Very Best (and worst) Times to Visit Disney World in 2024

Are you looking for the best times to visit Disney World this year?

Planning a visit to the happiest place on Earth is always an exciting experience.

And finding the best deals, tips, and tricks to make each theme park adventure is everything ThemeParkHipster is about.

So today I will give you the top strategies and ways to pick the best timeframe to visit Mickey Mouse and all of his friends!

Avoid the crowds at walt disney world. Best time to go to Disney World.

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE READ MY DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO.  Which means if you click on certain links, I may receive a small commission at no additional charge to you.

Best Days to Go to Walt Disney World at a Glance:

  • The best months to visit Walt Disney World to avoid the crowds are: Late-January and Early-February
  • Your best days to visit Walt Disney World are: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
  • Be sure to avoid all major holidays such as: Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day Weekend, HalloweenThanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Year’s Eve

Keep reading to get a full guide on how to choose the best days for Walt Disney World like a pro!

What to Expect in the Disney Guide show

Things to Think About When Choosing When to Go to Walt Disney World

Holiday peaks, Disney crowd sizes, park hours, weather, and a few other factors have a lot to do with your Disney experience, including how long you’ll be waiting in line for your favorite rides.

Here are a few tips to get you started on picking the ideal times to travel to Disney alone, or with friends and family.

ORDER NOW to secure your Orlando theme park ticket reservation in the parks! GET MY TICKETS.

6 Easy Tips for Picking the Best Time to Visit Disney World

Let’s first start off with some pro tips for choosing the best dates for Disney World.

1. Avoid All Holidays

If you’re a solo traveler, this one’s especially for you.

Avoiding the Disney Holiday crowd (especially in November and December) means shorter lines and less traffic.

For parents, this can be a bit tricky. Taking your kids to Disney World sounds like the best gift ever!

The only issue is every other mom and dad has the same exact idea.

Of course, that doesn’t mean you can’t take your kids to Disney for Christmas season or any other holiday for that matter; it just means you’ll need to be prepared for a lot of company.

2. Avoid Peak Seasons

The winter season (Christmas and Thanksgiving breaks especially) as well as spring break and the general summer season are all pretty popular times for the parks.

Disney Magic Kingdom Main Street USA with Christmas Tree. Keep reading to get the best time to visit Disney World.

If you don’t mind long lines and you feel welcome in large crowds, this may not be a deal breaker for you.

Otherwise, I recommend checking out the chart below that compares the months of the year by seasonal weather and crowd size.

Listen to Podcast Episode: If you’re more of a podcast person, then listen to When to Go to Walt Disney World here.

3. Know What are the Best Times to Go to Disney

You’ll notice that January has crowd sizes ranging from low to moderate, while March has crowd sizes ranging from Moderate to High (mostly due to the influx of Spring Breakers).

Disney crowd calendar.  Best time to visit Disney.
*Based on Disney Parks in Orlando, Florida, USA

While you’re planning that perfect day to go, don’t forget to download the official Disney World Crowd Calendar to view the crowd level of each day!

Best Time of Year to Visit Disney World

These months are closely followed by May, September, and October as still pretty decent visiting times.

Worst Time of Year to Visit Disney World

December and March aren’t too bad, especially since December is typically a very festive time for the theme parks.

Recommended: 5 Best Disney World Deluxe Resorts to Stay at Right Now

The Florida Weather at Disney World

Florida is mostly filled with perfect weather; however, there are moments when I question my sanity of living here.

Summertime in Florida is like no other state, especially for theme park goers.

If you’re a resident of an area that experiences all four seasons with mild summers, then you will definitely be taken aback by the hot, humid, indescribable weather that Florida is known for.

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party Tickets at Disney's Magic Kingdom Theme Park Pumpkin Mickey Mouse. Keep reading to get the best time to visit Disney World.

The weather can truly affect your choice when deciding what season to visit the parks.

You’ll want to be prepared for surviving the Disney heat, but don’t worry I have some summertime survival tips here.

Have a DIFFERENT kind of Orlando vacation with a Resort home next to Disney World. Find Your Disney Resort Vacation Rental here!

Best Month to Visit Disney World in 2024

Before you make you way out to Walt Disney World, let’s breakdown the pros and cons of each Month.

January in Disney World

Gorgeous weather (temps around 70 degrees Fahrenheit) and lower crowd level makes January a top month to visit the parks.

Epcot International Festival of the Arts 2024 Large Yellow and Orange Painting on Grass. Keep reading to get the best time to visit Disney World.

January is one of the last remaining months considered to be the off-season with Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach usually closed for refurbishment.

Overall, late January is one of my favorite times to visit the Disney parks.

Disney January Events:
January Days to Avoid at Disney World:

WATCH: Rating Everything I Ate at Epcot Festival of the Arts! 🧁🤩🥂🥨

February in Disney World

February is still a slow month with mild weather and is usually better than January in regards to crowd level.

The Disney water parks may still be closed during this time.

Disney February Events:
February Days to Avoid at Disney World:

WATCH NEXT: Top 5 BEST Quick Service Restaurants at Epcot!

March in Disney World

In March, temperatures are starting to warm up, but still manageable. Park attendance begins to pick up this month, but not as bad as summer months.

Epcot Flower and Garden Festival 2024 Three Caballeros Topiary with Donald Duck with Panchito and Jose. Keep reading to get the best time to visit Disney World.
Disney March Events:
March Days to Avoid at Disney World:
  • Daytona Bike Week
  • Easter (if it falls in March)
  • Local School (Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Polk, Volusia, and Lake Counties) Spring Breaks
  • Opening weekend of the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival

April in Disney World

Temperatures continue to rise peaking around the mid-80s during the month of April.

Epcot Flower and Garden Festival 2024 Princess Tiana Topiary in the American Pavilion with NikkyJ. Keep reading to get the best time to visit Disney World.

The crowd level is still mild to moderate due to the last of the spring breakers.

Disney April Events:
April Days to Avoid at Disney World:

May in Disney World

The season of thunderstorms and downpours starts in May.

Disney Hollywood Studios Star Wars Rise of the Resistance with Stormtroopers guarding station. Keep reading to get the best time to visit Disney World.

Not to mention the introduction of the torturous Florida humidity and heat peaking in the 90-degree Fahrenheit range.

Crowds are usually moderate during this time since it’s the month prior to theme park tourist season.

Disney May Events:
May Days to Avoid at Disney World:

Cancel your trip for any reason with Travel Guard TODAY!

June in Disney World

This is the month to have your patience ready as the tourist season kicks into full gear along with the never-ending Florida sun rays and constant rainy days.

It’s during this time that water, sunscreen, sunglasses, an umbrella and a well-ventilated hat are a must!

Disney June Events:
June Days to Avoid at Disney World:
  • Days after mid-June (school release for summer break)

Recommended: The Solo Theme Park Traveler’s Guide

July in Disney World

This is one of the busiest times at Walt Disney World. Not only are most kids out of school, you have to deal with one of the major holidays in America, which is Independence Day.

Donald Duck, Mickey Mouse and Goofy Dress in their Patriotic Best for the 4th of July at Disney World.
Donald Duck, Mickey Mouse and Goofy dress in their patriotic best to celebrate the Fourth of July at Walt Disney World Resort. They appear for meet and greets at the American Adventure at Epcot for the holiday. (Amy Smith, photographer)

The parks are opened much longer during July, but you still have to fight the crowds and the unforgiving Florida sun.

Hipster Power Tip: Take a break midday after 12 p.m. to avoid the most dangerous U.V. rays from the sun and return towards the evening after 5 p.m. 

Disney July Events:
July Days to Avoid at Disney World:

August in Disney World

Believe it or not, by August temperatures are still rising in Florida which makes you feel miserable being outside.

2024 Epcot Food and Wine Festival at Disney Odyssey Cider Flight with Parmesan and Peanut Butter and Jelly Chicken Wings

The crowd level is still heavy with a dip coming towards the end of the month as kids head back to school.

Disney August Events:
August Days to Avoid at Disney World:
  • The first two weeks of the month
Walt Disney World Ticket Ad

September in Disney World

In the early part of September, lines began to die down only a little bit.

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at Disney's Magic Kingdom Theme Park Welcome Sign with Mickey Mouse and NikkyJ
NikkyJ at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at Disney’s Magic Kingdom Theme Park

The weather in September is the same as August, so come prepared as if you’re visiting Florida in the middle of summer.

Plus, it can also be a peak month for hurricane season.

Disney September Events:
September Days to Avoid at Disney World:
  • Labor Day Weekend

October in Disney World

During the month of October, the Florida weather starts to cooperate…well, slightly. Days may start off cool (in the mid-60s) and end pretty warm (in the upper-80s).

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at Disney's Magic Kingdom Theme Park Boo to You Halloween Parade in front of Cinderella Castle with characters Mickey and Minnie Mouse and Daisy Duck. Keep reading to get the best time to visit Disney World.

This is one of the best times to book a trip to Walt Disney World!

You’ll be able to see all of the fall décor lining the famous Main Street U.S.A. of the Magic Kingdom theme park.

The crowd levels tend to pick up mid to late October as everyone gets in their quick Epcot Food and Wine Festival visits.

Disney October Events:
October Days to Avoid at Disney World:

Get your Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Tickets TODAY!

November in Disney World

The month of November is my favorite time to visit the Disney parks (mainly because it’s my birthday month).

NikkyJ in front of tree at Disney Christmas at Epcot Festival of the Holidays. Keep reading to get the best time to visit Disney World.
Merry Christmas from ThemeParkHipster!

Not only do you get to see the Epcot Festivals and the Disney Christmas décor all in one month, the weather is absolutely gorgeous in Florida.

Perfect mild days complete with cool evenings are the ideal formula for an amazing theme park day.

Disney November Events:
November Days to Avoid at Disney World:

Watch Next: 5 BEST Rides at EPCOT You Can’t Miss!

December in Disney World

The month of December in the magical Walt Disney World Resort is the idea time to visit the parks.

Only problem is that everyone wants the same enchanted experience for the holidays.

The parks are decked out in holiday cheer and the Florida weather is oh so dear.

Christmas Tree in Main Street USA Magic Kingdom for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Disney World. Keep reading to get the best time to visit Disney World.

If you must attend in December, then I recommend coming during the first two weeks of the month as these dates are still fairly quiet at the parks.

Disney December Events:
December Days to Avoid at Disney World:
  • Last two weeks of December
  • Christmas Eve and Christmas
  • New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day

If you’re planning a December Trip, you’ll probably just have to weigh-in on whether it’s more important to you to avoid really big crowds, or for you to join in on the Holiday Fun.

2024 Best Time to Visit Disney World Infographic
Save on Pinterest for Later Using the Share Button Below!

Even with this guide, sometimes running into a sea of visitors is unavoidable. There are constant field trips and sometimes just a random influx of visitors.

For times like these, I wanted to share a few more tips to make the best of a situation where beating the crowd isn’t possible.

Save on your Disney World tickets with Tripadvisor TODAY!

4. Book Your Genie+ Reservations

Each morning if you want the “skip-the-line service,” simply log in to your My Disney Experience App and purchase the Genie+ feature. 

Genie Walt Disney World App Planning Itinerary

The Genie+ Passes are a great time saver and even more helpful during peak seasons.

So, even if you find yourself in the park with tens of thousands of other people, you can still avoid those long twisted lines.

Join the Conversation on the Solo Theme Park Traveler’s Community on Facebook!

5. Use Mobile Ordering For Food

Any day you’re at one of the theme parks, you can plan your meals ahead of time using Disney Mobile Ordering.

Disney World Mobile Ordering Step

Like Genie+, it allows you to plan your day first so you can spend the rest of your time enjoying the magical experience.

It’s for same day service only and includes beverages.

You can access the Mobile Food and Beverage Ordering service from the My Disney Experience App.

If you’re not familiar with the feature, I have a pretty detailed article and step-by-step guide here.

6. Make Reservations to Special Events and Restaurants Early

Reserving your seat at special events and highly-coveted restaurants is always a good idea, and Walt Disney World is certainly no exception.

Epcot Wine with Orange Chicken in China Pavilion at Nine Dragons Restaurant
Nine Dragons Restaurant at Epcot

Because the parks are so large, special events book quickly, and the better restaurants fill just as fast.

In the article The 35 Best Walt Disney World Tips, I cover how you can use the My Disney Experience app to get into special events that are otherwise difficult to book.

Just check the app on the site around 7 a.m. and try your luck. You might not get in, but it’s definitely worth a shot.

With the app, I was able to get into the Epcot Food and Wine Festival and a beverage seminar that was booked for a full month!

2023 Epcot Food and Wine Festival at Disney Japan Pavilion with Fire Taiko Sushi Roll
Epcot Food and Wine Festival at Disney Japan Pavilion with Fire Taiko Sushi Roll

These are just some of the ways get around thick crowds and the infamous Disney theme park lines.

WATCH: The 5 BEST Snacks at EPCOT You Must Try on Your Visit! 🧁🍕🥂🥳

What to Know Before You Go to Walt Disney World

Before when end this podcast episode, let’s go over some of the most common questions I’m asked.

Princess Aurora from Sleeping Beauty at Disney Epcot France Pavilion

How much does Disney World cost?

A one-day REGULAR season Disney World ticket starts at $109* (prices do fluctuate based on the season).

Animal Kingdom Expedition Everest in Florida Sun one of the best rides at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

What day of the week is best to go to Walt Disney World?

Tuesday is the best day of the week to have your BEST solo Disney day. If Tuesday doesn’t work, Wednesday and Thursday are good as well.

Disney Magic Kingdom NikkyJ on Main Street USA at Christmas
Disney at Christmas!

What is the best month to visit Disney World?

Because of the low crowd level and perfect weather, January is the best month to visit the parks.

What are the off seasons for Disney World?

Honestly, I cannot say that there are off seasons at Walt Disney World.

Animal Kingdom Safari with Elephants next to tree.

Keep in mind that this is the top tourist destination in the world, which means people are always planning a vacation here despite the time of year.

What I will say is that January to early March tends to be the least crowded time at Disney World?

What are the best Disney resorts for Solo Travelers?

Recommended: Where to Stay in Orlando: Top 10 Hotels and Resorts for ALL Budgets

What rides at Disney World have Single Rider Line?

The Magic Kingdom currently does not have any single rider attractions.

While planning out your day, you’ll want to have your Genie Plus Reservations booked as mentioned earlier in this guide and arrive early to the park.

Disney World Single Rider Attractions

Get the best price on your Walt Disney World Vacation Package… Guaranteed!

My Final Thoughts on Choosing the Best Time to Go to Disney World

When planning a trip to Disney, choosing the perfect day shouldn’t be complicated. I hope I was able to help guide you with some of my best tips.

Theme Park Travel Guide to the Best Time to Visit Disney World in Orlando, Florida.
Save This Article for Later Using the Share Button Below!

Let’s quickly review all the tips for understanding the Disney World Crowd Calendar.

How to Pick the Best Days to Visit

  1. Avoid ALL holidays
  2. Avoid peak seasons (summer time, spring break, and Christmas break)
  3. Know when to visit Disney World
  4. Book Genie Plus Reservations as soon as you can
  5. Use mobile ordering for food
  6. RSVP to special events or restaurants early

Let me know your favorite month is at Walt Disney World in the comments section below.

Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!

Hoop Dee Doo Revue NikkyJ Dinner Show Disney World. Author bio of theme park expert Nikida Metellus.

About the Author

My name is Nikky. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor, and a writer who loves ALL things amusement park related!

Traveling alone to the parks has changed my life and I want to show how you can create your own solo theme park memories.

Connect with me on Instagram!

Planning a trip soon? If so, read the Disney Vacation Planning Guide for your next dream trip!

(Original Article Date March 13, 2018/Updated January 18, 2024)

Share this article!

4 thoughts on “Very Best (and worst) Times to Visit Disney World in 2024”

  1. How true it is that the days we pick to be at the park can make such a difference in how enjoyable our time there may be. We aim to visit The Mouse during the slower seasons and avoid being there during the busiest seasons.

    Reply

Leave a Comment