Newbie with a question about crowds

[curlygracy]

I see that peak season is 2/15-4/14. Does that mean that this will be the most crowded time of the year , specifically the parks. We are planning a trip for either of the the last two weeks of July or first week of August. Would there be any difference in crowd levels during these times?

 

[Bob P]

Welcome to the DIS!

No, the most crowded times are the Holiday weeks...Christmas, New Year's and July 4 in particular.

In the Feb 15- April 14 range the most crowded times will be the week of Feb 19 (President's Day week), mid-March (big Spring break season), and the first two weeks in April (the week leading up to Easter plus Easter week).

The last two weeks in July and first week in August are also quite busy. In general, any time schools are not in session will be the busiest times at WDW.

 

[curlygracy]

So, why is that time of the year called peak season?

 

[Coreena]

I have found that Feb is generally busy all month - not sure if it is because schools are out at different times... I figured that going on January 3rd - which is supposedly the slowest time would be good - but we actually caught the disney 1/2 marathon and the parks were packed! I also found out that Canada and the UK were off school until the second week of January... hopefully you will get lucky If you are staying onsite - definately do the Extra Magic Hours!!!!

 

[Soprano]

I have found that Feb is generally busy all month - not sure if it is because schools are out at different times... I figured that going on January 3rd - which is supposedly the slowest time would be good - but we actually caught the disney 1/2 marathon and the parks were packed! I also found out that Canada and the UK were off school until the second week of January... hopefully you will get lucky If you are staying onsite - definately do the Extra Magic Hours!!!!

Feb is busy?? Wow, I really disagree, if you mean crowds. They have been very, very low any Feb we were there. (three Feb's and counting!) Hulk ride at IoA was a walk-on each time, Tower of Terror 10 minutes… But as soon as it hits March, it does get much busier. Each week in March the crowds get larger and the wait longer. 90mins for ToT on March 16th last year!

 

[Floridagram]

I'm not sure exactly why they call it peak season. I can tell you it is a better time to come because it is not so hot. In the summer people are more grumpy because it is so hot and patience wears thin sooner.

I would guess the busiest time is the week before or after easter, mid june-mid august and the two weeks around Christmas. I base this on the fact that Fl residents that have seasonal passes are not allowed to come at those times. (they may only be excluded one week at Easter but I am not sure which one.)

 

[FamilyGuy]

"Peak season," as it is referenced here, is referring to resort room rates.

It is actually a busier time of year due to 'spring break.'

I don't think there would be any difference between late july or early august. It will be quite hot and quite busy either time. Parks are open as early as 7AM and as late as 1AM, and IMHO, as long as your expectations are in line (no pun intended), you can have a fabulous time!

Have fun planning!

 

[jenseib]

I was wondering why it was peak too. I asked similar questions and was told that the weeks around EAster are the busiest. And most college students don't do Disney for Spring break. And that March is NOT a busy month typically. These are the answers I got in my post. I have gone in May a few times and it was really great and not crowded. We are going in the beginning of March and I pray it isn't crazy. I hate crowds! But I think ti is the time of year where families want to get away from the cold and do something warm. It is Peak season jsut about everywhere warm.

 

[byoung]

It's spring break time, higher costs.