When to visit

The best time to visit Walt Disney World® Resort depends on what matters most to your family. You might plan your trip around an EPCOT® festival or a Magic Kingdom® Park holiday party. Or nice weather and lower crowds could narrow your dates instead. Or your main priority might be getting the most value from your budget.

To find your travel dates, first consider these factors:

• Experiences. Special events, festivals, or new rides can shape your dates. You might visit during a specific event or opening.
• Weather. Every season is different and can affect your comfort and mood. Understanding the forecast can help you choose.
• Crowds. Some families enjoy the busy holiday season. Others prefer quieter parks with shorter waits.
• Cost. Using offers or off-peak seasons to your advantage can help you budget.

Many guests rely on crowd calendars to help pick dates.

In our crowd calendar, we list each factor affecting crowds week by week. By separating each one, you can better understand when parks may be busiest and why

Travel advisors can help, too. They watch for calendar changes and new offers. Then, they combine all these factors with your family’s needs.

No matter when you visit, the right strategies and tools will help you make the most of your trip. Think about what matters to you. With a little planning, each visit can feel perfect, no matter how busy it is.

Experiences

The Disney Parks in Florida pack in so many amazing things to do. Disney has 70 years of theme park experience. They know how to make guests smile. With rides, shows, dining, and so much more, its value is tremendous.

It really does feel like “The Most Magical Place on Earth.”

But choosing the right season can give you some extra fun. For some guests, that’s a big draw.

EPCOT Festivals

EPCOT hosts popular festivals for most months of the year. These events are an extra perk included in the price of admission to the park. Many families plan their trips around these times.

Guests love the seasonal food, decorations, and fun. Each event has its own unique theme:

• EPCOT International Festival of the Arts (Jan-Feb). See people painting live, art on display, and Disney on Broadway. Everywhere you turn, art comes to life around the park.
• EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival (Mar-Jul). Enjoy beautiful gardens and character topiaries. Plants and gardening are central to the food and drinks.
• EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival (Jul-Nov). Try food from around the world and watch live cooking demos. Get involved in hands-on cooking classes. End your evening with a drink and a nightly concert.
• EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays (Nov-Dec). Celebrate global traditions for the holidays. Enjoy festive shows, food, and decorations.

Parties

Families love Walt Disney World holiday parties. These special ticketed events add to the fun of the season.

Parks close early on party nights for most guests. But party guests can enter the gates a few hours before the celebration begins. Parties are on select nights during the holidays:

• Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (Aug-Oct). Trick-or-treat at Magic Kingdom Park. Enjoy a spooky (but not scary) Halloween parade and fireworks. Say hello to your favorite character villains. Some attractions have a Halloween theme, only for the party.
• Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (Nov-Dec). Enjoy a holiday parade and fireworks at Magic Kingdom Park. Enjoy festive treats and drinks. Meet special characters dressed for winter. Like Halloween, some rides have Christmas overlays.
• Disney Jollywood Nights (Nov-Dec). A glamorous, vintage Hollywood holiday party. Enjoy stage shows, live jazz, and holiday snacks. End the night with a festive fireworks and projection show.

runDisney

runDisney® draws runners from around the world. If running is your passion, these events are a good time to visit Disney World.

Each event gives runners a unique path through the theme parks. You can get special medals and merchandise, too.

Families enjoy these weekends together. Some guests run, while others cheer from the sidelines. After the races, families spend time in the parks.

Popular runDisney weekends include:

• Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend (January)
• Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend (February)
• runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend (April)
• Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend (November)

New attractions

Disney often introduces new rides and experiences. If you want to be among the first to enjoy the attractions, it can be fun to plan around openings.

Upcoming and recent openings at Walt Disney World:

• Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Magic Kingdom Park, opened 2024.
• Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After. Magic Kingdom Park, May 27, 2025.
• Voyage of the Little Mermaid. Disney’s Hollywood Studios, reopening May 27, 2025.
• Starlight Night Parade. Magic Kingdom Park, summer 2025.
• Test Track. EPCOT, reopening late summer 2025.

Weather

Orlando’s weather changes with each season. Some families plan around cooler temperatures. Others don’t mind the heat as long as they’re prepared.

Your comfort can shape how your vacation feels. Understanding the weather helps you pick the best time for your trip.

Packing for Florida weather

With the right gear, you can enjoy the parks in any season. Bad weather doesn’t need to ruin your fun—it only requires a little planning. A few simple items can keep your group comfortable.

• Pack ponchos or rain jackets for sudden showers.
• Bring a portable fan or cooling towel to help with the heat.
• Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to stay safe in the sun.
• Add layers for cool mornings or evenings.

Winter (Dec–Feb)

• Mild and sunny, with highs in the low 70s.
• Cool mornings and evenings—bring a light jacket.
• One of the driest seasons, with little rain.
• Comfortable weather for walking in the parks.
• Holidays bring more guests, but the weather stays nice.

Spring (Mar–May)

• Warm and sunny, with highs from the upper 70s to the high 80s.
• Early spring is drier, and May sees more rain.
• Short showers may happen, but days stay bright.
• A favorite season for mild warmth without heavy heat.

Summer (Jun–Aug)

• Hot and humid, with highs in the 90s each summer month.
• Afternoon thunderstorms are common but brief.
• Heaviest rainfall of the year, but the rain often passes.
• It’s hurricane season, but direct hits are rare.
• Late August, after school starts, is good if you like the Florida heat and lower crowds.

Fall (Sep–Nov)

• Early fall stays hot, with highs near 90, but average crowds are low.
• Rain tapers off by October, and November is drier and cooler.
• By late fall, temperatures drop to the mid-70s.
• Fewer storms as hurricane season ends.
• Warm weather and fewer crowds make fall a top choice.

Crowds

As with the weather, there is no perfect system to predict attendance. But even during busy times, Disney has many ways to handle crowds:

• Controlling park reservations for single-day Walt Disney World tickets
• Adjusting ride capacity
• Adding shows, entertainment, and character experiences
• Extending park hours

These tools make the parks feel less crowded, even when attendance is high.

Still, it can help to understand what factors affect crowd size. With these in mind, we can make a good guess about peak times.

Factors that shape crowds

Guests use crowd calendars to predict busy park days. Many of these calendars use past ride wait times. But historical wait times can be misleading.

Yearlong events can shift travel patterns. The 50th Anniversary Celebration is one example. Disney may also drop offers that change when people visit. Changes in the economy also affect when guests plan trips. These factors can skew wait time data from year to year.

Beyond wait times, our travel advisors look at other factors:

• Weekly patterns. You will find that more locals are visiting on weekends. Saturday to Monday often has higher attendance. Other weekdays can be quieter.
• Holidays. Big holidays boost crowds with seasonal events. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve see very high crowds. Holidays over long weekends also increase attendance.
• School breaks. School schedules have a big impact. During spring break and summer vacation, you will see an uptick. These times bring families to the parks. Visiting when schools are in session can mean fewer crowds.
• Special events. Special events also influence attendance. runDisney weekends bring thousands of runners. Cheerleading and sports competitions increase crowds, too. If you don’t go to these events, picking other dates can lead to quieter visits.
• New attractions. Crowds often increase when Disney opens a new ride or experience. Many guests visit during this window to be among the first to experience it.
• Outside events. Big events in the Orlando area may shift attendance. Universal Epic Universe opens soon, for instance. Some guests may choose to visit Universal instead, or try to do both. It’s too soon to say how this will change crowd levels. But it’s something to consider.

Predict crowds with Annual Passholder blockout dates

Disney offers a helpful way to spot busy park days. The Annual Passholder Admission Calendar is a great tool for us.

It’s meant to help Passholders plan when to visit. But it’s also useful for anyone trying to avoid peak attendance. Travel advisors often use it to spot the busiest times of the year.

Annual Passes give access to the parks without day tickets. But most passes come with blockout dates. These are days when certain Annual Passholders can’t use their pass. Disney uses these blockout dates to manage crowd size.

The Disney Pirate Pass is a good guide for spotting the busiest times. It blocks out holidays like Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, and Labor Day. It also blocks out some school breaks and special event days. The Disney Pixie Dust Pass has the most blockout dates. Beyond the other dates, it blocks out weekends as well.

Even if you don’t have an Annual Pass, you can still use this calendar as a shortcut. It isn’t a perfect, but it’s a quick way to spot busy days.

Cost

Pricing matters to most Disney guests. If the cost is your main concern, you have many options.

Lower crowds can mean lower prices

Disney tends to reduce hotel and ticket prices when attendance is low. Tickets and packages may cost less during this time. These periods also bring shorter lines and a more relaxed pace. If your schedule is flexible, this can be a great way to save.

Good deals all year

Disney drops special offers throughout the year. Even during busier periods, you can find deals on tickets and packages. Sometimes, you might get perks like free dining plans. Upgrades to Park Hopper tickets can happen as well.

Check what offers match your trip before you book.

Travel advisors track deals for you

Travel advisors stay updated on Disney’s latest deals. Look for advisors specializing in Disney vacations. Disney notifies these advisors of offers ahead of time. So, they are ready the moment the offers go on sale.

They make sure you have the best possible offer for your travel dates. And if a new deal appears, they update your reservation. This means you always get the best available price without any extra work!

Special offers for specific groups

Disney sometimes has discounts for certain groups. Florida residents almost always have special rates. Disney+ subscribers sometimes find exclusive offers. If you have a Disney Visa Card, you might get special perks too.

Being part of these groups can help stretch your budget even further. Again, a travel advisor is most helpful in tracking which offers may apply.

Places to stay at every budget

Disney Resort hotels come in several price levels. Each offers a different mix of space, comfort, and location.

• Value Resorts. These are the most affordable Disney hotels. Rooms are small but include all the basics. The theming is bright and fun. Pools are large and great for kids. Some offer family suites with extra space.
• Moderate Resorts. These hotels are a step up in space and comfort. Rooms are a bit larger. The theming is more detailed. Pools have slides, and the grounds are quieter. Dining includes both quick-service and sit-down options.
• Deluxe Resorts. These are Disney’s most upscale hotels. They are closest to the parks. Rooms are larger and more refined. Dining is high-end, and some haev spa services. Guests here also get access to Extended Evening Hours.
• Deluxe Villas. These are part of the Deluxe Resorts. They include studios and multi-bedroom spaces. Most have kitchens and laundry facilities. They are great for families or longer stays.

You can also stay at an affordable partner hotel off Disney property. Many are comfortable and good for families. A travel advisor can help you find the right one for your budget and needs.

Making the most of any attendance level

All in all, the best time to visit Disney World is when it aligns with your family’s schedule. Many guests have school, work, or other commitments. Some wait until their kids are tall enough for that next big ride. These things limit flexibility. But that’s completely fine.

Disney offers something special every season. Unique experiences happen throughout the year. No matter the crowds or weather, planning can make a big difference. Using a few techniques will ensure you fit in everything you want and more—no matter when you go.

Time-saving tools

Disney provides several tools to help you save time in the parks. These tools help you do more and wait less.

• Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass. Skip long lines at popular rides by reserving ride times in advance. The cost of these services varies by park and by day.
• Early Entry. Enter parks 30 minutes early if you stay at a Disney Resort hotel. This grants you access to some popular rides before the park opens.
• Extended Evening Hours. Guests of Deluxe Resort hotels can stay after closing in select parks. On select nights, you can enjoy fewer crowds and shorter wait times.
• Mobile Orders. Skip the wait at quick-service restaurants. Order food on the go with the My Disney Experience app. Choose a pickup time that works for you and avoid waiting in line.
• Park Hopper Tickets. This ticket upgrade lets you visit more than one theme park in a day. It gives you flexibility if one park gets crowded or closes early. You can also plan rides in one park and dining in another. But be sure to plan for travel time between parks.

Trip length and pacing

Your trip length plays a big role in how you plan. Longer visits give you more time to relax and spread things out.

With more time, you can slow down and do more. That means more time for pools, Disney Springs, or a ride on the Disney Skyliner. And it gives you more flexibility if the weather or ride closures affect your day.

In 2025, you can also enjoy admission to a Disney water park on check-in day. Disney Resort hotel guests receive this as part of their stay.

Shorter trips need more focus. Choose your must-do rides and top priorities first. Lightning Lane passes can help you save time and fit more into each day.

Rest days are helpful on any trip. Taking a break at your hotel or by the pool can recharge everyone. Even a quiet afternoon off your feet can make a big difference. A balanced schedule keeps the whole group happy, rested, and ready for fun.

Travel advisors help you choose the best time

Travel advisors learn what matters most to your family. Then, they match your plans to the best travel dates.

Even better, most travel advisors work for free.

Here’s how a travel advisor can help:

• Listen to what matters most—like the weather, special events, or budget.
• Find the dates of the experiences and festivals you want.
• Track ride openings and closures.
• Prepare you for the weather in each season.
• Explain how crowds might affect your plans.
• Watch for new Disney offers and match them to your dates.

A travel advisor brings all these pieces together. They help you choose dates that fit your family, not only what looks good on a crowd calendar.

Now that you know what affects crowds, let’s look at each week at Walt Disney World in 2025.