The number of visitors to WDW varies greatly throughout the year. Generally, the busiest times are at holiday times, e.g. summer, Christmas & Easter. The advantage at these times is that the parks will be open later, there will be more parades & fireworks scheduled, the downside is that the lines for attractions will be very long. If you don't mind the parks closing early, then you can benefit from going during the quieter months, when there will probably be very short waits for the rides.

Comments

" I just returned from an awful trip to Walt Disney World. Our dates there were Dec. 29 - Jan. 2 and I had read that it would be crowded. In fact, all the websites had said that it would be VERY, VERY crowded - the MOST crowded week of the year. However, NO one pointed out that the parks (ALL 4 of them) close when they reach capacity and no more people are allowed in until hundreds leave (per the CM). There were many disappointed families, and many said that if they had known that having a ticket didn't mean that you would get into the park, they wouldn't have come. It's a shame that Disney doesn't tell people about this, please pass on the information."

"We went to Disney in September 2002, we still got the heat, but without the lines, it was so quiet that when we went to Universal for the day, my boyfriend went on Duelling Dragons 6 times in a row! The waiting time for many rides was well under 20 minutes, but if that is too long you can still use the fastpass system to cut down time standing in line. The longest queue we had was for Winnie The Pooh in Magic Kingdom, in fact, Fantasy land seemed to be the busiest area, I guess because there were lots of kids there under school age. It did rain for a short while on most days, but it didn't stop us from doing anything we wanted to do. It is also a less expensive time of year to go. The Haunted Mansion was closed for our first week, but opened again in the second week, nearly all of the rides were operational (only the ones open seasonally were closed). The Parks did close earlier, but Disney Market Place and Pleasure Island are still open until late, we spent most of our evenings there. When we go back, it will definately be in September and not during the busy summer months."

"We always go to WDW the week after July 4. Lines may be a little longer than slower seasons but the fast pass work out great. The humidity maybe 100% but we live in OH and our humidity is the same. The choice is stay at home or disney."

"I have been many different times of the year. The best times I went were in mid-September (low crowds) and the week after Thanksgiving (great weather, no crowds, and all the Christmas decorations were up...BEAUTIFUL!)." (8/02) Julie

"Ive just returned from my second visit to WDW, I knew July would be busy, but the amount of school parties made queueing for everything a chore, the first time was in August, although busy queues were shorter and no school parties, the feeling of being herded around a park like sheep had disappeared." (8/02) Suzie

"We went in July and it was of course stiffling. I would recommend a different month. As for when to visit the parks, we liked to go to one until mid afternoon and then go to another for the late afternoon. You could go to one park first, and then do some of Magic Kingdom later and stay at night for the parade and fireworks. That way we did not get sick of any one park and we got to go to each more than once." Mary

"We just returned from Disney World after visiting from June 29th thru July 6th, 2002. We had a great time, lines were short, weather though it rained everyday for 2 hours was just perfect. Not too hot, or too cold like they say the winters are. Just take jackets and umbrellas get a locker and in the afternoon when the rains come, head and get your things." Marla & Andrea

"the best tip i have is to reconsider going to disney during the 4th of july.plain and simply it is very nerve racking and takes away from the fun of the park. the lines are too long and the heat is almost unbearable.be sure to bring plenty of cash so you can purchase bottles of water(which seem overpriced).i cant leave out though that the best shows are during this time of year and the park stays open real late.other than that plan on sept." pat

"do not come in february during president's week, many schools are closed for that whole week and disney is very crowded."

"If possible, visit during the first two weeks of December. The parks and resorts are decorated for Christmas. Definitely purchase a ticket for the "Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party." We went on a Monday night, and lines were nonexistent. The Christmas shows were awesome, and main street had snow flurries. Everyone got free hot chocolate and cookies. No doubt the highlight of our stay." (6/02) The Mitchell's - Louisiana

"I'm only 18 yrs old, and have had over 23 vacations to WDW! (my sister works there, so we get to visit her at least 3 times a year!) I've been in April, June, July, August and December. The best times that we've gone, would probably be a week or two before a holiday! The week before Christmas I think is the best! The weather is nice and the lines are not bad at all!" Aimee

"Is it worth it to take the kids out of school? ABSOLUTELY! We have been twice following labor day and both times were great. Lines are minimal except at the newest attractions. the weather is still plenty warm for the water parks, and ALMOST all American kids are back to school. Sure the parks begin early closing times, but when you don't have to spend all day in lines, you can have some time in the evening to relax or go to downtown Disney. As long as your kids are good students, reward them with a nice fall break!"

"Late March - Early April is a great time to visit , for the past 4 years we have gone every year from 26th March for 14 days and the weather has been SUPERB. Not once during the day did it rain ! , only a drizzle on a couple of the evenings. The queues were short and it was perfect !!" (3/02)

"We have been there in october, march, april (twice), and november. October was great no lines weather was perfect. march was way too crowded we went during the canadian holidays and there were tons of people there. the first time in april was perfect but the second time (my honeymoon) the crowds got quite large by the end of the week because it was senior week. We absolutely loved November and were planning on going at that time again but then we heard about the great Christmas lights in December so we will be trying December 6 to the 15 2002. Hopefully the weather will cooperate. It sounds perfect for me, I hate it too hot or too cold."

"We have been going to WDW since 1988 and have been several times since (Oct,Nov,Jul). The best weather we had was in Oct it was like a beautiful British summer's day every day,it was not crowded either. The worst was in Jul, it was way too hot to be standing around in queues and very crowded." Ian

"My husband and I have been all but two years out of the sixteen we have been married. We spent out Nov. 1st honeymoon there and continue to go that time of year. You never know how the weather or crowds will be. Over the years everyone has started going then, so it has started to become more and more crowded. This makes the wait times longer, as they usual only run one line and let empty seats and singles go through. Some years it has been very cool, some very rainy, and some simply perfect. We always seem to have a good time. The worst is when it really rains and rains and rains. Crowds are down, but people don't think about taking off the ponchos, etc., before sitting down in all the attractions (included those with upholstered seating). So even if you try to stay dry and considerate of others -- you will get wet. We have a lot of positive experiences, but there are always refurbishing 2-5 things. I learned to check the site before we go, so at least I know ahead. Don't want to be too disappointed. Sounds like we need to start going the 1st of December or January. Just putting in my two cents worth......." Terry

"Walt Disney World is open 365 days a year, so you can go anytime, but during some months of the year the crowds and the weather are better than others. Disney World basically has two seasons. '"On-season"' is summer and major holidays, such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, Easter, and spring break. The good thing about going during the on-season is that the parks are open long hours---sometimes until midnight---and major shows run everyday. And you don't have to miss school. The bad part about going during the on-season? It's crowded---repeat, crowded---and you may have to wait as long as two hours for major rides. And you don't have to miss school. ''Off-season'' times are those fall, winter, and spring weeks that aren't near holidays. There are fewer people in the parks and the lines are way shorter. If you want to ride Rock 'n' Roller Coaster ten times in a row, it's no problem. Disadvantages? The parks don't run those mega-hours, and they may close as early as 6 or 7 p.m. Major shows like the evening parade in the Magic Kingdom and Fantasmic! at MGM only run a couple of nights a week, so you have to plan ahead to make sure you're in the right park on the right night. And in January, sometimes the water parks are closed for repairs."

"My Husband and I went early Feb in 2000. Not as warm as we would have liked, but the crowds were minimal and we had an awesome time!"

"Our family goes to WDW every 2 yrs. Always in may. The 2nd yr we went during the 3rd wk of May, and found that the parks were slightly more crowded than the 1st wk of May. Since then it has always been the 1st week.We love it there, and can't wait until our new grandson will be old enough to go and enjoy himself like the rest of us." debbie6864@hotmail.com

"We have visted Orlando (Disney) in January, March, May, July, August and September. We are due to fly out again in November 2000. So far we have found March the ideal for us as I have difficulty coping with high humidity. January was o.k. but on the day we arrived Orlando had suffered its first frost for a long time!! Still it improved during our stay although one always needed a jacket in the evening but coming from England this did not before us. We have been to Florida 11 times in 8 years and we just love it So much so that we have purchased a Disney Vacation Home at Old Key West. My daughter was married 2 years ago at the Disney Wedding Pavilion. Marvellous!"

"We went to WDW from 10/23-10/30 and this seemed like a great time to go in terms of the weather. It was absolutely perfect! Not too humid or hot and not too cold. The only drawback seemed to be that everyone in Britain was vacationing at WDW at the same time (not that I have anything against them), making it a little more crowded than normal. Someone mentioned that it was a holiday break for them. The different crowd was a welcomed change though." Sheila O. (10/00)

"MY FAVORITE TIME TO VISIT DISNEY IS IN DECEMBER. THE WEATHER CAN BE COOLER, BUT THE CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS ARE FANTASTIC. THE LARGE CHRISTMAS TREE IN THE MIDDLE OF MAIN STREET IS BEAUTIFUL. WE WENT TO DISNEY LAST JUNE, AND THE WEATHER WAS TOO HOT AND LINES TOO LONG. WE ARE TRYING THE MONTH OF OCTOBER NEXT, BASED ON WHAT I'VE READ HERE. SOUNDS LIKE A GOOD TIME TO VISIT." ANDREA

"We visited in July (including on the 4th). We would have liked to visit during a quieter time of year but my dad insisted on going to the Pepsi 400 in Daytona which was on the 1st. On the 4th the Magic Kingdom had reached capacity and it was, of course, impossible to get on any of the rides. But we did have a good view of the Magical Moments Parade. On the night of the 4th we went to Disney/MGM studios. It wasn't that bad at all, we had a good view of the fireworks display, the fastpass worked great for the more popular attractions (Rock 'n Rollercoaster was AWESOME!) and Fantasmic WAS COMPLETELY MAGICAL!!! The rest of our stay was great too, the parks were crowded but still enjoyable. Early mornings are the least crowded. E-ride nights were very nice." Spaz24Chic@aol.com

"We went during President's Week (Feb) this year - which coincided with the Daytona 500, and I can't imagine worse crowds. I have been in April, May, September, October and November. Each time, for those months, the crowds were the same. A wait at the most popular rides can be up to 40 minutes but most fall within 15. During President's Week, rides were up to 2 hours."

"We try to go every two years in july, mostly because all the rides are opened and we love the water parks We went in nov one time and it was to cold to go swimming so we will stick to july."

"I've been to Disney six times since 1988, twice in late October (small lines, waiting time was like 5-10 minutes max weather in 80's but lots of rain) once mid-September (lines were a minimum probably because school had just begun but temperature was 95 to 100 everyday once at the end of July (never again, got on 3 attractions the entire day due to massive crowds and the heat - well we don't want to even go there) and twice in December - early December including December 1999 to see the Millenium celebration. In my opinion, this is the BEST time of year to go. No lines at all for even Major attractions, we got off space mountain and the attendant asked if we wanted to go on again and just let us directly w/o going outside the building. Was like pretty much at every park. Temps were mid-70's, pools are heated, at night needed sweatshirts and jeans. All the decorations for XMAS are up and are gorgeous. AND it's value season so the hotels and packages are less money AN! ! D if you belong to the Magic Kingdom Club - you get another 10 to 20% off the rack rates for the hotels." Mrs. M.

"We have been to Disney 6 times, last year we went in the middle of May. Great time, weather was beautiful, hardly any lines. I will never go during summer or school vacations again. This year we are going back in the last week of October. Heard I can expect good weather, few crowds. Let you know. Great site, keep up the good work."

"I think the best time to go is in early January. I know the worst time to go is the week of the Daytona 500 Auto Race because the place is too crowded with race fans. Also watch out for events in Orlando and especially Conventions being held because rates are increased and availability is limited. So call ahead at the Orlando Convention & Visitors Bureau (407-363-5872)and see what is scheduled before making plans. They can also give you a list of Motels and rates available at that time."

"My family and I have been down to Disney World 3 times in the last 6 years. We choose to go down during the winter months. April, March, and January. All 3 times the crowds weren't bad and the weather was beautiful. Our next trip we are going down in February. Whatever time of the year you choose to go down it will be the most amazing vacation. Expecially if you have kids. To exprience Disney thru the eyes of your children is awesome!!!"

"Mid-late October is the best time for us. We have previously gone in '93 & '97 at that time, and are planning our next trip for this October, combined with a Disney Cruise. It is well worth it to take the kids out of school. My theory is that it's something that they will always remember--I vividly remember my childhood trip there when I was 9. I can't say the same for my entire 3rd grade year! The weather has always been perfect,temps in the mid-high 80's, warm enough to swim, with very little or no rain. It's a running joke in our family that Disney Magic prevents it from raining there. I know many can disagree, but any time it has rained when we've been there, it's either been at night, while we were on an attraction or in a restaurant (and had stopped by the time we left), and even more amazingly, it could be raining in Kissimmee, but not in WDW! We would experience rain as we drove into WDW, or as we were leaving, but never really when we were there. Th! is happened enough to actually craw our attention to it. Anyhow, this time we will be staying on property, so we will see if our theory holds up!"

"I have taken my family to WDW in July/98 and June/99 and both times were miserably hot and the lines were way too long aside from having to manage three boys ages 3-10 as well. But, I will say the boys did not mind the long waits and they cherished every second of everyday. We have been told the best time to go is in October with the only draw back being the end of the hurricane season and a lot of rain but, it rained every other day in both july/98 and june/99 so I feel there will be nothing to lose by going then." the Sprowls.

"I like late april early may.. after spring break and before the summer crunch!!.. i went at the end of september before and it rained the entire week.. it was horrible.. although i have heard its a great time of year your taking your chances with the weather then" dauwer@mediaone.net

"Me and my best friends went last year in march for spring break and contrary to popular belief it wasnt as crowded as many people would think. most college students go to Cancun, or Panama City. We are definately go back this year for spring break. i have been there approx. 10 times in the past and i would say that august is probably the worst time to go because the FLA. heat is really bad and it is too crowded."

"My family has gone in November, February, March, and December. In February it isn't all that crowded. In March it is very crowded you have to wait in long lines, but you meet many new people and have a lot of fun if you like to hang out with new people. December is a very great time of the year to go; it is very beautiful and crowds aren't to bad, but at times they can be. In Novemeber it isn't all to bad; you don't have to wait in the long lines if you miss the people, but it isn't that hard to do."

"We went to WDW in March(and we are returning in March this year.We found the weather very pleasant and the lines were not very long(with the exception of a few rides)We planned our trip so that it wouldn't be during spring Break since we understand that this would mean CROWDS.But,I would recommend March as a good time to visit."

"I have been to WDW 4 times (spring break --- ugh! too crowded; October --- great, except if it rains; and 2x in mid January --- imagine being able to experience Splash Mountain, and within 10 minutes you're back on it!!!!! Aside from the water parks, just about everything else is open. I am going again this January."

"I have been to Disney World four times. Twice in the summer (never again), once during Easter (great weather, but very crowded), and once the end of September beginning of October (too hot and humid). I think the next time we go will be in the early part of November or the end of October."

"Believe it or not we went on Oct.31-Nov.3 and it was perfect. We expected big crowds on Halloween but thank goodness there wasn't. The longest line we waited in was about 20 min for Space Mountain. We walked onto every ride no waiting. One time we waited about 15 min for dumbo.We got to see and do everything. We also went to MGM and had the same thing no lines or crowds we got seats at every show on the last minute. Plus the weather was perfect!!I will always go this time of year."

"Me and my Family think that Jan to March are the best times to go because it is not the peak season not everything is open though like the water parks because they are shut for refurbishment." Barbara

"I have been to Disney almost everytime of the year. I can't state a bad time. yes in the Summer its HOT! But if you go the end of June and want the excitement of the celebrations, people and all thats going on, its awesome. Just before July 4th weekend. Its about 90 but sometimes not. There's alot going on. If you like people and the atmosphere of a crowd and want to experience the waterparks on a nice hot day-This is the time. July and August can be scorchers. I don't think there's really a bad time for Disney but if I had to choose one it would be the heart of summer. Spring into late June and then September on is great. Sometimes in November and on you may find repairs being done or maintenance that will close some rides. Trust me-go in June! :-)" gregch

"By far the best time of the year to visit the parks is the first two weeks of December. My family has been to the parks twice during these weeks. Also, the worst time we've experienced was Memorial Day Weekend and August. Too crowded and too hot!! We went to the Animal Kingdom and almost passed on the lines from the heat. The only saving grace was that the park personnel has water stations throughout the park enabling us to fill our water bottles with cold water. We took advantage of the water sprinklers throughout the park to cool us off.

"We visit Disney 2 times in early November (97/98)and it was very good! Less crowded nice weather. We will go this year 1999 also in November (7th - 21th). Christmas and New Year is really unbelieveable crowded. We also were there in March and April, was OK, good weather, crowded but to manage. Someone wrote Universal isn't worth a visit. Don't hear on that. The rides are the best in the world! The park is not that nice decorated and you don't have the disney feeling, but we visit them every time, as the rides are so unbelieveable good!"Sascha from Germany. sascha@wolverine-records.de

" I have been to WDW twice during Thanksgiving week and have another trip planned this year. It has been my favorite time to go. The weather is very nice--not too cold and not too hot. Also, the crowds are not bad at all. I've never had any trouble seeing the things I've wanted to see. I've also been to WDW the week between Christmas and New Year's. That was absolutely horrible. The parks were decorated beautifully but the crowds were unmanageable. I would never go at that time again." (My e-mail address is cheer1@i-55.com)

"Our favorite time of the year is definitely fall....particularly the latter part of October. We just returned from a trip there (Sept 30-October 5) and I would not go again that early in October, as you are flirting with the end of the hurricane season and we did encounter rain." LaBechtel@AOL.com

"We have been to Disney World every year for the last 10 years. We have been in February, which was a very good time of year. We have been at Christmas which I do not recommend. I have never seen so many people in my life. I went during Spring Break for my birthday this year and it was almost as bad as Christmas. I am going in October (my second time this year). I love going in September and October. I already have priority seating for the Rainforest Cafe which I haven't been able to eat at for the last couple of years. I think the fall is the best time of year!!!" My email address is terry1465@aol.com

"I think the best time to go is Early November less crowds etc."

"We feel the best time of year to go is in Oct. The weather is great and the lines are short. I've been there in July and Aug. no good, it's tooo hot and you waste all your time waiting in lines. In Oct., you can see and do more because there are less people. I can't speak for the months of Nov. or Dec. for I've never visited at that time." The Stalford's

"Many people think that the best time of year to go to Disney World is in the Winter time. (I disagree) I went during that period of time and found that many of the "major" attractions were closed due to minor repairs. That really ruined part of the trip. Also, the parks would close earlier leaving you with less time in the park. Therefore, sometimes, there would be no fireworks or lighted parades. I suggest going May-Sept. Sleep a lot before you go,get in the park early, leave late, expect a huge crowd but smile you are in the happiest place on earth."

"The best time to go would probably be a non-holiday season. I have heard that in September it is really empty and also nice weather. I usually go in the summer though because it is the only time im out of school. I don't recomend the summer because it is hot and crowded but no matter what time you go it is always going to be a magical trip."

"The absolute best time to go is between Thanksgiving and Christmas- it's practically empty, and the weather is pretty nice still."

"We went to WDW a the beginning of November, 1997. We were told that it was ununusually cool. It was good not to have to deal with heat, but it was too chilly to do the water parks. The lines were definitely not bad, though, and I would definitely go back during an "off-season" time like that."

"Here's a tip: I have gone for the past 5 years in a row to Disney World in the AWFUL heat of July or August, because it was the only time I could go school-wise. Now that I am graduating from college in May I won't have to deal with it! Anyway, tip for anyone: Don't think you can withstand the heat every day and not getting crnaky and irritable in the summer. You won't enjoy it. It is usually 95 degrees every single day in the row. The best thing to do is get up super early (yeah I know that that hurts to do sometimes but its worth it), take advantage of the getting in the parks an hour early if you stay at one of the resorts.... do a few things while the lines aren't that long, then go back to your room (ask the maids to have it cleaned by 1 or 2 though) and relax in the air conditioning or near the pool, then go back out at night (usually after a rain shower hits!) It just makes you feel so much better and lets you fully enjoy your stay. I have been doing that for 4 years and it is a lifesaver.... Now I get to go in October where it will be cooler!"

"We usually go in December, but this year we will be going in May. Hopefully it won't be too crowded. I love it at Christmastime, especially the first week in December. The atmosphere is wonderful and so is the weather and crowds. Couldn't ask for a more perfect time to go if you asked me!!!"

"I have been to Disney World at all times of the year and my favorite time hands down is in the Fall. It is the least busy and has the best weather. From right after Thanksgiving until the week before Christmas the air is still warm but never HOT and the decorations are awesome. Another good time to go is the first of Jan. Weather is still usually very nice and the crowds are way down!! " (Tammy)

"I like Oct. the best the weather is great and the crowds are very low have been 2x in feb one time the weather was like in the 40 got stuck at orlando airport because back home in Boston we had a bad snow storm. 1x in Sept. but alot of rain. Oct was the best."

"Mid- to late October is by far the best. Small crowds, comfortable weather. I've also attended in July (awful!), April (crowded), and November (starts to crowd as Thanksgiving approaches, and the weather gets iffy). October is the month to go!"

"Both me & my wife and four boys just went to Disney from Jan 31 to Feb 7 and had a great time. The temperature was great, no bugs and no humidity. The crowds were extremely small during the week and heavier on the weekend and the waits at rides attractions were 0 - 15 minutes average (posted at each event). All 4 parks were very clean (from the streets, in the stores, and restrooms), and I've never seen any park as clean anywhere else in the U.S. Universal Studios (not part of Disney) was a disappointment regarding cleanliness & quality of presentation at each attraction. In other words, no one does it better than Disney. We stayed at the Fort Wilderness cabins for the first time and also have only good things to say regarding our the quality and service. The park food were very expensive and I recommend bringing sandwiches and drinks in a backpack. (They don't check at the gate). Brent"

"Disney is my absolute favoite vacation. i have 3 kids. last august went down for a week. my only real complaint was the weather. it was very crowded and with 2 toddlers waiting on the lines was tough. also i think there should be some kind of effort into maybe more fans or some kind of cooling off while your on line. loved all character dinners,breakfast etc. stayed in caribbean beach resort very nice. although bus serviced stunk! one noght had to wait 90 minutes to get bus from magic kingdom. but that won't stop me i'm going back."

"We have been to Disneyworld both in October and November. We find it much more enjoyable to take the kids out of school as to fight the huge crowds during the summer. November was our favorite month as the weather was crisp in the morning and then warmed up to around 78 during the day. October was a little rainy but still nice weather. We were still able to swim in the pools and took advantage of the hot tubs in the crisp night air."

"We went at Thanksgiving once and it was perfect. Weather was great and crowds were small. I really recommend staying at a Disney resort, it saves a lot of time as regards to getting around the parks and is much more convenient. Also, you get to see a lot more this way, things you wouldn't even know were there, otherwise."

"Our favorite time of year is May or early June. We have always found the weather to be hot be not unbearable, and the crowds workable."

"I think the best time to go is in June because it is not real hot the rains have not started."

"Our favorite time to go is Late September, early October. The weather at that time is great, and the parks are never too busy for us not to see everything we want. We were just there in December, and the new Fantasmic Show at MGM is worth the hour + wait in line. Be sure not to miss this extraganza."

"My family usually goes to Disney about three times a year. We have found that the best time to go is in between the kid's spring & winter."

"I have been to WDW in both June and December. June is definitely out -- too hot and too humid. I would go again in December because of the beautiful Christmas decorations. It certainly puts you in a holiday mood. The Osborne family lights at MGM is absolutely spectacular. I also saw the Christmas Story Processional (or whatever they call it) twice at Epcot. It was the best free event I have ever attended (saw both Lou Gossett Jr. and Angie Dickenson perform). The only drawback is the weather - which apparently is quite unpredictable. The first two days I was there it was unseasonably cold (setting a record), then it got unseasonably hot for two days, and it rained the remaining five days (setting another record). "

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