The Best Days To Go to Disney World

Walt Disney World is a fantastic place. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, attracting millions of visitors annually. With four distinct theme parks, dozens of hotels, and countless attractions, shows, and dining options, planning a trip to Disney can be overwhelming. But no worries, as we are here to help you.

Before doing or planning other things, the first and most important decision you must make when planning your trip is choosing the best days to visit the parks.

In this article, we will discuss the factors you should consider when deciding when to go to Disney World, and we will share our recommendations for the best days to visit each park. Also, we will discuss some tips and tricks which will help you while in the parks.

Factors To Consider

Before deciding the best days to go to Disney World, let us quickly go through the factors to be considered when choosing those days.

Here are a few factors you should consider while choosing days to be in Disney World.

1. Crowds

Crowds are one of the most important factors to consider when deciding days to go to Disney World. The parks can get extremely crowded, especially during peak seasons like summer, spring break, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. In addition, long lines for attractions, restaurants, and restrooms can be frustrating and can significantly impact your experience at the parks.

To avoid crowds, consider visiting Disney World during the off-season when attendance is typically lower. The off-season includes most weekdays from January through early February, late August through September, and November through mid-December. However, crowds can vary during the off-season depending on holidays, events, and weather conditions.

2. Weather

Weather is another essential factor to consider when planning your trip to Disney World. Orlando has a subtropical climate, which means it can be hot and humid throughout most of the year. (Thus to rightly called the Sunshine State).

The summer months from June through August are the hottest and most humid, with temperatures averaging in the mid to high 90s Fahrenheit. The winter months, from December through February, are typically cooler and drier, with temperatures averaging in the 60s and 70s Fahrenheit. However, even during winter, it can still be warm enough to enjoy the water parks and outdoor attractions.

Moreover, sudden downpours are a thing in Florida. All these factors make it very important to check the weather forecast before your trip and pack accordingly.

3. Time of the Year

The time of the year can significantly affect crowds and weather at Disney World. Generally, the busiest times are during school breaks and holidays, such as Christmas, New Year’s Eve, Spring break, and summer. On the other hand, the least crowded times tend to be January, February, September, and November.

4. Park Hours

Disney World parks have carrying operating hours throughout the year. During peak seasons, the parks may be open for longer hours, and during the off-season, the parks may close earlier. (It depends, really!) So it is essential to check the park hours before your trip to ensure you can maximize your time in the parks.

Additionally, some attractions and shows may have different schedules or be closed for maintenance, so it is a good idea to check the official website or mobile app for up-to-date information before planning your trip.

5. Special Events

Disney World hosts several special events throughout the year, including seasonal events like Mickey’s Not-So_Scary Halloween Party, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, and many more. These events can be a fun way to experience the parks differently, but they can also impact crowds and park hours. If you are interested in attending a special event, make sure to check the dates and times before your trip and plan accordingly.

Best Days To Go to Disney World

Now let us quickly jump to the best days to visit Disney World by the park.

1. Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom is the most iconic and popular park at Disney World, with classic attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, and Space Mountain. The park is divided into themed areas, including Fantasyland, Adventureland, Tomorrowland, Frontierland, and Main Street, USA. This park is also home to several parades, fireworks, and shows.

Due to its popularity, Magic Kingdom tends to be the busiest park, especially during peak times. So you should better avoid visiting on Saturday or Monday. Locals tend to visit the parks on weekends, so the parks are comparatively rushy. Although on Saturday, the park has the longest hours. This attracts more people, which makes the place crowded.

Moreover, people planning to fly from far-off places and stay at Disney World mostly arrive on Sunday, thus making Monday their first full day at the parks. This makes Tuesday to Thursday a safe window, so try to visit Magic Kingdom on these days.

2. Epcot

Epcot is a unique park at Disney World, with a mix of futuristic and international themes. The park is further divided into four areas, World Showcase, World Celebration, World Discovery, and World Nature. World Celebration is all set to transport its guest to a different world, while World Discovery has attractions like Test Track and Mission: SPACE. World Showcase showcases other countries and cultures with themed pavilions, food, and entertainment, whereas World Nature has a lot for you to understand about nature and its phenomena.

Epcot is usually less crowded than Magic Kingdom. Moreover, people with smaller kids mostly skip Epcot because it is more of an adult park. Also, being the second largest park at Disney World, it handles the crowd well. But it can still be busy at peak times.

Consider visiting during the off-season to avoid crowds. Moreover, this park is known for its festivals. Any additional events happen in Epcot on weekends, so you are encouraged to go to Epcot on weekdays.

3. Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios is a park dedicated to the magic behind television and movies. This place is divided into several themed areas, including Hollywood Boulevard, Echo Lake Toy Story Land, and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Some of the most popular attractions there are Towe of Terror, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, and the Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance ride.

This park became extremely popular since the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, making it crowded during peak times. Weekends are crowded here. So skip Friday and Sunday. You can still consider visiting on Saturday because this is the day on which the park offers extra magic hours (mostly.)If you are not there for the weekend, try choosing some day from Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday.

4. Animal Kingdom

This is the park dedicated to the wonders of nature and conservation. It is divided into themed areas, including Africa, Asia, Discovery Island, and Pandora: The World of Avatar. Some of the popular attractions at Animal Kingdom include the Kilimanjaro Safaris, Expedition Everest, and the Avatar Flight of Passage ride.

Animal Kingdom tends to be less crowded than Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios, but it can still be busy during peak times. To avoid crowds, consider visiting during the off-season. This park is safe to visit any day, but weekdays are preferred as extra magic hours at Animal Kingdom are usually offered on Monday and Wednesday.

Whatever day you choose, try to visit this place earlier in the day. Also, if you are visiting in summer, be there early morning because, in the afternoon, the animals might go inside their resting places because of excessive heat. But, on the other hand, if you are there as soon as the park opens, you will also have the chance to enjoy the beautiful sights and inhale early morning freshness with significantly fewer crowds.

Tips To Make the Most of Your Time at the Parks

Here are some tips to make the most of your time in the parks.

1. Use FastPass+ and Other Tools

Disney World offers several tools to help you make the most of your trip and avoid long waits for attractions. One of these tools is FastPass+, which allows you to reserve a time slot for selected attractions in advance, reducing your wait time.

Another tool is my Disney Experience app, which allows you to check wait times, make reservations, and even order food from your phone. It is a good idea to familiarize yourself with these tools and use them to your advantage when planning your trip.

2. Consider Staying On-Site

Staying at a Disney World resort can offer several advantages, including early access to the parks, free transportation, and the ability to book FastPass+ reservations earlier than off-site guests. Additionally, staying on-site can offer a more immersive experience with themed rooms and activities. While on-site accommodations can be more expensive than off-site options, they can also save time and offer added convenience.

3. Plan Your Meals

Disney World offers a wide range of dining options, from quick service to fine dining. However, dining can also be time-consuming and expensive part of your trip if not planned earlier. So it is a good idea to make dining reservations in advance, especially for popular restaurants and character dining experiences. Additionally, consider bringing your snacks and water to save time.

4. Consider Visiting During Special Events

There are several at Disney World throughout the year, such as Epcot Food and Wine Festival, Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, and then Christmas holiday events. While these events can attract larger crowds, they also offer unique experiences and entertainment. It is a good idea to check the park’s event calendar and plan your trip accordingly.

5. Take Frequent Breaks

Disney World trips can be overwhelming and sometimes exhausting, especially for first-time visitors. It is essential to take breaks throughout the day and pace yourself. Consider taking that much-needed midday break at your hotel or some quiet area in the park, and plan your itinerary for the rest of the time.

6. Avoid Major Holidays and School Breaks

To avoid the busiest times at Disney World, don’t go there during major holidays and school breaks. Holidays like Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and Thanksgiving can be extremely crowded, with wait times for attractions reaching several hours. Similarly, school breaks like Spring Break and summer vacations can also attract large crowds. To avoid these peak times, consider traveling during off-peak times like weekdays in September, October, or January.

7. Use Crowd Calendars

Several crowd calendars are available online, which can give you an idea of the predicted crowds during your visit. These calendars use historical data and other factors to identify which days will be the busiest or least crowded. By using a crowd calendar, you can plan your visit on days when the crowds are predicted to be lower, helping you avoid long wait times and enjoy the attractions more.

8. Choose Your Park Wisely

Each park in Disney World has unique attractions, shows, and experiences. Choosing the parks you want to visit wisely is essential based on your interests and crowds. For example, Magic Kingdom tends to be the busiest park, with classic attractions and shows, while Animal Kingdom is less crowded but offers more nature-themed experiences. By choosing the parks you want to visit wisely, you can avoid spending too much time in crowded areas and enjoy the attractions you are most interested in.

Takeaway

So, this is it!

We hope that this guide will help you choose the best days to visit Disney World and that our tips will be useful to make the most of your time at the parks.