Are you looking for the slowest time to visit Disney World this year?
Don’t worry, I got you!
Disney World is one of the most iconic travel destinations in the world, with its charm drawing millions of visitors from all corners of the world.
The staple of the resort, the Magic Kingdom, records an average of fifty eight (58) million Guests annually, making it the most visited theme park in the world.
People of all races, religion, and color have been captivated by the allure, wonders, magic, fantasy and adventure that Disney World has to offer.
So much so that there is certainly no down time in the Disney World.
The resort is so full of life and fun, that you will undoubtedly basks in all the childlike pleasures from it.
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Best Time 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, Halloween, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Year’s Eve
Why You Need to Know the Best Time to Visit Disney World in 2024
Because of the popularity of Disney World, it is safe to say that you can’t really count yourself fulfilled as a tourist if you haven’t been to this center of marvel yet.
As great and fun as Disney is, every serious Guest would still want to draw up a plan to cover for the next trip.
The last thing you would want happening to you is to be caught unaware or hung out to dry while on your trip due to the crazy crowd.
Your goal should be to go out there and have fun, and the only thing that would help you to achieve that is a proper planning of your Orlando tour before even stepping out.
If you are a Guest with an intention to visit Disney World anytime soon, then you are reading this guide just in time!
Have a DIFFERENT kind of Orlando vacation with a Resort home next to Disney World. Find Your Disney Resort Vacation Rental here!
When is the Slowest Time at Disney World?
Our team has assembled a helpful little list of dates that the Disney World parks are least crowded.
- January 11 – January 18
- February 2 – February 12
- March 1 – March 5
- April 25 – May 1
- May 11 – May 17
- August 10 – August 31
- September 1 – September 30
- Oct 1 – October 21
- November 16 – November 21
- December 1 – December 12
Over the past few years, Disney has tried to make sure its parks are not overcrowded through some planning and management tools such as myDisneyExperience App and the Reservation System.
Despite having a reservation system in place, it may still be a busy day. So I will give you my top recommendations on when to visit Walt Disney World this year.
Busiest Times to Visit Disney World:
- School and National Holidays
- Periods of Special Events in the Disney World (like runDisney or an Epcot Festival)
- Weekends
- Summer Breaks
- Spring Breaks
During these periods, the Disney World is likely going to be very busy, and you are advised to plan your vacation accordingly in other to get the best experience out of your day.
What Time of the Year is Disney World Least Crowded?
Like we said earlier, great planning and management over the years has meant that the Disney World is always alive and kicking every time you visit.
However, there are still some times that are not as busy and crowded as the others.
There are a lot of factors responsible for this, and some of them have a direct correlation with the availability of people at different points in the year.
For instance, you can’t compare the number of Disney Park Guests in the cold winter months to the numbers that would be visiting in the summer (the time when most people can come).
The weather is favorable in fall and winter and everyone is in a festive mood. It’s also one of the slowest times at Disney World.
However, the Florida heat in the summer can sometimes bring out the not-so nice side of people as they’re trying to combat the weather and make their kids happy.
What are the Slowest Days to Visit Disney World
The best days to visit Walt Disney World are Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. This is also the slowest time at Disney World.
This is mainly due to the fact that most people have to work during this time and kids are in school as well.
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What is the Best Month to Go to Disney World?
Historically, the Disney World is least crowded around during the days of mid-November, early December, mid-January, early February, and early May. This is the time that a lot of people are focused on the upcoming yuletide season.
After this period, there is also the period around early September when the schools reopen.
Usually, people go to Disney as a family, and a lot of people would rather focus on getting their kids to school and figuring out preparations for the new academic session, instead of taking their kids to the parks.
Also, this period is still at the tailwind of a brutal Florida summer which would also contribute immensely to the lesser Guests around that time.
Disney World attracts tourists from all over the world every single month of the year.
It is safe to say the theme park remains a fun and enjoyable place to be regardless of the month or time of the year you are visiting.
There is also no denying the fact that visiting the Disney World at some particular period in the year could turn out to be much more fun.
Going by the reviews of past Guest experiences and the list of events available at Walt Disney World, I can safely say that early December is the best month to visit the Magic Kingdom in terms of the holiday offerings.
Busiest Months at Disney World
Based on my personal experience, July, July, March (Spring Break) and December (Christmastime) tend to be the busiest months at Walt Disney World.
Since there are a lot of fun experiences lined up for you to usher in the Christmas season, you can expect the end of November and mid to late December to be peak times at the parks.
During December, you are treated to a wide range of shows and events that make the holidays at the Disney Resort such a wonderful adventure.
Hipster Power Tip: Although December is the best month to visit Walt Disney World for the holidays, it can also be the busiest time to visit. So, make sure you try to book your vacation during the first two weeks of that month to enjoy the festivities with a lower crowd level.
Do I Need a Disney Genie+ Pass if I Visit Disney During the Slowest Times?
If you do not know, a Disney Genie+ is a service created by Disney to give you easier and faster access to the top-notch attractions while on your vacation.
During the slow times, it is a fact that you may still end up waiting a little bit longer for an attraction.
Sometimes, this wait may take a considerable amount of time, which could be tiring and discouraging on your trip.
I recommend getting a Genie+/Lightning Lane Pass for your must-do attraction no matter when you go. Even if it’s during a “slower time” at the parks.
This will guarantee that you will get to enjoy your must-do rides at a theme park like the Magic Kingdom.
Ready to plan your theme park trip? Watch the best vacation planning tips on YouTube. Get started here!
Where Do I Find a Disney World Crowd Calendar Tracker?
The Disney World Crowd Tracker or calendar is an important tool that I recommend for you if you are visiting any of the four Disney World theme parks.
What is the Disney Crowd Calendar?
What the Disney Crowd Calendar does is to help you in determining the likely amount of crowd or attendance that could be expected at the Disney theme parks at a particular day.
Most times, these trackers are capable of helping you to track and predict the number of Guest that could be expected at the parks on many consecutive days.
With this information, you will be able to make plans concerning your own tour and pick the likely date that would suit you.
Usually, the Disney Crowd Tracker is available with a number of local tour planners and guides.
In most cases, they are free, and in some other cases, you may need to subscribe to their pages or newsletters to get your hands on the trackers.
Recommended: 1 Day in Orlando Itinerary: What Should I Do That’s NOT Theme Parks?
What is the Worst Time to Visit Disney World in 2024?
While I would have to admit that the Disney World is always a sight to behold, offering a lot of wonder and magic along the way, it is also important to say that there are times you may not enjoy a visit to this ‘wonderland.’
Especially, if you care about having a serene environment where people can at least catch their breath, admire things and revel in special moments.
Yes, there are days that you won’t be able to do all of those things at Disney and these are the days I call the worst times to visit the Disney World.
Historically, the worst time to visit the Disney World is between December 26th and 31st. These are the days immediately after Christmas and a day to the new calendar year.
There is always an unbelievable number of people in the parks during these five days that it turns out to be a lot crazy.
If you can, avoid visiting the Disney World within those days, as you may not like the experience.
Hipster Power Tip: Independence Day is a close runner up to the Christmas holiday. These are the times you must avoid at Disney if you want to miss out on the crowds.
15 Easy Tips and Strategies to Help You Plan Your Disney Vacation for the Slowest Time
If you are planning a visit Disney anytime soon, we have come up with some tips and strategies just for you!
1. Reach out to an Authorized Disney Planner
Choose a tour date that would be favorable to you and reach out to an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner to make your bookings.
2. Secure Your Date
After securing a date, you should continue by making reservations for accommodations.
There are lots of hotels at Disney that you can make use of, but you can save a significant amount of money by choosing one of the Vacation Home Resorts around the theme parks.
3. Get Your Disney Tickets Early
Buy your tickets ahead of your trip dates, as this would most likely save you some costs.
4. Search for Special Offers
Read up about free offers available at Disney before your tour dates and take up the opportunities when you arrive.
Also, explore Disney deals and other promo offers before your trip.
5. Plan Your Disney Food
Make plans for your meals ahead of your visit. You’ll know the hotels or restaurants that serve your favorite foods even before you arrive.
Recommended: Get More Disney Food Reviews and Tips here!
6. Know What to Wear and Pack for Disney World
Pack comfortable, breathable clothing. There are fun activities at Disney and you will need to walk around a lot of the time.
7. Use the Disney App Before Your Trip
Play around with the Disney app. This will make your experience a lot easier since you’ll be comfortable navigating the resort app.
8. Get Your Free Disney World Planner
Subscribe to my Disney Planning List. Receive tips that will help you plan your upcoming vacation and will help make it a lot easier for you.
9. Know How the Crowd Calendars Work
Be sure that you continue to read all my guides so that you can understand how the Theme Park Crowd Calendars work and use to use them.
Recommended: The Solo Theme Park Traveler’s Guide
10. Stay Within Your Budget
Don’t go over your budget while at Disney World. Choosing the best day to visit Disney is the first place to start.
By choosing the slowest time to visit Disney World, you’ll be able to also choose a time that’s the cheapest.
11. Use Your Extra Magic Hours
Make sure you take advantage of Extra Magic Hours offered at your Disney Resort.
This will allow you to get a jump start on your day at the parks.
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12. Remember That Water is Free!
In the midst of you choosing the slowest time to visit Disney World, you’ll want to make sure you know about certain freebies.
Things like water can be free at Disney World. So, don’t pay for water as every quick service restaurant has a free cup of water to offer you.
13. Plan a Disney Solo Trip
Just know that if you can’t find someone with same free time to go with you to Disney World, then go ALONE!
I challenge you to go to Disney Solo and see what it feels like to explore the resort by yourself.
Join the Conversation on the Solo Theme Park Traveler’s Community on Facebook!
My Final Thoughts on Choosing the Slowest Time at Disney World
A trip to Disney World could turn out to be the most memorable experience of your lifetime. But, it could also turn out to be a miserable experience if you do not plan it well.
It was my honor to be able to give you the slowest time at Disney World with the information in this article.
Plus, I hope that you are able to plan your BEST vacation properly at Walt Disney World.
I hope this travel guide helps you plan for the best day possible on your Disney trip! For more tips and tricks, join us over on YouTube!
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipster!
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: July 30, 2020/Updated on January 8, 2024)