Best time to visit??

[bjcaed]

Hi All,
Starting to plan a new trip. We have not been to WDW in 2 years. I am sure a lot has changed. We do not like to go when the crowds are high. When is a great low attendance time of year to visit the parks? We have been in October, Late Febrauary and several times athe end of May. When is another low crowd tiem that we might try. Free dining is December 15th, will it already be getting crowded by then?? Last time we went as a "one day visit" as part of our cruise. It was March 1st and the place was empty. We walked onto Toy Story Mania! We were able ride our favorite rides at all 4 parks in one day. Crazy Fun!

 

[JESSketeer]

We've gone in September for the last 4 years and will be returning during the same time this year! The crowds are low and if you don't mind the humidity it's a great time to go.

 

[DVCcurious]

Early December is the best time. Low crowds and Christmas decorations are up.

 

[939913Noles]

We went mid November (after Jersey Week, before Thanksgiving) and thought it was the best time of any that we have gone. Great weather (did get quite chilly towards the end) Christmas decorations, manageable crowds. We are going back at that time this year.

 

[scrappinginontario]

We like the small crowds of September. You need to be able to handle melt-your-face-off heat though and some rain.

 

[shelli72]

We are visiting for the first time in September, glad to hear the crowds aren't too bad. Normally we go in May but have found the crowds to be increasing each year. The heat won't bother us. Very excited to go to the Halloween party.

 

[robndani]

We like Fall... just Fall in general. Whatever works for our schedule each year!

 

[dreamit]

My two trips have been in September. It's hot, but if you plan accordingly, it's very manageable. I'm a rope-drop person, so it helps that all of the must-dos are done before the prime heat hits. We take it easier during the afternoon hours and plan for indoor shows and meal breaks if staying in the parks. On a few occasions, we'd break at the resort in the afternoon before going to dinner. I just love the lower crowds of September. But, if you're a late-night person, keep in mind that the parks typically aren't open as late in September.

 

[momof2n2]

If you really have an open calendar, I would also encourage September and early October.
May is the best time for my family nowadays, but fall was always lovely.

 

[LiveToTravelNicely]

We've been in both mid-September and end of January. Both were low crowds, at least for WDW. September (waits 15 minutes or less-most walk on) was slightly less busy but heat and afternoon downpours. January (waits 20 or less-most little to no wait) was only slightly more crowded, but we dealt with cooler days, fog, and some drizzle. If you like pool time, I'd pick September. If you like comfortable afternoons, January, but bring a hoodie in case there's an unusual cold snap for a day or two. September weather threats: hurricanes, torrential rain, heat. January weather threats: snow storms delay air travel, cold snap in the World, drizzle, clouds. September usually has Free Dining; January usually has Play, Stay, and Dine. Both usually have about the same room-only discounts. I'd go back for either. Also, an added bonus for both times: the lowest WDW rack rates of the year!