Best time to go to Disneyworld?

[LIPeter]

I know this has been brought up so many times, but what's the least crowded time to go? I was planning on buying an annual pass and wanted to go at least twice next year. I'm planning on going mid September, but what about earlier in the year. I was thinking end of April, beginning of May. Opinions?

 

[BrianL]

Well, it's hard to say because there almost is no real slow season anymore. Immediately after school starts is usually good, so September after Labor Day week. January is still pretty low too but expect a lot of refurbs (and avoid any school holiday weeks). April-May can be just fine, but avoid Easter and Memorial Day weeks and any Spring Break times (though those are more like March and very early in April). I went the past couple of years on the first week of May and crowds were very manageable.

Note that next year should bring the opening of Pandora at Animal Kingdom, so the crowds could spike around that time. The only time given for that as of now is "2017" so there is no way to plan around this at the moment.

 

[hakepb]

End of April (as long as it's at least a week past Easter) / early May would be my choice.

 

[loves to dive]

Like previous poster mentioned, there really aren't that many slow seasons any more. I tend to go during F&G and F&W just because I enjoy both those events. Last year we were there somewhere around the 2nd week in March since that was my son's college spring break. I think it was most likely the first week of F&W and the crowds were very manageable. The weather was perfect, not hot yet we could wear shorts. I was there this year the week of Sept. 12th and again I didn't find the crowds horrible. As a matter of fact I rode everything I wanted to ride without a single FP and no waits longer than 20 min and that was in a line for a booth at F&W. The weather in Sept. can be tricky, it is hot and it will rain at some point. This year seemed hotter than normal but I may just be getting older and feeling it. I've been the first week in April many times for my birthday and again, didn't find it too bad. I may have a pretty high tolerance for crowds though.

 

[Klayfish]

Honestly, outside of major holidays, I don't think it makes a ton of difference. It's relatively busy year round. February won't be much different than April, October, etc... My advise is always to pick the time that works best for your family and go for it.

 

[LIPeter]

Thanks!

 

[MNash87]

We are currently planning a trip for next February. Haven't been since 2012. Crowd levels are relatively low, according to touringplans. Not sure how reliable they are though, lol.

 

[Bob Dolewhip]

I looked at the rack rates chart for 2016 and would say that the best time to go based on pricing and crowds is February.

 

[jkh36619]

I'll expand on what BrianL said which is something you may want to really consider. If you are not a frequent visitor to WDW and this is a rare trip to you, ride closures could be a huge factor. Slower times have more closures. Some people plan a once in a life time trip, plan it during "off season" only to have 2 or 3 really great attractions closed and are upset. Just something to consider.