When is the worse time to go to WDW?

[eric8]

I've seen some threads on the best time to go. So what's the worse time to go? I'm probably going the week of June 13 and I hope it isn't very crowded. Let me know what you guys think.

 

[rgf207]

I have heard that the most crowded time is between christmas and new years. I'm not sure if I'm correct but that's what i've heard. I dont think there is a worst time because, after all, you are at Disney

 

[Mymatisse]

You should check out the Unofficial Guide, but Christmas is REALLY crowded, Easter and the summer months ie: July & early August are bad. I went one July and it was wall to wall people.

 

[beccasmom]

If this is your first trip in awhile, I would probably avoid the Christmas and New Year's holidays - the parks are gorgeous, but crowded. Spring break time is usually pretty crowded too. June should be fine....a little crowded perhaps but not overwhelming. The weather will probably be warm, but it is summer in Florida......

 

[WDSearcher]

The absolute busiest week of the year is the week between Christmas and New Year's. Busiest single days are Easter, Mother's Day, July 4, the day after Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

 

[popeyeohoh]

I was there the second week of june in 2003. Crowds were maneagable. Got hot. Left parks midday. I think going as early as possible would definately be in your best interest. I would never go the week after Easter. Especially if this is your first time.

 

[Mother of twins]

We have been going in June for the last 3 years. There are crowds
but we have always seen and did everything that we wanted to do. It's
also very , very hot . I think that will be a problem all summer. We
went to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party in Oct and it was still hot.

We are going again this June and I can't wait.

 

[wdwoldtimer]

It depends on what you consider "bad".

Some of the crowded times mentioned are actually great times to go because of the weather or decorations or events. To me, the biggest factor making a time good or bad is the weather first, then the crowds. So considering that, the worst time is around July 4th. It's blazing hot, oppressively humid and ridiculously crowded.

 

[wdwgoofeeee]

We will be there around the same time as you in mid June. We have been twice in June becuase of DS school schedule. It does get crowded but if you plan you will be fine. Get to the theme park early (use EMH) and ride what you want for a few hours. Be sure to use Fast Passes also. Then when that park starts getting really crowded (around 11-12 noon) head back to your hotel for a much needed break. It will start getting pretty hot by then also. Then head over to another park later on. Plan on it being hot and make sure everyone drinks plenty of water. Probably get afternoon thundershowers but they ususally don't last very long.
Keep reading these great boards for advice. Just don't go without some idea of what you want to ride and see. Do the popular and your "must do" rides and attractions first.

 

[G00fyDad]

I looked at two pictures when I first started planning this trip. One was Mainstreet USA in October. The place looked great and very few people.

The other one was in June. 3 words. The road dissapeared.

It looked like Times Square on New Years Eve. I couldnt believe there were that many people in one area. That is until I saw the sardine can that is called Christmas time at the parks. Wow! I have a ton of respect for anyone that goes then and keep from putting a gun barrel in their mouth.

 

[Brina]

I would say July - the combination of hot and crowded just sounds like hell to me.

 

[Bellefan66]

Everything everyone is saying is true. It's up to you. What is your boiling point? We do Spring Break and we're fine with it. However, I would NEVER go in the summer months. Too many folks AND the humidity! Everyone is different. I'v been at Thanksgiving and I remember (as a kid) the parks were gorgeous,but don't remember it being too bad crowd wise. I would LOVE to do Christmas, but then,that's a dream.The reality is WAY too many folks for my taste. Whatever you choose, good luck and enjoy!

 

[eric8]

i'm going to books-a-million this weekend and buy the official & unofficial guides. a few weeks ago, i ordered the free planning trip info from the disney world official website. i plan on getting all the information i can (from this board and others as well as books, tv, etc) on what to see/do (such as the hidden mickeys, little known secrets etc) that most people don't know about. Thanks to this board, there is lots of info.

the hot, humidity doesn't bother me. I'm from Alabama so i'm use to it. but I would imagine Fla is a little worse perhaps. June will suite us just fine. the crowds won't bother me much either. maybe i can find me a "wdwinfo" shirt and wear. that way, if i run into anyone they would know me!

I was telling my mother last night about all the hidden mickeys and little known things to look for and do in the parks and she was blown away. she didn't know all about it.

 

[Draglon]

Hi Eric8: This site was listed on another thread:

www.touringplans.com/BestDays.htm

It gives attendance estimates for every day of the year. May be helpful.

 

[popeyeohoh]

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=1><TBODY><TR vAlign=bottom><TD align=right>Sunday, March 27, 2005</TD><TD align=middle>10</TD><TD>EP </TD><TD>DS </TD></TR><TR vAlign=bottom><TD align=right>Monday, March 28, 2005</TD><TD align=middle>8</TD><TD>AK </TD><TD>EP </TD></TR><TR vAlign=bottom><TD align=right>Tuesday, March 29, 2005</TD><TD align=middle>6</TD><TD>EP </TD><TD>DS AK </TD></TR><TR vAlign=bottom><TD align=right>Wednesday, March 30, 2005</TD><TD align=middle>3</TD><TD>EP AK </TD><TD>MK </TD></TR><TR vAlign=bottom><TD align=right>Thursday, March 31, 2005</TD><TD align=middle>3</TD><TD>MK DS AK </TD><TD>EP </TD></TR><TR vAlign=bottom><TD align=right>Friday, April 01, 2005</TD><TD align=middle>4</TD><TD>EP DS AK </TD><TD>MK </TD></TR><TR vAlign=bottom><TD align=right>Saturday, April 02, 2005</TD><TD align=middle>4</TD><TD>MK EP </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>


I was at WDW last year the week after Easter. There is no way that the attendance could have been anything less than an 8 for the whole week. I don't always believe what is printed anymore. Have been led down the primrose path with bad info like this.

This web site also gave June an 8 in attendance. I would say more like a 6 the week we went.

 

[rkmassa]

June is crowded, but not like Christmas. June is more like an 8 and Christmas is definitely a 10. Christmas is unbelievable as far as crowds. We were amazed. Made June look not so bad. Most of our trips have been in June due to school schedule. Took 2 Christmas trips. One the week of Christmas-never again! One the week right up to Christmas (23rd)-was quite nice.

 

[Draglon]

Popeyeohoh-- I'm sorry if I caused you to get upset. Annabelle had posted the link on another thread and when I followed it I saw the info was provided by Bob Sehlinger. It was my understanding that he's pretty respected in this area so I was just passing the info on to others.

 

[sc9500]

Having been there for the start of the new millenium - I believe that any time I now decide to visit is a cakewalk...

 

[wannabebelle]

The worst time I've ever been at WDW was July 4--miserably hot, large annoying tour groups, and insane crowds.

 

[popeyeohoh]

Draglon, Not upset with you just the info. I find it misleading. Sorry if I have offended you. I just wonder if others would concurr with the information that Bob Sehlinger posted.


I still stand by a 6 for June. I know others may disagree but I feel it is closer to a 6 than an 8.