When to go

Bon1423

Mouseketeer
Joined
Sep 14, 2015
Messages
160
we went over fall break his year and the crowds were insane, ending up at level 10 even though projected to be moderate. DH hates crowds and isn't huge on Disney, so I'm trying to find the best time to go. I know there's not any super low crowd times but I'd love to at least make it at some time that's definitely not going to be high crowds.

We were thinking the week of Labor Day (it seems to be low crowd) or the week of Halloween. Also considering going in November but not sure. when would be best, if you're strictly looking for lowest crowds in the fall?
 
The best times to go to Disney are typically the times when others aren't willing (or able) to go. It seems that the beginning of September is an excellent time to go. (Not that I have been there at that time). The reason is because most schools are just starting back up, and most parents aren't willing to take their kids out of school for an extended vacation just after starting a new school year. So if you don't have school age kids, that could be a good time.

I can also tell you that we like to go during Thanksgiving (Checking in on Thanksgiving Day after driving with our camper from NE Pennsylvania). The rest of that week and the weekend tend to be pretty crowded, but once Monday comes, it's much better. Still a fair amount of crowd but manageable.

Weekends are almost always going to be busier than weekdays, particularly if there is a "Holiday" associated with the weekend. Keep in mind holidays other than US holidays. People always try to maximize their vacation by extending a holiday weekend for their vacation. That's actually what we do with Thanksgiving (mostly so the kids don't miss too much school). For us the kids have a half day on Wednesday before Thanksgiving, and are off until the following Tuesday when they return. (Here, the first day of Buck Hunting season starts the Monday after Thanksgiving, and many schools just give it off because historically so many have just taken it off anyway). So we leave Tuesday (before Thanksgiving) after work for arriving on Thanksgiving morning. Then we stay the rest of that week and of the next week. We then head back home that Friday or Saturday. That way we have enough time to enjoy what we want and plan events around the crowds,
 
A cast member once told me that the best time to go is in January right after the holidays.
 
Along the lines of what peg110 said
The best times to go to Disney are typically the times when others aren't willing (or able) to go. It seems that the beginning of September is an excellent time to go. (Not that I have been there at that time). The reason is because most schools are just starting back up, and most parents aren't willing to take their kids out of school for an extended vacation just after starting a new school year. So if you don't have school age kids, that could be a good time.

Late April (after Spring break/Easter) into early May (before graduation) is another good low-crowd time - weather is good, fewer attractions in refurb (getting ready for the Summer crush) and as discussed above, people aren't taking their kids out of school right after a break period or during final exam period
 

I am now of the opinion there is no such thing as a low crowd season; they are all very busy. But with that said the least crowded are the first 10 days or so of December, the end of January into March, May before school lets out and September. Again I really don't believe there is a "low crowd" time anymore.
 
The blogger behind this site is a coauthor of my favorite Disney Guide.

Arrive in Walt Disney World one of the first three Saturdays after Thanksgiving.

http://**************.net/2010/10/04/a-when-to-go-to-walt-disney-world/

He has other dates if those are not available.

(Right around Labor Day has low crowds, but the temps can be brutal)

Dave and Josh' guide is 25% off through tomorrow. It's well worth reading.
 
Everything I read recommends late January as one of the lowest crowd times. We're going a little earlier (Jan 6-15) but it still looks like one of the better times.
 
/
In my opinion, easywdw has had the more accurate of crowd calendars lately. They offer some overall "what happens with crowds this month" section so worth a read on what they feel will adjust the crowd levels.
 














Save Up to 30% on Rooms at Walt Disney World!

Save up to 30% on rooms at select Disney Resorts Collection hotels when you stay 5 consecutive nights or longer in late summer and early fall. Plus, enjoy other savings for shorter stays.This offer is valid for stays most nights from August 1 to October 11, 2025.
CLICK HERE













DIS Facebook DIS youtube DIS Instagram DIS Pinterest

Back
Top