When to visit

[millielover]

hi we plan to visit WDW sometime in the first 3 months of 2018. Is there a quieter time to visit? We are quite flexible . Thanks

 

[MDH]

Depends on priorities. My families priorities are without a doubt low crowds above all else. So we go last week of January and first week of February. Crowds are very good, but usually 2 to 3 major rides could be under refurb. Over 3 visits we've never ridden Kali River, and splash was under renovation 1.5 of the time. Also only one water park will be open. Weather is also a little cooler, we're Canadians and are perfectly happy going swimming all day at 65 to 70 degrees though so it works for us!

 

[heidijanesmith]

According to the crowd calendars, January is a good time to tour for crowds. Stay away from Holidays and spring break, those will increase crowds.

I am going Mid-January this year and I am anticipating good crowd levels.

 

[skippytx]

Before the kids started school we really enjoyed our trip during the last week of Feb into early March. Crowds weren't too bad but this was Feb 2015.

There's no real quiet time to visit anymore though. That last week of Feb is pretty good though.

 

[millielover]

Thanks, Low crowds are definitely our priority too. We have visited many times over the past 25 years from when our children were young and don't mind if some of the attractions are closed. We like to stroll around re visiting rides as they are available. We are from the U.K. So cooler weather doesn't concern us either We have run into Spring Break a few times and would like to try to avoid it if possible but it seems to run for such a long period.

 

[Jadyreen1282]

January you run the risk of cold weather.

 

[bigeyedfish]

What is the best time of year to visit if swimming is a MUST? We are from MN and cannot stand the heat/humidity so prefer temps 80 degrees or below. Thoughts?

Sorry OP if I hijacked!

 

[millielover]

I'd be interested to know the answer to that question also

 

[tbholc81]

The week after Labor Day is usually lower crowds. We went Sept. 7-14 last year and week days were very manageable. Of course the weekends were a little busier. We would go again at that time if we could (I'm a teacher now so that won't work anymore). Check out some crowd calendars, the will give you a good idea of trends. It's best to go when school is in, and stay away from holidays. Some states have different vacations now so you'll have to do some research. Also you want to avoid Marathon and Half Marathon weekends. Disney has strategically put those in traditionally slow times to help the par be busier.

 

[millielover]

That's really interesting thank you. As we are retired we can go pretty much anytime.

 

[NH-to-FL]

hi we plan to visit WDW sometime in the first 3 months of 2018. Is there a quieter time to visit? We are quite flexible . Thanks

to DisBoards!

The later half of January and the first week of February are generally lower crowd times. A good resource to review is the weekly crowd calendar on Your First Visit:

https://**************.net/2016/10/30/disney-world-crowds-in-2018/

Of course the downside is that the weather might be a bit cool and a few attractions might be down for "off season" maintenance. If you are prepared for the weather "extremes" that time of year is a nice time to get away from winter and visit WDW.

 

[NH-to-FL]

What is the best time of year to visit if swimming is a MUST? We are from MN and cannot stand the heat/humidity so prefer temps 80 degrees or below. Thoughts?

Looking at the monthly temperature charts it looks like late March to early April or mid October would meet your criteria. Of course those weeks can align with busier times, especially with spring breaks and Easter. Head to the weather site of your choice and look up the monthly historical temperature data. We love winter in FL but not necessarily for swimming.

 

[heidijanesmith]

What is the best time of year to visit if swimming is a MUST? We are from MN and cannot stand the heat/humidity so prefer temps 80 degrees or below. Thoughts?

Sorry OP if I hijacked!

I have gone Mid-April and Early May and found these times to be the least humid/hot with good crowds and still warm enough to swim during the day. I would not like the swim at night during these temps, but if you stay at a resort that has a hot tub it's perfect!

Stay away from the summer months and early Fall, the heat and humidity are intense!

 

[Haley R]

What is the best time of year to visit if swimming is a MUST? We are from MN and cannot stand the heat/humidity so prefer temps 80 degrees or below. Thoughts?

Sorry OP if I hijacked!

We are from Iowa and we are going next year for the third time in a row. We have always gone the last week of Feb/first week of March. It is perfect weather. We haven't had any rain during that time the last two years and it was warm enough to swim both years. We wore light jackets in the morning with shorts and by the afternoon were able to take our jackets off. It actually felt pretty hot to us and both DH and I got burnt. I guess going from winter wonderland Iowa to sunny Florida in February can do that to you.

 

[sponica]

January you run the risk of cold weather.

Cold weather is relative...Florida's coldest weather is normal up here in the northeast. Its just disappointing to plan a trip somewhere you shouldn't need to dress for the Arctic and there's a freakish cold snap.

That being said, one of my favorite trips was late January/early Feb. Crowds were low, weather was pleasant. Sure there were some refurbs, but it's a good tradeoff for low crowds