Walt Disney World is a magical place where you feel like you have been transported to an enchanted fantasy world. It is here that you can, for a short time, forget about the real world and just immerse yourself in whimsically thematic surroundings designed to make you feel like a kid again. I still remember my first trip to Magic Kingdom running from ride to ride, meeting characters, and tearing up at the epic fireworks display at the end of the night. If you have ever been to Disney World, then you know there are a lot of different factors that go into making a trip possible; if you have not, then the whole process may seem overwhelming. Detailed planning can make all the difference between a relaxed, fun-filled vacation and a rushed anxiety-induced whirlwind. The first step in planning a Disney trip is to decide when to go. Continue reading our fantastic "Time to Go!" blog to discover the best time for your own adventure!
Okay, so let's start by stating the obvious: everyone's situation is unique, and some factors may apply to certain travelers but not to others. For instance, if you have children, whether or not they are going to be out of school may limit your scheduling possibilities. On the other hand, your decision may revolve around when you can take time off from work. Each obstacle will come with its own options to choose from.
There may be other park-related factors that play into when you decide to go as well. Sometimes due to behind-the-scenes magic, rides can be closed for refurbishment. This means you will not be able to enjoy that attraction if you schedule your trip then. For example, my husband and I love The Haunted Mansion and Pirate of the Caribbean, so we make sure they are up and running during the timeframe of our visit. If that is a priority for you, then make sure to check on the rides you are the most interested in. One of the many resources that can be utilized for this would be the Walt Disney World website.
Now, as we move away from practical considerations, let’s look at other park specific factors. All four parks are known for having festivals and special events. Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival is in bloom during the spring and there are one-of-a-kind topiaries that can be spotted throughout the park. If food is more your thing, then sample the many culinary delights from around the world at the International Food and Wine Festival which is held during the fall months. Since certain events, like these, are only available during specific times of year, make sure to verify those dates.
Depending on the time of year, the parks can also get extremely busy around the holidays. On the bright side, though, there are remarkable holiday experiences to be had. If you go during the Halloween season, I highly recommend attending Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, it is fantastic for both kids and adults alike! There are rare characters out for meet and greet opportunities, a spectacular stage show, and this is one of the few times during the holidays when the park will be less crowded since attendance requires a special ticket.
If you want, you can instead choose to visit during the Christmas season and watch as the parks come alive with holiday magic. Sit and watch as a celebrity guest tells the nativity story set to orchestral music and a full choir during the Candlelight Processional at Epcot. If you are looking for something less traditional enjoy the twinkling lights of Hollywood Studios’ beautifully decorated Christmas tree and playful Muppets stage show during the Jollywood Night experience. Finally, the Very Merry Christmas Parade at Magic Kingdom can definitely get you into the holiday spirit. You can also get some incredible souvenirs specific to that time of year. So, if you don't mind the crowds and the long waits, these can be great times of year to visit, especially for the atmosphere. Just keep in mind the last two events are an extra cost.
Having discussed the ever-popular holiday and special events trips, let's move on to summer visits. This is an increasingly busy time, especially for families. If you are looking to take your children, this time is a big pro because they should be out of school. Another highlight about going to Walt Disney World during the summer is that Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon are two impressive water parks that can add a splash of adventure to your trip, but those will be discussed in a separate article.
No matter when you go, it’s wise to keep in mind what the weather will be like during your trip. For instance, summer is one of the hottest times during the year. Temperatures can typically range from low to mid-90s during the day and low to mid-70s during the evening. A couple of tips to keep in mind: you can usually get free cups of water from most quick-service restaurants, or you can bring your own water bottles into the park and refill them as they empty. With the latter option, the weight of the full water bottles, while not a lot, may begin to feel heavy after a while.
If you are looking for more of a coat and gloves kind of time, visiting between December and February, when the average temperature runs between a low of 50 and a high of about 75, is for you. While it may be a little chilly, there is something to be said for not being in the sweltering heat and constantly sweating. This means that instead of ducking into shops and long run-time attractions for shade, you can feel free to take a long stroll down Main Street or Hollywood Boulevard to get some unique photo opportunities, especially since the seasonal decorations will be all around the parks this time of year.
The last aspect we should review is the possibility of the dreaded long wait times where you might find yourself elbow-to-elbow with people. You have three basic unofficial Disney levels of busyness. Peak times will usually be in the later part of December, around spring break in March and April, and during summer. During certain fall months, you may see a drop off in guests, so if you want to still have groups of people around to make the park feel less lonely but have an easier time getting the reservations you want, you should look at months like October and November. Just make sure to steer clear of the time right around Halloween and Thanksgiving. Finally, if you are looking for some breathing room and shorter wait times, try during either September or January after the New Year's crowd has come and gone.
Whether you are looking for nice weather, low wait times, or a good spot for fireworks, finding the right time for you might take a bit of flexibility. Just remember, keep an eye out for ride closures and know what matters most to you about this trip. A vacation to Walt Disney World is sometimes a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity; planning ahead will hopefully help to make the most of it, but to paraphrase Walt himself, it all starts with a when!
Sincerely Your Disney Buddy!