When is the best time of year to visit?

The best time to visit Walt Disney World® is when the crowds are at their least. Diminished crowds will make for a more relaxed and enjoyable vacation. So, if you are looking for shorter waits for attractions and more fun you should ask yourself two questions. What are the busy times of year and what the slower times of year.

The busy times of year are the dates surrounding the Christmas holiday, New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, Easter weekend and spring break for schools. Also include among the busiest times of the year are holiday weekends including these dates for 2004.

 

Another rule of thumb is that when school is out of session you can expect to face crowded conditions. So traditionally June, July and August are highly traveled dates and should be avoided if possible.

The least busy times of the year are just after Thanksgiving Weekend through the first week or two of December. Just after News Years Day till just before President’s Day Weekend. Also included in this category are the months of May, September and October.

So why do most people travel to this mega attraction during the busier times of the year knowing they will face crowds and not choose the least travel times? Personal schedules, work schedules, school schedules and simply a lack of understanding can play a part in the scheduling of our vacations. Is it worth juggling schedules and even taking the kids out of school in order to take advantage of the slower times of the year? In a word, yes.

The difference in the crowd levels seen on July 15th compared to October 15th or December 5th compared to December 25th is dramatic.

So What’s The Catch?
What are the negatives associated with picking the “off seasons” dates? One of the negatives that you will find during the slower times of the year is that Walt Disney World will shorten the operating hours of the parks. For example the Magic Kingdom® may not open until 9:00am and may close as early as 6:00pm. In addition to the shortened operating hours guests might also find that some parades or firework presentations will be limited to the weekends and possibly eliminated entirely. Also Disney will take advantage of the decreased attendance and close some attractions for rehab.

Here are picks for the best times to visit Walt Disney World® in 2004.

January 5th through February 8th

May 1st through June 1st

September 12th through November 21st

December 1st through December 17th


In our next issue we will explore the subject of which resort or hotel to stay at while visiting Walt Disney World®. So join us and learn more about this most popular vacation destination, because the more you know the more you will see.