Best Time to Visit WDW????

[Gatormice]

I used to think I was quite a Disney veteran - growing up two hours away and visiting every year since it opened, but now I have my doubts! I have since moved away from my home state of FL but still return with my family at least once a year. The best times to visit WDW used to be - Fall - just after school started, January (still ok) and between spring break and the beginning of summer (May). On a recent Disney Cruise I had the bright idea to include the Magic Kingdom and MGM. I figured October should be dead! Boy was I wrong.....We ended up going to the parks before and after the cruise - Oct 3rd and returned on the 10th. The return trip on the 10th was packed! Every Disney Resort (except the suites) were booked. Finally got a room at the Hilton in Downtown Disney (very nice). The staff said it was starting to pick up again as July and August were slow...???? Pardon my logic but isn't July and August traditional summer months? Can someone please let me know what is going on? Fall Break for students? I must be getting old (only 40). And finally when can you visit the parks and find them a little less crowded? Thanks for putting up with my rant.

 

[dvcgirl]

Well, I can report that mid-September was great this past year. Great weather and the parks were absolutely empty. However, many here have reported very rainy weather in the past during September visits. We also enjoy the full final week of Food and Wine fest. A tiny bit more crowded than what we just experienced in September, but not by much. You just need to do all of your wining and dining during the week because Epcot is much more crowded on the weekends during F&W Fest.

I think that part of the increase in crowds this year is not just related to lower-priced Disney Packages, but also because the economy is improving ever so slightly. I've seen a couple of reports lately that increased spending is expected this holiday season. I also think that many people simply did not travel for quite awhile after 9/11/01, and now they're moving on.

 

[jordanyosh]

We went in Sept as well. I have never seen it so quiet. It was great for us.

With MNSSHP and the start of the Food and Wine, October seems to be a pretty busy month. Also with the opening of Philarmagic and Mission: Space, I think many folks are returning to WDW to see what's new.

Your views on the slow times are still pretty accurate. Summer is still very, very busy. The non-Disney hotels may have been slower this summer as Disney was offering some great deals on packages (7 nights for the price of 4). I would expect Sept, post Thanksgiving/ pre Xmas, Post New Years/Pre Presidents day and Post Spring Break/Pre Memorial Day to remain the best times to avoid crowds.

Again, with the new attractions and a national promo to go along with them, expect WDW to busier no matter when you go.

 

[QuickGold]

This should be helpful: http://www.mgmstudios.org/graph.gif

 

[kel3420]

We have gone the week before Thanksgiving and then the first week or so of December and both times are great.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I enjoy the couple weeks after Thanksgiving, low crowds, great weather, value season, decorations. What more is there??

 

[danny1649]

Dan that's our favorite time to visit WDW.

 

[nuala]

Can anyone tell me what I can expect the week of Thanksgiving? Is it a good time to go? What are the crowds like? Are the Christmas decorations up? Looking forward to hearing from you!!