When to Book a Disney Vacation for the Best Deals and Lowest Crowds
Are you wondering when the best time to visit Walt Disney World is? Or maybe you’re looking for the cheapest times to visit Disney World? Deciding when to visit is one of the very first steps in planning your Disney trip. Learn the best times to book your vacation to get lower prices, fewer crowds, and the most magical experience possible.
Disney is magical but it’s not exactly cheap - or empty. You’ll want to be prepared for crowds, all the time. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t any less crowded times of year to visit.
While timing your Disney World trip is important - it also needs to be personalized by you and your travel party. What’s most important to you?
For some families, it’s going over school breaks so kids don’t miss school. For others, it’s lower crowds.
For some families, it’s the best weather. For others, it’s cheaper prices.
Cheapest Times To Go To Disney World
When to visit Walt Disney World for lower pricing.
Mid-January to early February seems to be a bit of a lull after the holiday season and we see some slightly lower prices. (Beware, this is also prime time for ride refurbishments, so be sure to check that list of rides that may be closed before booking your trip if there’s a ride that will make or break your trip.)
Late August to mid-September is another sweet spot when it comes to pricing because Disney World seems to offer their promotions and crowds are lower because many kids have recently started a new school year.
Early November is ideal as it’s between Halloween and Holidays - just be sure to avoid Thanksgiving week.
Best Times To Visit Disney World in 2025
Ideal Dates To Visit Disney World in 2025
First half of May - This is post spring-break time! But temperatures are starting to rise!
Second half of August - It’s mighty hot - but there’s often promotions and great pricing and low crowds due to new school years starting.
Most Weekdays in September - (avoiding Labor Day holiday) Another timeframe where crowds are lower because many kids have just started a new school year.
Most Weekdays in October - (avoiding Indigenous Peoples Day) A great time of year to visit before the high traffic Holidays.
Weekdays in November - This in-between time sits after Halloween but before the Holiday Season crowds.
First half of December - The park’s already decorated but many people wait until school breaks so take advantage in the weeks before Holiday break.
Best Times To Visit Disney World in 2026
Ideal Dates To Visit Disney World in 2026
2nd to 4th Weeks of January - This post holiday lull is ideal for lower crowds, but also a common time for ride refurbishments.
End Of April - Spring breaks will be earlier in 2026 so the end of April is a sweet spot.
Weekdays in May - Take advantage of the post spring break lower crowds before summer arrives.
Most of August - It’s hot and kids are getting ready to go back to school, let’s go to Disney World!
Most of September - Kids just started school, so crowds are lower.
Weekdays in November - In between Halloween and the Holiday season!
First Half of December - The parks are decorated for the Holidays so take advantage of the weeks before Holiday break.
When To Avoid Disney World: Peak Crowd Periods
Avoid These High-Crowd Times at Disney World
Spring Break - mid-March to mid-April
Beginning of Summer - June and July
Winter Holidays - mid-December through New Years
Basically, those times that kids are out of school on Holiday or summer breaks become busy times of year at Walt Disney World.
Pro Tips to Maximize the Value in Your Disney World Trip
Tip #1 - Use a travel planner specializing in Disney Destinations - like me! My help is absolutely free and I’m here to find the sweet spot for your family based on your needs and what’s most important to you - be it crowds, weather or school/sports schedules - I’ll help you plan the best vacation.
Tip #2 - Sign up for deal alerts - Joining my newsletter list will get you those Disney promotions and deals straight to your inbox as soon as they are announced!
Tip #3 - Consider all of the resort options for your travel times. Maybe you’ll spring for a Deluxe Resort during low crowd seasons but go Value for Spring Break!
Booking your Disney vacation at the right time can make all the difference—less stress, smaller crowds, and more magic. If you're not sure where to start or want help getting the best deal, I'm here to guide you through every step.
💖 My planning services are always free when you book your trip with me!
Magical Wishes,
Katrina
