When is the best time of year to go to Disney?

     When planning a trip to Disney, one of the most important aspects that we consider is the time of year that we go.  If you go during the wrong time... you are faced with unbearably hot weather, and/or crowds so high that you not only miss out on doing many things that you want to do, but you also end up wanting  to punch someone in the face from all of the strollers and long lines.  One or both of those situations combined together can make for a miserable trip, and feeling as if you wasted your money.   With only 75 days to go until our next trip, I decided to share our thoughts on when it is best to visit. 





Our Favorite Times To Visit

• January/February - minus MLK Day weekend and Valentines Day weekend
• September/October/Early November - minus Labor Day weekend and Halloween 

Why We Prefer These Months

• Lower Resort Prices
• Specials (in January we are receiving the Dining Plan for free)
• Less crowded
• Less heat
• Comfortable transportation (you aren't crammed on a bus or monorail like sardines)
• Easier to get (and change) restaurant reservations
• You can still catch all of the beautiful Christmas decorations in early January, including The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights (LOVE).
• Late September and October you can catch Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party.
• Early November you can catch Epcot's International Food and Wine Festival.

The Down Side to Low Season

• Some attractions close for maintenance (you can check before you go).
• Shortened Park Hours (but you still have Extra Magic Hours).
• Less Special Events (less fireworks and parade options)

Many Others Like

• The time between Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Some say that the crowds at this time are moderate depending on the day.  You get the benefit of all of the Christmas decorations and events, but may have to deal with chillier weather.
• The time between Spring Break and Memorial Day weekend.  

Do NOT Go During This Time

• Spring Break (President's Day weekend to mid-April) - crowds, crowds and more crowds!
• Mid-June to Mid-August (especially not July 4th) - crowds AND heat!

     In the Summer of 2009 we went as a family to Disney in June.  We had a great time, but I also have a lot of memories of extreme heat and ridiculous lines.  I told myself that I will NEVER do that again.  EVER.  When Kenny and I have kids, I have plans to take them either during Labor Day weekend or Christmas break.  It is not worth it to us to pay all of the money and be stuck in the heat with that many people.  You could go during any time of the year and make the best of it... just do your research before you go so there are no surprises.