Guide to Best Times to Visit Walt Disney World

When to Go? Your Essential Guide to Planning the Perfect Walt Disney World Trip

Determining the best time to visit Disney World is the first step in planning any magical vacation, and the good news is you can’t go wrong! Disney World offers fantastic trip options throughout the entire year. Thanks to flexible ticket deals, excellent hotel offers, and a constant stream of new, exciting experiences, it’s easier than ever to tailor a memorable vacation that perfectly fits your schedule and budget.

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Best Time to Visit Disney World for the Lowest Prices 

Use the calendar on the Theme Park Ticket page to view the lowest-priced days at a glance. Summer offers many of the lowest-priced dates, including some of the least expensive ones in August and September.

Keep the offers page in your rotation to see some of the best Disney deals, like current room and ticket offers, or a free dining plan with 2026 vacations (for kids ages 3-9).

Tips for saving on your Disney trip: 

• Adjusting your dates by even one or two days (especially around major holidays) can unlock big savings on both tickets and hotels – just like when you’re looking for a great flight deal. Can you travel a day earlier or stay a day later? 
• Deal hunters can even stack some offers to find better value, like a great resort room discount and the Disney+ subscriber 3-Day, 3-Park ticket offer. 
• Park hours are typically longer in the summer, which means there’s more time to explore.

Best Time to Visit Disney World for Lower Crowds 

We know many guests are looking for ways to experience the theme parks with fewer crowds. Typically, summer (with its longer hours), early September, and a couple of weeks before the holidays are good times to plan around. 

One of our favorite ways to enjoy more magic in less time is at an After Hours event. These limited-capacity, separately ticketed events offer access to some of the most popular attractions with shorter wait times, smaller crowds, and snacks included.  

• After Hours events in 2026 take place at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Typhoon Lagoon, with the final scheduled dates in September.
• Treats like ice cream, popcorn, and bottled beverages are included.
• For summer Disney Resort stays: On check-in day, use the waterpark admission included with your resort stay before heading to the park in the evening.

Resort perk: If you’re staying at a Deluxe Resort hotel, look for extended evening hours on the calendar and enjoy up to two hours extra after the park closes on select nights. 

Best Time to Visit Disney World for Holiday Décor 

Can’t resist the holiday magic? You’re in luck! We love to kick off seasonal celebrations early and the magic lasts longer than just the holiday itself. This means you can get the full experience even if you travel before the actual holiday.  

• Halloween: The spooky season starts in late Summer (the first Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party was on August 15!) and lasts through October. 
• Christmas: Did you know our cast members pull the merriest all-nighter of the year to transform pumpkins into a festive wonderland? Plus, Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom are some of the best times to visit for exclusive holiday shows and seasonal treats you can only find during these events. 

Best Time to Visit Disney World for Unique Experiences 

If you love live music and creative cuisine, EPCOT’s festivals are reason enough to plan your visit around. These events offer something different every season, and they’re all included with your regular theme park admission. 

• International Festival of the Arts (January-February): Performances from Broadway stars, interactive art walls, and colorful Instagram-worthy food. 
• International Flower & Garden Festival (Spring): Character topiaries, garden exhibits, fresh flavors, and favorite artists at the Garden Rocks Concert Series (performing three concerts daily).
• International Food & Wine Festival (Late Summer-Fall): A culinary adventure across six continents and live music from global artists at the Eat to the Beat concert series. 
• International Festival of the Holidays (November-December): Traditions from around the world, festive eats and the beloved Candlelight Processional featuring celebrity narrators. 

Tips for Visiting During Different Weather Seasons 

Nearly year-round sunshine in Florida means there’s always a chance to enjoy Disney World park days, outdoor dining, and resort time. While every season brings its own magic, some travel windows stand out for those who want to make the most of the weather: 

• Summer: Beyond the best prices of the year, it’s also the ideal time to dive into one of Disney’s water parks, Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. Plus, longer days mean more flexibility to start your park day early, enjoy a pool break at your Resort hotel (did you know there are more than 100 unique pools?), and then return for the brand-new nighttime parade, Starlight at Magic Kingdom.
• Early fall (late September into October): A fan favorite for sunshine and the start of festive decor, explore EPCOT’s outdoor festival kitchens by day, and save your warmer outfit for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at night. 
• Late winter and early spring (January through March): Clear skies and comfortable conditions (‘Spirit Jersey weather’) make for a great time to stroll the parks after the holiday hustle and bustle.  
• Spring (Late April-May): Take advantage of warm weather, Flower & Garden Festival in full bloom, and a perfect lead-in to summer before the kids are officially out of school. 

What’s your favorite time to visit Disney World?

Let our friends at Destinations to Travel help you book your next Disney Vacation. They are the preferred Travel Agency of Chip and Company and Disney Addicts, and who we use ourselves.