When is the Best Time to Visit Disney World in 2024?

When is the Best Time to Visit Disney World in 2024?

When is the Best Time to Visit Disney World in 2024?

Are you trying to figure out the best time to visit Disney World in 2024 and beyond? There has never been a more important time to plan every aspect of your Walt Disney World vacation than right now Disney is abuzz with thrilling happenings, headlined by the company’s grand 100th Anniversary Celebration—introducing fresh shows, attractions, and much more. However, such exciting developments typically attract larger crowds, which could influence your experience.

To ensure you relish every moment and avoid peak crowds, timing is key. Wondering about the optimal period to embark on your Disney journey in 2024? Luckily we are going to fill you in on some of the trends we have always been able to count on when predicting the absolute best time to go to Disney World in 2024. 

We hope you find this post helpful, and if you are planning a trip to Disney World be sure to check out our other FREE vacation planning tools. Our goal at The Park Prodigy has always been to help you save time and money on your next vacation. This includes finding the best time to buy Walt Disney World tickets and book awesome Disney World packages!

So if you’re ready to pick the best time to visit Disney World in 2024 read on!

SPECIAL NOTE: If you’re looking for our 2024 Disney World Crowd Calendar, be sure to go straight to the link below. 

Disney World Crowd Calendar

What Are the Best Times to Go to Disney World in 2024?

Bringing in more than 52 million guests each year, Walt Disney World is the single most visited vacation destination on the planet. With its ever-growing popularity, there is no “dead” time at Disney World anymore. However, there are certain times of the year when you’ll encounter much smaller crowds at Disney. 

In 2024, planning the best time to go to Disney World is more crucial than ever to ensure a magical experience. Our extensive data suggests that those eager to navigate the parks with ease should earmark certain periods. The mid to late January, early and late February, the beginning of March, the end of April, mid-May, the entirety of August and September, the beginning and middle of October and November, and the early days of December stand out. These intervals present the best time to go to Disney with reduced crowds, optimizing your enchanting adventure for the year.

When is Disney World Least Crowded in 2024?

Based on our data, the least crowded times to visit Disney World in 2024 will be the following:

• January: 11th – 15th, 16th – 22nd, & 24th – 31st
• February: 1st – 14th & 21st – 28th
• March: 1st – 5th
• April: 24th – 30th
• May: 8th – 12th & 15th – 22nd
• August: 1st – 31st
• September: 1st – 30th
• October: 1st – 6th, 10th – 16th, 17th – 22nd, &  23rd – 26th
• November: 1st – 5th, 7th – 9th, & 13th – 18th
• December: 1st – 3rd & 5th – 10th

As noted above one of the easiest ways to pick the best dates to visit Disney World is to compare the cheapest Disney World ticket prices. The cheaper the tickets the more likely it is that the parks won’t be as crowded during that time of year.

Are you planning a trip to Walt Disney World? Save up to three hours in the parks and up to 30% on select hotel rooms with The Park Prodigy! You can book your Walt Disney World vacation package with as little as $200 down! Request a no-obligation quote online or by calling our office at 407-630-8650.

Our team at the park Prodigy has been grabbing data, a lot of data and we created our Disney World Crowd Calendar. Very simply it helps you avoid the large crowds, and spend more time having fun. So if reasonable wait times and a lesser chance of getting run over by a stroller is your idea of a picture-perfect Disney vacation, check out the dates below.

Related post: Complete Guide to When is Disney World Least Crowded

What is the Best Month to Visit Walt Disney World 2024?

Walt Disney World is open 365 days a year. But some months of the year are going to be less crowded than others. For example, we know that Disney during the holidays is the worst time to visit. Followed by summer. And then the Spring Break season. Based on our Disney World Crowd Calendar data, the slowest time of year for Disney World is often to visit before or right after a busier time. These are generally the times of year that offer a less crowded park experience. 

The Best Months to Visit Walt Disney World 2024

• January – Christmas time at Disney typically ends the second week of January. After all of the holiday decorations and special events end, is one of the best times to visit Disney World 2024
• February – For similar reasons as January, February hosts low crowd levels. Mostly due to a lack of special events, but also most people travel during the holidays than after them.
• August – Specifically the end of August. Most schools start their normal sessions before Labor Day. You can take advantage of the start of school season for lower crowd levels. 
• September – This is the sweet spot of the year to visit Walt Disney World. It’s in between the start of school and Halloween. September crowd levels are historically similar to January’s levels. Plan a visit around this time with caution though! It may be wise to book your trip with travel insurance since September is hurricane season for Florida.

These have historically been the least busy times at Disney World. But if we are being honest, you can expect your Disney vacation even in these months to feel crowded. They’re just LESS crowded than normal. We are hoping that in 2024, travel will start to slow down. This will make crowds less intense and make it an overall more enjoyable experience.

Related Post: Complete Guide to Disney World Payment Plans

Best Time to Visit Disney World to Avoid the 2024 Crowds

So when is Disney World least crowded for guests trying to avoid large crowds? Very simply the end of August and the entire month of September. These months are considered some of the least crowded times to visit Disney World. The main reason is many families are getting their kids ready to go back to school and most summer vacations are over. For these reasons we always find the beginning of fall to be one of the best times to visit if you are trying to avoid the crowds.

We love visiting in September because there are low crowds and the Food and Wine Festival is underway. The EPCOT festivals are incredible ways for Disney adults to enjoy all of the foods and beverages from the Disney culinary teams.

When is Walt Disney World the Least Crowded 2024?

• August 28th – September 30th 

Something else to consider when planning a Disney vacation this time of year is you will be traveling during peak hurricane season. This often causes a headache when your travel plans get disrupted by weather. We highly recommend if you travel during this time of year, to invest in travel insurance for your trip. 

Depending on the week you plan to visit, families might also be able to enjoy some early Halloween celebrations at Disney World. You will also find the crowds at some of the earlier Halloween events to be less crowded which is an added benefit.

Related post: Complete Guide to Disney for Adults

When is the Cheapest Time to go to Disney World 2024?

In 2024, the question on every traveler’s mind is, ‘When is the best time to go to Disney if I’m on a budget?’ Interestingly, the answer often overlaps with our earlier insights on less crowded periods. Walt Disney World operates with date-based pricing, meaning that ticket costs fluctuate depending on the projected demand for any given day. This system means that not only can visitors enjoy a more relaxed experience during off-peak times, but they can also potentially save on ticket prices. In essence, by aligning your visit with these periods, you can achieve a double win: avoiding dense crowds and benefiting from a more economical trip. Thus, if budgetary considerations are at the forefront of your planning, these off-peak times might represent the ideal balance between cost and experience at Disney World in 2024.

The cheapest time to visit Disney World in 2024 is often very similar to the least crowded times we just discussed. Walt Disney World has date-based prices, which can change opinions on when it is the best time for Disney World.

When is the cheapest time to go to Disney World in 2024?

• January – February
• August – September

It’s important to note that we have seen shifts in large crowds from the summer months to the fall, specifically October and November. To make up for this, Disney has been running some great promotions during the summer months of June, July, and August. Be patient and always ask your Disney travel agent if any special deals are coming up. This will allow you to save quite a bit of money on your room and Disney World Tickets.

Related post: Guide On How to Get Cheap Disney Tickets

Best Time to Visit Walt Disney World for Special Events 2024

Walt Disney World is renowned for hosting a myriad of special events throughout the year. These events, which have surged in popularity over recent years, continue to draw large crowds to the park. From unique festivals and enchanting After Dark occasions to beloved holiday celebrations, there’s always something happening in the magic kingdom. If you’re trying to determine the best time to visit Disney World or more specifically, the best time to visit Disney World 2024, it’s essential to take these events into account. They can significantly impact crowd levels, potentially influencing your overall experience. Let’s delve into the events at Disney World that might play a role in deciding the best times to visit Disney World during your upcoming trip.

What are the best events at Walt Disney World?

• Festival of the Arts: January 13th – February 20th, 2024
• Flower and Garden Festival: March 1st – July 1st, 2024
• Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary: Ending March 31st, 2024
• International Food and Wine Festival: July 13th – November 18th, 2024
• Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party: August 9th – October 31st, 2024
• Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party: November 7th – December 21st, 2024
• Festival of the Holidays: November 24th – December 25th, 2024

The EPCOT festival seasons are considered to be the best time for adults to go to Disney World. If you’re looking for an overview of all the special events coming up in 2024 be sure to check out our recent Walt Disney World special events blog post.

Related post: Walt Disney World Special Events

When are the Busiest Times at Disney World 2024?

So now that we have covered the off-peak periods, let’s review the busier periods at Walt Disney World. We have found that the crowds are predictable and look to Disney World ticket prices to help us predict the busiest times at Disney World. Using this ticket data we have outlined the three worst times to visit Disney World based on crowds below.

Worst Time to go to Disney World 2024

• Spring Break Season – March & April
• Thanksgiving – November 17th – 26th, 2024
• Christmas & New Years – December 8th, 2024 – January 2nd, 2025

Spring break is a very busy time of year at Disney World. Very simply, if you are trying to avoid the most crowded months at Disney World, travel when the majority of the country’s schools are in session. However, if you can’t, don’t let the crowds discourage you from planning your trip. With a little help from the My Disney Experience app, you can purchase Lightning Lane or Disney Genie + attractions and make your must-do dining reservations far in advance to outsmart the crowds and make your experience much more manageable.

We understand families can’t always plan around the crowds and we still wanted to help! Whether you’re planning your next trip to experience the holidays at Disney or spring break you can use our WDW Crowd Calendar to optimize your budget as well. This option will allow you to plan around the most expensive days to visit and highlight the cheapest Disney Tickets for that month!

Related post: What is the Disney Genie Plus Price for Disney World?

Best Time to Visit Disney World Based on Weather

Let’s be honest, the weather can make or break your Disney vacation. The best time of year to visit Disney World in 2024 in terms of weather is probably between February and April. Orlando is typically much warmer than the rest of the country year-round, as we covered in the Orlando packing guide, you’ll need a light jacket during November, December, and January.

Best Time to Visit Walt Disney World Based on Weather 2024

• February
• March
• April

March and April are typically perfect t-shirt weather, which is why we consider them the best months to visit Disney World in 2024 for the weather. There is also little to no rain these months! Sure, being caught in a rainstorm isn’t the end of the world. However the rain and lightning can cause rides to shut down for extended periods. Which will disrupt all your hard work of planning ahead.

Worst Time to Visit Disney World Based on Weather 2024

• July
• August
• September
• October

Disney World weather is the worst from July to October. This is not only because of the rain but the extreme levels of humidity. Yes, be prepared for some afternoon storms that could potentially cause outdoor rides to temporarily close. And always pack an umbrella and/or rain jacket to bring with you. But also prepare to drink a lot of water to rehydrate yourself, especially after some rain!

August through October is hurricane season and can bring heavy wind and rainfall to the parks. As we saw in 2022 with Hurricane Ian, it can also cause park closures, cancellations of your dining reservations, and even your hotel reservations! If you’re visiting the theme parks during any of these months, be sure to check the predicted weather in our Disney Crowd Calendar to decide whether or not you’ll be able to take the heat.

How to Deal With Bad Weather at Walt Disney World 2024

• Plan Ahead – Bring your water to refill, ponchos, water-resistant shoes, and a change of clothes if necessary
• Take Your Time – If it is too hot, make sure to take many breaks. Florida weather can be grueling and guests can overheat quickly if you’re not being careful.
• First Aid Stations – Each Disney park has a first aid station that all Cast members can help guide you to. They will be stocked with most minor medical needs, or provide a place with air conditioning.

We also outline which Disney World Resorts we feel are best for midday breaks based on location, transportation, and budget! Depending on what’s most important to you or your family (smaller crowds, budget pricing, weather, etc.), one thing’s for sure – there’s NEVER a bad time to go to Disney World! From large crowds to scorching temperatures, there are plenty of ways to plan around certain things that are out of your control. From locking in FastPass+ selections to reserving those must-try dining locations and a whole lot more, you’re one step closer to creating memories that’ll last a lifetime!

Related post: A Complete Guide to Genie+ at Disneyland

Best Time to Visit Disney World Winter/Spring 2024

There are a ton of advantages of visiting Walt Disney World in January which include the great weather, lower park crowds, and even cheaper Walt Disney World tickets. You and your family might even be able to take advantage of visiting the Magic Kingdom when it’s still decorated for Christmas depending on the week you visit.

The Best Time to Visit Disney World in January 2024

• January 10th – 17th & 24th – 31st

One of the main reasons is that families are all getting ready for kids to go back to school after Christmas break. It’s no secret that January has some of the best weeks to visit Disney World. Typically, right after Disney’s Marathon weekend which is the first weekend of January. If you’re unable to travel during these weeks and you are still concerned with just how busy is Disney World in January you can always visit our Disney World Crowd Calendar.

The Best Time to Visit Disney World in February 2024

• February 1st -14th

Just how busy is Disney World in February? The best weeks to go to Disney World are February 1-14th.  You’ll want to be sure to visit Walt Disney World before Presidents Day weekend if you are trying to avoid the crowds. Luckily, there are the same advantages as visiting in January such as great weather, lower park crowds, and discounted Walt Disney World tickets if you do.

If you and your family decide to visit later in the month you can check out EPCOT’s Festival of the Arts. Guests can also participate in one of the Run Disney half-princess marathon events if they miss the full Walt Disney World marathon weekend. We do find that these events have made February one of the best times for adults to visit Disney World.

The Best Time to Visit Disney World in March 2024

• March 1st – 7th

If February didn’t work for you and your family, you’re probably wondering how busy is Disney World in March. Well, March is when we first start to see the weather get warmer and schools begin to go on breaks. So it’s usually a little more crowded than January and February, especially later into March, but it’s still considered off-peak.

We find this month to be one of the best times to visit based on Disney World weather. This gives families a ton of flexibility as they can plan a few days by the pool of their favorite Disney hotel or even at a Disney water park. March also kicks off the beginning of one of our favorite festivals, the EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival.

The Best Time to Visit Disney World in April 2024

• April 24th – 30th

If the crowds at Walt Disney World start to pick up in March, you might be wondering if is April a bad time to go to Disney World. Our answer to that is there is never a bad time to go to Walt Disney World! However, if you want to avoid crowds as much as possible, we recommend the last week of the month, April 25th – May 1st.

Visiting Disney World in April is very popular among families for a few reasons. The first is another month when almost all schools with have a break which allows families to take advantage of a great vacation without taking their kids out of school. The second reason is there is so much to do including the EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival, the Disney water parks, and nights at Disney Springs.

Best Time to Visit Disney World Spring/Summer 2024

The Best Time to Visit Disney World in May 2024

• May 8th – 13th

So as school breaks start to officially wind down towards the end of April, your family might be wondering how busy is Disney in May. Historically, May has been a slower month compared to April and the summer months. If you’re picking a full week to travel we recommend the week of May 15th – 22nd.

The middle of May has two of the best weeks to visit Disney throughout the entire year. This is because guests will have access to all of the attractions and water parks but enjoy lower crowds than in March and April. Guests can also still take advantage of the EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival. The only downside to visiting Walt Disney World in May is that this is when Florida temperatures start to go from warm to hot.

The Best Time to Visit Disney World in June 2024

• June 1st – 10th

The beginning of summer has historically been a very popular time to vacation, but is June a good time to visit Disney World? We’ll get into the pros and cons in a minute, but the best week to visit Disney World in June is the 1st-10th. We anticipate the best day to go to Disney World in June to be the 7th or 8th.

We’re going to start with a pro because truth be told, there are a lot of cons. June and July typically give families more flexibility to take longer trips since they don’t have to worry about school. As you can probably guess, the downside is the crowds. They typically start to pick up towards the end of June and last through early August. Plus, Florida temperatures are notoriously humid in the summer.

The Best Time to Visit Disney World in July 2024

• July 24th – 31st

So when is the best time to visit Disney World in July? If you are planning a full week we recommend July 24th – 31st. One of the most interesting trends over the past few years has been more and more discounts in late July and early August than in years past. We believe this is due to people choosing to hit the beach to stay cool during those hot Florida months! For this reason, if you can grab a discounted Disney vacation package or Disney World tickets, this can be one of the cheapest times to visit Disney World.

Best Time to Visit Disney World Summer/Fall 2024

The Best Time to Visit Disney World in August 2024

• August 21st – 27th

August has always been the best summer month to visit Disney World. So when is the best time to visit Disney World in August? If you are planning a full week, we recommend August 21st – 27th. August has typically always been the calmest summer month as many of the schools in the southern part of the United States are back in session. One of the coolest parts about August is that Disney allows you to get a head start on your Halloween celebration as the first Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party takes place around August 9th.

The Best Time to Visit Disney World in September 2024

• September 5th – 10th

September is a great time to visit Disney World if you are looking for very low crowds. Schools throughout the entire country are now back in session and it is one of the cheapest times to visit Disney World. So when is the best time to visit Disney World in September? If you are planning a full week we recommend September 5th – 10th.

Just like in August, one of the coolest parts about visiting Disney in September is the fact that you can attend Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party as well as the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival. Guests can also head over to Universal Orlando and attend one of the amazing Halloween Horror Nights events. You will also find the ticket prices for most events in September to be cheaper.

The Best Time to Visit Disney World in October 2024

• October 10th – 16th

So when is the best time to visit Disney World in October? If you are planning a full week we recommend October 10th – 16th. Crowds can pick up based on the time of the month you visit, and you will want to avoid Columbus Day weekend if possible.

October is one of our favorite times of year to visit Disney World as it is the perfect mix between warm Florida days and cool nights. This will allow you to take advantage of afternoon breaks by the pool or visiting a Disney water park. Just like in September one of the coolest parts about visiting Disney in the fall is the fact that you can attend the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival.  

Best Time to Visit Disney World Fall/Winter 2024

The Best Time to Visit Disney World in November 2024

• November 1st – 7th

Crowds are consistent all month long and pick up the week of Thanksgiving. So when is the best time to visit Disney World in November? If you are planning a full week we recommend November 1st – 7th. One of the coolest things about visiting Walt Disney World in November is you can attend both a Halloween Party and a Christmas party in the same week if you plan it right!

Just like October, this is another great month to visit Disney World as it is the perfect mix between warm Florida days and cool nights. The only downside is depending on the time of the month you visit it might be too chilly to hang by the pool.

The Best Time to Visit Disney World in December 2024

• December 1st  – 7th

There simply is nothing like visiting Disney World during the most wonderful time of the year! But when is the best time to visit Disney World in December? If you are planning a full week we recommend December 1st – 7th.

As discussed, crowds are consistent throughout the first two weeks, and continue to get worse as you get closer to the Holiday. The closer you visit towards the beginning of the month, the better. This is because many schools are still in session and crowds will still be moderate. Almost every aspect of Walt Disney World is decorated by the first week of December as well!

Best Time to Visit Disney World Tips & Tricks 2024

So, when is the best time to go to Disney World? Walt Disney World has always been an extremely popular tourist destination. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, it was relatively easy to predict when was the best time to go to Disney World. Now, things are a little bit different, especially with many families now planning their vacations. So while historically these dates and times are when Disney World is less crowded, keep in mind that crowds and wait times may be higher than we’re used to seeing.

Planning the Best Times Visit Disney World 2024

• Planning the best time to go to Disney World can not only save you a ton of time in the theme park but it can also save you money! Just like Universal Orlando, Disney World theme park tickets fluctuate based on the time of year, day of the week, and time of the month you visit.

So one of the easiest ways to pick the best time to visit Disney is to compare the cheapest Disney World ticket prices. The cheaper the tickets the more likely it is that the parks won’t be as crowded during that time of year.

Use a 2024 Disney World Crowd Calendar to Plan Your Next Disney Vacation

• Using a Disney World crowd calendar can help you not only find the slowest time at Disney World. But also helps you keep down the cost of your ticket.

Using a Disney Crowd Calendar the ticket prices to find the best time to visit Disney World could also make the difference between staying off-property and on-property at one of the amazing Disney resorts. All on-property guests can take full advantage of special Disney World benefits including free transportation, extra time in the morning, and so much more!

Related Page: Disney World ticket deals and discounts 

Best Time to Go to Walt Disney World 2024 FAQ

Q: When is Disney World Least Crowded in 2024?

A: Based on our data, the least crowded times to visit Disney World in 2024 will be the following:

• January: 11th – 15th, 16th – 22nd, & 24th – 31st
• February: 1st – 14th & 21st – 28th
• March: 1st – 5th
• April: 24th – 30th
• May: 8th – 12th & 15th – 22nd
• August: 1st – 31st
• September: 1st – 30th
• October: 1st – 6th, 10th – 16th, 17th – 22nd, &  23rd – 26th
• November: 1st – 5th, 7th – 9th, & 13th – 18th
• December: 1st – 3rd & 5th – 10th

Q: What is the Best Month to Visit Walt Disney World 2024?

A: These have historically been the least busy times at Disney World. But if we are being honest, you can expect your Disney vacation even in these months to feel crowded. They’re just LESS crowded than normal.

• January – Christmas time at Disney typically ends the second week of January. After all of the holiday decorations and special events end, is one of the best times to visit Disney World 2024
• February – For similar reasons as January, February hosts low crowd levels. Mostly due to a lack of special events, but also most people travel during the holidays than after them.
• August – Specifically the end of August. Most schools start their normal sessions before Labor Day. You can take advantage of the start of school season for lower crowd levels. 
• September – This is the sweet spot of the year to visit Walt Disney World. It’s in between the start of school and Halloween. September crowd levels are historically similar to January’s levels. Plan a visit around this time with caution though! It may be wise to book your trip with travel insurance since September is hurricane season for Florida.

Q: When is Walt Disney World the Least Crowded 2024?

A: Very simply the end of August and the entire month of September. These months are considered some of the least crowded times to visit Disney World.

Q: When is the cheapest time to go to Disney World in 2024?

A:  The cheapest time to visit Disney World in 2024 is often very similar to the least crowded times we just discussed. Walt Disney World has date-based prices, which can change opinions on when it is the best time for Disney World.

• January – February
• August – September

Q: When is the Worst Time to go to Disney World 2024?

A: We have found that the crowds are predictable and look to Disney World ticket prices to help us predict the busiest times at Disney World.

• Spring Break Season – March & April
• Thanksgiving – November 17th – 26th, 2024
• Christmas & New Years – December 8th, 2024 – January 2nd, 2024

Q: When is the Best Time to Visit Walt Disney World Based on Weather in 2024?

A: March and April are typically perfect t-shirt weather, which is why we consider them the best months to visit Disney World in 2024 for the weather. There is also little to no rain these months! Sure, being caught in a rainstorm isn’t the end of the world. However the rain and lightning can cause rides to shut down for extended periods. Which will disrupt all your hard work of planning ahead.

Q: When is the Worst Time to Visit Walt Disney World Based on the Weather in 2024?

A:  

• July
• August
• September
• October

When is The Best Time to Visit Disney World?

Our Disney  World Crowd Calendar is the best tool to help you get the most out of your time in the parks. We break down park crowds, park hours of operation, ticket prices, and average temperature. We also break down the best time to visit Disney World based on specific times of the year and special events.

Are You Ready to Plan Your Next Disney World Trip?

Are you planning a trip to Walt Disney World? Be sure to speak with a Disney World Travel Agent for the most recent deals and promotions. The Park Prodigy will provide a Free Quote for all Disney World Vacation Packages. The Park Prodigy can also help you save up to $20 per ticket when purchasing your Walt Disney World Tickets, and we offer promotional discounts for special events such as Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Tickets and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Tickets.

Don’t forget to check out our wonderful friends over at Theme Park Today, as well!