UPDATED JANUARY 2024. Without fail, our #1 question our agents are asked is, “When is the best time to go to Walt Disney World?” We hear it on a daily basis, and today we want to share all of our best insights with you.

The best time to go to Walt Disney World in Florida depends on what you are looking for. There are benefits to visiting Disney World almost any time of the year. This article will give you a general overview for the best time to go to Disney World along with regularly scheduled and seasonal events.

Keep in mind that everything is subject to change, so be sure to follow our Walt Disney World 2023 and 2024 article to keep up with what's current at Disney.

The best time to go to Walt Disney World truly depends on what you want to get out of your Walt Disney World vacation. If you’re looking for the fewest crowds, we can help you find that. If you’re looking for the most open attractions and entertainment options, we can help you find that.

If you’re looking for the best time to go to Walt Disney World to celebrate Halloween or Holidays at the Walt Disney World Resort, we can absolutely help you find that. And finally, if you’re looking to find the lowest Walt Disney World prices, we can definitely help with that, too.

We also update our own Walt Disney World price list to help you see, at a glance, the most affordable time to visit Walt Disney World in upcoming months.

If you’re looking for the fewest crowds, the best time to go to Walt Disney World is any time that the kids are in school. That’s generally January, February, March, May, September and early November, as long as you avoid holidays and holiday weekends.

Keep in mind that there are some larger conventions and groups that travel certain times of the year, along with runDisney races. Because of that, we always recommend that you check our Disney World calendar of events to make sure that you don’t unintentionally plan your Walt Disney World vacation over a busy weekend!

Another thing to note about traveling during these non-peak travel times is that the parks generally have shorter park hours, fewer atmosphere entertainment options, and one or more larger attractions down for refurbishment.

And if weather doesn’t bother you, you might be able to avoid crowds at Walt Disney World in the summer and fall months. Because Florida is typically hot and humid during those times there may be fewer people at the parks.

Remember, rain is a big part of Florida weather so come prepared for some showers. There is still so much you can do at Walt Disney World Resort regardless of the rain.

If you’re looking for travel times with all of the fun and excitement possible, the best days to go to Walt Disney World will be during the major school breaks. You will most likely find those dates in April, June, July, August, October and December.

Also, if you’re looking for the full spectrum of entertainment including fireworks, nighttime shows, extra parades and atmosphere entertainment, this time of year is for you. More rides are open during this time of year because Walt Disney World knows that the parks will be busier.

With more crowds come longer park hours. This means earlier mornings and later nights when it comes to regular hours of operations for the parks. If you can maximize these, it’s a great way to get the best of both worlds.

For those staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel, you can get to the parks 30 minutes before they open and take advantage of Early Theme Park Entry. If those early mornings are a bit exhausting, you can take a break mid-day when things get a little busier and know you packed in a lot of fun already.

Head back into the parks later at night since crowds thin as the night goes on. There are even some After Hours events and access during certain times of the year.

“The best time to visit Walt Disney World depends on what is most important for your family. There is no one-size-fits-all answer. If price is the most important factor, you can find the lowest hotel rates and ticket prices in August and September. Crowds can also be especially low during this time with the exception of Labor Day weekend.

If weather is your greatest concern, visiting during the more temperate months of February, March, or April will be the best time to go. Crowds will increase during these months due to Spring Break, so we recommend February with the exception of the Princess Half Marathon weekend.

If you want to combine a trip to Walt Disney World with a holiday celebration, we recommend visiting mid-November through the end of December. We love Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party!

If your family wants to pack in the most theme park hours possible to make the most of your visit, we recommend staying at a Deluxe Resort during the summer months. Park Hours are usually longer than other times of the year, and as a Deluxe Resort guest, you'll get access to Extended Evening Hours in select parks on select nights.”

-Brooklyn Coles, Get Away Today

“The end of January is a great time to go to Walt Disney World! The Holidays are a popular time to visit the Parks, so once you let that time settle down and once Martin Luther King Jr Day passes by that time it will be a fun time to visit the Parks. The weather is great and children are usually back in school at this time of year.

In addition, EPCOT's Festival of the Arts is also usually going on during this time of year. This is a popular festival that usually doesn't last for very long! There is so much to see, do, and eat during this festival. It will quickly become one of your favorites!”

-Brooke Bown, Get Away Today

“I think the best time to go to Disney World is anytime in March. The weather is absolutely perfect during this time of year. It's a little bit cooler in the morning and evenings but still allows us to enjoy the hot Florida sunshine (which I LOVE) during the day.

It isn't quite so humid yet either which is very nice. Another thing I absolutely love during this time of year is EPCOT’s Flower and Garden Festival. It's one of my favorite festivals and seeing all of your favorite Disney characters in topiary form is such a fun experience. The food booths during the Flower and Garden festival also have amazing offerings and for me, this is a festival you don’t want to miss. One more great thing about traveling to Florida at this time of year is that it isn't so rainy. It starts to rain there in mid-late spring, so March is a great month to possibly miss some of that rainy weather!”

-Ella Coles, Get Away Today

“Due to cooler weather and smaller crowds, September is often the best time to visit Disney World, Florida. Since most schools have resumed by September, there are fewer visitors at Disney World, resulting in shorter wait times for popular attractions, shows, and restaurants. This means less time spent standing in lines and more time enjoying all that Disney World offers.”

-Steve Morrow, Paddle About

“The week after Thanksgiving is my family’s favorite time to go. If you are a person that wants to experience the holidays, then this is what I have found to be a great time. You will get to experience all the holiday decorations, with not as many crowds.

During the holiday season, you will always see higher attendance, but the week or two after Thanksgiving is normally a little lighter plus hurricane season is over by then as well.

I suggest checking the weather before you go, as I have been during this same time and been able to wear capris and a t-shirt and then the very next visit was all bundled up. This tends to be a little cooler of a time to go, but just makes it a little more magical to walk down Main Street drinking your hot chocolate in your Christmas sweater.”

-Tamara Hartsgrove, Get Away Today

“The best time to visit Disney World, Florida, is during the winter months. This is because the weather is cooler, making it more comfortable for visitors, and the crowds are usually smaller, meaning shorter lines for rides and attractions.

The holiday season is also a great time to visit, as Disney World is known for its festive decorations and special events. During the summer, the weather is hot and humid, and the crowds can be overwhelming.

Overall, the best time to visit Disney World, Florida, is when you can get the most out of the experience. Winter is the best time to visit if you're looking for a quieter, more relaxed experience. However, the holidays are a great time to visit if you're looking for a more festive atmosphere and special events.”

-Dave Conway EcoMotionCentral

“The off-peak season, which normally lasts from late August to early December or mid-January to early March, is the ideal time to visit Disney World, Florida. These times are typically less crowded, have shorter wait times, and have lower lodging and park admissions pricing. Avoiding significant holidays and school vacations might also assist in lessening crowds and wait times.”

-Henry Purchase, Menuzen

For the bargain hunter, the best time to go to Walt Disney World is when you can book in advance. When special rates are offered the best specials sell out first. Our agents are standing by to help you book the best rates at the best time for your group.

No matter when you decide is the best time to visit Walt Disney World, make sure you download the My Disney Experience App. It will keep you posted on all the events, ride closures and more while you are in the Resort.

The My Disney Experience App can help you locate maps, wait times, restaurants and more throughout the parks. It is also your access to Disney Genie+, which allows you to electronically request Lightning Lane return times. With Get Away Today and the My Disney Experience app keeping you up to date on all the current happenings at Walt Disney World, you will make the most of your trip no matter when you go.

We hope this helps you narrow down the best time to go to Walt Disney World for your family! One thing we like to say regularly is that the best time to go to Walt Disney World is when you CAN go to Walt Disney World.

As you can see, Walt Disney World is magical year round and there are so many ways to have a wonderful experience regardless of when you can make the trip.

All of our Walt Disney World packages and Walt Disney World tickets can be booked online, or you can call our agents for personalized assistance at 855-GET-AWAY.

Our agents visit Walt Disney World regularly and can help you with hotels near Walt Disney World based on their personal experience. They can also give you their tips and tricks for the best time to go to Walt Disney World with your preferences and available dates. We can't wait to help you book your Walt Disney World vacation.