When you’re taking your family to Disney World, the first (and probably most) important decision is when to go. It’s a lot of pressure!

That’s why the first part of my Disney Rookie Series will answer the question “when?” Make sure you’re signed up for my 6-week series created for first-timers here.

Now, let’s talk about the only things that matter when you’re scheduling your vacation: crowd levels, weather, and festivals + holidays.

Crowd Levels

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If your focus is less park crowds. Avoid these times:

• New Years Day
• days around runDisney events in January + February
• President’s Day
• Easter + Spring Break
• Weekends in May
• June + July
• The week OF Thanksgiving
• The week OF Christmas and up to New Years Day

Want to avoid crowds at all costs? Go when no one else can. If you have a flexible schedule and could visit at an off-time, take advantage!

When it comes to daily crowds (like which park is best for each day) I love Undercover Tourist’s crowd calendar and have been using theirs for years and years.

Weather

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As far as weather, guys, it’s Florida. It’s hot and humid. We’ve been really lucky with rain on our trips (which usually take place in late October/early November) but it is a subtropical climate. Once we get into scheduling your days, you’ll see the heat isn’t much of a concern since you’ll be relaxing during the hottest part of the day. 

If you’re prioritizing less heat, avoid June, July + August (average high at 92)
If you’re prioritizing less rain…avoid June, July + August (average rainfall 7.9″)

Festivals + Holidays

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If you live for festivities, you’d LOVE going during these times even though they bring in more crowds.

January + February
EPCOT’s International Festival of the Arts
March to July
EPCOT’s Flower + Garden Festival
August to mid-November
EPCOT’s Food + Wine Festival
September to October 31st
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary-Halloween Party*
November 1st to December 25th
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party* (all the holiday decor goes up November 1st)
EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays

*You’d have to purchase an event ticket in addition to your park ticket for these.

Our Favorite Time to Go to Disney

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We’ve visited every month from July to December, and our favorite is to fly down the day of Halloween and stay over the first week of November.

Why? The winter decorations go up, the crowds are minimal, and it’s during EPCOT’s Food + Wine Festival.

My least favorite time we went was during July 4th week – and I won’t be doing that again 🙂

Sign up for my Rookie Series here! Next up: Tips on Choosing Your Disney Resort