, I used the January weeks to supplement the dates not present in 2019. For the weeks that came up in February and March, I calculated an average of 2019 and 2020. And then for the weeks starting from the second half of March up to the end of the year, I only used 2019 data, as 2020 is an anomaly. To be consistent, I employed the calendar dates from 2019 since the majority of the data is from 2019.

Once again, we’re seeing a clear pattern: August through early October have the shortest wait times at Disney World. However, there were also some good weeks in April and December.

The second week in April (4/8-4/14)
The third week in December (12/9-12/15)
The fourth week in October (10/21-10/27) – Average Wait Time: 32 Minutes
The fifth week in September (9/23-9/29) – Average Wait Time: 31 Minutes
The last week in September / First week in October (9/30-10/6)
The last week in October / First week in November (10/28-11/3)
The fourth week in September (9/16-9/22) – Average Wait Time: 28 Minutes
Labor Day Weekend: The last week in August / first week in September (8/26-9/1) – Average Wait Time: 26 Minutes
The third week in September (9/9-9/15) – Average Wait Time: 25 Minutes
The fourth week in August (8/19-8/25) – Average Wait Time: 20 Minutes
Labor Day Week: The second week in September (9/2-9/8) – Average Wait Time: 19 Minutes

Predictions for the least crowded weeks at Disney World in 2023

Low Crowds at Toy Story Land - Best Weeks to Visit Disney World

Instead, I made an average of each week’s relative ranking within the year. For example, The first week in September the least crowded in 2022, the 4th least crowded in 2021, and the least crowded in the combination of 2019/2020. So the average ranking was 2nd across those four years. I compared that average ranking to every other week’s average ranking.I’m also taking into consideration how holidays shift from year to year, as well as special events coming up at Disney World.

So here are Guide2WDW’s predictions for the least crowded weeks at Disney World in 2023.

Second to last week in January (1/23-1/29)
First week of May (5/1-5/7)
The second to last week in October (10/23-10/29)
The fourth week in September (9/18-9/24)
The third week in August (8/14-8/20)
The third week in September (9/11-9/17)
The last week in September / First week in October (9/25-10/1)
The fourth week in August (8/21-8/27)
Labor Day Week – Second week in September (9/4-9/10)
Labor Day Weekend – Last week in August / First week in September (8/28-9/3)

The Best Weeks to Visit Disney World in 2023 – Guide2WDW’s Picks

However, what weeks are the least crowded does not answer the question “What are the best weeks to visit Disney World in 2023?” You also have to consider other factors like seasonal events, the temperature, and new attractions.

When would I plan my WDW vacation in 2023?

7) Tie: Any of the weeks in mid-August through Mid-September (8/14-9/24)

These are going to be the best weeks at Disney World for avoiding crowds and saving money. However, these will be the hottest weeks in Orlando all year. Disney World will be sweltering. The low wait times combined with Halloween decorations and the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival still make these weeks tempting.

Just stock up on our recommended items to beat the heat.

Pumpkin Scarecrow Decoration - Magic Kingdom Halloween

6) The end of September / beginning of October (9/25-10/1)

What I mentioned above still applies. This week will have some of the lowest wait times and hottest afternoons, I would just expect it to be slightly cooler than the previous entry in this list.

Another way to beat the heat is to only go into the parks in the mornings and evenings, and then just chill in your hotel room or at the pool during the afternoons. With lower crowds, you’ll get more done during those hours anyway.

5) The second to last week in January (1/23 – 1/29)

MLK Jr Day lands on January 16 this year, so the week of January 23-29 can be an ideal time to visit. The weather will be cool, and there will be a bit of a lull between the crowds of MLK Jr weekend and President’s Day Weekend in February.

4) Tie: The second and third week of December (12/4 – 12/17)

While December is one of the most crowded months at Disney World, that’s mainly because of the last two weeks of the month around Christmas and New Year’s Eve. The first couple of weeks in December can be a lovely time to visit. Crowds are relatively low – not as low as September, but definitely manageable. Plus, you get to enjoy very mild weather and the special holiday decorations and festivities, such as Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

Tron Lightcycle / Run - Roller Coaster at Disney World

3) The first week of May (5/1-5/7)

Not only is the first week of May one of the least crowded weeks over the past few years, but this could also be a great week to visit Disney World due to some recent additions. Early April brings the arrival of the Tron Lightcycle / Run roller coaster and the return of the Happily Ever After and EPCOT Forever fireworks shows.

While there should be an initial surge of guests coming to try out these offerings in April, it should taper off a bit by early May. It’s historically one of the best times to visit Disney World, and the weather should still be not too bad.

So if you’re really interested in seeing new offerings at Disney World while still avoiding the initial rush of crowds, this could be a good week to consider.

Spaceship Earth Holiday Light Show - EPCOT Festival of the Holidays Guide

2) Last week of November / first week of December (11/27-12/3)

Thanksgiving is a little earlier this year, so the fourth week in November (11/20-11/26) will be extremely crowded. But the last week of November and first week of December (11/27-12/2) should be extremely nice to visit Disney World. The week immediately following Thanksgiving was one of the 10 least crowded weeks at Disney World in 2022. I would expect that the pattern would continue this year.

Wait times should be low, while temperatures will most likely be nice and cool. Plus, you’ll get to see the holidays in full swing at Walt Disney World, including EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays and the Christmas Tree scavenger hunt at Disney Springs.

If you’re able to stay home for Thanksgiving but then travel the next week, you can kick off the holiday season in style at WDW.

Disney World in October - Best Weeks at Disney World

However, if I had to choose just one week to visit Disney World in 2023, it would be the second to last week in October. This week has some of the lowest crowds over the past four years, plus it is one of the best times to visit Disney World. Halloween is in full swing, so it’s worth considering buying a ticket to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. Plus, you can do your own adult version of Trick or Treating at each food booth at the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival. Sure, you have to pay for their treats, but I’d take paying for an Australian Lamb Chop over a free Mounds bar any day of the week.

Over the years, the end of October and beginning of November has been a favorite time to visit Disney World. The weather is typically very nice, although some years have been hotter than others. And the timing makes for just an ideal Disney World vacation, in my opinion.

How to plan an amazing Disney World vacation

Spaceship Earth Glowing at Night - EPCOT in Fall - Best Weeks at Disney World

There you have it! The best weeks at Disney World this year. Like most years, mid-August through early October will have the lowest wait times, but we also highlighted some other unique weeks that combine great weather and great events.

So, are you ready to plan the vacation of a lifetime?

Guide2WDW has your back! We have a ton of free guides and tips , such as Time Saving Tips and a Disney World Lightning Lane Guide so you can maximize your time while in the parks.

No matter what time of year you’re visiting, you should consider working with a travel agent for free vacation planning. We recommend our friends at Vacationeer . They specialize in all-things Disney, and they can help you get coveted hotel rooms, dining reservations, discounts with no extra cost to you.

Don’t miss the other entries in our When to Visit Disney World Guide.

The Best Months to Visit Walt Disney World
The Most Crowded Weeks at Disney World

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James Grosch

James is a lifelong Disney Parks fan. While at the parks, he loves finding new details, learning more about Disney World history, and taking pictures. His favorite WDW attractions include Rise of the Resistance, Spaceship Earth, and Tower of Terror. James is a filmmaker and writer based in Atlanta, GA.

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The new rides, attractions and experiences coming to Disney World in 2023

Editor's Note

The last several years at Walt Disney World have been very exciting and fast-paced as far as new attractions and offerings go.

From the opening of Toy Story Land (2018), Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge (2019) and Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway (2020) at Disney's Hollywood Studios to the launch of the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser hotel experience (2022), Remy's Ratatouille Adventure (2021) and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (2022) at Epcot to the opening of Disney's Riviera Resort on the new Skyliner route (2019) and the park's 50th-anniversary celebration , there hasn't been a dull moment at Disney World in the last five years.

However, 2023 has marked the beginning of at least a temporary change in the pace of major new openings at Disney World. This is due to the implementation of a pandemic pause for new projects, plus the cancellation or scaling back of some already in motion.

Because of this shift, there will inevitably be a few years without as many new rides, restaurants and other major additions as we've grown accustomed to. Even if Disney ramped things back up tomorrow, there will still be a slowdown in the pace of large-scale openings in the parks due to the amount of time required to move these projects from greenlight to completion.

But pixie dust is still alive, and there are still a few pre-pandemic projects up Mickey's sleeve. As a result, 2023 has so far seen — and will likely continue to see — some major, new Disney World offerings in addition to some smaller experiences like meet-and-greets and shows.

If you are prepping for your first trip to Disney World in years (or ever), here are all the new rides, attractions and experiences to keep an eye out for at Walt Disney World in 2023.

Related: How you can save hundreds of dollars by renting Disney Vacation Club points

Tron Lightcyle Run

This is it. After several years of anticipation and delays, Disney brought the Magic Kingdom's first new ride since 2014 to fruition with the opening of Tron Lightcycle Run on April 4.

Tomorrowland's Tron Lightcycle Run is now the fastest ride at Disney World. Guests sit on their own Lightcycle and race through eight Energy Gates in a ride that starts out strong and keeps a smile on your face for the entire (admittedly short) duration.

Tron utilizes a virtual queue and a paid individual Lightning Lane, so you can potentially ride it twice in one day. Know, though, that just showing up and getting in line isn't an option.

While the standard Tron Lightcycle Run seats aren't size-inclusive for all passengers , there is a separate cart in the back of some ride cars that is more accessible, so that's the one to ask for if you aren't able to comfortably sit on the test vehicle outside the ride's entrance. Regardless of which seat you sit in, Tron is still a lot of fun to ride, especially as it launches.

Roundup Rodeo BBQ

There's a new restaurant in town as Roundup Rodeo BBQ opened inside Hollywood Studio's Toy Story Land in March 2023.

Adorned with decor inspired by Andy's toys, this come-hungry, leave-stuffed sit-down restaurant joins the popular counter-service restaurant in Toy Story Land.

This is a family-style venue with a jaw-dropping amount of pretty darn good food. Expect comfort classics like ribs, biscuits with sweet pepper jelly, macaroni and cheese, baked beans and watermelon salad.

There's a fixed price of $25 for kids and $45 for adults, so have an empty stomach when you arrive. You might even be able to make it work as two meals if you time your visit right.

Related: Tips for visiting Disney World: 18 ways to save money and have more fun

Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana

Epcot has been on a multiyear transformation that is now nearing completion. While the new marquee rides (Remy and Guardians) have already started welcoming guests, a remaining key component of this park's overhaul — Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana — will open in late 2023 .

Journey of Water is not a ride, but rather a themed walk-through area in the park's World Nature land. The trail will not only offer guests a chance to learn about water, its history and its role on this planet but will also provide opportunities to interact with the water, which, as you may recall from "Moana," has a "mind of its own."

New Epcot nighttime show and land

Journey of Water isn't the only addition expected in Epcot in 2023. The new World Celebration land — including its Communicore Hall and Communicore Plaza, where various festivals and gatherings will take place — is also rumored to be coming later this year.

Additionally, Disney says Epcot will launch a new yet-to-be-named nighttime show in late 2023. This show will replace "Harmonious," which debuted in the fall of 2021 as part of Disney's 50th-anniversary celebration and ended on April 3. Currently, the nighttime show at Epcot is "Epcot Forever," an interim show that was previously used before the debut of "Harmonious."

With this announcement comes the expectation that the controversial barges used for "Harmonious" will, at some point, say farewell to their home in the middle of the World Showcase Lagoon. If you take the monorail to Epcot, you can see some of the construction progress during your ride.

'Happily Ever After'

Disney World's other nighttime show that debuted as part of the 50th anniversary, the Magic Kingdom's "Enchantment," also took its final bow on April 2 when the 18-month celebration concluded. In its place, the fan-favorite fireworks show "Happily Ever After" returned on April 3, 2023, with what Disney describes as some "updates."

As the narrator's voice kicks off the show with the line, "And they all lived happily ever after," odds are you'll hear cheers all around, as lots of Disney fans are happy to have this show back. Honestly, it's better than ever.

Thanks to the projections that go all the way down Main Street U.S.A., there really isn't a bad spot to watch the show, either, whether you're in the hub in front of the castle or back on Main Street itself.

Figment meet-and-greet

This may be a smaller announcement, but the little purple dragon Figment illicits outsize responses from Disney guests. From sold-out popcorn buckets in his likeness to an entire ride featuring Figment that has a loyal following of devoted fans (myself included), Figment is undeniably popular.

As was first announced at Disney's D23 Expo in the fall of 2022, Figment will make his way to Epcot for the first time in many years for character meet-and-greets. While a start date for the experience hasn't been announced yet, it is expected to be at some point in 2023.

Hatbox Ghost

Much like Figment has his legion of loyalists, so does the Haunted Mansion. Out west at the Disneyland version of Haunted Mansion, there's been a popular character within the ride that Disney World had yet to receive ... until 2023.

Later this year, the Hatbox Ghost will appear at Disney World's Haunted Mansion. There's no word yet about whether this will fill the ride's quota for 1,000 happy haunts or if another will depart to keep the count steady at 999 with room for one more.

Related: Disneyland vs. Disney World: Which is the better park to visit?

Walt Disney World Railroad

Enough about enhancements, shows and characters. Let's talk about something you can get on and ride.

For the first time since 2018, you can once again climb aboard the Magic Kingdom's 100-year-old steam train to leisurely make your way around the park.

This opening-day attraction began welcoming guests once again in late 2022 after being closed for four years. The updated version of this Magic Kingdom mainstay features new narration as guests make their way through the different lands of the park. It's once again a convenient way to save some steps while moving from Fantasyland to Frontierland, though you may prefer to simply sit for a low-key ride.

Room renovations at several popular Disney World hotels

From Disney's Polynesian Village Resort to Disney's Contemporary Resort to Disney's Wilderness Lodge , there's been no shortage of refurbishments at Disney World hotels.

Disney has been very busy waving its magic wand at various resort hotels to give them extensive makeovers. This renovation schedule will remain busy in 2023, as properties like Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa , Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort and Disney's All-Star Sports Resort are next in line for an update.

While some Disney Vacation Club rooms and studios at the Grand Floridian debuted beautiful, fresh looks in 2022, other parts of the hotel (including additional rooms) will be beneficiaries of some renovations this year.

Additionally, Disney announced that the pirate-themed rooms at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort will transform into a new "Little Mermaid"-inspired look with muted blue and green hues, plus nods to life under the sea. These rooms in the Trinidad section of the resort will sleep five with a queen bed, a pull-down Murphy bed and a single pull-down sleeper.

Disney's All-Star Movies Resort and Disney's All-Star Music Resort have been renovated in recent years, but the third in the trio of value resorts, Disney's All-Star Sports Resort, is now undergoing a refresh as well. Renovations for All-Star Sports' rooms, lobby and more are expected to produce a design that's similar in feel to the other All-Star properties, albeit with a sporty twist.

Related: The best Disney World hotels for your next magical stay

Summer House on the Lake

We can't leave Disney Springs off this list entirely, especially since it is getting a new restaurant in 2023. Summer House on the Lake has outposts in Chicago and North Bethesda, Maryland, but you can anticipate plenty of California-inspired fare, including salads, pizzas and tacos.

While an exact date has not been announced, based on how far along construction is, the Disney Springs location will likely open in the latter half of 2023. It will reside on the western side of Disney Springs near the AMC movie theater.

Related: The best restaurants at Disney World

What to expect when visiting Disney World in 2023

So far, 2023 is shaping up to look a lot like 2022. With the recent return of Bob Iger as Disney's CEO and some (wishful) reading between the lines of things he has said, there is some hope that some simplification and relaxed restrictions will come to Disney World at some point in 2023. For now, though, that remains a wish a heart makes.

Some pandemic-era operational procedures are still in place. For example, you cannot park hop until 2 p.m. and need a Park Pass reservation for the first park you wish to visit.

Genie+, the paid app-based FastPass replacement that enables you to access the shorter Lightning Lanes, is now variably priced, meaning it's not uncommon to see rates climb to as high as $35 per day. It has a tendency to sell out multiple days in a row, too, during busy periods like spring break.

The price to visit Disney World now depends on the park you want to visit . Disney's Animal Kingdom is the lowest-priced park, while the Magic Kingdom charges the most to visit.

In broader Orlando news for 2023 , the high-speed Brightline train should connect the city to South Florida later in the year. Additionally, the near-Disney Evermore Resort development (which includes a new Conrad hotel) may debut in 2023, though reservations are currently only available for February 2024 on, so you may have to wait a little longer before you can book a stay.

Related: What's in my bag: The ultimate Disney World packing guide from a theme park pro

Peeking ahead to Disney World in 2024

If you are trying to decide whether to make the trip to Disney World in 2023 or wait until 2024, here's a look slightly further ahead at what's in store for 2024.

Frontierland's Splash Mountain, as we know it, closed for good in January 2023 to make room for the much-anticipated "The Princess and the Frog" retheme the attraction will undergo. That reimagined attraction is currently scheduled to debut in late 2024 as Tiana's Bayou Adventure.

Construction is actively underway in Frontierland for Tiana's Bayou Adventure.

At Animal Kingdom, the Dinoland area is also undergoing some changes and construction. It is possible that the area will be rethemed into a space inspired by "Zootopia" or "Moana," though details are still light and may not be fully revealed until beyond 2024.

When it comes to hotels, Disney's Polynesian Village is drawing plenty of attention thanks to its new Disney Vacation Club tower currently scheduled to open in late 2024.

And while not specifically related to Disney World, if you like to combine a theme park trip with a sailing on the newest Disney Cruise Line ship out of Port Canaveral, odds are you have your eye on Disney Treasure , which is now under construction in Germany and expected to join the fleet in 2024. Its arrival should coincide with the completion of Disney's second island destination in the Bahamas: Lighthouse Point.

Bottom line

Big additions are coming to Disney World throughout 2023, with some notable openings already debuting this spring. However, 2023 may also shape up to be the year when Disney guests learn more about some major future developments coming to the parks in the not-too-distant future.

In 2022, Disney publicly discussed some big ideas it was tossing around, including a potential land near Big Thunder Mountain at the Magic Kingdom that could feature an "Encanto" or "Coco" theme. Even a potential villain-themed area has been discussed out loud.

While larger updates like new lands wouldn't be completed in the next year or two, now that the 2020 pandemic closure is well in the rearview mirror, it's safe to say that some welcome changes are coming to Disney. Even other Orlando destinations like Universal Orlando, which is on track to debut its new Epic Universe theme park in 2025, are moving forward after years of unusual circumstances.

We can't wait to see what else comes in 2023 — and what may come in the years beyond.

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

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!

Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar: Understand Orlando Crowds with Our Crowd Calendar

Save money, experience more.

Best Months and Specific Dates to Visit Walt Disney World 2024 & 2025

One of the biggest deciding factors when planning a Walt Disney World trip is figuring when to go! While there is no time of the year anymore that Disney will be completely empty, there are certainly best times to visit Disney World.

You can avoid some of the most intense crowds of the year while also taking advantage of some of the best deals which often coincide with those less busy times. But this doesn't also mean you can't visit during some of the best celebrations of the year which include both Halloween and Christmas. Considering Walt Disney World is also located in Florida, you also want to consider large weather factors like hurricane season.

My guide to the best times to visit Disney World covers not just the best time of the year to avoid crowds but also the best times to visit to enjoy everything Walt Disney World has to offer with special events, holidays, and celebrations.

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In this planning guide:

Cheapest Day to Visit Disney World

1-day tickets for Walt Disney World are on a tier system with a range of $109-$189 for a one park per day ticket. The price of this 1-day ticket will increase depending on the park (Magic Kingdom is always the most expensive) and time of year (think holidays like Christmas, etc.) so the time of year.

The lowest price for 1-day Disney World ticket in 2024 could be found in August and September. Animal Kingdom is usually the park with the lowest price of $109 per day with Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios costing $124 on the cheapest days of the year to visit Disney World. EPCOT falls in the middle with a cost of $114 per day.

If you want to upgrade to a 1-day park hopper then the ticket price will be a flat $183 per ticket for the cheapest day of the year at Disney World.

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And at no additional charge, you get FREE concierge Walt Disney World services! These services include having Get Away Today's Walt Disney World expert Brooklyn take care of all your dining reservations, FastPass+ reservations, and more! This really takes all the stress out of planning a Walt Disney World vacation. Rather than waking up at odd hours of the night to book all your reservations, why not let their travel agents take care of it for you- for free!

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Buying tickets from Get Away Today is easy and convenient since all their tickets are sent electronically. You can take their vouchers and head straight to the gate without needing to wait in any ticket booth lines. They also offer layaway plans so you can pay off your vacation over time.

Best Months to Visit Disney World

Here are some of the best times to visit Disney World broken down by our favorite months to visit. These choices reflect some of the lower crowded times of the year but also weather and festivals at EPCOT to consider.

January at Walt Disney World is a key time to visit if you are a runDisney fan! January is when the Walt Disney World marathon takes place which is January 3-7 2024. This is one of the largest runDisney events and it's a very popular event for runners and Disney fans. January 12th marks the start of the EPCOT Festival of the Arts which is one of the best new festivals at Walt Disney World. Plus you can usually find plenty of hotel discounts at Disney World (click here to see all current discounts) in January. This is also the coldest month of the year so if you're someone that is worried about Florida heat, this is a good time to visit. Read our guide to Walt Disney World in January .

For those visiting in 2025, these events will likely take place again around the same timeframe.

You can see our analysis of the best Disney World discounts available here .

February is a month that sees lower crowd levels before the busy spring break season begins. The only weekend to avoid in February is the third Monday of February which is President's Day weekend. As always, any three day weekend will bring extremely high crowd levels. The Disney Princess Half Marathon weekend will also run February 22-25 which will bring larger crowds. Read our guide to Walt Disney World in February .

February will offer mild weather and lower crowd levels even with some of the events taking place at Walt Disney World. The EPCOT Festival of the Arts continues until February 19th which will increase crowds at EPCOT in the evenings and weekends. This event features food, performances, and art from all around the world and from all different cultures.

August is one of the best times to visit Disney World as this is one of the slowest months in the year. You will still get to enjoy the longer operating hours of summer along with all the other benefits of a summer visit without the higher crowd levels you may see in June and July. But keep in mind that the weather will be extremely hot, rainy and this is the beginning of hurricane season in Florida. Hence why some folks tend to avoid it! Read our guide to Walt Disney World in August .

But if you can handle the weather, the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival continues its run which is arguably one of the most popular festivals at EPCOT. You will see the Fall discounts at Walt Disney World beginning in August which can help offset the cost of your trip. If you're looking to avoid crowds and enjoy discounts, August is a great month to pick.

disney world refurbishments disney world castle

September is often called the slowest month of the year making it one of the best times to visit Disney World. If your priority is to avoid crowds then this is a great time to visit. You will also see some of the best discounts of the year fall during September which is another good reason to visit. Read our guide to Walt Disney World in September .

September does fall during hurricane season at Disney World so you will see an increase of rain and storms and there's always the slight chance of weather impacting your travel. Travel insurance or booking flights with refundable options is a great choice. The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival runs during September along with the Halloween season including Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party ! Just because September is a slow month, doesn't mean there are not plenty of activities to enjoy.

November is a perfect month to visit when it comes to weather at Walt Disney World. The temperatures are still warm but not hot, the rainfall has begun to slow after hurricane season, and the holiday season usually kicks off in the first week. This is also the best month to visit if you want to enjoy the holidays at Walt Disney World but are nervous about navigating larger crowds. Just be sure to avoid Veteran's Day weekend as this will likely be one of the most crowded weekends in the month along with Thanksgiving weekend. Read our guide to Walt Disney World in November .

Best Days to Visit Disney World

While it can be hard to pinpoint the exact best date to visit Disney World, I can give a rough estimate for the best days each month. This isn't an exact science but you can get an idea of what days to focus your trip on. These dates would be the ones I would select if I was picking my own best times to visit Disney World.

Best 2024 Dates to Visit

January : 8-10, 16-31
February : 1-14, 26-29
March : 1-7
April : 22-23
May : 1-9, 13-23, 28-31
June: 1-13, 18-30
August : 1-31
September : 3-30
October : 1-10, 15-31
November : 1-7, 12-25
December : 1-15

Best 2025 Dates to Visit

January : 7-16, 22-31
February : 1-13, 19-28
April : 21-30
May : 1-8, 12-22, 28-31
June: 1-12, 17-30
October : 1-9, 14-31
November : 1-6, 12-25

These dates are all around prioritizing low crowd levels and holidays. Nothing is guaranteed but this can help give you an idea of how to plan!

Busiest Time to Visit Disney World

You can read more about the busiest time to visit Walt Disney World in our crowd calendar , but ultimately the good rule of thumb is to avoid holidays if you don't want to deal with crowds. This also includes holiday weekends which can sometimes be the busiest weekends the parks will see all year. Some of these weekends to avoid include President's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Labor Day, and Indigenous/Columbus Day.

Other times of year like Spring Break weeks during March/April, Thanksgiving week, and Christmas week also all draw big crowds.

Best Time to Visit Disney World Halloween

One of the best times to visit Disney World for Halloween is the month of September. This is one of the slowest months out of the entire year which also comes with a great offering of hotel discounts for guests. You can easily pull off a great budget trip to Disney World for Halloween if you travel in September. Just avoid Labor Day weekend! Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween party runs throughout the entire month of September and you will see Magic Kingdom filled with Halloween decorations.

The weather may be the only consideration when it comes to visiting Disney World for Halloween. September is considered hurricane season at Walt Disney World so you might see an increase in rainy weather, storms, or other potential weather related issues. If your priority is to avoid bad weather then you might want to pick October for visiting Disney World for Halloween.

Best Time to Visit Disney World Christmas

If you're looking to visit Disney World during Christmas then there are some best times to visit to avoid crowds and have better weather. This is one of the best times of the year to visit Disney World as the parks go all out for the holidays! This is truly one of the best times of the year to visit, it's my favorite time to go personally!

If you are looking to avoid crowds, the earlier in the celebration you go the better. The seasonal celebration often begins after the first week of November and runs until the first week of January. If you visit before Thanksgiving, you will experience the lowest crowd levels during the holidays. After Thanksgiving the parks will increase in crowd levels, especially on weekends, as the holiday draws near and more locals are enticed by the Christmas decor.

Another tactic is to wait until after New Year's Day and catch the Christmas celebration before it officially ends during the first week of January.

Best Time to Visit Disney World Weather Wise

The best times to visit Disney World are often impacted by the weather in Orlando. One major concern for guests is avoiding hurricane season which is broadly considered to run from June to the end of November as part of the Atlantic hurricane season. However, it is more likely to see larger storms during August and September but it's possible by the end of October. This year the anticipated hurricane peak of the season is said to be September 10th. Now just because we talk about hurricane season in terms of hurricanes, doesn't mean Florida sees hurricanes nonstop that time of year. Hurricane season can also just mean larger amounts of rain and wind. So if you plan your visit anytime between June and October, you can expect to see rain.

If avoiding rain, storms, and high levels of heat is your priority then the sweet spot for visiting Disney World for great weather is usually March through May. April often receives the least amount of rain on average and the temperature range is between 75-85 degrees. This is perfect for enjoying the parks but also warm enough to still enjoy your hotel pool. October and November are also great for mild temperatures but you still might see a risk of a tropical storm in October. December through February runs the risk of colder temperatures but if you don't mind brisk temps then this could be a good choice.. especially if you want to avoid the heat.

I have been to Disney World during many different types of weather and regardless of what is happening, aside from the rare hurricane at Disney , you can have a great trip. I have been during the extremely rainy, hot summer months in July. I have also been in December when the freak 2022 cold front lowered the temperatures down to 30 degrees! To be honest, I would rather take the heat and rain over that! But it's all up to personal preference, just be aware if you're planning a trip in August or September to consider travel insurance just in case.

Plan Your Disney World Vacation!

Keep reading our blog to keep you updated on everything you need to know to prepare for a Disney Parks vacation! We have a team of writers working hard to keep you updated weekly on events in the parks and tips for navigating the magic. Subscribe to our free deals newsletter to receive helpful planning information, exclusive Disney deals, and access to the lowest priced Disney tickets anywhere. You can find more information on planning your vacation here:

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

About Lindsay Brookshier

Lindsay is a college English instructor and has years of writing experience through various nonprofits, charities, newspapers, and online magazines. As the content director of Mickey Visit, she oversees article content and leads our fantastic team of writers to meet guest vacation needs. You can still find her writing weekly content to help make your Disney Parks trip fantastic here on Mickey Visit and Disney Dose- you can also view her recently featured posts on Disney Parks travel on Visit Anaheim, Nerd Wallet and SFGate. Lindsay comes from a dedicated Disney family and enjoys taking her son to the Disney parks as often as possible.

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The 2024 Guide To Disney World Itineraries for EVERY Type Of Visitor

Updated: March 18th, 2024

Disney vacations are for kids. Right?

But it’s also one of the most popular spots for weddings, honeymoons, proposals, family reunions, and even school field trips and team competitions.

There’s much to cover at the four Disney World parks. But we will go through each park to give you an idea of the best restaurants, attractions, and shows you might consider checking out. While you may not get to everything on each itinerary, it will definitely help get your plans in motion!

Before you skip Main Street, U.S.A., you’ll need to decide whether you plan to use Disney’s Genie+ planning tool or are willing to purchase Individual Lightning Lanes for those high-demand attractions. Your budget and your priorities will be the ultimate deciding factor in whether or not this tool will work for you. The two parks we think you can get the most value out of the Genie+, and Individual Lightning Lane options are in Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios, which are both heavy hitters in terms of attractions.

You can still get a lot accomplished without it, but if your goal is to complete as much as each park has to offer, you’ll want to take advantage of Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Hours if you can.

You’ll also want to pre-plan any table service meals you want to enjoy during your Disney World vacation. Advanced Dining Reservations for Disney World table service restaurants open up 60 days prior to your vacation, and the most popular dining locations book up quickly!

So, that means not only do you want to figure out where you want to eat as early as you can, but you may also want to set an alarm on your calendar to book those reservations as early as 6AM EST on that 60-day mark!

Disney World is comprised of four theme parks, two water parks, a shopping and dining district, two miniature golf courses, over 20 resorts, and more than 200 restaurants and lounges. So even though hundreds of thousands of guests visit Disney World every year, no two trips are ever the same. You can tailor your Disney experience to your preference. Looking for thrills and some Broadway-quality shows? Disney’s got you covered! Looking to relax in a hammock or lounge by a pool with a fruity frosty drink? Disney can provide that, too.

Depending on who’s in your group, you can tailor your Disney plans to fit everyone’s needs. But don’t stress out, we did the work for you to help find an itinerary that can fit almost any visitor in your group!

Best Disney World Itinerary for a 5 Day Trip
Best Disney World Itinerary for a 7 Day Trip
Best Disney World Itinerary for Toddlers
Best Disney World Itinerary for Adults
Best Disney World Itinerary for Couples
Best Disney World Itinerary for a 2-Year Old
Best Disney World Itinerary for a 3-Year Old
Best Disney World Itinerary for a 4-Year Old
Best Disney World Itinerary for a 5-Year Old
Best Disney World Itinerary for a 6-Year Old
Best Disney World Itinerary for a 7-Year Old
Disney World for the Fan Who Has Done It All
Disney World for Guests with Sensory Issues, Autism, or NeuroDiversity
Disney World for Guests with ADHD
Disney World for Visually Impaired or Blind Guests
Disney World for Guests with Mobility Issues
Disney World for Expectant Mothers
Disney World in Large Groups

So whether you’re planning a solo trip, a trip with your pals, or even a honeymoon, we’ve got an itinerary to help you accomplish your Disney vacation goals! We also have handy checklists for each park so you can prioritize your own goals and not miss a thing!

Keep following AllEars for the latest Disney news, tips, and travel info, and be sure to sign up for our newsletter!

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What is your favorite thing to do in the Disney Parks? Let us know in the comments below!

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2024 & 2025 Disney World Crowd Calendar (best times to go)

Planning a Disney World trip for 2024 or 2025?

You’ve come to the right place. Our easy-to-use Disney World Crowd Calendar will help you avoid long lines, so you can have more fun on your Disney vacation.

Here’s what you need to know:

In this article

When are the best times to visit Walt Disney World in 2024 and 2025?

We know you are probably eager to dive in to check on those predicted crowds, so let’s start off first with our big graphics (please note there is one for 2024 and one for 2025), and then we will go into more detail for both years, month-by-month, down below.

GRAPHIC: The best times to visit Walt Disney World in 2024

Here’s our current predictions for how the crowds will look if you plan to travel to Disney World in 2024:

Click for full-sized PDF

Note: Our ‘best times to visit’ below are a mix of times of the year when you’ll have either low crowds OR good weather. Due to Disney’s strategy of filling the cooler, quieter periods with special events and competitions, finding a time that offers both low crowds and ideal weather has become more challenging than in the past.

WDW Top Picks for Disney World in 2024 :

January 16-31 (light to moderate crowds, but you’ll have cooler temps)
February 1-9 (light to moderate crowds, but you’ll have cooler temps)
May 6-23 (light to moderate crowds, but it will likely be hot)
August 5-29 (some of the lowest crowds of the year, but it will be hot)
September 3-19 (some of the lowest crowds of the year, but it will be hot)

2024 brought about a bunch of changes, including the end of Park Pass reservations for date-based tickets (which covers most guests aside from Annual Passholders) plus, we’ve also seen the long-awaited return of the Disney Dining Plan . And we can’t forget the highly anticipated Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opening (exact date still unknown).

GRAPHIC: The best times to visit Walt Disney World in 2025

And here’s how its looking for 2025:

WDW Prep School Top Picks for 2025 :

January 21-31 (moderate crowds, but you’ll have cooler temps)
February 21-28 (moderate crowds, but you’ll have cooler temps)
May 5-22 (light to moderate crowds, but it will likely be hot)
August 5-31 (some of the lowest crowds of the year, but it will be hot)
September 1-30 (some of the lowest crowds of the year, but it will be hot)

Looking ahead to 2025, we’re expecting to keep seeing some familiar patterns when it comes to crowds. All signs point to the fact that summers could possibly continue to be a less busy than they used to be, while January might pick up the pace and get busier. Also, October will remain a popular time for families to visit due to the increase in the number of schools hosting Fall Breaks.

2024 Disney World Crowds Month by Month

Ready to book a trip for 2024? Here are our month-by-month predictions:

April 1-7 – heavy crowds continue due to the Easter holiday
April 8-17 – moderate crowds return
April 18-21 – even though there is the runDisney Springtime Surprise race, expect the crowds to remain moderate
April 22-30 – moderate crowds finish up the month, even with a couple of cheer and dance competitions happening

Things to keep in mind for April:

The Easter holiday falls on March 31 in 2024, which means the first week of April will see an increase in crowds.
The Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival transforms Epcot into an array of color. Make sure you set aside some time to check out the topiaries there.
Storms (especially midday storms) will also likely be a factor, so we highly recommend you plan midday breaks from the sun and rain during your trip.
Get park hours and info on refurbishments and special events (plus lots more) on the April crowd calendar .
May 1-5 – moderate crowds across all of WDW, and heavy crowds at Hollywood Studios for May the Fourth
May 6-10 – lighter crowds return for a few days
May 11-12 – weekends (especially Saturdays) are typically a bit busier as guests arriving for their vacation and those leaving Walt Disney World overlap
May 13-17 – light to moderate crowds
May 18-19 – weekends (especially Saturdays) are typically a bit busier as guests arriving for their vacation and those leaving Walt Disney World overlap
May 20-23 – light to moderate crowds
May 24-31 – moderate crowds return, with the busiest days being around Memorial Day

Things to keep in mind for May:

There are a few special limited time celebrations taking place this summer , so be sure to check those out.
Get park hours and info on refurbishments and special events (plus lots more) on the May crowd calendar .
June 1-30 – moderate to heavy summer crowds, with Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays being a bit heavier than the other days of the week

Things to keep in mind for June:

June is also the start of hurricane season . Consider trip insurance if planning a vacation during this time.
Epcot construction finally wraps up, plus there are several limited-time celebrations happening. Check out what’s in store for Summer 2024 at Walt Disney World .
Get park hours and info on refurbishments and special events (plus lots more) on the June crowd calendar .
July 1-7 – heavy summer crowds as guests travel to WDW for the 4th of July
July 8-31 – moderate to heavy summer crowds, with Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays being a bit heavier than the other days of the week

Things to keep in mind for July:

Weather has always been a factor when planning Disney World trips, but the temps and humidity in July can be particularly brutal.
July is also during hurricane season . Consider trip insurance if planning a vacation during this time.
This is typically the month where we see the Food & Wine Festival begin.
There are several limited-time celebrations taking place across Walt Disney World in 2024.
Get park hours and info on refurbishments and special events (plus lots more) on the July crowd calendar .

August 2024

August 1-4 – moderate crowds that get lighter as the month goes on and more kids return to school
August 5-9 – light crowds
August 10-11 – moderate weekend crowds
August 12-29 – some of the lightest crowds of the year, with Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays being a bit heavier than the other days of the week
August 30-31 – crowds pick up a bit before the Labor Day holiday

Things to keep in mind for August:

Weather has always been a factor when planning Disney World trips, but the temps and humidity in August can be particularly brutal.
August is also during hurricane season . Consider trip insurance if planning a vacation during this time.
The International Food and Wine Festival will be in full swing over at Epcot. Whenever possible, we recommend that you avoid Epcot on Thursday – Sunday (especially in the evenings).
Look for Halloween entertainment to begin at Magic Kingdom, including the very popular Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Get park hours and info on refurbishments and special events (plus lots more) on the August crowd calendar .

September 2024

September 1-2 – peak Labor Day crowds
September 3-19 – some of the lightest crowds of the year, with Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays being a bit heavier than the other days of the week
September 20-23 – light to moderate crowds return for a few days
September 24-26 – light crowds
September 27-30 – moderate crowds return as we start ramping up to the busy Fall Break season

Things to keep in mind for September:

September is typically a great time to travel to Walt Disney World as school is usually back in session in most areas, but it is before any Fall Breaks have the chance to bring heavy crowds.
Halloween entertainment continues at Magic Kingdom, including the very popular Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Weather has always been a factor when planning Disney World trips, but the temps and humidity in September can be particularly brutal.
September is also during hurricane season . Consider trip insurance if planning a vacation during this time.
Get park hours and info on refurbishments and special events (plus lots more) on the September crowd calendar .

October 2024

October 1-3 – moderate crowds as Fall Breaks begin
October 4-9 – moderate to heavy crowds
October 10-14 – peak Indigenous Peoples’ Day crowds
October 15-31 – moderate to heavy crowds for the rest of October, with the busiest days on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays and towards the end of the month as guests arrive for Halloween and the runDisney Wine & Dine Half Marathon

Things to keep in mind for October:

The growing popularity of Fall Breaks in schools means that October is far busier than it used to be.
Weather has always been a factor when planning Disney World trips, but the temps and humidity in October often surprises guests visiting from cooler climates.
October is also during hurricane season . Consider trip insurance if planning a vacation during this time.
Get park hours and info on refurbishments and special events (plus lots more) on the October crowd calendar .

November 2024

November 1-3 – heavy crowds due to the runDisney Wine & Dine 1/2 Marathon
November 4-6 – moderate to heavy crowds for Jersey Days and early Veterans Day visitors
November 7-11 – heavy crowds for the Veterans Day holiday
November 12-22 – moderate to heavy crowds in the days after Veterans Day and before Thanksgiving
November 23-24 – heavy crowds begin arriving for the Thanksgiving holiday
November 25-30 – peak Thanksgiving crowds

Things to keep in mind for November:

Veterans Day and Thanksgiving are both popular across Walt Disney World, which means to expect heavy crowds if visiting then.
Christmas events usually kick off at Magic Kingdom, look for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party to start this month.
Food and Wine Festival at Epcot wraps up this month.
The Epcot Festival of the Holidays typically begins the day after Thanksgiving and continues through the end of December.
Even though November typically begins a gradual cool off, storms (especially mid-day storms) and high heat and humidity can still be a factor, so plan accordingly.
November brings the end to hurricane season. Consider trip insurance if planning a vacation during this time.
Get park hours and info on refurbishments and special events (plus lots more) on the November crowd calendar .

December 2024

December 1-20 – heavy crowds with Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays a bit busier (although early December used to be known for light crowds, that is no longer the case as many people travel to WDW to check out the decorations)
December 21-31 – peak holiday crowds

Things to keep in mind for December:

Although early December used to be known for light crowds, that is no longer the case as many people travel to WDW to check out the decorations. If you are traveling during this time, expect it to be busy.
Christmas events continue over at Magic Kingdom, look for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party to run until the week of Christmas.
Get park hours and info on refurbishments and special events (plus lots more) on the December crowd calendar .

@wdwprepschool 4 least busy times to go to Disney World in 2024! 🏰✨ #waltdisneyworld #magickingdom #epcot #animalkingdom #greenscreen ♬ original sound – WDW Prep • Disney Tips

2025 Disney World Crowds Month by Month

Dreaming of taking a Disney World vacation in 2025? Here are our month-by-month predictions:

January 2025

January 1-5 – very busy time as people use their days off from work/school to vacation at Disney World for the holidays
January 6-12 – most schools are back in session during this time, but you can still expect moderate to heavy crowds due to the extremely popular runDisney Walt Disney World Marathon
January 13-16 – crowds lighten up a tiny bit before a big dance & cheer competition and the busy Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday
January 17-20 – heavy crowds descend on Walt Disney World as guests visit for both the long holiday weekend and the UCA College Cheerleading & Dance Team Nationals
January 21-30 – moderate crowds for most of the rest of the month
January 31 – slight uptick in crowds due the UDA National Dance Team Championship

Things to keep in mind for January:

There are a few holidays and special events sprinkled throughout this month that have historically drawn large crowds. If at all possible, try to avoid traveling over those.
The weather in January is some of the best of the year. We recommend you pack layers, but be prepared for comfortable days and cooler nights and mornings.
The Epcot Festival of the Arts is one of the shorter festivals, but it is definitely worth checking out.
Get park hours and info on refurbishments and special events (plus lots more) on the January crowd calendar .

February 2025

* Note: These events are estimated dates and may change after official schedules are released.

February 1-2 – although February used to be relatively slow, look for the entire month to be busier than years past, starting with moderate crowds due to the UDA National Dance Team Championship
February 3-7 – slight dip in crowds before things pick up again for another weekend cheer competition
February 8-9 – look for this weekend to be busier due to the UCA National High School Cheer Competition
February 10-12 – small pocket where the crowds will likely decrease a bit
February 13-20 – very heavy crowds due to the combination of a cheer/dance competition * , Presidents’ Day weekend, and the start of the runDisney Princess Half Marathon
February 21-24 – moderate crowds over the weekend as the runDisney Princess Half Marathon wraps up
February 25-28 – moderate crowds to wrap up February, increasing some towards the end of the month for the start of another cheer/dance competition *

Things to keep in mind for February

The Epcot Festival of the Arts is one of the shorter festivals, but it is definitely worth checking out.
The weather in February is some of the best of the year. We recommend you pack layers.
Get park hours and info on refurbishments and special events (plus lots more) on the February crowd calendar .
March 1-2 – busy weekend due to a dance/cheer competition *
March 3-6 – moderate crowds for the first part and middle of the week, with overall levels increasing the closer you get to the weekend
March 7-9 – heavy crowds due to a dance/cheer competition * and the start of Spring Break
March 10-31 – heavy crowds Spring Break crowds

Things to keep in mind for March:

Spring Break typically begins this month, which means heavy crowds at Walt Disney World.
Get park hours and info on refurbishments and special events (plus lots more) on the March crowd calendar .
April 1-6 – heavy crowds to start out the month due to Spring Break and the runDisney Springtime Surprise
April 7-11 – moderate crowds return for a few days
April 12-20 – heaviest crowds of the month due to the Easter holiday and school breaks
April 21-27 – expect this week to be just slightly less busy than the week before due to the holiday and school breaks
April 28-30 – moderate crowds return for the end of the month

The Easter holiday always brings heavy crowds for both the week before and the week after.
May 1-5 – moderate crowds kick off the start of the month due to a dance/cheer competition * with heavy crowds likely at Hollywood Studios for May the Fourth
May 6-9 – lighter crowds expected during the middle of the week
May 10-11 – weekends (especially Saturdays) are typically a bit busier as guests arriving for their vacation and those leaving Walt Disney World overlap
May 12-16 – lighter crowds expected for much of the week
May 17-18 – weekends (especially Saturdays) are typically a bit busier as guests arriving for their vacation and those leaving Walt Disney World overlap
May 19-22 – lighter crowds expected for much of the week
May 23-31 – moderate crowds return as school years start wrapping up, with the busiest days being around Memorial Day

June 1-30 – moderate summer crowds, with Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays likely being a bit heavier than the other days of the week as guests arriving for their vacation and those leaving Walt Disney World overlap

July 1-3 – moderate summer crowds
July 4-6 – heavy summer crowds as guests travel to WDW for the 4th of July
July 7-31 – moderate summer crowds, with Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays likely being a bit heavier than the other days of the week as guests arriving for their vacation and those leaving Walt Disney World overlap

August 2025

August 1-4 – moderate crowds that get lighter as the month goes on and more kids return to school
August 5-8 – light crowds
August 9-10 – moderate weekend crowds as guests arriving for their vacation and those leaving Walt Disney World overlap
August 11-31 – some of the lightest crowds of the year, with Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays being a bit heavier than the other days of the week as guests arriving for their vacation and those leaving Walt Disney World overlap

September 2025

September 1-30 – some of the lightest crowds of the year, with the days around Labor Day being a bit more crowded. Also, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays will likely have slightly heavier crowds than the other days of the week as guests arriving for their vacation and those leaving Walt Disney World overlap.

October 2025

October 1-3 – crowds start increasing as Fall Breaks begin
October 4-5 – heavy weekend crowds as guests arriving for their vacation and those leaving Walt Disney World overlap
October 6-9 – a slight dip in crowds during the middle of the week before things get very busy
October 10-20 – heavy Fall Break crowds
October 21-24 – a slight dip in crowds during the middle of the week
October 25-26 – heavy weekend crowds as guests arriving for their vacation and those leaving Walt Disney World overlap
October 27-30 – a slight dip in crowds during the middle of the week
October 31 – heavy crowds for the Halloween and runDisney Wine & Dine * weekend

November 2025

November 1-2 – heavy crowds for the Halloween and runDisney Wine & Dine * weekend
November 3-5 – moderate crowds before Jersey Days and Veterans Day visitors
November 6-11 – heavy crowds due for the Veterans Day holiday
November 12-14 – slight dip in crowds before the weekend
November 15-16 – heavy weekend crowds as guests arriving for their vacation and those leaving Walt Disney World overlap
November 17-21 – moderate crowds before Thanksgiving guests arrive
November 22-23 – heavy crowds arrive for the Thanksgiving holiday
November 24-30 – peak Thanksgiving crowds

December 2025

December 1-5 – moderate crowds as many people travel to WDW to check out the decorations
December 6-7 – heavy weekend crowds as guests arriving for their vacation and those leaving Walt Disney World overlap
December 8-12 – moderate crowds as many people travel to WDW to check out the decorations
December 13-14 – heavy weekend crowds as guests arriving for their vacation and those leaving Walt Disney World overlap
December 15-17 – final days for moderate crowds before holiday travelers start arriving
December 18-25 – heavy holiday crowds, increasing the closer you get to December 25
December 26-31 – peak holiday crowds

When is Disney World the LEAST crowded?

Typically, the least crowded times at Disney World tend to be:

Mid-May : There aren’t any holidays during this time, and not as many families travel in the final weeks of school.
Mid-August through most of September: This is when most American kids are back in school, and there are fewer vacationing families. The weather in Florida is also typically very hot and humid, which can deter some guests.

When is Disney World the MOST crowded?

As you can imagine, holidays and long weekends see the heaviest crowds at all tourist destinations, and that includes Walt Disney World. Basically, any time school is out of session, Walt Disney World will be busier.

Look for the parks to be the busiest around these dates. That includes the days before and in some instances, the days after, too:

New Year’s Day (January 1)
Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday (3rd Monday in January)
Presidents’ Day/Washington’s Birthday (3rd Monday in February)
Spring Break (especially last 2 weeks of March)
Easter (both the week before and the week after typically have increased crowds)
Independence Day (July 4)
Indigenous Peoples’ Day (2nd Monday in October)
Veterans’ Day (November 11)
Thanksgiving Day (4th Thursday in November)
Christmas week through January 1

In addition to all of those, keep in mind that the weekends are almost always busier than the weekdays, with mid-week (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays) being less crowded than Mondays and Fridays.

What month at Disney World is the BEST?

What month is the best month to visit Walt Disney World depends on what your goals are:

August, and September (excluding holiday weeks) are historically the least crowded . Especially if you can avoid the weekends, this time of year typically sees some of the lowest crowds.
January and February have the best weather . This time of year has cooler temps and way less rain. You may need a jacket in the morning or evenings, though.
Late August and September are best for fall decor and Halloween activities . Late August and September are historically way less crowded than October, making them the better options if you are going for the fall decor or Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.
December is best for holiday decorations and festivities. All parks and resorts will be decorated, Festival of Holidays will be happening, but it will likely be crowded.

When is the best time to visit in Walt Disney World for holiday decorations?

Lots of people like to travel to Walt Disney World to check out the holiday decorations. In the past, the time between the end of Thanksgiving and about the middle of December would be perfect for that.

However, over the past several years, we’ve seen the crowds during that time period steadily increase to the point now that what used to be a relatively slow time of the year, has become quite busy.

If you’d like to visit Walt Disney World to see the holiday decorations, there are still some days that are better than others. Just keep in mind that even though they are “better”, they will likely be busier than what you might have experienced over the same days in years past.

November 15-22, 2024 (moderate crowds, holiday decorations are out, but the Festival of the Holidays will not have begun yet at Epcot)
December 2-20, 2024 (moderate to heavy crowds, holiday decorations, Festival of Holidays will be happening)
November 17-21, 2025 (moderate crowds, holiday decorations are out, but the Festival of the Holidays will not have begun yet at Epcot)
December 1-5, 2025 (moderate to heavy crowds, holiday decorations, Festival of Holidays will be happening)
December 8-12, 2025 (moderate to heavy crowds, holiday decorations, Festival of Holidays will be happening)

What happens if the parks are busier than anticipated?

Although we have years of experience putting these crowd calendars together, occasionally something happens (like a surprise announcement from Disney) that can throw off our predictions. But don’t panic!

Even though heavier crowds may sound scary, that doesn’t mean that your trip will be ruined.

To help navigate it all, we have a few resources to share, including complete guides for using Disney’s Genie+ system, which we have personally found *extremely* useful at keeping waits to a minimum:

Tips for handling the crowds at Disney World
Best Genie+ choices (book these first!)
How to use Genie+ at Walt Disney World
How to book Individual Lightning Lane selections

In fact, we recommend all guests visiting Walt Disney World spend some time looking through those guides – no matter how busy the parks are expected to be.

Will the new stuff at Universal affect the crowds at Disney World?

If you haven’t heard, Universal is getting a lot of new and highly anticipated stuff in the upcoming years, and we do expect many people will be scheduling trips for those openings.

And, since it isn’t unusual for people to want to pair both a Universal trip with a Walt Disney World trip, we would not be surprised to see an uptick in WDW crowds when the Universal openings happen.

How does a crowd calendar work?

Crowd calendars have been a staple for many people planning Disney World vacations, but exactly what do they do?

Simply put, crowd calendars are predictions for just how busy the entire Walt Disney World Resort will be on any given day.

If you are a repeat visitor, it can be easy to want to compare crowd levels from previous trip dates to future trip dates.

But, that won’t work.

Typically, aside from what we saw in 2020 and 2021, more people are going to visit Walt Disney World year-over-year.

So, keep this in mind:

When looking at crowd levels, please remember that you can’t compare this year to last year, or any other year for that matter. What we consider “heavy” crowds now will likely look nothing like the “heavy” crowds from years past.

And, most importantly – w hen we predict that crowds will be “heavy” or “light”, we mean that on those dates the crowds will be heavier or lighter when compared to the rest of the year .

Which park should you visit on each day of a Disney World trip?

In addition to the yearly information above, we also publish monthly crowd calendars that include refurbishment and closure information, park and entertainment hours, plus the dates you’ll need to know for booking Advanced Dining Reservations.

When planning your park days, the goal is to visit the park with the lowest predicted crowds.

The monthly calendars are easily customized to display the exact information you need for all 4 parks:

Magic Kingdom
Hollywood Studios
Animal Kingdom

Plus operating information (hours, refurbishments & closures, etc.) for:

Disney Springs
Blizzard Beach
Typhoon Lagoon

We recommend you use the information on this page to guide you as you select your travel dates, and then use the monthly crowd calendars linked below each month to help you plan your individual days.

How do opening and closings affect crowds at Disney World?

As you can imagine, anytime something major opens or something popular closes, the crowds in the parks are heavily impacted.

In general, the parks where the attraction or show is located will see the largest impact, but it isn’t unusual for all the parks to see a temporary surge in crowds.

So, keep this in mind when noting the crowd levels above.

Crowd levels are fluid from year to year. What was considered “moderate” in years past is not the same thing that is considered “moderate” now; it is simply “moderate” when compared to the rest of the current year .

Do runDisney races and sports competitions make Disney World more crowded?

During the slower times of the year, you’ll often find that Disney World hosts lots of competitions.

If you are planning to visit during the time of the year that a cheer, dance, or other sporting event competition is taking place, we recommend trying to avoid booking a room at one of the host resorts. The primary host resorts are typically all 3 of the All-Star Resorts ( All-Star Sports , All-Star Movies , and All-Star Music ).

There is also sometimes some overflow into the moderates, primarily Caribbean Beach and Coronado Springs , however, the main impacts (like crowded buses and busy food courts) are guaranteed to be felt at the 3 All-Star Resorts.

Does that mean you will never find competitors in the other resorts? No. But you’ll definitely find them in the ones listed above.

runDisney races , on the other hand, tend to bring in far greater crowds that stay at all levels of resorts and since the competitions occur outside the normal park operating hours, the impact is more wide-spread. That doesn’t mean a trip will be ruined if a race is occurring while you are there, it is just something to be aware of.

An experienced travel professional at Small World Vacations can help you navigate all the changes.

→ Get a quote now ←

Are crowd calendars a thing of the past?

For a long time, Disney World crowd trends were relatively easy to predict.

It was never an exact science, but years and years of near-monthly visits paired with giant spreadsheets and databases of wait times did help us, with at least a decent amount of accuracy, predict how we thought things would go.

In our opinion, Crowd Calendars aren’t a thing of the past, but they are going to look different .

School schedules have been changing. Remote work is a thing, making it easier for families to travel during traditionally off-peak times.

Choosing those “best dates” just got a lot more nuanced, and things we’d never thought we’d have to consider are a new reality.

But – even though things definitely will look different, there are still times of the year that are less busy than others.

If you’re just starting to plan a trip between now and the end of 2024, you should first read our free Walt Disney World Vacation Planner to make sure you don’t miss anything that could mess up your trip.

When do you plan to visit? Any questions about our Disney World crowd calendar?

Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments , but please don’t ask us to compare to crowd calendars from other sites . We’ve explained the reasoning behind our calendar here and won’t be commenting on how other sites do things.

Christine Smith

Friday 27th of October 2023

It may not matter too much, but Mardi Gras is February 13th this year.

Emma Bridgeman

Friday 20th of October 2023

Your crowd calendars are so useful! When will your calendar for 2025 be out? Thanks!

Shannon Albert

Monday 23rd of October 2023

Glad the info is useful! 2025 will likely be out in May/June of 2024.

Michelle E Barthlow

Saturday 23rd of September 2023

If you could pick any 10 days/nights between May 25th and July 27th, what dates would be the best? Unfortunately, we can't take our daughter out of school anymore like we always used to do.

Barbara Sofer

Tuesday 12th of September 2023

We--grandparents, one parent, two boys 11 and 13, are landing from abroad and driving directly to Epcot on September 26. We won't get there until the noon. What would you recommend vis a vis Gene+ and Lightening Lanes?

Friday 15th of September 2023

Would recommend buying it and starting to book from home and while you're traveling. Buy an Individual Lightning Lane Selection for Cosmic Rewind so you can pick a time to ride and consider getting Standby Skipper because it can book your Lightning Lanes even when you don't have access or want to be on your phone.

Tuesday 29th of August 2023

What does moderate mean? How long are waits with a moderate crowd? I'll be there on Jan 8th, 2024.

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How to visit Disney World without losing your mind

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The “most magical place on Earth” can be just that, but since its pandemic-era closures in 2020 , Disney World has become equally challenging to visit. It can be stressful and somewhat maddening to parse the endless Google results about park reservations and Genie+ bookings, but just like settling for a sad croissant at a tourist cafe in France, experiences at Disney are layered and knowledge yields better trips. In a sense, not all Dole Whip stands are created equal, and your resident Disney pro is here to help. (Rum floaters at Animal Kingdom, anyone?)

As a full-time theme park journalist focused on all things Disney for eight years now, I, too, was once an adult with a hazy memory of MGM Studios and a Mickey meet-and-greet. After one single trip to Walt Disney World, I fell so deeply in love with its charms that I’m now on the other side, leading you through this weird, wacky, anthropomorphic mouse-led wonderland with reliable expertise.

After all, there’s a reason millions of people travel to Florida despite its swamp-like climate. Even if you’re convinced your kid won’t remember meeting Minnie Mouse, Disney World can have its merits at any age. This is an American institution, and if the countless hours your household logs on Disney+ amount to anything, it’s also somewhat inevitable if you can afford it. Yes, it’s a multi-day trip. Yes, it can be costly. And just because you’ll complain the whole time doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go.

If you’ve got that voice in the back of your head, summoning you to its royal gates, here’s what you need to know.

What’s the deal with Disney World?

Unlike Disneyland, the classic Southern California theme park that’s easily doable in one day, Walt Disney World is essentially its own city. With two water parks, dozens of hotels, a mass transit system, a “downtown” mall and, uh, a utility district you’ve likely heard something about , there’s an entire ecosystem of lingo and logistics that can be as tricky to navigate as a foreign destination.

Still, Walt Disney World’s draw remains its four separate theme parks, each worthwhile in its own regard. Magic Kingdom is the castle-laden one you’re picturing, packed with a bevy of kid-friendly rides, character meet-and-greets, and classic nighttime entertainment. Epcot is a mishmash of newer, family-friendly attractions with seemingly never-ending seasonal food festivals and a bit of edutainment you may recall from childhood.

Then there’s Animal Kingdom , the tamest of the four — packed with stunning zoo-like experiences and a surprisingly beloved Avatar land — and Disney’s Hollywood Studios , a once-fledgling park that now houses Star Wars and Toy Story attractions alongside Disney’s only Mickey Mouse-themed ride.

As you’d imagine, Disney World is massive, with some destinations a 25-minute drive away from each other. You won’t need to rent a car, though — so long as you can figure out transportation from Orlando International Airport ( Uber , Lyft , or one of the airport bus services like Mears Connect and Sunshine Flyer ), you can make it around Walt Disney World itself for free.

What do I need to know before booking?

Visiting this self-proclaimed epicenter of all things magic really is a multi-day trip. I recommend four to five days on the ground — one at each or most of the parks, with a rest day in the middle. Sure, you can experience one park in one day if that’s all you’ve got, but it will feel exhausting to jam it all in.

When it comes to selecting dates, it’s what you’d expect: If it’s a holiday, it’s going to be busier and pricier; if it’s summer, it’s gonna be hot and also rainy. There will always be crowds, but to seek out pockets when things are calmer, look through unofficial crowd calendars and take note of park hours . (On nights from August through December when Magic Kingdom has ticketed seasonal events, it closes around 6 pm and won’t let you stay for fireworks.)

How much is this going to cost?

Tickets aren’t cheap. Adult tickets range from $109 to $189 per day, and for the time being, require a free but easy-to-forget park reservation . (This will change in early 2024 .) Disney offers single- and multi-day admission, but a park hopper , generally a $70 surcharge on a one-day pass and less for multi-day admission, allows you to visit any of them. Just mind the asinine restriction that hopping can only occur after 2 pm.

(Traveling before October? Don’t miss Disney’s rare summer ticket promotion .)

Once inside, it’s not just the $6 Mickey-shaped ice cream bar that’ll cost you — it’s the breakfast with Tigger ($45 for adults, $29 for kids) and custom Star Wars light sabers ($219) and other optional surcharges, like line-skipping, which can add up to around $55 per person, per day. (More on that below.)

With those endless pixie-dusted ads airing on TV, Disney wants you to think you have to stay at Disney’s hotels to feel the magic, but there are oodles of nearby hotels that sometimes offer more for less. You’ll miss out on Disney hotels’ perks — including early theme park and booking advantages — but it’s not an absolute dealbreaker to stay elsewhere.

Pricing changes constantly, and there are often seasonal discounts and promotions, but Disney offers three pricing tiers of hotels — value ($100-$200), moderate ($250-$450), and deluxe ($500+). (Higher-end brands like JW Marriott and Waldorf Astoria have outposts nearby as well.) Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin, which offers Disney hotel perks, Marriott’s Bonvoy advantages, and walking paths to two theme parks, is often my go-to choice (pricing starts around $190 per night). For a ’90s kid, nothing can break the nostalgic hold that Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort has on you (thanks, Full House ), but if you can swing prices in the four digits, Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort is sheer perfection, ideal for special occasions or if the grandparents are footing the bill.

What can’t be missed?

Magic Kingdom is the quintessential Disney experience, even if other parks may be more enjoyable. It reigns supreme because for young ones or those short on time, it has the most rides of any park and all the classic meet-and-greets, providing more bang for your buck.

If you’ve got older kids who aren’t quite wooed by the charms of a slow-moving Peter Pan ride, turn your sights toward Hollywood Studios , whose Slinky Dog Dash coaster provides a worthy entry point to genuine thrills like Tower of Terror and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, Disney’s only upside-down offering.

For thrill-seekers, the Guardians of the Galaxy coaster at Epcot is a must, but if you’ve got someone in your group who’s as anti-Disney as DeSantis , not even the strongest of souls can resist Expedition Everest , a perfect coaster packed with a surprise track switch and, most importantly, no recognizable characters (save for a yeti). And if you’re the one planning the trip and simply give up, just head to Epcot . With its World Showcase pavilions and refreshed rides, the mix of Frozen meet-and-greets and frozen margaritas is a multi-generational crowd-pleaser.

If your child is hell-bent on meeting a certain character, know that while Mickey Mouse is at all four parks, some only meet guests at certain locations , while others, like Encanto ’s Mirabel, are currently only visible in parades and shows. Oh, and once the sun sets, Magic Kingdom’s Happily Ever After is the nighttime fireworks show to see. (It’s so good that its replacement was recently bounced out in favor of it returning.)

How can I avoid long lines?

Disney World once had a free program called Fastpass, which let every ticket holder “skip the line” on select rides. That no longer exists, but two new paid products, sold through the Walt Disney World app, grant access to a shorter, speedier queue.

The first, Genie+ , is essentially Disney’s paid version of Fastpass. Pricing changes daily and by which park you’re visiting, but for around $25 per day, per person, you’ll gain quicker entry into several attractions of your choosing throughout all four parks.

For the most in-demand rides, you’ll need to pay separately once again. Individual Lightning Lanes, which cost $10-$20 per person, provide one-time expedited access to the biggest, best attractions, all of which are excluded from Genie+.

Both are completely optional but maximize what you can do while in the parks — and, in a way, the admission you’ve already bought. They also require a bit of finesse. Disney-goers are on top of it, and if you don’t book the moment they’re available, you’ll be at a disadvantage. Genie+ goes on sale at midnight each day and ride selection opens at 7 am. Individual Lightning Lanes go on sale at 7 am for Disney hotel guests and at park opening for everyone else.

As you can imagine, there’s a lot of nuance to this somewhat essential process; we recommend reading one of the many Disney fan sites that break it down in detail . (Note: this can and will change in the future, so check the website prior to travel.)

Oh, and one more thing — for new rides, like Magic Kingdom’s Tron coaster , Disney will often impose a Virtual Queue . In lieu of standing in line, one must gain entry through boarding groups, which are free, and released at 7 am and 1 pm on the app. (For the latter drop you need to have already entered Magic Kingdom. And yes, it starts after park-hopping hours .) You can also toss some money at the problem — Virtual Queue attractions are usually offered with Individual Lightning Lane as well.

Do I really have to plan ahead?

Experts like myself will tirelessly recommend it, but there are some ways around it.

If you don’t mind eating quick-service meals — a.k.a. food on a tray — there’s no need for restaurant reservations. (You can also play it by ear and use the Disney World app’s walk-up waitlist feature to try and nab a last-minute table.) That said, if you’re looking for an elusive time to dine with princesses at Cinderella’s Royal Table or another popular spot, advance dining reservations go quickly and can be nabbed 60 days in advance , or a little earlier if you’re staying with Disney. (For any and all dining questions, the aptly named Disney Food Blog and its guidebooks are required reading.)

You can also use a travel agent, who will guide you through every step of the process and even book your travel, often at no cost to you. (It’s still a booming business in these parts, as their expertise pairs well with the many, many follow-up questions you’re likely to have.) Mouse Fan Travel and Dreams Unlimited Travel are among the biggest and best, but any independent travel agent with a focus on theme parks is likely to work their butt off for you, including sitting on hold with Disney’s call center for hours on your behalf.

Still, things you can’t budge on are familiarizing yourself with the offerings, linking all your plans through My Disney Experience and the Walt Disney World app, and getting your tickets squared away. The park reservation system, which is in place through early 2024, requires you to pick which park you’ll visit each day in advance, and those can sell out.

If you want to opt out of those Genie+ and Lightning Lane shenanigans altogether, arrive extra early, stay late (you can join most queues until the park closes), or parse through the massive amount of data for when the best time to pop in line may be.

What else do I need to know?

Pack rain ponchos for afternoon downpours, zip-lock bags for water rides, and if you’re traveling in the summer, your choice of personal cooling devices. (This place was built on swampland, and boy, does it like to remind you.)

Download the Disney World app in advance and make sure each member of your party (and your Disney hotel reservations, if applicable) are linked for those quick-draw 7 am bookings. Bring portable phone chargers, never wear brand-new shoes, and always check in with Disney experts ( like me !) for updates on theme park changes, which can happen at any time.

Also: The Starbucks line at Magic Kingdom may look short but it’s long, the monorail is always more magical than the ferry, and whatever you do, don’t buy the “ Most Expensive Day Ever ” shirts. No one thinks they’re funny.

Carlye Wisel is an award-winning theme park journalist who spends all her time obsessing over The Muppets and minutia of Disney and Universal theme parks. Her podcast, Very Amusing , covers everything from trip planning to interviews with athletes and actors who are unexpected Disney fans. Got more questions? Give her a call at 747-CHURROS. She’s happy to help!

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The “Just Tell Me What to Do” Guide for the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival

By Jessica Wedinger Leave a Comment

We just got the exciting news that the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival will be returning this year! From August 29th to November 23rd, you can check out everything that this fan-favorite festival has to offer!

Food and Wine Festival

From all the yummy food and drinks to entertainment to a scavenger hunt, there is so much to see and do at the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival. Since there is so much to experience during this festival, we put together a “Just Tell Me What to Do” guide for you to follow or reference when the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival officially starts!

EPCOT Festivals can be so much fun and give you a different EPCOT experience , but we know it can be overwhelming to try and figure out everything you want to see, do, and eat! To help, here is our brief guide to tell you what you should do!

Food and Wine Festival Banner 2023

Navigating the Festival

At the front of the park, as well as at food booths, you can pick up a copy of the festival’s passport. This passport has so much information that it can help you plan out your day. You can even check out the festival’s passport online using the My Disney Experience app BEFORE you go into EPCOT!

Grab your passport!

The passport will provide you with all the details of the Festival , including menu items at Global Marketplaces (festival/food booths), where to purchase festival merchandise, and showtimes for the Eat to the Beat Concert Series.

You can find a passport at the front of the park

Global Marketplaces/ Food Booths

One of the best parts about visiting EPCOT is all the food and drinks that you can try! During festivals, there are even more food and drink offerings, and you will want to check them out!

International Food and Wine Festival booths

At the festival booths, you can find offerings that are only available during the festival. While these booths are found all around the park, you will mostly find them in the Promenade of EPCOT and near the World Showcase Lagoon in each country. Full menus will be released closer to the festival’s opening day, and we’ll have all the details on the page linked below — so keep checking back!

Click Here to See the Menus for the 2024 EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival!

Don’t know what to get? Don’t worry. Here are some of our favorite booths from last year that will be making their return!

2023 Canada Booth

Head to Canada at the Canada booth and order the Canadian Cheddar Soup with a Pretzel Roll . We have to get this every year! It is a tradition for us!

A must-get!

Over at the Belgium booth, the Belgian Waffles with Berry Compote and Whipped Cream or Warm Chocolate Ganache will be back!

Belgian Waffle with Berry Compote and Whipped Cream

Craving more sweets? The Germany booth will have the Apple Strudel with Vanilla Sauce again this year!

Apple Strudel with Vanilla Sauce

As the festival starts, we will make sure to update you on our favorite foods and give you our “Best of the Fest 2024.”

For now, you can check out our 2023 EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival Best of the Fest here!

Now that you have a little background about the festival, here is what you must do!

Stay at a Hotel Near EPCOT

Six hotels at Disney World are super close to EPCOT. They are Disney’s BoardWalk Inn , Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Res orts , the Walt Disney World Dolphin and Swan , and the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve. You can even stay at hotels with Skyliner access , like Disney’s Pop Century Resort , Disney’s Art of Animation Resort , Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort , and Disney’s Riviera Resort .

The BoardWalk

If you plan to visit the festival multiple days, staying at a hotel closer to EPCOT can save you a lot of travel time — plus you can enter through the International Gateway Entrance of EPCOT that takes you straight into World Showcase, closer to the festivities!

Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Beach Club

Make a Game Plan

Having a game plan and strategy can make your trip to the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival go smoothly.

You can start to prep by checking out all of our EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival tips:

15 Tips to Make Your Visit to the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival Less Stressful!

And watching our video of all the things we enjoyed last year — because many of them will be back for 2024:

But your best bet for making a solid festival game plan is to grab our DFB Food & Wine Festival Guide! We’ve been covering the festival for 15 years — checking out every booth, trying every food and drink offering, attending concertsand seminars … we release a new guide each year with photos and reviews of all the food, all to help you have the best Food and Wine Festival trip!

Study up on the guide, and pick out what booths you want to eat at and what entertainment you want to see and experience. By coming in prepared, you can map out your day and plan how you want to start it.

2022 Festival Passport

If you really want to get a head start on the festival, we recommend starting right when the festival booths open at 11 AM. This way, you can start snacking earlier in the day and have more time to try all the booths.

EPCOT during the 2022 Food and Wine Festival

Budget Using a Gift Card

We know that things at Disney World can get expensive , and while food booths tend to have food offerings between $4-$10 and well as drink offerings $5-$14 , it can add up when you go visit multiple booths.

View a Realistic Budget for the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival Here!

2021 Food & Wine Festival

If you make a game plan to estimate what you plan on buying beforehand, you can start to create a budget. A great way to stay true to this budget is to purchase a gift card to be used, especially at the festival booths.

Food and Wine Festival Wristlet Gift Card 2023

There are special gift card designs for each festival, and you can even get one with a band to wear on your wrist! This makes it easy to stick to a budget and have easy access to your gift card.

You can grab a gift card wristlet to make touring the festival easy!

Don’t worry if your gift card runs out; you can always add more funds (if you can afford to stretch your budget, that is)!

Three Budget Plans for EPCOT Festivals

Gift cards can help you budget for your trip!

Check Out the Entertainment

Each Festival has its own featured entertainment at the America Gardens Theatre. For the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival, there is the Eat to the Beat Concert Series , and each year, recognizable names play here.

America Gardens Theatre

While the 2024 Eat to the Beat Concert Series line-up has not been announced yet, we checked out Shelia E.’s website, and she has performance dates at Disney World on September 20th and 21st, which falls in line with the festival dates. We will make sure to keep you updated as more details and musicians are announced!

Check Out Last Year’s Eat to the Beat Concert Series Lineup!

If you want to check out the concert, each day, the featured musician plays three sets at 5:30 PM, 6:45 PM, and 8:00 PM. These concerts are a great way to take in all that the festival has to offer, as well as get some rest while you digest!

Eat to the Beat Sign

Sometimes, these concerts can be very popular and can only offer standing room, but there are also times when you can come in minutes before the show starts and have no problem finding a seat.

Eat to the Beat 2022

Besides the Eat to the Beat Concert Series, for a week of the Festival, you can catch ¡Celebración Encanto! on the CommuniCore Hall Plaza Stage until September 6th.

CommuniCore Hall is set to be the center of EPCOT Festivals and will include a demonstration kitchen, a mixology bar, and exhibition and gallery space. With this new space, we hope that Disney will bring back the popular demonstration, seminars, and book signings the festival used to offer!

CommuniCore Hall opens June 10th in EPCOT

Eat to the Beat Dining Package

As we said above, sometimes seats can be scarce when certain musicians come to perform at the Eat to the Beat Concert Series . However, there is a way to guarantee a seat!

You can score a reserved seat by buying an Eat to the Beat Dining Package!

You can make a reservation for the Eat to the Beat Dining Package at certain EPCOT restaurants the same way you usually reserve dining through My Disney Experience. The difference is that you also choose which of the three showtimes you wish to attend: 5:30 PM, 6:45 PM, or 8:00 PM.

Participate in Emile’s Fromage Montage

We love cheese here at DFB, and we will take any excuse to try different cheeses. During the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival, you can partake in a CHEESE CRAWL!

Fromage Montage Details in Festival Passport

When you pick up your festival passport, you will see the pages for Emile’s Fromage Montage. Simply visit five participating locations and order the featured cheese item. Make sure to show your festival passport to the Cast Member, who will take your order and get your stamp.

Get your stamp!

Why We LOVE Emile’s Fromage Montage!

Once you get all your stamps, you can redeem your festival passport for a special treat! Last year, we got Strawberry Cheesecake Soft Serve topped with a Mini Cheesecake and Graham Cracker Crumbs in a Specialty Cup. It was delicious and so worth completing Emile’s Fromage Montage!

We got all of our stamps!

Not only is this activity fun to try all the different cheeses at the Festival, but you also get a souvenir to remember all the fun you had!

Emile’s Fromage Montage Prize in 2023

Participate in Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak Scavenger Hunt

Each Festival has a themed scavenger hunt. At the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival, you can search for hidden Remy’s all around EPCOT in Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak Scavenger Hunt.

2023 Remy’s Hide & Squeak Scavenger Hunt Map

Simply purchase a map at a participating gift shop, and you will be on your way! Once you find Remy, you place the coordinating sticker to its place on the map. When you are all done, you can redeem your map at participating locations for a small prize!

Where is Remy?

Don’t Visit on the First or the Last Day

EPCOT can get crowded, especially on the first and last days of the festival. People want to try all the different foods and drinks that are offered, which means that on the first day of the festival, people are going to be eager to be some of the first to see what the festival has to offer.

EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival

Read About More Festival Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Due to this, we recommend not checking out the festival on the first day. The same goes for the last day of the festival. People will either want to have some of their favorite foods for the last time, or it could be the only day that they can check out the festival.

Festival Passport 2021

The moral of the story is that you may want to avoid visiting the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival on its first and last day.

Eight Tricks Pros Use at the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival

2022 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival

Whew! That was a lot! Here is a little recap to help you know what to do when you visit the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival.

Stay at a resort near EPCOT if you plan to attend the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival multiple days during your visit.
Make a game plan! You can start planning your Festival day BEFORE you even start your trip. Look at resources on our Blog and YouTube Channel . And grab our DFB Guide to the Food and Wine Festival right here!
Arrive at EPCOT right before 11 AM to be there as soon as the booths open.
Budget using a Disney gift card. You can even pick out a cute design!
Check out the festival entertainment like the Eat to the Beat Concert Series.
Book the Eat to the Beat Dining Package if you want guaranteed seats to a show.
Do the cheese crawl and participate in Emile’s Fromage Montage for yummy cheeses and a prize!
Buy a map and participate in Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak Scavenger Hunt for a fun prize!
Don’t visit on crowded days, such as the first and last day of a Festival.
Have a great time!

By following this guide, we are sure you are going to enjoy your day at the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival!

Want More Tips? Check Out Our EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival 101 Page!

It's wine & dine time.

Food & Wine Festival can be a bummer. You stand in line waiting for what looks like the perfect treat, and it's a bust. But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE EPCOT Food & Wine Festival experience.

GET YOUR GUIDE NOW

Learn More About the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival!

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I was in Disney World December 27, 2023 until December 31. I went with my 2 boys. I became super ill on December 30 and was unable to use my ticket on December 31. Would I be able to still use that ticket for a future trip? I wanted to go next month. ”

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Cheapest Dates to Visit Disney World in 2024-2025

Walt Disney World is never cheap, but some times of year are significantly less expensive than peak dates, which can cost over double the off-season. Wondering when it’s cheapest to visit Walt Disney World? This offers a list of days, weeks & seasons this year and in 2025 that have lower prices and crowds! ( Updated March 3, 2024 .)

As suggested above, “cheapest” is a relative term and not an absolute one. Walt Disney World is an undeniably expensive vacation destination, and the least expensive dates are still priced on par with traveling to Europe, Asia, or many tropical locales. Compounding that is the reality that total trip prices to Walt Disney World are up by thousands of dollars since 2019–and had risen by around 5% per year in the decade before that.

Park tickets, hotels, restaurants, and more at Walt Disney World have all increased dramatically in the last couple of years. The good news is that prices for 2024 have not increased–they’re the same price as they were last year. The bad news is that there will be 2025 Ticket Price Increases at Walt Disney World . We’d also expect menu and souvenir prices to increase in October 2024, with another increase possible in February 2025.

That sharp increase since 2019 doesn’t even take into account all costs, like transportation (airfare, rental cars, rideshare, etc.) or added expenses, such as souvenirs, dining, and more. It also doesn’t factor in the shift from free FastPass to the flat-rate Genie+ to date-based and per-park pricing for the line-skipping service. What was once free jumped to $16 per day and now is nearly triple that on busier days.

On a positive note, Walt Disney World has gotten more aggressive resort discounts as “revenge travel” has fizzled out, resulting in most resort rates effectively decreasing as compared to the last two years. In addition to this decrease after discounts, 2025 vacation packages and room-only reservations are now available and rack rates have actually decreased for many resorts. (See our 2024 vs. 2025 Walt Disney World Resort Hotels Price Comparison .) Those who drive or rent cars are the biggest winners, as there’s also no longer an overnight parking fee at on-site hotels.

This is all victory, the extent of which differs depending upon how much you zoom out and compare prices to past dates. Walt Disney World vacation prices are lower for 2024-2025 as contrasted with the peak of pent-up demand in 2022, but up significantly as compared to 2019.

Walt Disney World prices are still shockingly high and surprising to first-timers and those who haven’t visited since 2019 or earlier. We revisited this topic in How Much Does a Walt Disney World Vacation Cost? That was rather eye-opening for many people planning trips for the first time or returning from a hiatus of a few years.

The reader comments to that are equally illuminating, as many reported spending even more than our already high budget ranges on Walt Disney World vacations. Consider this post an indirect “sequel” to that–and one that aims to avoid overspending.

While this doesn’t help you cut costs or trim the fat from your vacation budget, it does aim to help you choose the most economical dates to visit! Similarly, our recent Top 14 Money Saving Tips for Walt Disney World in 2024 offers assistance with reducing your vacation budget by eliminating expenses that do not enhance your trip. In fact, some of that advice actually improves your trip–for example, doing breakfast in your room (saves money and time–plus food court breakfasts generally underwhelm unless you like powdered eggs).

This post is similar in that choosing cheaper dates will generally also improve your trip and can save you money. That’s because the dates with the highest prices are typically busiest, and vice-versa. As a general rule, higher prices do not deter people from visiting or “redistribute” attendance. Crowds are almost always a good proxy for prices–the lower the prices, the lower you can expect attendance to be. Double win!

That’s one of the general “rules” when it comes to the cheapest times to visit Walt Disney World, and there are a few more. Another is that prices typically go up every single year. These increases take many forms, and are staggered across the calendar. Typically, the cost of snacks, sodas, and other pre-packaged items increases in late January or February and potentially again in September or October.

Consequently, it’s usually less expensive to visit sooner rather than later. If you’re waiting for prices to drop, history typically is not on your side. However, as noted above, the last few years have been anomalies. As noted above, prices for 2024-2025 are lower than 2022 when revenge travel was running hot and not all hotels had fully reopened.

Rates for 2025 are slightly lower in some cases than this year, but that will probably be partially or fully offset by higher food and ticket prices. For on-site guests, the wild card that determines whether this year or 2025 is cheaper is discounts. (For off-site guests, 2024 will almost certainly be cheaper.)

Walt Disney World has already released more–and better–discounts for 2024 than were available by this same point last year (see All Current Walt Disney World Discounts ). Discounts have gotten progressively more aggressive in the last several months, with savings of up to 35% off resort rooms (on average, discounts have offered 5-10% more savings on average as compared to last year). On top of everything else, Free Dining returned for 2024 –a first since 2019.

In any case, the general rule is that traveling in the current year is cheaper than in the following year. But there can be exceptions to that even in normal times. For example, if you book your vacation early and lock-in pricing on tickets and hotels, it will likely be less expensive to travel most dates in January or February 2025 than in November or December 2024. That’s because prices usually decrease in the winter off-season as compared to the prior holiday season, and there are also typically better discounts for the off-season.

While it’s debatable whether February or September will be cheaper within 2024 after discounts, it’s likely that both of those months will offer lower rates than their counterparts in 2025. Even with slightly lower resort rack rates next year, that’s just one factor in pricing. It doesn’t account for the price increases between now and 2025 that will almost assuredly occur on Lightning Lanes, restaurant menus, merchandise, and more.

In other words, the advice here should be applied to dates or months in the same year (with the aforementioned carve outs). Unless you’re “banking on” another recession or economic downturn, it’s a safe bet that the general trend line for Walt Disney World prices will continue its upward climb on an annualized basis.

Getting down to brass tacks, the least expensive time to visit Walt Disney World are usually the winter off-season. This basically encompasses January and February, with the exception of the very beginning of the year when schools are still on Christmas break plus the weeks around MLK Day, Mardi Gras and Presidents’ Day.

The general rule is that January and February are the cheapest months of the year, on average. There’s a little more nuance to it than that, as the fall has had better discounts (historically) and other variables that can move the needle on a case-by-case basis. Nevertheless, we could say January and February 2025 will mostly be the cheapest months of the next 12, although portions of August and September 2024 could come close or even surpass the winter depending upon the circumstances.

Those aforementioned circumstances are mostly Free Dining, which is available in the late summer and early fall off-season, but not the winter off-season. For families that are the “right” size and can take full advantage, there’s no better deal than Free Dining. It’ll make those months cheaper than winter…but not across the board or for everyone.

If you’re looking for the best timeframes in the winter off-season when Walt Disney World is cheapest, January 5 through mid-February is best. Again, prices spike for the week of Presidents’ Day/Mardi Gras, falling again the next week–but not as low as those early-year off-season dates.

Following that, prices in March and April are hit or miss, usually driven by the timing of Spring Break and Easter. Whenever goes are on break, you can expect significant spikes to both pricing and crowds. This, Easter is early–meaning that March is more expensive (on average) and prices drop in mid-April. Next year, Easter will occur later, meaning prices don’t decrease as soon.

Fast-forward past Easter, and that week (after the holiday) through the week before Memorial Day once again see lower prices. This is technically considered “regular” season, but it’s on par with some dates in mid-February and is the cheapest Walt Disney World will be until early August.

About a week before schools go back into session, prices decrease again. This occurs earlier on the hotel side of the equation than with park tickets, presumably because locals continue visiting after tourists stop traveling–and only the latter books hotel stays.

Starting the third Sunday of August, prices return to near their lowest levels of the year and stay there until mid-September (with the notable exception of Labor Day weekend). Costs do get higher from then until early October, but it’s by a nominal amount. Technically, these rates are higher than off-season dates in January and February. As noted above, that can be further exacerbated by intervening price increases on tickets, food, etc.

However, it can also be more than offset by discounts that tend to be offered in the fall offseason (as discussed above). Prices for October through early December tend to be a veritable roller coaster depending upon whether it’s a holiday week/end or not. Columbus Day, Veterans Day, and Thanksgiving all see spikes–some fairly massive. Same goes for runDisney race weekends.

If it’s not one of those weeks or weekends, pricing is near its lowest levels of the year through the first week of December. That gradually escalates beginning the second week in December, culminating in the weeks of Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Beginning December 16 and lasting until the end of the calendar year, holiday season kicks in and prices hit their highest levels of the entire year.

If you’re simply looking for the very best dates in each season, they are as follows:

Spring 2024

March 17 to 20, 2024
April 7 to 11, 2024
April 14 to 18, 2024
April 21 to 25, 2024
April 28 to May 2, 2024
May 5 to 9, 2024
May 12 to 16, 2024
May 19 to 23, 2024

Summer 2024

All Sundays through Thursdays approximately equal in June and July 2024
August 4 to 8, 2024
August 11 to 15, 2024
August 18 to 29, 2024
September 2 to 12, 2024
September 15 to 19, 2024
September 22 to 26, 2024
September 29 to October 3, 2024
October 7 to 10, 2024
October 13 to 17, 2024
October 20 to 24, 2024
October 27 to 31, 2024

Holidays 2024

November 3 to 7, 2024
November 10 to 14, 2024
November 17 to 20, 2024
December 1 to 5, 2024
December 8 to 12, 2024

Winter 2025

January 5 to 9, 2025
January 13 to 16, 2025
January 19 to 23, 2025
January 26 to 30, 2025
February 2 to 5, 2025

A couple of things to note about the above. First, these season by season prices are relative to other dates within each season. For example, that last set of December dates costs exactly $100 per night more than the cheapest dates in January. If the entire calendar is open to you and you’re primarily concerned with price, you really want to be looking at winter or the late fall and early fall off-season.

However, not everyone can or wants to visit during those timeframes, so we’ve also included dates throughout the entire year that are cheaper than comparable alternatives. In the case of the above example, those dates are nearly $100 cheaper than the two weeks that follow. So significantly higher than the true off-season, but far lower than the true peak season. It’s all relative.

Second, there are major price changes in Spring 2024. That’s almost certainly because of Easter shifting into March 2024, which makes that– and not April –the busy month for spring break season. April 2024 rates are still elevated as compared to January and February, but there are actually many dates that are less expensive than this year.

By contrast, every single day in March 2024 is more expensive than this year. Based on our research and comparisons, that’s the only month of the year when that’s true. (Although the jury is still out on October through December 2024–more price increases could come for those dates.)

Next, it’s mostly Sunday through Thursday nights that have the lowest prices, with Mondays through Wednesdays having the absolute cheapest rates. If you’re looking for the least expensive options, you’ll find them at the All Stars. Those Value Resorts start at $117 per night in the off-season, which will likely be right around $100 per night after discounts.

In general, Friday and Saturday will be the most expensive days of the week to visit Walt Disney World, with Thursday and Sunday costing less–but still more than Monday through Wednesday nights.

As for the most expensive dates to visit, we can say with almost complete confidence that the most expensive dates to visit Walt Disney World are December 13-31, 2024. (January 1, 2025 is also extremely elevated–prices drop like a rock the following night.)

If you want more specificity in the least & most expensive dates to visit and the best & worst dates to visit, it can be useful to consult our Walt Disney World Crowd Calendar . Look for the least busy dates, you’ll also generally find the cheapest dates.

Ultimately, that should answer some questions about when it’s cheapest to visit Walt Disney World in 2024…and perhaps raise even more. Basically, the least expensive dates on paper as of right now are January through early February and mid-August through September, followed by late April to late May, then October through early December–all minus long holiday weekends and the full weeks leading up to major holidays.

Against that backdrop and with that bias, if forced to choose dates to visit Walt Disney World in the next two years–for a range of reasons both qualitative and quantitative–I would not pick the winter months. Though great from a weather perspective and for EPCOT Festival of the Arts, winter is no longer the sleepy off-season it once was.

Instead, I would look to September. Even though the weather is far less desirable in the early fall off-season, September is reliably the best month for crowds and deals at Walt Disney World. It’s also a great time of year with Halloween, EPCOT’s Food & Wine Festival, and more. The big caveat here is that you need to be able to bear the heat and humidity if you choose these dates.

Personally, I’d actually go beyond September for my travel target and book the week after Thanksgiving. This is nothing new and actually has nothing to do with pricing–we’ve been recommending that week for ages, and it’s our personal favorite for a mix of reasons related to pricing, weather, crowds, and Christmas.

Late November and early December are “objectively inferior” to September, but the reality is that humans don’t take vacations in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. That’s the better week on balance. It typically offers superior weather (far lower likelihood of high heat & humidity… or hurricanes! ), seasonal events, and more. It’ll be slightly more crowded and expensive, but that’s a worthwhile tradeoff in our view.

Everything has a cost, whether in dollars or otherwise, and you could argue that the non-monetary costs of visiting in September are higher than in the lull between holidays. For other dates we love to visit (and ones we dislike), see our Best & Worst Weeks to Visit Walt Disney World in 2024 and 2025 .

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

What do you think about this look at the cheapest times to visit Walt Disney World? Which would you pick in the January/February vs. August/September dilemma? Think discounts will continue to improve throughout 2024 and put a reality-check on runaway prices? Do you agree or disagree with our assessment? Any questions we can help you answer? 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

Thank u! But I’ve a my bad luck with gaining anything cheap.

As of today. It is cheaper for us (from Canada, family of 3 with a 5yo) to visit Disney World for 7 nights (pop century) and 5 park days than visiting Disneyland for 5 nights (best western) and 3 park days

In the middle of September that is.

And that’s including airfare.

We were thinking about doing Disneyland for Halloween (we did Xmas in 2023) but now it makes me wonder if we shouldn’t so Disney World.

One thing you might want to consider is weather. While it can be hot in California during September, it will be hot and humid in Florida during September.

All else being equal, I’d probably favor DLR for that reason. (Obviously, all else probably is not equal. You likely have your own preferences, priorities, etc.)

That’s exactly the reason why we are still wondering what to do.. we have done Florida twice during September and I do remember the weather being rough. Especially the humidity. A bit worried as to how our little one would deal with this..

On the other hand, rides like Frozen, Seven Dwarfs, Ratatouille, Kilimanjaro Safari.. that she never had a chance to experience are making us really considering the switch to WDW

Also more days on site means more money to spend.

Not easy to make a decision on that one.

We are taking our adult children and grandchildren in Oct sometime , a total of 15-20 any recommendations on where to stay ( as many in rm as possible) and doing for that large of group. Also is there any discounts for that many as far as tickets and room accommodations ? We ( my husband and I ) always stay at Port Orleans Riverside. Thank you

Hi! Old Key West has villas that are VERY spacious. Very underrated Resort for BIG groups. I’m an Authorized Disney Travel Agent. Please reach out, I’d love to help you plan and give you some tips and tricks!

https://linktr.ee/carrieburgesssmartmomstravel

February 4-10, 2024, all WDW hotels under $500/night (and most over $500 too) are showing sold out. Is something special going on that week? Or did I just not start planning early enough? I have some “use it or lose it” paid time off, and that looks like the best week for us.

You might get different results if you change your arrival or departure date. Last time, I couldn’t book the Sunday – Friday that I wanted…but I could get Saturday – Friday. The Saturday flight actually cost less, and I didn’t get park tickets for the check in/out days, so I think it pretty much evened out. YMMV.

This is great information. We have tried in the past to book a discount but end up tossing that out the window as we just have to go with the best dates that work for us. Still, again, great info and thank you for all the work that we all know goes into your blog. You really have upped our enjoyment factor with tips gleaned from your site.

I thought I was the only one with a Disney spreadsheet. Each tab is a different trip. I knew like your blog. Now I know we are kindred spirits. Lol.

Tom, this is super helpful. Could you do anything similar for Disneyland? Some of us are coming from far away to the “locals’ park,” and need help with knowing about times with lower crowds and prices. Like, our last WDW trip could have been helped by knowing that local FL kids don’t go back to school unt mid-week after New Year’s, not the Monday. Are there any similar hiccups with SoCal kids’ breaks? I know there is some week that Utah moves in when kids have a week off of school. It’s harder with prices, I assume, basing them just on the three official DLR hotels, but I hope to get some guesses for less expensive times for hotels and/or lesser crowds. Have you done MTFBWY at DLR? How insane is it? (I should note that a certain level of “insane” could be quite fun for May 4th as we would be going to be around a fandom crowd, but body-crushing squeezes in Batuu West would not be.)

A lot of Disneyland content is in the pipeline, including more crowd resources (those require additional experience, which we’ve been gaining). I hadn’t considered a DLR counterpart to this one, but will add it to the list!

I just tried to price a vacation for 1/21/24 to 1/26/24 for three adults and all the hotels had the blue “Check Availability” button, but no prices. When I tried to sort by lowest to highest price, no results came up. I then switched to 1/14 to 1/19 and experienced the same result. I’ve only ever seen this for a specific resort when there is no availability, but that was the resort I limited my search to. They HAVE resumed booking after the glitches last week, right? There is no way these two periods in January for only three adults have already booked up. Right??

Looks like the site was glitching or something. I tried again and now it is showing prices. Sorry for the needlessly panicked post!

No worries! I’ve had that and other problems repeatedly since 2024 reservations opened last week. This has been an issue for a while, but it seems even worse right now.

For anyone else having similar issues, the best option is to try private browsing. If that doesn’t work, try again in a few hours or the following day.

I priced a 1 day park hopper pass for my husband and I. We have been many many times but no longer can afford the visit. We are seniors and on fixed income. The price was 502.00. That is absurd. We do not live in FL and loved to stop in when we visited family. It’s really sad that it’s out of the question to do that now. .

I’m looking for best sites to find dinner reservations at WDW… thank you

President’s Day this year is Monday, February 20th. Mardi Gras this year is Tuesday, February 21st. A lot of families from South Louisiana, South Mississippi, South Alabama, even extending into the western Florida Panhandle celebrate Mardi Gras. In the New Orleans metro, this typically means the entire week of Mardi Gras off. This means a lot of people start leaving for vacation the Friday or Saturday of the weekend before Mardi Gras, which will intersect with the President’s Day crowds. It’s a conjunction that happens every few years. This means crowds for President’s Day will be worse than usual, and this is one of the absolute peak times of the year for crowds. For Mardi Gras travelers it means prices will be even higher than usual.

Clarification: Most New Orleans metro schools are off for Mardi Gras week. Hence many families will arrange vacation at this time, with WDW and ski resorts being the most popular destinations.

I’ve edited that section, as it was left over from last year.

In other post, we’ve been raising red flags that that week is going to be really, really bad. Not only is it Presidents’ Day and Mardi Gras, but also the Princess Half Marathon at the end of the week. On top of that, FL resident tickets are not blocked out.

I probably should do a standalone post on it, because I think those from outside the South may not realize how bad that week will be.

Thank you for letting us northerners know. Many New England states are off that week as well.

Thank you, Tom, for that informative report on the best times to visit WDW. I know it takes a lot of work to get to those results and it is appreciated. We have always gone the first week of December, before the cheerleaders were there too, and loved that time. I believe that cheer group is now at Universal during that time? We have also gone the last of February and first of March, before Spring Break, and loved that time of year too. I guess we hit all the times you recommend by accident, LOL. Thanks again for the hard work you put in on this site.

You’re welcome!

For what it’s worth, that first week of December was FANTASTIC this last year–the best it’s been in a while (at least in “normal” times), and I don’t think that was coincidence. Here’s my report from then, in case you missed it: https://www.disneytouristblog.com/best-week-year-disney-world-christmas/

has Disney shifted from kid-centric to adult-centric? i think this might explain much of what has been paining me about the gradual changes over the decades. do kids really care about restaurants? certainly not as much as their adult counterparts. same with merchandise. perhaps the company had to appeal to adults who control the family money but it really has all gotten quite reversed in my opinion with adults more or less dragging their kids around in support of their own pleasure seeking. Do kids really need to chase around in order to collect every ride or is that due to some need to get your money’s worth that really is an adult fixation? Yes, Tom, much as i adore you, this makes you sort of an enabler since you are showing people how to navigate the system for a favorable outcome, a seat at the parade, in a competition inherently at odds with how children tend to be, which is sort of goofy and focused on whatever interests them. Sure they can be demanding and troublesome etc but they don’t have that idea of checking all the boxes and being a vacation commando. The shift is that adults are now encouraged to be children, dressing in costumes with accessories, having fun in a wonderful world of color. But it comes at a price. That place on Main Street that was set up like an old fashioned movie theater and had those cranked flip-books is a perfect example of the disappointing shift from wonder to empty commerce. The street entertainment also gone because there were no cash registers connected. Once, i really felt that Disney cared about kids and sharing the wonders of the world with them per the original vision. It was a joy to present Disney World to our kids as a testament to human creativity, progress and innovation. But somehow we got drawn in and made the pursuit of our vacation escape too much in the forefront which perhaps shaped the parks away from being what was comparatively simple: a place to explore with your kids. I guess societal critics would say we Americans are infantile in a bad way. Don’t get me wrong- I am a total goofball clown as regressive as can be (you’d be very uncomfortable with me around), but your blog’s commenters are frequently completely focused on their own gripes and impediments and I suddenly realized that the parks originally meant for children and parents have become grievously tilted,..

While I think there’s a good amount of catering to a new audience of DINKs and convention-goers, that doesn’t seem to be what you’re describing (for the most part). While lucrative, that demo is not nearly as planning-obsessive.

It sounds to me like your issues are largely ones with corporate America’s increasing thirst for improving quarterly results and efficiency. It’s a different world than it was in the 1970s–not just at Walt Disney World, but everywhere. Very few legacy businesses have the same fun and meandering “inefficiencies” that they once did.

Tom, no need to post this comment,.. but I kind of feel you missed my point,. I’m fine with capitalism. My idea is that Disney went from designing primarily for kids-which made it quite unique- to designing primarily for the kid in adults which is simply less fun,..

@@ “no need to post this comment,.. ”

Then why did you?

Buyers Beware of Undercover Tourist. They are a 3rd party company that sells Disney tickets. Do not do business with this company. Undercover Tourist ruined our vacation. Their customer service and management don’t care about their customers. After doing some research we found out they are part of a larger company called Entertainment Business Group (EBG). After working with them we quickly realized they only wanted our money. Can’t stress enough don’t do business with them. Honestly spend a little extra money and buy directly from Disney, it’s so much safer. Look them up, you will find lawsuits and many complaints on the Better Business Bureau.

Hey there Matt…Can you give us some examples? I’ve bought tickets from Undercover Tourist for 12 years for wdw, the waterparks, and sea world with no issues at all. Would be interested to know what happened to you. Thanks

Never ever had a problem with them. Always get our park tickets, event tickets, etc from them!

for our Disney Vaca Feb 2023, I purchased tickets from undercover tourist and had a great experience. i had to cancel tickets for one of us who ended up not being able to go and they refunded me my $ with no problem. if you purchase from Disney however, not only will they not refund the money, you have to use the tickets for the same person they were purchased for so another person cannot use them.

I find myself with very little desire to visit Disney. I could afford to, but I prefer not to deal with all the complications they’ve created in the past year or so, spending too much time on my phone instead of enjoying the Parks, all while experiencing high crowds. I’m going to National Parks instead, which are crowded also but don’t have the other complications. TBF, I already mostly went to NPs instead of Disney, but the decline of the Disney experience from what I can tell shifts the balance even more for me.

As soon as Disney world moves out of Florida, I’ll visit!

I’m thinking of booking a Sept. 2023 trip. If Free Dining drops in January, will they allow me to add it on to an already-booked trip? Just wondering if you know if Disney allows changes to existing bookings?

Yes they allow you to modify reservations but you will be on hold for hours.

Traci’s comment is a good reason to use a travel agent who will do this for you, and it won’t cost you anymore than if you book direct through Disney.

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FinanceBuzz

15 Ways Middle-Class Families Can Afford a Trip to Disney World

Posted: May 23, 2023 | Last updated: July 23, 2023

The family trip to Disney World is a rite of passage for many American kids, especially those in the middle class.

That said, the pilgrimage to the happiest place on earth is not cheap. There are plane tickets, park passes, hotel accommodations, and more to consider.

If you’re headed to Disney World, here are a few ways you can save money without missing out on any of the fun.

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Save up for your trip

This may seem rather obvious, but saving money over a few years for your Disney trip is a super savvy way to prepare for the expenses.

You can do this with a savings account , though you may get a better return on your investment by working with a financial advisor.

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Use a credit card

You can finance your Disney trip with a travel credit card, ideally one without a high APR or annual fee.

Maximize this tactic by using an option that earns travel rewards , such as discounted hotel rooms and deals on rental cars.

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<p> If you’re going to be at Disney World for three or more days, you’ll save on park passes by buying them ahead of time. The price drops even lower once you hit five days or more. </p> <p> Another reason not to wait until the last minute is that you never know when Disney will raise the price of admission. Again. </p>

Buy parking passes and tickets ahead of time

If you’re going to be at Disney World for three or more days, you’ll save on park passes by buying them ahead of time. The price drops even lower once you hit five days or more.

Another reason not to wait until the last minute is that you never know when Disney will raise the price of admission. Again.

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Avoid the add-ons

You may be tempted to opt-in on the bells and whistles that can be added to your park passes, but don’t do it. For instance, why buy a photo package when you have a smartphone that takes amazing shots?

And while it may seem wrong to skip the waterparks, that’s what your hotel pool is for. You get the idea.

<p> It’s worth spending some time online to hunt for discounted Disney World vacation packages. For one, the park itself often offers specials, as do a variety of travel agents. </p> <p> Just be savvy and make sure your vendor isn’t scamming you. A <a href="https://financebuzz.com/top-travel-credit-cards?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=feed&synd_slide=6&synd_postid=8390&synd_backlink_title=travel+rewards+credit+card&synd_backlink_position=3&synd_slug=top-travel-credit-cards">travel rewards credit card</a> or discounted gift card can help offset the costs of your trip, too. </p>

Hunt for discounts

It’s worth spending some time online to hunt for discounted Disney World vacation packages. For one, the park itself often offers specials, as do a variety of travel agents.

Just be savvy and make sure your vendor isn’t scamming you. A travel rewards credit card or discounted gift card can help offset the costs of your trip, too.

<p> Most families visit Disney World when their kids are off from school. However, this is usually during the summer when the weather in Orlando is sweltering. </p> <p> A better option is to visit during another time of year when the climate is better. Hotels tend to be cheaper off-season, making it worth pulling the kids out of school for a few days. </p>

Visit during the offseason

Most families visit Disney World when their kids are off from school. However, this is usually during the summer, when the weather in Orlando is sweltering.

A better option is to visit during a time of year when the climate is better. Hotels tend to be cheaper off-season, making it worth pulling the kids out of school for a few days.

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<p> It’s HOT in Florida. Okay, you probably knew that, but Disney is super hot and humid from about June through October. Even when dangerous storms aren't hitting Florida, it can rain for short bursts every day in the summer. So, bring your own rain gear and sunblock so you don’t have to buy them at marked-up park prices. </p>

Plan for the weather

It’s HOT in Florida. Okay, you probably knew that, but Disney is especially hot and humid from about June through October.

Even when dangerous storms aren't hitting Florida, it can rain for short bursts every day in the summer. So, bring your own rain gear and sunblock so you don’t have to buy them at marked-up park prices.

<p> While staying on-site at Disney World is fun, you can save a lot of money by instead making an off-site hotel your home base during your trip. </p> <p> You might also fare well looking for an option on Airbnb or Vrbo. These places often have kitchens so you can cook meals instead of eating out. </p> <p> <strong>Pro tip:</strong> You can also pile up bonuses and rewards by booking your trip with one of the <a href="https://financebuzz.com/best-hotel-credit-card?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=feed&synd_slide=9&synd_postid=8390&synd_backlink_title=best+hotel+credit+cards&synd_backlink_position=4&synd_slug=best-hotel-credit-card">best hotel credit cards</a>. </p>

Save on your hotel

While staying on-site at Disney World is fun, you can save a lot of money by making an off-site hotel your home base during your trip.

You might also fare well looking for an option on Airbnb or Vrbo. These places often have kitchens so you can cook meals instead of eating out.

<p> There are plenty of cool hotel options when you stay on the Disney property. But before you book an expensive room, think about how much time you plan to actually stay at your hotel. </p> <p> You may end up wasting money on a high-end hotel room with a view of safari animals or a wilderness wonderland only to spend little time there because you’re at the park. </p>

… Or stay on the property

Not to contradict ourselves, but there are some cases in which staying on-site at Disney could save you cash. You’ll have access to the complimentary shuttle, for one, which means no car rental or Uber costs.

It’s also cheaper to visit the park during the park’s Magic Hours. Just be sure to pick budget-friendly accommodations.

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Stay for a short time

While park passes get cheaper the longer you stay, that doesn’t mean you have to spend a full week or more at Disney World.

Booking only four or five nights could save you hundreds on hotel and food costs and still let you squeeze in all the rides and attractions you want. You might enjoy your trip more, too.

Focus on one or two parks

If you’ve never been to Disney World, you might not realize how large it is, with lots of places to spend lots of money.

To that end, if you only focus on two parks — like Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom, for example — you’ll have fewer temptations to spend money. And you'll more fully experience the parks you choose.

Don't forget the free stuff

Of course, the main reason people go to Disney World is for all of the cool rides and attractions, as well as the food.

But don’t sleep on the free options, like window shopping in Disney Springs, exploring The Lego Store, and strolling around the Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Pro tip: When you do buy something pricey, make sure you're using a cash back credit card to lessen the blow.

<p> Speaking of the food at Disney World — which is plentiful and drool-worthy — you can save a lot by dining smart. Disney even lets you bring food into the parks, so plan for a picnic lunch here and there. </p> <p> The parks also offer lockers so you don’t have to lug your food along with you all day. </p> <p> <strong>Pro tip:</strong> When you do eat out, pay for your meal using a <a href="https://financebuzz.com/best-credit-card-for-dining?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=feed&synd_slide=14&synd_postid=8390&synd_backlink_title=credit+card+with+dining+rewards&synd_backlink_position=5&synd_slug=best-credit-card-for-dining">credit card with dining rewards</a> and cash in on your rewards when you get back home. </p>

Speaking of the food at Disney World — which is plentiful and drool-worthy — you can save a lot by dining smart. Disney even lets you bring food into the parks, so plan for a picnic lunch here and there.

The parks also offer lockers, so you don’t have to lug your food along with you all day.

<p> If you buy every souvenir at Disney World, you’ll go broke in a matter of hours. Do yourself a favor and buy Mickey Mouse ears and other souvenirs ahead of time online. </p> <p> Not only will they be cheaper than inside the parks, but you can also make a game of leaving them for your kids to find during your trip. </p>

Be smart about souvenirs

If you buy every souvenir at Disney World, you’ll go broke in a matter of hours. Do yourself a favor and buy Mickey Mouse ears and other souvenirs ahead of time online.

Not only will they be cheaper than inside the parks, but you can also make a game of leaving them for your kids to find during your trip.

Bring a water bottle

Disney World lets you bring reusable water bottles into its parks and refill them at the many water stations you’ll find.

Not only will you save a dollar here and a dollar there — which can add up fast — but you’ll also stay hydrated in the hot Florida sun.

<p> Going to Disney World is a dream come true for kids and adults alike, though it can be quite the expenditure. That’s why it’s smart to do your research about cost-cutting measures ahead of time. </p> <p> You may also enjoy the experience more, and <a href="https://financebuzz.com/financial-stress-55mp?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=feed&synd_slide=17&synd_postid=8390&synd_backlink_title=reduce+your+stress+about+spending&synd_backlink_position=6&synd_slug=financial-stress-55mp">reduce your stress about spending</a> while on vacation. Instead, you can just relax and enjoy the magic. </p> <p> <p class=""><b>More from FinanceBuzz:</b></p><ul> <li><a href="https://www.financebuzz.com/shopper-hacks-Costco-55mp?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=feed&synd_slide=17&synd_postid=8390&synd_backlink_title=6+genius+hacks+Costco+shoppers+should+know&synd_backlink_position=7&synd_slug=shopper-hacks-Costco-55mp">6 genius hacks Costco shoppers should know</a></li><li><a href="https://financebuzz.com/grocery-inflation-55mp?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=feed&synd_slide=17&synd_postid=8390&synd_backlink_title=Paying+more+for+groceries%3F+6+ways+to+fight+inflation&synd_backlink_position=8&synd_slug=grocery-inflation-55mp">Paying more for groceries? 6 ways to fight inflation</a></li><li><a href="https://financebuzz.com/retire-early-quiz?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=feed&synd_slide=17&synd_postid=8390&synd_backlink_title=Can+you+retire+early%3F+Take+this+quiz+and+find+out.&synd_backlink_position=9&synd_slug=retire-early-quiz">Can you retire early? Take this quiz and find out.</a></li> </ul> </p> <p> <i>FinanceBuzz is reader-supported. We may receive compensation from the products and services mentioned in this story, but the opinions are the author's own. Compensation may impact where offers appear. We have not included all available products or offers. Learn more about <a href="https://financebuzz.com/advertising-policy?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=feed&synd_slide=17&synd_postid=8390&synd_backlink_title=how+we+make+money&synd_slug=advertising-policy">how we make money</a> and <a href="https://financebuzz.com/editorial-policy?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=feed&synd_slide=17&synd_postid=8390&synd_backlink_title=our+editorial+policies&synd_slug=editorial-policy">our editorial policies</a>.</i> </p>

Bottom line

Going to Disney World is a dream come true for kids and adults alike, though it can be quite an expenditure. That’s why it’s smart to do your research about cost-cutting measures ahead of time and avoid wasting money .

By reducing your stress about spending while on vacation, you can just relax and enjoy the magic.

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2023 was a unique year for Disney. While it didn't release major hits, save for a couple of movies, it was a diverse collection of fun stories.

2023 was not seen as a strong year for the Walt Disney Company . It was a year of underperformance as fans seemed to be demanding something fresh from the House of Mouse, leaving many marquee titles to come in well below expectations. Still, Walt Disney Pictures produced or co-produced 11 in-house movies last year, including reimaged classics like The Little Mermaid and a final outing for movie icon Indiana Jones.

Some of them were from the big-name franchises that everyone's heard of, while others dropped straight onto Disney+ without much fanfare. Many of these releases were underwhelming by most measures, but there is still a unique charm and polish to Disney movies that can make them a worthwhile watch.

11 Peter Pan & Wendy Was Another Live-Action Remake

Peter pan & wendy.

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One of Disney's most mixed endeavors over the last decade has been its live-action remakes of animated classics. Peter Pan & Wendy was the first of two such films to be released last year, this one being marketed as a major addition to Disney+; unfortunately, it would prove not to be the case.

Peter Pan & Wendy is a long way from a hopeless endeavor; Jude Law is delightful as a scenery-chewing Captain Hook, and seasoned director David Lowery is able to sprinkle some magic dust over the whole whimsical film. Where the film struggles, as so many live-action remakes have before it, is in separating itself from the original. There are hints at something more below the surface, but in the end, Peter Pan & Wendy is nothing audiences haven't already seen before.

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A young mermaid makes a deal with a sea witch to trade her beautiful voice for human legs so she can discover the world above water and impress a prince.

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Disney's second live-action remake of 2023 was The Little Mermaid , another adaptation of the Hans Christian Andersen tale , which was first animated by Disney in 1989. Ariel is a young mermaid princess who is so fascinated with the surface world that she makes a deal with the sea, which Ursula uses to trade her voice for a pair of human legs.

Halle Bailey is captivating in the lead role, and the live-action remake is perfect at recapturing all the great moments from the original. Yet, as glamorous as The Little Mermaid is, that's ultimately all it ends up being: a glossy imitation of something that was already beloved. A fun experience but not one that adds to the animated film that already exists.

4 Haunted Mansion Takes the Audience on a Ride

Haunted mansion.

A single mom named Gabbie hires a tour guide, a psychic, a priest and a historian to help exorcise her newly bought mansion after discovering it is inhabited by ghosts.

Based on the Disneyland ride , Haunted Mansion attempts to provide a fun, spooky adventure with all the right ingredients. After moving into her dream house with her son, Gbbie quickly realizes the place is infested with spirits and recruits a motley crew of supernatural investigators to help rid her of her unwanted inhabitants.

Much like the ride, Haunted Mansion wants to take its audience on a true adventure with spooky thrills and light scares. The ensemble it brings along for the ride has all proven funny and talented in the past, and though the tone of the movie may shift, the cast still delivers fun and funny moments.

3 Chang Can Dunk Puts a Spin on a Well-Worn Genre

10 best '90s family movies, ranked.

The underdog sports story Chang Can Dunk offers a surprising and refreshing twist on what could easily be a straightforward Disney high-school basketball film. The film follows a directionless teenager, Chang, who decides to commit to his great passion for basketball in order to win a bet and earn the respect of a girl he has a crush on.

From there, everyone will think they know where the story is going, and for the most part, they're right. However, Chang Can Dunk accelerates its climax to the middle of the film, leaving room for an ending that--while not revolutionary--adds depth that helps it stand out from its class.

2 Elemental is a Bold if Simple Pixar Effort

Follows Ember and Wade, in a city where fire-, water-, earth- and air-residents live together.

The latest effort from Pixar animation, Elemental , imagines a world where sentient elements live together in a grand metropolis segregated along elemental lines--with fire at the bottom of the social ladder and water at the top. A rather obvious allegory for real-world prejudice and immigration stories, Elemental follows Ember, a young and hop-tempered fire girl who is eager to forge her own path in life, though her father, who traveled from their home country to grow, has other plans.

When a water leak threatens her family shop, as well as the whole of Fire Town, she teams up with city inspector Wade--a water element--to solve the mystery. Filled with fun background humor and Pixar's trademark polish, one of Elemental's biggest downfalls is that its world isn't as rich or story as nuanced as the earlier Disney effort, Zootopia .

1 Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny Bid Farewell to a Classic Hero

Indiana jones and the dial of destiny.

Archaeologist Indiana Jones races against time to retrieve a legendary artifact that can change the course of history.

The latest and final entry in the Indiana Jones franchise , Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny , saw Harrison Ford pick up the whip and fedora for one last ride. After an opening during the war, Dial of Destiny flashes forward to the 1960s. Jones is tracked down by his goddaughter and pulled back into the game for one last adventure.

Dial of Destiny is rocky, to say the least, especially since the franchise hasn’t been revisited since 2008. yet even at his advanced age, Harrison Ford still proves to be a scene-stealing movie star, and Phoebe Waller-Bridge is witty and charismatic enough to keep him on his toes. It's a film that shows Indy still has it and brings an end to his adventuring career.

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ALBUM - DHI Travel Guide to Walt Disney World - 2024

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Todd James Pierce is the author of nine books, including Three Years in Wonderland (2016) and The Life and Times of Ward Kimball: Maverick of Disney Animation (2019). His work has appeared in over 70 magazines and journals. He lives in California’s Central Coast and co-directs the creative writing program at Cal Poly University. ... more

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IMAGES

The Best Time To Visit Disney World 2023
Exactly How To Find The Cheapest Time To Go To Disney World (2023)
Disney World 2023 Crowd Calendar (best times to go)
Our Recommendations on the Best Times to Visit Walt Disney World Resort
Disney World 2023: The Best Time To Go To + FREE Printable Calendar
The Best Times to Go to Disney World in 2023 and 2024

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Disney World 2023
Disney World Tour Part 2 With Disney Shows and Dazzling 🔥 Firework 🇺🇸 With Maha Chauhan In AMERICA
Disney World 2023
WALT DISNEY WORLD 2023
Disney World 2023 Day 1 Epcot Center
Disney World {2023 Highlights}

COMMENTS

Disney World
Stay in a cabin, villa or standard room - so many options. Stay in the Magic! Search availability for your travel dates and more.
Revealed: the best days and times to visit Disney World in 2023-24
To get even more specific, the calendar shows that the best individual days—based on average crowds and weather—at each park are as follows: October 26, 31 and November 1 at Magic Kingdom ...
Best Times to Go to Disney World [Which Months to Visit]
The least crowded times to go to Disney World in 2023 are: January 9-14; January 22 - February 15; March 31 - April 8; April 17-30 (weekdays only) May 2-19; ... The most expensive time to visit Disney World is over the warmer-weather months, during school vacation weeks, holiday weeks, and weekends, or when Disney is hosting a popular event ...
Our 23 BEST Disney World Tips For Your 2023 Vacation
10. Hold Off on Your Trip for the Newest Attractions. Disney has announced that two major attractions are opening in 2023 — TRON Lightcycle Run and Journey of Water — Inspired by Moana! If you want to hit both of these new attractions on your 2023 trip, plan your trip for later in the year.
The Best Times to Visit Walt Disney World in 2023
Here are the best weather months to visit Walt Disney World. January (high 72°, low 51°) February (high 74°, low 53°) March (high 79°, low 66°) April (high 83°, low 58°) Mid-late October (high 84°, low 64°) November (high 79°, low 58°) December (high 74°, low 54°) You can still find manageable temperatures in May, but the heat ...
The Very Best Times to Visit Disney World in 2024 and 2025
Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend - Jan. 8-12, 2025. Martin Luther King Jr. Day - Jan. 20, 2025. The Walt Disney World Marathon is the biggest runDisney event that takes place. Know that there may be longer waits for transportation, as well, as certain roads and routes are closed to make way for runners.
Planning Your Visit to Walt Disney World in 2023: Monthly Guides, New
Other Considerations: Halloween in Walt Disney World is quite popular. Ticketed events are held on select nights in Magic Kingdom (which will affect park hours). More about October… November. Weather: The weather can be a bit unpredictable in the month of November, but it is typically one of the most beautiful months to visit Disney World ...
Disney World 2023 Tickets & Resort Bookings Open June 8
Starting June 8, Disney Genie+ will only be offered for purchase through the My Disney Experience app on the day of your visit - we will no longer offer the option to purchase this service pre-arrival as a ticket add-on for dates remaining in 2022 and in 2023. This means that, moving forward, whether you have an Annual Pass, multi- or single ...
When to Visit Disney World in 2024-2025
Visiting Disney World June 2024 through October 2024. Assuming Tiana's Bayou Adventure opens Memorial Day, we're considering Memorial Day through the first two weeks of June to be a tough time to visit. June traditionally has high crowds, and the added bonus of a new ride will only bring even more crowds.
The Best Months to Visit Disney World in 2023 (Infographic)
This is an average of Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. Here is the average wait time at Disney World by month from 2019-2022: January: 37.75 minutes. February: 42 minutes. March: 42.75 minutes. April: 39.33 minutes. May: 35.33 minutes.
The Best Time to Visit Disney World in 2023
Best Time to Avoid Crowds: Right after school holidays, which are peak times for families. Best Time Based on Weather: October - November. Best Time for Best Value: Late August - September. Best Overall Dates for 2023: Late April - Early May. Worst Overall Dates 2023: The week between Christmas and New Year's; the weeks around Easter; Spring ...
The Best Time to Visit Disney World in 2023 (as Well as The ...
The best times to visit Walt Disney World depend on the weather you're looking for, says Magnusen. "If you like mid 70s to mid 80s, late October through late November or going in March give ...
When is the Best Time to Visit Disney World in 2023?
School is back in session for most but the weather will still be hot. SEPTEMBER. Most days in September are good for visiting Disney World. The only dates we don't recommend are the 1-4. That is Labor Day weekend. OCTOBER. Most weekdays in October are great. Avoid Columbus Day weekend which is October 7-9, 2023.
The Best Weeks to Visit Disney World in 2023 (Infographic)
Disney. 2) Last week of November / first week of December (11/27-12/3) Thanksgiving is a little earlier this year, so the fourth week in November (11/20-11/26) will be extremely crowded. But the last week of November and first week of December (11/27-12/2) should be extremely nice to visit Disney World.
New things to see and do at Disney World in 2023
The last several years at Walt Disney World have been very exciting and fast-paced as far as new attractions and offerings go.. From the opening of Toy Story Land (2018), Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge (2019) and Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway (2020) at Disney's Hollywood Studios to the launch of the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser hotel experience (2022), Remy's Ratatouille Adventure (2021) and ...
2024 & 2025 Disney World Crowd Calendar
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.
Best Times to Visit Disney World 2024
This isn't an exact science but you can get an idea of what days to focus your trip on. These dates would be the ones I would select if I was picking my own best times to visit Disney World. Best 2024 Dates to Visit. January: 8-10, 16-31.
The 2024 Guide To Disney World Itineraries for EVERY Type Of Visitor
Disney World is comprised of four theme parks, two water parks, a shopping and dining district, two miniature golf courses, over 20 resorts, and more than 200 restaurants and lounges. So even though hundreds of thousands of guests visit Disney World every year, no two trips are ever the same.
2024 & 2025 Disney World Crowd Calendar (best times to go)
WDW Top Picks for Disney World in 2024: January 16-31 (light to moderate crowds, but you'll have cooler temps) February 1-9 (light to moderate crowds, but you'll have cooler temps) May 6-23 (light to moderate crowds, but it will likely be hot) August 5-29 (some of the lowest crowds of the year, but it will be hot)
How to visit Disney World without losing your mind
Once inside, it's not just the $6 Mickey-shaped ice cream bar that'll cost you — it's the breakfast with Tigger ($45 for adults, $29 for kids) and custom Star Wars light sabers ($219) and ...
Best & Worst Days to Visit Every Park at Disney World in 2024
Looking for the best and worst days of the week to visit each park at Walt Disney World? This strategy guide covers Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom, offering info about when the wait times are lowest and highest, plus commentary about weekdays vs. weekends, special events, and more.Updated February 13, 2024
Best & Worst Weeks to Visit Disney World in 2024 & 2025
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.
2024 Best & Worst Months to Visit Disney World
Outside of those red flag dates, January 2024 should see fairly low crowds, pleasant weather, and EPCOT Festival of the Arts fun. 4. December 2024 - If Disney Vacation Club is the "Best Kept Secret," the beginning of December being the best time to visit is "Disney's Second Best Kept Secret.".
Tickets, Annual Passes & Vacation Packages
For assistance with your Walt Disney World vacation, including resort/package bookings and tickets, please call (407) 939-5277. For Walt Disney World dining, please book your reservation online. 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM Eastern Time. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call.
The "Just Tell Me What to Do" Guide for the ...
They are Disney's BoardWalk Inn, Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Res orts, the Walt Disney World Dolphin and Swan, and the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve. You can even stay at hotels with Skyliner access , like Disney's Pop Century Resort , Disney's Art of Animation Resort , Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort , and Disney's Riviera Resort .
I was in Disney World December 27, 2023 until...
I was in Disney World December 27, 2023 until December 31. I went with my 2 boys. ... My first childhood visit to the Walt Disney World Resort sparked a lifelong love of this magical place, and I still find magic in both the new and nostalgic on each visit! I understand the changing dynamics of planning a practically perfect vacation; no matter ...
Cheapest Dates to Visit Disney World in 2024-2025
As for the most expensive dates to visit, we can say with almost complete confidence that the most expensive dates to visit Walt Disney World are December 13-31, 2024. (January 1, 2025 is also extremely elevated-prices drop like a rock the following night.) If you want more specificity in the least & most expensive dates to visit and the best ...
15 Ways Middle-Class Families Can Afford a Trip to Disney World
Posted: May 23, 2023 | Last updated: July 23, 2023 ... Most families visit Disney World when their kids are off from school. However, this is usually during the summer, when the weather in Orlando ...
Every Disney Movie From 2023, Ranked
Disney's second live-action remake of 2023 was The Little Mermaid, another adaptation of the Hans Christian Andersen tale, which was first animated by Disney in 1989. Ariel is a young mermaid princess who is so fascinated with the surface world that she makes a deal with the sea, which Ursula uses to trade her voice for a pair of human legs.
ALBUM
3. DHI Travel Guide - Disney Dining Plan 4. DHI Travel Guide - Dining and Staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge 5. DHI Introduction to Dining at Disney World 6. DHI Travel Guide - Dining at EPCOT 7. DHI Travel Guide - Dining in the Magic Kingdom 8. DHI Travel Guide - Dining at Hollywood Studios 9. DHI Travel Guide - Dining at Animal Kingdom 10.
Jill S
Congrats to the L family for booking your summer ☀️ 2023 vacation to Walt Disney World's Art of Animation Resort...". Jill S💫 | #justbooked ! Congrats to the L family for booking your summer ☀️ 2023 vacation to Walt Disney World's Art of Animation 🎨Resort... | Instagram

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