The Best Time of Year to Visit Disney World with Kids

Two young kids look at eachother smiling while holding a Rapunzel-inspired lantern at Walt Disney World.

Determining the best time to visit Disney World is an important decision during your Disney planning. Each family has unique circumstances and expectations to consider. Of course, there are benefits (and drawbacks) for every time of year. That’s why we consulted members of our Facebook Group to create this quick guide to think about as you plan! Generally, you should know that weekdays will always be much less crowded than weekends. If possible, visit during the week! This way, you may also have an easier time making the reservations you’re hoping to experience. If you can brave the crowds, plan to visit during one of Disney’s special events, as they’re absolutely incredible. However, if avoiding crowds and sticking to a budget is a big concern, mid-January or September are the best times to go. Without further ado, here is The Best Time of Year to Visit Disney World with Kids! 

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January – February

Boy in Star Wars activity at Disney World
Photo Courtesy: Rebecca Rotem

The winter months are the least crowded time to visit Disney World! Mid-January through mid-February are especially slow and among the least popular times to visit the park. Low crowds and cool temperatures particularly make January – February the best time to visit Disney World for many families. Plus, hotel prices will be lower and you won’t have to worry about the heat and humidity which can be a challenge in the Florida summer. However, these factors also mean some rides will be closed for maintenance, and occasionally park hours may be reduced. Note that if you are hoping to avoid crowds, early January is still a part of the holiday rush and may not be the best time to visit Disney.

Pros: Low crowds, Cool temperatures, Cheaper hotel prices.

Cons: Rides may be closed, Park hours may be reduced, Temperatures may be cool. 

Special Events: Disney Marathon (January), EPCOT International Festival of the Arts (Jan-Feb), Disney Princess Half Marathon (February). 

RELATED: The Best Disney Moderate Resorts For Families

March – May

A young girl hugs Daisy Duck dressed in a safari costume.
Photo Courtesy: Melissa Roman

Springtime flaunts a few sweet spots for visiting Disney World. Crowds levels come and go this time of year, mostly based on when Spring Break falls. Spring Breaks are often set depending on when the Easter holiday falls. If Easter is earlier in the spring, then there will be a shorter season of heavy crowds. When Easter is later, Spring Breaks are more spread out and the intense periods of crowding will be less. An ideal time for your family might be at the end of April and the beginning of May. Typically, in the first few weeks of May, the weather is warm, but not unbearable. And summer busyness hasn’t begun yet!

Pros: Spots with low crowd levels, Moderate temperatures.

Cons: Spring Break and Summer Break may be more crowded. 

Special Events: EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival (March-June), Star Wars Half Marathon (April). 

RELATED: The Best Disney Deluxe Resorts For Families

June – August

Dolly Bousmaha dressed up for Halloween at Disney
Photo Courtesy: Dolly Bousmaha

If you visit Disney World in the summer months, beware: the heat will be intense! There may also be frequent thunderstorms, which could interrupt rides. Crowds are often heavier in the summer as well, since schools are not in session. If you can handle all of these conditions, you’ll be rewarded with low hotel prices, on and off-site. You can also take advantage of some early Halloween events, like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party which begins in the middle of August. Low hotel prices and special summer events make June – August the best time to visit Disney World for many families! 

Pros: Lower hotel prices.

Cons: The weather is warm and humid, with High crowd levels. 

Special Events: EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival (Mid July-Fall), Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party (Mid August-October). 

September – November

A young girl wearing a Princess Jasmine costume hugs Minnie Mouse decked out in her Halloween ensamble.
Photo Courtesy: Tracey Considine Gambardella

October and November are our very favorite times to visit Disney! Unlike other seasons with weather extremes, we’ve found that the Fall brings cooler temperatures to make the experience easier. Plus, there are exciting holiday events for children to enjoy! For example, Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas happen during this time. Also, crowds lessen as school begins again. If you want to get a taste of the holidays, but not deal with the holiday madness, mid-November through mid-December is a good time to go (excluding Thanksgiving week!) 

Pros: Moderate weather, Special events, Lower Crowds. 

Cons: Hurricane season may cause interruptions. 

Special Events: Wine & Dine Half Marathon (November), Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (Mid November – December), EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays (November – December). 

December

A multigenerational family of seven stands smiling around a huge green Christmas bulb reading "Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party".
Photo Courtesy: Christina Macmilla

December is when Disney World truly shines! If you visit during this month, you’ll get to witness the Christmas decor at its finest, as well as all of the best parts of the holiday atmosphere. During the Christmas season, Disney World is truly the most magical place on earth! An abundance of holiday spirit and cooler temperatures make December the best time to visit Disney World for many families. Along with the decorations, there are also several other holiday events to check out. Plus, temperatures will be comfortable this time of year (but maybe a little on the cool side!) If you go before the middle of the month, crowds won’t be too heavy, either. However, many people spend their Holiday vacations at Disney World, so plan accordingly!

Pros: Festive atmosphere, Weather is comfortable, Special Events. 

Cons: Becomes crowded at the end of the month. 

Special Events: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (December). 

Every Day is the Best Time to Visit Disney World!

Right Image: a young girl wearing a Rapunzel dress stares up a Cinderella's castle at Walt Disney World. Left Image: a young girl wearing a Rapunzel dress meets the Disney character Rapunzel.
Photo Courtesy: Antonia Grant

Ultimately, there is no “bad” day to visit Disney World! Each season comes with its own pros and cons that make it the best time to visit Disney World with kids. The experience is always magical and kids love seeing their dreams in real life! No matter what you are hoping to do while at Disney World – princess meets and greets, rides, eating Dole Whips by the dozen – you are sure to have a wonderful time making family memories with your kids. Plus, there are so many Disney planning groups and websites to make the planning easier! You will also find even more details about Disney planning within these groups.

Thank You to Our Community!

A family of four stands arond a large pumpkin at Walt Disney World, reading "Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party".
Photo Courtesy: Megan Tucker

We hope this guide to The Best Time of Year to Visit Disney World with Kids is a helpful resource for your next Disney vacation! A special thank you to the Families Who Love to Travel Facebook community who gave amazing recommendations for this article. Families Who Love To Travel is a group of wonderful families who love adventure and exploring through travel. Join the Facebook community, find us on Instagram (@families.love.travel), and pin our articles to your Pinterest boards to connect with other families who love traveling with kids!

*This post may contain affiliate links that may earn us a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links in no way inform the hotels, sights, products, or other recommendations included in our articles. All opinions and recommendations expressed here are compiled from submissions submitted by the generous members of our Families Who Love To Travel community. 

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The Families Love Travel Team has a zest for life and an even bigger passion for globetrotting! Comprised of real-life travel professionals, we work hard behind the scenes to provide dynamic solutions for adventuring with children. Our enthusiastic team understands the challenges that often accompany traveling with kids and is committed to making Families Love Travel an inclusive space to convey these experiences.