Planning a trip to Disney World can be overwhelming, but one crucial aspect to consider is the time of year you plan to visit. The crowds, wait times, and even the weather can greatly impact your Disney experience. While many people flock to Disney World during peak seasons like summer and holidays, there are some hidden gems to explore during the slower times. In this post, we’ll dive into the slowest times to visit Disney World, and what you can expect during these periods.
Understanding the Disney World Crowd Calendar
Before we dive into the slowest times to visit Disney World, it’s essential to understand the Disney World crowd calendar. This calendar is a prediction of the crowd levels based on various factors like school schedules, holidays, and special events. The crowd calendar is usually categorized into five levels:
| Crowd Level | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Low crowds, short wait times |
| 2 | Moderate crowds, some attractions may have longer wait times |
| 3 | Busy crowds, longer wait times, and some attractions may have extended hours |
| 4 | Very busy crowds, long wait times, and extended park hours |
| 5 | Extremely busy crowds, extremely long wait times, and extended park hours |
By understanding the crowd calendar, you can plan your trip during the slower periods, which can result in a more relaxed and enjoyable experience.
The Slowest Times to Visit Disney World
Weekdays during the School Year (September to November and January to March)
During the school year, weekdays are generally slower compared to weekends and holidays. These periods are ideal for visiting Disney World, especially if you’re looking for shorter wait times and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Some benefits of visiting during this time include:
- Shorter wait times for attractions and shows
- Less crowded restaurants and snack stands
- More availability for FastPass+ reservations
- Some attractions and shows might be closed for refurbishment
The Week after New Year’s Day (First Week of January)
The week after New Year’s Day is usually one of the slowest times to visit Disney World. Many people have just returned from their holiday vacations, and kids are back in school.
Some benefits of visiting during this time include:
- Extremely low crowds and short wait times
- More availability for FastPass+ reservations
- Lower prices for resort hotels and packages
- Some attractions and shows might be closed for refurbishment
The Week after the Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Mid-January)
The week after Martin Luther King Jr. Day is another slow period for Disney World. This is because many schools have not yet started their winter breaks, and the spring break season has not yet begun. (See Also: What Is the Best Time to Visit Pushkar – Plan Your Trip)
Some benefits of visiting during this time include:
- Low crowds and short wait times
- More availability for FastPass+ reservations
- Lower prices for resort hotels and packages
- Some attractions and shows might be closed for refurbishment
The Week before Easter (Late March to Early April)
The week before Easter is usually a slow period for Disney World. Many schools have not yet started their spring breaks, and the Easter holiday has not yet begun.
Some benefits of visiting during this time include:
- Low crowds and short wait times
- More availability for FastPass+ reservations
- Lower prices for resort hotels and packages
- Some attractions and shows might be closed for refurbishment
The Week after Easter (Mid-April to Early May)
The week after Easter is another slow period for Disney World. This is because many schools have just finished their spring breaks, and the summer vacation season has not yet begun.
Some benefits of visiting during this time include:
- Low crowds and short wait times
- More availability for FastPass+ reservations
- Lower prices for resort hotels and packages
- Some attractions and shows might be closed for refurbishment
Other Factors to Consider When Planning Your Trip
Special Events and Festivals
Disney World often hosts special events and festivals throughout the year. These events can attract large crowds and impact your experience. Some popular events include: (See Also: Best Time to Visit Komodo Island Indonesia – Peak Wildlife Adventures)
- Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
- Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
- Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
- Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
Make sure to check the Disney World website for any special events and festivals during your planned visit.
Attraction Refurbishments and Renovations
Disney World is constantly updating and renovating its attractions. These refurbishments can impact your experience and should be considered when planning your trip.
Popular attractions that are currently or will be undergoing refurbishments include:
- Space Mountain: Mission 2
- Splash Mountain
- Tron Lightcycle Run
- Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
Make sure to check the Disney World website for any attraction refurbishments during your planned visit.
Recap and Summary
In this post, we explored the slowest times to visit Disney World, including weekdays during the school year, the week after New Year’s Day, the week after Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the week before Easter, and the week after Easter. We also discussed other factors to consider when planning your trip, including special events and attraction refurbishments.
By visiting during the slower periods, you can experience shorter wait times, lower prices for resort hotels and packages, and a more relaxed atmosphere. However, it’s essential to consider other factors like special events and refurbishments to ensure a magical and memorable Disney World experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Disney World if I have kids?
The best time to visit Disney World with kids depends on their ages and school schedules. If they’re in school, consider visiting during the slower periods like weekdays during the school year. If they’re on summer break, visiting during the summer season might be more convenient.
Are the crowds really that bad during peak seasons?
Yes, the crowds during peak seasons like summer and holidays can be overwhelming. Wait times for popular attractions can exceed 2-3 hours, and the parks can feel extremely crowded. If you’re looking for a more relaxed experience, consider visiting during the slower periods. (See Also: Best Time to Visit Mescalero – Peak Season Guide)
Can I still have a magical experience during the slower periods?
Absolutely! Visiting during the slower periods can result in a more relaxed and enjoyable experience. You’ll have shorter wait times, more availability for FastPass+ reservations, and a more peaceful atmosphere. You can still have a magical experience during the slower periods, and it might even be more memorable due to the lower crowds.
What if I can only visit during peak seasons?
If you can only visit during peak seasons, there are still ways to minimize the crowds and wait times. Consider visiting early in the morning or later in the evening when the crowds tend to be smaller. Also, take advantage of the My Disney Experience app to reserve FastPass+ reservations and make dining reservations.
Are there any special deals or discounts available during the slower periods?
Yes, Disney World often offers special deals and discounts during the slower periods. These can include discounts on resort hotels, packages, and even tickets. Keep an eye on the Disney World website for any special offers and promotions.
