When should I go?

There are many factors to consider when choosing what time of year to take a trip to Walt Disney World. School and work schedules, personal activities and commitments as well as weather and crowd conditions.  This page will give you some insight on what to expect so you go into your trip prepared.  Are your dates are flexible?

Disney knows when most of us are available to travel and they price accordingly during the different travel seasons.  Early on there were only four travel seasons; Value, Regular, Peak and Holiday which is Christmas week.  Now there are “seasons in seasons” such as Regular 1 and Regular 2 seasons.

They also made new seasons such as “Summer season” and now have special pricing for specific holiday weeks like President’s Day week and Columbus Day week to name a few.  If you are flexible just by modifying your dates by a few days can save you 10 to 30% on the hotel rate.

So using the “seasons” you can get an idea of how crowded it may be.   Disney anticipates attendance and adjust accordingly.  Simply put “Value” Season means fewer, less people in the parks. Traveling any time when school is out the parks will be busier and you will be paying a higher room rate to boot.

OK so going to Walt Disney World during value season saves you money.  Plus wait times at park attractions will not be as long. But there are also some negatives.  Park hours at some of the parks are not as long like they are during the summer and heavier attendance periods.  Disney normally staffs the parks accordingly and there may be less ride vehicles at the attractions. Transportation to and from the parks may take a bit longer as there could be less in service.

During the summer and heavier attendance Disney will staff more cast members in the parks and have maximum ride vehicles to help compensate.  But people eat at the same pace so it will take longer getting seated at restaurants.  Bathrooms will also have long lines.

Discounts and promotions are also affected by travel seasons.  There are blackout periods usually around major holidays.  During heavier travel seasons there may be less rooms allocated to this discount.  Disney discounts to reach targeted occupancy levels for each resort so they will do as much or as little as they need to hit their target.  Always have a second and third choice resort in mind in the event your first choice is not available with a discount.

Going off season you already have a lower cost rack rate and now throwing a discount on top of that is even better.  While discount percentages are pretty much the same regardless of season the slower times often have different promotions like a room discount or free dining which is becoming rare.

Another thing to remember is in the slower season Disney schedules many attractions for refurbishment.  Usually in the colder months Disney’s two water parks alternate closing for refurbishment. Same for the resort swimming pools as they get minor refurbishments.  If a major renovation is needed this is the time of year it is scheduled.

Weather is another consideration. The height of the hurricane season in Florida is August and September. Hurricanes are possible from June through November. Walt Disney World, because of its inland location, has closed parks only twice due to hurricanes.

We visited during Hurricane Floyd and it was gray skies every day and misty some days.  That didn’t stop the fun for us.  We put on our rain ponchos and literally got on attractions with no wait.  If your idea of a Disney vacation is sunny skies then you may weigh weather in your decision.

Since we are talking about wet weather June through late September is the rainy season in Orlando. You will probably have late afternoon thunderstorms almost every day.   The rain comes in and there could be heavy downpours but they last only about an hour or two and can can sometimes deliver several inches of rain.  Then the sun comes out and dries things up and you’ll never know it rained.

Late November to mid-February temperatures can be sporadic.  There is a chance daytime temperatures will drop to the mid 50s and daytime high temperatures can hit the high 80s. Prior to your trip check the 10-day advance weather forecast for Orlando. You should include a few items of clothing for both warm and cool weather.  It is best to dress in layers as the temperature swings could be 20 to 30 degrees each day.

Weather fronts move in and could change things in a hurry.  We were down one year for Halloween and the kids were going to be Nala and Simba.  It was in the upper 80s so we scrapped those costumes and hit the stores.  One year we visited in January and it went into the 30s so you never know.

During the year there are many special events that for some could sway your decision on when to visit. The Christmas decorations start appearing mid November and is in full swing the day after Thanksgiving.  All the parks and resorts celebrate the season.  There are also special parades and fireworks.

A special separate ticketed event called Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is held on select nights mid November through December. Another separate ticketed event Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party on select dates September through early November.  Both of these events are held at at the Magic Kingdom Park.

Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival with fresh seasonal dishes, enchanting Disney character topiaries, complimentary presentations and more runs early March through mid May.   While most Epcot Flower & Garden Festival events are included with your theme park ticket, availability is limited for some experiences.

Located at Disney’s Hollywood Studios from mid May through mid June The Force Is with You for Star Wars™ Weekends.  Encounter Star Wars celebrities and characters for special shows, presentations, autographs and more.  Most events are included with your theme park ticket, availability is limited for some experiences. There are separate ticket events as well.

Another popular event is Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Nearly 30 international food and beverage marketplaces are located throughout Epcot’s World Showcase.  Signature dining experiences with world-renown chefs  Exciting culinary demonstrations and beverage seminars and the  Eat to the Beat concert series,  Most events are included with your theme park ticket, availability is limited for some experiences.  There are separate ticket events as well.