Avoid Disney World During These Times

When not to go to Disney World? Well, that depends on what you want to get out of your trip. If you're looking to avoid crowds, it's best to sidestep the holiday rush and school breaks. January and February, late summer, and early fall are typically quieter months, with January offering cooler temperatures and thinner crowds. While August sees a back-to-school season rush, it's also when temperatures soar, so you'll need to weigh up your priorities.

If you're on a budget, it's worth noting that prices tend to be higher when crowds are bigger, so you might want to avoid peak times like Christmas and New Year. If you're after a bargain, January and September are good months to visit, but be aware that some rides and pools may be closed for refurbishment during the winter.

If you're keen to experience all the rides, check the refurbishment schedule before booking, as some big attractions may be closed. It's also worth noting that some rides don't have a standby line, so you may need to pay extra for a Lightning Lane pass to access them.

Finally, if you want to make the most of the special events, you'll need to plan your trip around them. Halloween and the holidays are perfect for families, with limited-time offerings and whimsical transformations. Epcot's award-winning food festivals also take place several times a year, so you can time your trip to coincide with these.

During the holiday season

The holiday season is a magical time to visit Disney World, but there are a few things to keep in mind if you're planning your trip during this time.

Firstly, it's important to book your tickets and reservations as early as possible. The holiday season is a popular time to visit Disney World, and the parks can get very crowded. The busiest days are typically the weeks of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Eve/Day, so if you want to avoid the biggest crowds, it's best to plan your visit outside of these peak times.

The holiday decorations at Disney World are a sight to behold. The parks and resorts usually start decorating as early as mid-October, with the official holiday season beginning in mid-November and ending in late December. The resorts, especially the deluxe resorts, go all out with spectacular gingerbread displays and gigantic Christmas trees. It's like stepping into a winter wonderland!

If you're looking for a more low-key holiday experience, you can visit Disney Springs for festive decor, photo ops, and even individual time with Santa. The resorts also offer special holiday menus and entertainment, so you can enjoy a festive meal or activity without even entering the parks.

Keep in mind that with all the festivities, ticket prices and room rates may be higher during the holiday season. It's also important to pack accordingly, as Florida can get quite cold during the winter months.

Overall, visiting Disney World during the holiday season is a magical experience, but it requires some planning to make the most of your trip and manage your expectations, especially if you're visiting during the peak weeks.

When there are new ride openings

If you're determined to experience a new ride soon after its opening, there are a few strategies you can use to avoid the worst of the crowds. Firstly, try to visit on a weekday, as Mondays to Thursdays tend to be less busy than Fridays. You should also aim to arrive at the park as early as possible, as this will give you a head start on the crowds. If you're staying on-site, take advantage of the Early Theme Park Entry, which allows you to enter the park before it officially opens to the public.

Another option is to take advantage of Disney's virtual queue system, which several new rides use. This system allows you to join a virtual queue at set times during the day, and then return to the ride when it's your turn. However, the virtual queues for popular new rides fill up within seconds, so you'll need to be quick!

Alternatively, you could purchase Individual Lightning Lane access, which allows you to skip the line for a particular ride. This option can be quite expensive, but it may be worth it if you're desperate to experience a new ride without the long wait.

Finally, if you're a Disney Vacation Club member or an Annual Passholder, keep an eye out for exclusive previews of new rides. These previews are usually held in the week before the official opening, and they can be a great way to experience the ride without the crowds.

In summary, while it's not ideal to visit Disney World when there are new ride openings, there are a few strategies you can use to minimise the impact of the crowds. With a bit of planning, you can still have a magical visit!

During Epcot festivals

Epcot's year can be divided into eight parts—four festivals occurring for one to four months at a time, and four breaks in between. The festivals are not separately ticketed events; they occur throughout the park during regular park hours. The four festivals are:

• Epcot International Festival of the Arts
• Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
• Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
• Epcot International Festival of the Holidays

What to Expect at Epcot Festivals

Each festival has a theme, and the park is transformed with decorations, entertainment, activities, and food and beverages to match. Here's what you can expect:

• Food and Beverage Booths: Temporary booths are set up around the park, offering unique items not usually available throughout the rest of the year.
• Feature Show at America Gardens Theatre: Each festival has a feature show with limited access, which can involve multi-hour waits. There are dining packages that guarantee admission.
• Unique Decorations: Each festival features banners and other decorations throughout the park. The Flower and Garden Festival, for example, showcases beautiful character topiaries.
• Other Entertainment and Activities: These vary by festival, ranging from free drawing classes to expensive dinner shows.
• Merchandise: Each festival introduces new merchandise, with some festivals offering several lines with a wide range of items.
• Paid Scavenger Hunt: Each festival includes a paid scavenger hunt where you purchase a map, search the park for items, and receive a small treat or item upon completion.

Tips for Visiting Epcot Festivals

• Avoid Evenings and Weekends: Festivals tend to bring high local crowds, especially during evenings and weekends when most locals are free. This can lead to disproportionate crowds at those times.
• Avoid the First and Last Days: The first day of a festival attracts many bloggers and vloggers, while the first and last weekends see an increased number of local visitors.
• Begin Planning Early: Some festival activities and shows can be booked ahead of time, and dining packages that guarantee seating at featured shows often sell out early.
• Research Food Options in Advance: Several websites review food items available at the festivals, so you can plan according to your preferences.
• Grab a Festival Passport: While the park map and times guide have been replaced by the My Disney Experience app, a festival passport is still useful as it collects important information, including booth menus, in a single booklet.
• Stay at Crescent Lake or on the Skyliner: If you plan to attend a particular festival, consider booking a hotel with convenient access to Epcot, such as those on the Disney Skyliner or within walking distance at Crescent Lake.
• Budget for Merchandise: The festivals offer unique merchandise that may be appealing, so it's a good idea to allocate funds in your budget for these items.

During the summer months

The summer months are a popular time for families to visit Disney World, as school is out for the summer. However, there are a few things to keep in mind if you're considering a trip to Disney World during this time.

Firstly, the weather in Orlando during the summer months can be quite hot and rainy. It's important to pack accordingly and be prepared for the heat and potential rain showers.

Secondly, due to the summer holidays, the parks will be busier than usual. This means longer wait times for rides and attractions, as well as increased prices for tickets and accommodations. If you're looking to beat the crowds, consider visiting during the week rather than on weekends, as local families tend to visit on Saturdays and Sundays.

Thirdly, with the summer heat in mind, it's a great time to take advantage of Disney World's water parks, Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. Blizzard Beach often undergoes refurbishment during the summer, so be sure to check the refurbishment schedule before your visit. Typhoon Lagoon is a great option for some fun in the sun, with slides, lazy rivers, wave pools, and relaxation areas.

Finally, there are plenty of summer events and activities to enjoy, including pool parties and After Hours events. The Fourth of July is also a busy time at Disney World, with special fireworks displays and entertainment.

Overall, while the summer months can be a fun time to visit Disney World, it's important to be prepared for the heat, crowds, and higher prices. If you're looking for a quieter and more budget-friendly option, consider visiting during the off-peak months of January, February, late summer, or early fall.

When you're on a budget

A trip to Disney World can be expensive, but there are ways to save money and still have a great experience. Here are some tips for visiting Disney World on a budget:

Travel and Accommodation

• Travel off-peak: Ticket, resort, dining, and accommodation prices vary depending on the time of year. Generally, prices are higher during school holidays and lower in January, February, May, and September.
• Hire a travel agent: A good travel agent can find deals that may not be obvious to the average traveller. They can help you navigate Disney vacation packages and find the best value options.
• Compare transportation options: If you plan to stay at the resort, you may not need a rental car. But if you want to explore the wider region, compare the cost of a rental car with shuttle services like Mears Connect.
• Stay off-site: While staying at a Disney-owned hotel has its perks, you can save money by staying at an off-site hotel or vacation rental. Just be sure to factor in transportation costs to and from the parks.
• Use free transportation: Instead of paying for the Minnie Van Service, use the free monorails, buses, and boats to get around Disney.

Tickets and Attractions

• Buy tickets in advance: Authorised third-party vendors often offer savings of 5-20% on tickets compared to buying directly from Disney.
• Take advantage of package deals: Disney sometimes offers family package deals, such as half-price park tickets and dining plans for kids if you stay at the Disney World Resort for a certain number of nights.
• Stick with complimentary services: The My Disney Experience mobile app offers a free service called Genie, which helps you plan and personalise your itinerary. You don't need to upgrade to Lightning Lane Multi Pass unless you want the extra features.
• Skip the upcharge events: Dessert parties, After Hours, and other exclusive events can be costly and offer limited value for money. Enjoy the regular entertainment included in your admission instead.
• Explore the resorts and Disney Springs: A day pass to the theme parks can be expensive. Instead, spend a day visiting the resorts or Disney Springs, which is free and still offers a taste of the Disney magic.

Food and Souvenirs

• Bring your own food: Disney allows guests to bring food into the park, so consider packing a picnic or buying food from off-site restaurants or grocery stores.
• Eat Quick-Service meals: Quick-Service meals are generally cheaper than table service restaurants and can save you time as well as money.
• Share meals: Portion sizes are often generous, so consider sharing meals or ordering from the kid's menu.
• Buy souvenirs elsewhere: Disney-branded merchandise is usually cheaper outside the parks. You can also save money by buying pins on eBay for pin trading, a fun and inexpensive activity.

Frequently asked questions